Amman has worn many names—Rabbath Ammon, Philadelphia, the “white city”—and each era left layers you can still read in stone and street life. Roman columns crown a hilltop above downtown souks; Ottoman-era lanes curl into neighborhoods where contemporary galleries and cafes hum late into the night.

Visitors come for the Citadel, the Roman Theater, and the road-trip sirens of Petra and Wadi Rum. Stay for the food: pillowy falafel, silky hummus, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and slow-cooked mansaf, Jordan’s national dish. From Rainbow Street to Jabal Al-Weibdeh, Amman is as much about conversations over tea as it is about big-ticket sights.

Practical notes: The city is safe and welcoming; taxis and ride-hailing are plentiful. Dress modestly when visiting mosques (women should bring a scarf). Consider purchasing the Jordan Pass to cover many site fees and your visa. Spring and autumn are ideal; summers are hot and dry, winters cool and crisp.

Amman

Amman sprawls across seven classic hills (and many more today), each with its own personality. Downtown (“Al Balad”) buzzes with gold souks and knafeh shops; Jabal Al-Weibdeh leans arty and bohemian; Abdali Boulevard brings modern polish with promenades and terraces.

Top sights include the hilltop Citadel (Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace) and the Roman Theater, still used for performances. Don’t miss the Jordan Museum for Dead Sea Scrolls fragments and a clear narrative of the country, or the striking King Abdullah I “Blue” Mosque (modest dress required).

• Eat & Drink: Hashem (downtown falafel and hummus institution), Sufra (heritage Jordanian), Fakhreldin (refined Levantine), Reem Shawarma (legendary 2nd Circle stand), Shams El Balad (farm-to-table Jordanian), Habibah Sweets (iconic knafeh), Rumi Cafe and Dimitri’s (specialty coffee).
• Fun fact: The Citadel’s massive hand of Hercules hints at a colossal statue that once dominated the skyline—its exact height is still debated.

Where to stay (bookable now):

• High-end: The St. Regis Amman — polished service, excellent restaurants, and a great base in the 5th Circle area.
• Trusted classic: Amman Marriott Hotel — big rooms, dependable amenities, and easy taxi access to downtown and Abdali.
• Budget-boutique: Nomads Hotel — bright design, social vibe, and a handy location for Rainbow Street.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com in Amman | VRBO apartments in Amman

Getting there: Fly into Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. Taxis to the city take ~35–45 minutes; expect ~22–28 JOD depending on time of day. Ride-hailing apps are widely used in Amman.

Day 1: Arrival, Rainbow Street, and Downtown Flavor

Afternoon: Arrive in Amman and check in. Shake off the flight with a gentle stroll along Rainbow Street—peek into local design shops and grab a cardamom latte at Turtle Green or a pour-over at Rumi Cafe (Jabal Al-Weibdeh branch is a 10-minute ride away if you want a quieter vibe).

Evening: Dinner at Sufra for traditional Jordanian recipes: try mansaf (lamb with jameed yogurt), musakhan rolls, and creamy mutabal. Cap the night with hot, gooey knafeh from Habibah Sweets downtown—join the queue; it moves quickly. If you have energy, walk Abdali Boulevard for a people-watching nightcap.

Day 2: Citadel to Blue Mosque—Amman’s Essentials

Morning: Start at the Amman Citadel when gates open for cooler air and golden light on the Temple of Hercules. Walk down to the Roman Theater (2nd century AD) and its small folklore museum. Coffee break at Dimitri’s for a flat white or cold brew.

Afternoon: Explore the Jordan Museum (clear, bilingual displays; great for context). Then visit the King Abdullah I “Blue” Mosque—women should carry a scarf; abayas are often available on-site. Lunch at Hashem: order falafel, hummus, foul, and fresh bread; it’s a rite of passage.

Evening: Join a guided feast on the Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman for small bites, fresh juices, and a locals’ look at downtown flavors. Book it here on Viator.

If you prefer a sit-down option, reserve Fakhreldin for impeccable mezze and grills in a stately villa.

Day 3: Roman North—Jerash, Ajloun & Umm Qais (Full-Day Tour)

Spend the day among hilltop castles and colonnaded avenues on the Jerash, Ajloun, Umm Qais Day Trip. Walk the Cardo Maximus in Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities anywhere; climb Ajloun Castle for Crusader-era views; and end at Umm Qais, gazing across the Jordan Valley to the Golan and the Sea of Galilee on clear days. Expect an early departure and return by evening. See details on Viator.

Back in Amman, dinner at Tawaheen Al Hawa: a convivial spot for mixed grills, fattoush, and hot-from-the-oven bread. Sweet tooth? Try knafeh again—nobody complains about seconds in Amman.

Day 4: To Petra—Rose-Red City by Day, Stars by Night (Overnight Tour)

Embark on the 2-Day Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman. Today focuses on PETRA: enter via the Siq to the Treasury, then continue to the Royal Tombs, the Theatre, and, if legs allow, up to the Monastery for sweeping views. You’ll overnight in Wadi Rum or nearby, with optional stargazing under immense desert skies. Tour info on Viator.

Day 5: Wadi Rum’s Sandstone Mazes, Then a Dead Sea Float (Overnight Tour Continues)

Ride 4x4s among Wadi Rum’s sandstone towers and rust-red dunes—film buffs may recognize landscapes from Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian. After lunch, the tour typically heads to the Dead Sea for the iconic float and a skin-softening mud slather. Return to Amman in the evening.

Day 6: Mosaic City & Holy Sites—Madaba, Mount Nebo, and the Baptism Site (Full-Day Tour)

Trace faith and art across the highlands on the Day Tour - Madaba, Mount Nebo and Baptism Site. In Madaba, marvel at the 6th-century Holy Land map mosaic; at Mount Nebo, stand where tradition says Moses viewed the Promised Land; then continue to the Baptism Site (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), a UNESCO World Heritage location. Check availability on Viator.

Back in the city, consider dinner at Shams El Balad for modern Jordanian vegetable-forward dishes, or Levant Restaurant for Syrian-influenced classics and a warm terrace when weather allows.

Day 7: Weibdeh Art Walk, Souvenirs, and Farewell

Morning: Ease into the day in Jabal Al-Weibdeh. Coffee and breakfast at Rumi Cafe (za’atar labneh toast is a local favorite) and a wander to Darat al Funun’s historic houses and garden views. Pop by artisan shops downtown for mosaic coasters, hand-loomed keffiyehs, olive oil soap, and Bedouin textiles.

Afternoon: Quick lunch at Reem Shawarma (hand-sliced, garlicky, and beloved citywide) or Jameeda Khanum for home-style Jordanian stews. Depart for the airport—plan 3 hours before your flight; traffic can be heavy at peak times. If you still need flights, compare routes on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Optional Swap: Petra as a Long Day (alternative to Days 4–5)

If you prefer to sleep in Amman every night, you can substitute a long day out with the Amman Petra Full-Day Trip—depart very early, return late, and still see the Siq, Treasury, and main trail highlights. Learn more on Viator.

Eating and drinking cheat sheet (save this):

• Breakfasts: Rumi Cafe (specialty coffee and light bites), Shams El Balad (seasonal dishes, great terrace), Wild Jordan Center Cafe (city views, healthy plates).
• Quick bites: Hashem (downtown), Abu Jbara (falafel/ful), Reem Shawarma (2nd Circle).
• Dinners: Sufra (Jordanian classics), Fakhreldin (elegant Levantine), Levant Restaurant (Damascene flavors), Tawaheen Al Hawa (grills and mezze).
• Sweets: Habibah (knafeh), Nafisa Sweets (baklava and basbousa).
• Evening sips: JR The Wine Experience (local Jordanian wines), Maestro (live music nights in Weibdeh), assorted lounges along Abdali Boulevard.

In one week, you’ll have traced Jordan’s story from Roman fora to desert starlight and salt-lake shores—anchored by Amman’s cafes and kitchens. Keep this itinerary handy: it’s equal parts museum ticket, menu, and map to Jordan’s warm hospitality.