Amman 🧆

View of the Roman Theater from the citadel

Amman is the capital city of Jordan and has over 4 million residents. This city is not one you will quickly forget because it is truly a unique experience. The majority of the buildings in Amman are made from white sandstone sourced locally in Jordan. Amman is also built on many hills which allows you to see this sprawling city from rooftops around the city. Amman was originally built around 7 hills which are now in the downtown area, but the city has grown considerably since then.

I decided to travel across the land borders into Jordan from Israel and back. It was quite an adventure! It took me about 8 hours to cross from Jerusalem to Amman. I took the Northern Bridge because I wanted to get a visa on arrival. The journey was pretty quiet and smooth. Although there was some moments of confusion. Going from Amman to Jerusalem, I took a more direct way through the West Bank, and stoped in Jericho for a little sight seeing.

Hashems…. Because its Famous

I started out my experience in Jordan by going with my new friends from a taxi ride from the border crossing to Hashems a landmark restaurant in downtown Amman. They have a short list of dishes that come on small plates hot and ready to be shared! The restaurant is open 24 hours and is full of locals and tourists alike.

Getting food in Amman is an experience mostly because there are so many options. Amman’s population boomed due to Refugees and Immigrants, from places like Syria or Yemen. There is falafel everywhere you look! But the best meal I had you can see on the right. A new friend took me to a fish restaurant and it was so good I went back for more the next day! Like so many cities there are hole in the wall restaurants, drink stalls, rooftop and high end options. Prices can differ significantly in Amman. This fish was about $4, but you can easily go to a place where meals cost $20. Smaller places are cash only, but as I experienced well worth a trip to the money exchange or ATM!

The Citadel

The Amman Citadel had a lot more structures than I was expecting. It is built on one of the seven original hills of Amman. Dating back to the Middle Bronze Age, it was used by civilizations across time. Structures and materials have been found by archeologists from the Romans, Byzantines, and Umayyad civilizations. The various structures have been built over or modified by different civilizations.

Roman Theater

Built to allow 6,000 Romans, this theater is for more than just you and your closest friends. The city of Amman rents this space out today as an event venue. It was built when the city of Amman was known as Philadelphia… oh don’t tell me that you thought that the American Patriots had an original thought! It was created in honor of Emperor Antoninus Pius. The Roman Theater can be seen easily from the Citadel.

Rainbow Street

Well, the street name gives itself away. Rainbow street has street art, art museums, and is lined with colorful shops. There are trendy restaurants mixed with walk up window restaurants with two item menus. Rainbow Street is located on first hill and is part of the oldest part of the city and has really reinvented itself to be a popular destination among tourists and locals alike. One of the best things about this street is its central view of the city and its landmarks. Pop into a rooftop bar or cafe for great views of the landmarks and surrounding hills.

Jordan Archaeological Museum

The outside of the Jordan Archeological Museum gives you the impression that it is very small, but don’t be fooled. Starting on the right side the museum explains the history of Jordan and artifacts and helps to explain the people and the way of life during the various periods and civilizations in Jordan. Many archeological teams have been assembled since the museums founding in 1951. Some of its artifacts are on loan in museums around the world. Holding priceless artifacts and in-depth English interpretation, I recommend making a stop.

J- your curiosity and googling was unmatched don’t change, C Hostel- y’all are gems, M- thanks for the conversation and the amazing fish Inchallah I will come one day, Taxi Friends- thanks for the conversations and connection