Things to Do in Amman, Jordan

Quick facts: The theater carved into a rolling hillside once accommodated 6,000 spectators, and its acoustics are still so precise that a whisper on stage can be heard all the way in the top row. During construction, natural rock was utilized for shaping the stairs and seating, making it a technical marvel of its time.

Highlights: From the top row of the theater, there is a direct view of Amman's old city and hundreds of hills, and the landscape is exactly the same as it was for Roman spectators 1,800 years ago. In summer evenings, concerts and performances are still held there, so you can experience the acoustics and atmosphere just like an ancient theatergoer.

Quick facts: King Abdullah I Mosque's blue mosaic dome is 35 meters high and can accommodate 7,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque is one of the few mosques in Jordan that is also open to non-Muslims on guided tours.

Highlights: The dome's 24-carat gold decoration sparkles in the sunlight differently throughout the day, and in the evening, the blue lighting makes the whole building glow as if it had descended from the sky. On the walls of the mosque are the 99 names of Allah in beautiful Arabic calligraphy, and the guide is happy to tell the story of each name.

Quick facts: A colossal marble fragment of an arm is one of the few remaining parts, weighing an estimated 30 tons. The temple was dedicated to Hercules and was built during the Roman period, when Amman was known as Philadelphia.

Highlights: On the outskirts of the temple, a massive stone finger is still visible, so large that a person standing beside it looks like a small toy. The site offers a stunning view of the entire city of Amman, and as the sun sets, the limestone ruins glow in a warm golden hue.

Quick facts: Over 2 million archaeological artifacts tell the story of Jordan's 10,000-year history. The collection includes, among other things, the world's oldest bread, discovered in the Black Desert region and dating back 14,400 years.

Highlights: The most famous exhibits are the Dead Sea Scrolls, which contain the earliest known texts of the Old Testament. Standing before these 2,000-year-old parchments, one can come into direct contact with history, as the texts are written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

Quick facts: The street has over 50 cafes, restaurants, and art galleries, and it is the most popular evening walk destination for locals in Amman. It is also home to the city's oldest falafel stand, which has been selling crispy falafel balls for over 40 years.

Highlights: On Friday evenings, about twenty locals gather at the end of the street to spontaneously play an instrument called the oud, and anyone is welcome to join. This informal music session has been going on for over 15 years, and it perfectly captures the community spirit of the street.

Quick facts: On Fridays, markets are open selling the handicrafts of over 300 local artisans. Live music performances and fragrant grilled food stalls that fill the air attract visitors.

Highlights: The market is set up in the yard of an old hospital, and many of the stalls are former hospital rooms where the walls still have the original tiles. On Friday afternoons, local musicians gather on the central square to play the oud, and the atmosphere is like a big family celebration.

Quick facts: The collection comprises over 80 rare vehicles, many of which were once owned by royalty. Among the cars are Hussein bin Talal's personal Rolls-Royce and Jordan's first car from 1916.

Highlights: In the museum's basement lies a secret garage where King Hussein himself worked on his restoration projects. A fragrant blend of old leather, oil, and metal fills the space, where you can see the marks his tools left on the workbench.

Quick facts: Three historical houses from the early 20th century merge together, creating a fascinating architectural entity in the heart of Amman. The courtyard's citrus trees and cacti offer a cooling escape from the city's bustle, and inside the walls, rotating contemporary art exhibitions are on display.

Highlights: Part of the building is constructed around a 600-year-old olive tree, and its trunk rises in the middle of the gallery space under a glass ceiling. Artists have said that the tree's quiet presence changes the entire atmosphere of the space and makes the artworks look completely different than in a traditional white gallery.

Quick facts: The gallery's 360-degree panoramic mural offers a glimpse into life in Amman in the 1950s, and the artwork was painted by over 30 artists. The viewing platform in the middle of the gallery allows for a tour where every detail tells its own story of the city's everyday life and history.

Highlights: In the middle of the gallery is a circular viewing platform where you can see the entire 360-degree painting at a glance. The painting contains over 200 small figures and details, some of which conceal real historical figures from times past.