The dynamic city of Amman is nestled beneath rolling hills, full of wonders. The capital of Jordan is regarded as a major tourist destination as well as the economic, political, and cultural center of Amman. The settlement was largely abandoned until the Ottoman Empire arrived and ever since, Amman has thrived with stream of newcomers and a burgeoning growing economy. There’s much to see and do in Amman; check out our design guide for a curated selection of stunning sites.
You can explore the ancient citadel atop the city’s tallest hill and glimpse into days of old with ancient palaces, temples, Byzantine churches, and Roman theaters on display. In the heart of the city, Downtown, you’ll find delightful restaurants specializing in Jordanian cuisine and souks selling everything from spices to textiles and lamps, this shopping guide breaks down what you can find and where to find it. Amman is a feast for the senses, culturally significant, vibrant and attractive, so stay a while and experience this Middle Eastern gem for yourself. For even more hotels, you can look at our full hotel list.
Best for Business & Leisure Stays: Abdoun
Abdoun is an affluent area of Amman surrounded by myriad cafes, shops, restaurants, and stalls. It’s home to Abdoun Circle and within a short walk of lively Sweifieh neighborhood with its shops and cafes. Nearby, Um Uthaina boasts high-end jewelry and watch stores if you feel like venturing out, or if you wish to take the children to Prince Hashem Bird Garden, it’s just 10 minutes by car or taxi. Most visitors come to explore Amman Citadel and its wealth of historic treasures and the great news is, the ancient theaters and temples are only a 15 minute drive away.
Fairmont Amman
A luxury 5-star hotel next to the prestigious Fifth Circle district of Amman and Abdoun neighborhood, Fairmont Amman is a contemporary oasis offering incredible views of the surrounding Amman hills. The 317 guest accommodations are spacious, light, and modern, catering to both business and leisure travelers, and their deluxe suites offer terraces with views over the city. The hotel has its own wellness spa, perfect for relaxation after a meeting or sightseeing in the city. There’s an inviting swimming pool for an afternoon dip and a kid’s club to keep the little ones entertained. Dining in the Fairmont Amman is also a treat with steakhouses, Lebanese fare, Japanese restaurants, and an authentic Jordanian lounge serving all your favorite local dishes. If you’re seeking a stay to cater to all the family, this is a wonderful hotel to choose.
6 Beirut Street, 5th Circle, Abdoun, Amman
St Regis Amman
The St Regis is always a global leader in luxury, and their Amman hotel doesn’t disappoint. A curated art collection, drawn from local culture and traditions, spans the walls and gives the opulent hotel a more authentic feel. The rooms are sleek and elegant, with carefully placed designer pieces to make them feel more welcoming. With a bespoke butler service available, you’ll never want for a thing. The hotel also offers their quintessential tea service, traditional Jordanian food, an upscale grill for discerning meat lovers, and a window into the Moorish past of Morocco with authentic dishes. Even if you don’t stay at the St Regis, it’s worth a visit to spend some time in the spacious spa that offers customized treatments and a sanctuary in the city.
5th Circle, Shafiq Al Hayek Street, Amman
Best for Shopping: Al Abdali
Al Abdali lies 2.6 kilometres west of Downtown Amman. It’s home to government buildings and state-of-the-art shopping malls. You can visit the blue-domed King Abdullah I Mosque in the neighborhood and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. The unique blend of historic and contemporary buildings will mesmerize lovers of architecture as minarets compete for real estate with new towering apartment blocks and hotels. If you’re keen to see the merging of past, present, and future in Jordan, and partake in a bit of retail therapy at the same time, this is a great base for you.
Amman Rotana
Nestled in the central business district of Amman, this, the city’s first tower hotel boasts 412 stylish rooms and suites spanning 50 floors. The tower stands at 188 metres high, a modern structure offering outstanding views over Amman and beyond. The luxury 5-star hotel features a vast selection of dining experiences. These range from all day dining in ThreeSixty Restaurant with panoramic views over Amman, Italian specialties in Gusto Restaurant, and steak dishes are served in Rodeo Grill Steakhouse. The hotel also has several stylish bars, located outdoors by the pool and indoors in the lobby lounge. When it comes to activities, Amman Rotana also excels with a fitness and wellness club and an outdoor pool where you can enjoy a daily swim. If you’re seeking great dining options and amenities in Amman, this hotel is perfect.
Black Iris Street, Amman, Jordan
W Amman
This luxury hotel combines all the best of high-end design with local influences. Enter the stunning W Amman through a glowing red canyon that mimics one of Jordan’s most popular sites, the forgotten city of Petra, and admire their Tree of Life that stands at the entrance, decorated with fabrics from the local Bedouin tribes. The rooms are vibrant, offering sweeping views of the busy city below and an escape from the noise. Your check-in comes with a pillow menu, where you can customize your sleeping experience to a t. Their well-appointed spa and restaurants won’t disappoint either, bringing you a taste of tradition with the modern mixed in.
13 Rafiq Al Hariri Ave, P.O. Box 5457, Al Abdali, Amman, 11190 Jordan
Best for History & Culture: Downtown Amman
Amman Citadel stands upon the highest of the seven hills, Jebel al-Qala’a. A place where you can step back in time, admiring stone columns and ruins of the Temple of Hercules and precision stonework of 7th century Umayyad Palace. One highlight is the Roman Theater. This marvelous feat of stone-masonry is etched into the rock, its steps offering incredible vistas to Downtown Amman stretched out below. Nearby, Jordan Archaeological Museum presents artifacts ranging from metal, pottery, jewelry, and statues dating from prehistoric times until the Middle Ages. Back in Downtown Amman, you can browse souks and art galleries or dine in either Jordanian or international restaurants before heading back to your hotel for a relaxing massage or cooling swim.
The House Boutique Suites
This award-winning hotel in Amman is a 30-minute walk from the historic Amman Citadel and is close to great bars, restaurants, and souks, selling souvenirs, vibrant textiles, and aromatic spices. The Jordan Museum is a short walk away, a vast structure dedicated to showcasing Jordan’s rich heritage from the stone age to the present day. The House Boutique Suites itself epitomizes elegance with spacious, modern suites decorated in neutral tones with wood flooring. There’s an inviting pool with a terrace and bar, a fitness center, and a wellness area. When it comes to dining, there’s no end to choices on Rainbow Street, only a 10 minute walk away. This buzzing thoroughfare offers a variety of fine dining restaurants, bars, shops, and cafes.
Al Kulliyah Al Elmeyah, Al Islameya Street, Amman, Jordan
