Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a fascinating city of contrasts – a unique blend of old and new, situated on a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley. In the commercial heart of the city, ultra-modern buildings, hotels, smart restaurants, art galleries and boutiques rub shoulders comfortably with traditional coffee shops and tiny artisans' workshops. Amman’s neighborhoods are diverse and range in cultural and historical context from hustle and bustle of the downtown markets to the art galleries of Jabal Lweibdeh and the modern shopping district of Abdali.
THE CITADEL
If a journey through history is what you’re looking for then the best place to start would be the Citadel. Located on a hill it gives visitors a glimpse into the evolution of Amman and provides stunning views of downtown Amman. Among the sites you can’t afford to miss at the Citadel are the Umayyad Palace complex, the Temple of Hercules and the Byzantine Church.
SOUQ JARA
This summer street market in Jabal Amman is open on Fridays, during the summer months, and includes stalls selling local wares, pop-up cafes, street food and live performances from local bands and musicians. If you’re in Amman during the summer, you can’t miss out on this family friendly activity!
NYMPHAEUM
Built in 191 AD, it was once a large two-story complex with fountains, mosaics, stone carvings and possibly a 600 square meter swimming pool.
HIJAZ RAILWAY STATION
View the great collection of working steam locomotives, formerly used for as part of a pilgrimage route connecting the Ottoman Empire to Saudi Arabia and an intrinsic part of the Great Arab Revolt in 1918. For more of an in-depth look at the history of the station make sure to visit the onsite museum.
JORDAN MUSEUM
The Jordan Museum is located in the dynamic new downtown area of Ras al-‘Ayn. Presenting the history and cultural heritage of Jordan in a series of beautifully designed galleries, The Jordan Museum serves as a comprehensive national center for learning and knowledge that reflects Jordan’s history and culture, and presents in an engaging yet educational way the Kingdom’s historic, antique and heritage property as part of the ongoing story of Jordan’s past, present, and future.
DARAT AL-FUNUN
Jordanian, Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese families built the houses that form Darat al Funun. They are a living memory of the history of Jordan and the shared history of the Bilad al Sham. Darat al Funun today is an oasis for the arts overlooking the crowded downtown area of the old city of Amman. Along with visiting the Darat’s contemporary art exhibitions, many come to admire Amman’s traditional architecture, attend events in the archaeological site, read a book in their art library, or take a walk in the gardens.
KING HUSSEIN BIN TALAL MOSQUE
The King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque, named after the late King, is the largest mosque in the Kingdom. Its architecture reflects the Umayyad style prevalent in several sites in Jordan.
GRAND HUSSEINI MOSQUE
The mosque was built by the late King Abdullah I in 1924 on the site of a much older mosque. It’s conveniently located downtown near the traditional souqs and street food vendors.
KING ABDULLAH I MOSQUE
Built as a memorial by the Late King Hussein to his grandfather, the unmistakable blue-domed mosque can ost up to 7000 worshippers inside and another 3000 in the courtyard area.
BEIT SITTI
Beit Sitti offers a special cooking experience where tourists and locals can learn how to prepare a traditional Arabic meal side by side by attending unique training courses which can last for several hours. Once enrolled, you get to prepare one meal along with several appetizers and sweets which you can eventually share with other visitors.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF FINE ARTS
The National Gallery of Fine Arts is one of the most important art museums in Jordan, because it is contains some of the most important art collections from 60 countries with a highlight on local and regional artists. The museum's collection comprises of over a thousand pieces of art.
RAINBOW STREET
Rainbow Street is one of the oldest streets in Amman and has become a hub for local and international visitors. Lined with cafes, restaurants and a few art galleries sprinkled here and there the street is a must visit location in Amman for shopping, a night out or a simple meal.
JORDAN RIVER FOUNDATION
Chaired by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 1995 with a focus on child safety and community empowerment. Driven by values of social justice, impactful interventions to alleviate poverty, and socio-economic empowerment - focusing on women and youth, JRF implements various programs to achieve its mission of transforming Jordanian communities. The JRF Showroom located on Rainbow Street showcases products sourced from community empowerment projects supported by the foundation.
HASHEM RESTAURANT
Hashem Restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in the country and is famous for its Hummus and Falafel. The restaurant has managed to maintain its standards for over forty years and there isn’t a single person in Amman who isn’t familiar with the location. Its downtown branch is usually full of visitors at any time of the day. The beauty of Hashem Restaurant is that locals and foreigners frequent this famous establishment.
HABIBA SWEETS
Habiba is one the most famous places that serves Knafeh. It is considered a complimentary dessert to the hummus and falafel dishes at Hashem Restaurant nearby. The place is always packed full of people who stand in line waiting to get their share of the delicious ‘Nabulsi Kanafeh’. The dessert can be eaten in the courtyard near the restaurant or pre-ordered for large events and gatherings.
DUKE’S DIWAN
A unique look into the architectural heritage of Amman, this home has been converted by its owner to a public space for artists and musicians. While the home’s initial purpose served as Amman’s first post office in the 1930s, the building was then transformed into a hotel and then into the creative space that it is now. It is truly a an immersive experience bringing visitors back through Amman’s history.
DOWNTOWN MARKETS – SOUQ AL-SUKAR
Walk through this beautiful and busy downtown fruit and vegetable market where locals shop for their fresh produce.
ROYAL AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM
The Royal Automobile Museum was founded in 2003 under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II. The Royal Automobile Museum showcases an important part of Jordan's political history from an interesting perspective. The exhibits also reflect the history of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan through cars from the reign of King Abdullah I to the reign of King Abdullah II. More recently, it has included many non-Jordanian vehicles and bikes, such as a 19th-century bike, a Bugatti and other rare vehicles. One of the most important items of the museum is the Lincoln Cabri convertible, 1952 model, which was used by late King Hussein Bin Talal during his studies in England, and also during his crowning ceremony in May 1953.
THE JORDAN ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Situated at the top of the Amman Citadel, the museum was built in 1951 to display the richness of archaeological sites from various artifacts discovered during excavations throughout Jordan. The museum was designed to rely on natural lighting (sunlight) through the windows on the top of the building and on electric lamps on the walls of the museum and above the cupboards so as not to shed light on the artifacts directly and damage them.
FOLKLORE MUSEUM
First opened way back in 1971, The Folklore Museum of Costume and Fashion was established in the eastern part of the Roman Theatre in Amman, with the aim of collecting Jordanian and Palestinian folklore from all parts of Jordan to protect and preserve for future generations. The museum also aims to showcase our popular heritage and present it to the whole world.
THE ROMAN THEATRE
The restored Roman Theatre, which dates back to the 2nd century AD is built into three sides of the hillside, it seats around 6000 people and is still used for performances today.
IRAQ AL-AMIR
Located southwest of Amman, Iraq Al-Amir is famous for its olive trees and hillside caves that date back to the copper age. Also worth visiting while in the area is Qasr El-Abd on of the very few examples of pre-Roman architecture in Jordan.
THE CAVE OF THE SEVEN SLEEPERS
Mentioned in the Holy Qur’an in Surat Al-Kahf (the Cave), the cave of the sleepers is a historic religious site of great importance in Jordan, located outside Rajib Village in East Amman.
The sleepers involve Christian boys who were persecuted by the Roman Emperor Trajan and then escaped to a cave, where they had slept for 309 years.Today, the tombs of the men are still visible inside the cave, where you can peep inside the tombs to see the skeletal remains of the sleepers and their dog. The cave is also surrounded by Byzantine and Roman ruins as well as a mosque – exactly as described in the Holy Qur’an.
IRAQ AL-AMIR WOMEN’S COOPERATIVE
Iraq Al-Amir was established by Noor Al-Hussein Foundation (NHF) in 1993. Rich in historical sites dating back to the hellenistic era, the region is also famous for its many springs which turned the valley into a green garden that has become an important tourist attraction. Iraq Al-Amir Women Cooperative Society has provided training projects for more than (150) women from all villages of Wadi Seer on various handicrafts and it is managed and run by women.
The Handicrafts Village which is considered a major part of the Society was established in 2001 for the purpose of conserving the region’s environment and preserving its unique architectural heritage. It also helps in developing craft-making skills to the local women and girls, and gives them a better chance of finding a job and contributing to their society.
SYRIAN JASMINE HOUSE
Many women that came from Syria are widowed or had to leave their husbands behind. They arrived in Jordan as the sole breadwinners for their families. The Syrian Jasmine House employs 70 women - the majority of whom are Syrian but the group also includes Iraqi and Palestinian refugees. They have trained more than 1000 women in the art of handicrafts. The company received a donation to fund the trainings, however they do not depend on donations; they are a business at the end of the day.
As-Salt is a thriving city situated North West of the capital Amman. Built on three main mountains (the cadital, gadaa and salalem), surrounded by the city square, As-Salt is enclosed by breathtaking views and is a wonderful contrast to some of the westernized sites of Amman. Comfortably perched atop of mountains, As-Salt maintains an authentic society based on affection, brotherhood, and love. The mountainside city also has significant historical relevance, most notably, as the regional capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Pro-tip: While you’re in As-Salt do not miss out on the unique architectural style seen in old homes across the city. A collection of these homes are currently being considered for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
AS-SALT ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The As-Salt Archaeological Museum is located in the new As-Salt commercial centre. The museum, with its two exhibition halls, was opened in 1986.
The main exhibition hall contains a collection of pottery from Tuleilat Ghassul, dated to the Chalcolithic (4500-3300 BC). The museum also showcases items from the Early Bronze Age (3300-2200 BC), the Middle and Late Bronze Age periods (2200-1200 BC) the Iron Age (1200-539 BC), the Byzantine period (AD 324-636) , and the Ayyubid/Mameluk period (AD 1174-1516)
AS-SALT FOLKLORE MUSEUM – ABU JABER HOUSE
The museum was established for the conservation and display of the popular heritage of al-Balqa’ Governorate. It is comprised of two sections representing Bedouin and village life. For a fascinating look into the unique traditions and culture of As-Salt this museum is a must see!
PROPHET YUSHA’S SHRINE – PROPHET JOSHUA’S SHRINE
Within a mosque to the west of As-Salt, on a hill carrying his name lies the shrine of Prophet Yusha (Joshua). He was the apprentice of Prophet Moses and later his successor. Prophet Joshua led the army of the tribes of Israel in conquest over the land of Palestine.
KHIRBET AYYOUB – PROPHET JOB’S TOMB
Southwest of As-Salt in an area known as Khirbet Ayyoub foundations of an ancient building mark the final resting place of Prophet Ayyoub (Job), who is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an four times. His legendary patience and faith gave him strength to endure tremendous hardships. Ultimately, Prophet Job was rewarded with blessings, as stated in the Holy Quran (Sura 21, verses 83-84):
"And (remember) Ayyoub, when He cried to his Lord,'Truly distress has seized me, but Thou art the Most Merciful of those that are merciful.' So We listened to him: We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his people to him, and doubled their number, as a Grace from Ourselves, and a thing for commemoration, for all who serve Us."
THE RELIGIOUS HARMONY TRAIL
Reflected in the old mosques and churches residing together in peace, the city of Salt is a living example of interreligious harmony and coherence within a single neighborhood. The architecture and ancient houses reflect in the religious writings and symbols common to Muslim and Christian families.
Pick up a map from the Abu Jaber Museum and follow the trail or hire a local guide for an immersive experience.
HERITAGE HOUSES
The historical buildings of As-Salt reflect the harmonious spirit of the city. With a unique architectural style seen nowhere else, the old houses of As-Salt have been nominated for UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage status. To learn more about the unique nature of these homes visit: http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6012/
AS-SALT GRAND MOSQUE
This mosque, built during the late Abbasid Era, is oldest mosque in the city and acted as a center for religious scholars from all around the world.
AS-SALT SECONDARY SCHOOL
Established in 1923, the Salt Secondary School is the first and oldest school in Jordan, with many political figures and leaders in Jordan graduating from this school.
AL-HAMMAM STREET
The oldest and most active street in As-Salt city, named after a Turkish bath, the narrow pedestrianized street rolls around the contours of the hillside between 150 year old traditional ottoman stone architecture.
ENGLISH COMPLEX
The complex was builf on the ruins of Roman baths and was used for diverse purposes including medical, educational and religious use.
AL-KHADER ORTHODOX CHURCH – ST. GEORGE CHURCH
The holy shrine was built in the 17 th century in a cave where it is believed that a villager received a message from God to build a church The church is visited my Muslims and Christians alike to ask for blessings and to pray.
SMALL MOSQUE
This mosque, located at the end of Hammam street, was built in the first quarter of the 20th century by famed mason Haj Suleiman Abu Al-Hasan.
Dead Sea, A spectacular natural wonder the Dead Sea is perfect for religious tourism and fun in the sun with the family. With its mix of beach living and religious history you can soak up the sun while Biblical scholars can get their daily dose of religious history. The leading attraction at the Dead Sea is the warm, soothing, super salty water itself – some ten times saltier than sea water, and rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others. The unusually warm, incredibly buoyant and mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors since ancient times, including King Herod the Great and the beautiful Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. All of whom have luxuriated in the Dead Sea's rich, black, stimulating mud and floated effortlessly on their backs while soaking up the water's healthy minerals along with the gently diffused rays of the Jordanian sun.
AMMAN TOURIST BEACH
Looking to do a day trip to the Dead Sea? Amman Tourist Beach is a great location for day trippers, it’s ideal for those seeking recreation and wonderful for those looking to just relax. With encouraging prices, we don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t visit this destination.
ROYAL AEROSPORTS CLUB
For those with a need to get their hearts pumping and their blood rushing, the Royal Air Sport Club is here to serve your adrenaline junkie needs. With October and November as the “high season” tourists can get their aviation fix with professional skydiving, or go for a recreational flight and get an aerial view of the beautiful Jordanian landscapes.
WADI MUJIB
The Hashemite Kingdom has a diverse mixture of rejuvenating landscapes and Wadi Mujib is evidence of this. Considered the largest natural reserve in the Levant, Wadi Mujib is a natural park with diverse plants, flowing waterfalls, hiking trails and relaxing hot springs. Wear comfortable hiking clothes and be prepared to be in awe of Jordan’s natural beauty.
THE BAPTISM SITE (AL-MAGHTAS)
Al-Maghtas, the Baptism Site of Jesus of Nazareth, signifies a landmark moment of the origin of Christianity. Religious and non-religious tourists alike will walk through a peaceful path of gorgeous Dead Sea vegetation to the location where Jesus was Baptised by John The Baptist. Located nine kilometers to the north of the Dead Sea visitors will have the pleasure of viewing sites built during the Roman and Byzantine empires. Al Maghtas is listed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
SAFI CRAFTS
In association with the Ghor Al Safi Women’s Association for Social Development, the Safi Crafts center boasts a mixture of art, heritage, and community designed to advertise the colorfully made handicrafts of 15 local women. With operating hours from 8am to 2pm visitors can purchase soulfully made handicrafts while contributing to the economic development of local Jordanian communities; what’s better than that?
THE LOWEST POINT ON EARTH MUSEUM & LOT’S CAVE
This small museum near the Dead Sea is a wonder in and of itself with its unique location and interesting collection of artifacts. Located at the lowest point on Earth the museum hosts a collection of materials from Lot’s cave (located just up the hill from the museum) and amazingly preserved Graeco-Roman clothing in addition to hundreds of Greek inscriptions. While visiting the museum, the walk up to Lot’s cave is highly recommended. This cave is believed to be where the Prophet Lot escaped to following the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. The cave is believed to have been transformed into a church and the intricate mosaic floor can still be seen today.
PANORAMA COMPLEX DEADSEA
Perched atop the edge of the Zara mountain range cliffs, the Panorama Deadsea Complex is a unique multi purpose destination this is a "must visit" when in Jordan. Whether you are coming to watch the unique jaw dropping sunset the Panorama is famous for or enjoy a really good mean, the Panorama Complex offers everything you need for a memorable experience.
FLOATING
Floating in the Dead Sea is an experience like no other. The Dead Sea's extreme salinity and location, 400m below sea level, has created one of the world’s most unique environments. Pride of place goes to the incredible experience of floating in the Dead Sea – it is quite literally impossible to sink thanks to the water’s buoyancy, and the water’s properties have been mentioned and chronicled as far back as the Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
DEAD SEA MUD
The leading attraction at the Dead Sea is the warm, soothing, super salty water itself – some ten times saltier than sea water, and rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others. The unusually warm, incredibly buoyant and mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors since ancient times, including King Herod the Great and the beautiful Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. All of whom have luxuriated in the Dead Sea's rich, black, stimulating mud and floated effortlessly on their backs while soaking up the water's healthy minerals along with the gently diffused rays of the Jordanian sun.
Studies have shown the combination of the Dead Sea water and the rich black mud found along the shoreline to have significant health benefits including increasing circulation, easing discomfort from arthritis, healing allergies, and revitalizing skin.
SPAS & THERAPIES
The unusual attributes of the Dead Sea have been known for centuries. It is the only place in the world where this particular combination of spa benefits exists. Peculiar sun radiation and climatic conditions, enriched oxygen atmosphere, mineral-rich sea salt, thermo-mineral springs, and mineral-rich mud all offer effective medical treatment and therapeutic benefits that attract visitors from all over the world. The plants that grow at the lakeside, particularly the balsam tree, produce highly valuable and sought-after cosmetics, perfumes and medical substances.
The archaeological discoveries between the Jordan River and Tal al-Kharrar have identified this area as Biblical “Bethany Beyond the Jordan.” The area is where John was living when he baptized Jesus. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Baptism Site commission welcomes pilgrims from all around the world seeking spiritual connection to biblical times, a glimpse of history or a chance to be baptized where Jesus was so many years ago.
The Mujib Biosphere Reserve is the lowest nature reserve in the world, with a spectacular array of scenery near the east coast of the Dead Sea. The Reserve is located within the deep Wadi Mujib gorge, which enters the Dead Sea at 410m below sea level. The Reserve extends to the Karak and Madaba mountains to the north and south, reaching 900 metres above sea level in some places. This 1,300m variation in elevation, combined with the valley's year- round water flow from seven tributaries, means that Wadi Mujib enjoys a magnificent bio-diversity that is still being explored and documented today. Over 300 species of plants, 10 species of carnivores and numerous species of permanent and migratory birds have been recorded. Some of the remote mountain and valley areas are difficult to reach, and thus offer safe havens for rare species of cats, goats and other mountain animals. Mujib's sandstone cliffs are an ideal habitat for one of the most beautiful mountain goats in the world, the horned Ibex.
Trails of Wadi Al Mujib :
SIQ TRAIL
The trail starts at Mujib Adventure Center where you will take the cantilevered walkway and follow the course of the river between the towering sandstone cliffs to the base of a large waterfall. Depending on seasonal rainfall levels, the gorge may contain pools deep enough for swimming. This is an idea walk to take slowly and enjoy the cool water and shade, especially in the heat of summer.
This activity is only available during the summer; depending on weather conditions. Please contact us to see if the activity is available.
CANYON TRAIL
The trail begins from Mujib Adventure Center and follows the Dead Sea Highway to the South (starting point). Shortly after entering the gorge, you will reach the top of a spectacular waterfall 20m, high, which will be negotiated under the watchful eye of a trained guide. After descending the waterfall, the hike continues along the Siq Trail returning to Mujib Adventures Center.
This activity is only available during the summer; depending on weather conditions. Please contact us to see if the activity is available. A trained guide is required.
MALAQI TRAIL
The trail begins from Mujib Adventure Center and follows the Dead Sea Highway to the South (starting point). The hike continues upstream to the confluence with Hidan River where you will swim in natural pools before moving on to descend a 20m high waterfall under the supervision of a trained guide. After descending the waterfall, the hike continues along the Siq Trail returning to Mujib Adventures Center.
This activity is only available during the summer; depending on weather conditions. Please contact the us to see if the activity is available. A trained guide is required.
IBEX TRAIL
The trail begins at the Mujib Adventure Center and follows the Dead Sea Highway before ascending into the reserve. Diverging to the South, the trail runs parallel to the Dead Sea, which provides a startlingly blue backdrop for the entire hike. The hike then continues along a number of dry wadis to the Raddas Ranger Station, where you may see the Nubian Ibex. It is also where the famous rock “statue” of Lot’s wife can be seen. After resting at the station, the trail continues along a road for about an hour.
This activity is only available during the winter; depending on weather conditions. Please contact us to see if the activity is available. A trained guide is required.
AL-HIDAN TRAIL
The trail starts from the visitor center and moves from the Southwest to the northeast, you will swim from pool to another until you make to the end point where you will find the ancient wheat mill.
ZIPLINE
The Mujib Biosphere Reserve has installed a zipline made up of two parallel cables, allowing two people to zipline together. The zipline is 100m long, with a slope of about 9m, extending with the Mujib Bridge. From its starting point at the Visitor Center on the other side of the valley.
Madaba is a combination of rural home life and a hot spot for religious tourism. Known as the “City of Mosaics” Madaba is the cultural epicenter for Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. Just a short distance from the capital visitors are just a stone's throw away from the holy monuments of religious iconography.
UMM AR-RASAS
With most of the city now in ruins, Umm ar-Rasas, originally inhabited by the Romans to protect trade routes from the Arabian Peninsula to the Levant, is now an archeological site perfect for those who love history. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2004 because of its diverse Roman and Islamic influences, this site is sure to please.
MOUNT NEBO
Referenced in Abrahamic texts as the site of Mount Nebo this township was first inhabited by a Christian nomadic tribe in the 4th century. Explore your religious roots in the religious town or visit Mt. Nebo where it is believed that Moses died as he viewed the Holy Land.
"And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho." (Deuteronomy 34:1)
MADABA VISITORS CENTER
Nestled into a renovated house from the 19th century the Madaba Visitors Center is an attraction all on its own. Acquired by The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the center is a great launching point for visitors arriving to Madaba. Open 7 days a week, including holidays, the visitors center is more than equipped to prepare you for your journey into the land of mosaics and religious history.
TOURIST STREET
While visiting Madaba stop by Hussein bin Ali St or “The Tourist Street” to purchase handicrafts and products specific to the mosaics and religious iconography found in Madaba.
MOSES’ SPRING
Ayun Moses is an archaeological and religious area composed of hot springs. It is located 10 Km from Madaba near Mount Nebo, specifically towards the northern/eastern side of the mountain. This name refers the story of Moses when he struck “the rock” causing water to gush out; providing his community and their livestock with water.
MA’IN HOT SPRINGS/ HAMAMAT MA’IN
If you fancy a refreshing feeling of hot water bubbling from the Earth’s core, the invigorating therapy of the Ma’in hot springs is sure to do the trick. Seated 264 meters below sea level the tranquil oasis is the perfect treatment from the bustling streets of Amman.
The Ma'in Hot Springs Resort is located 37km away from Madaba City. There are public pools and also the private pools as part of the Ma'in Hot Springs Hotel.
WADI ZARQA MA’IN
Falling from the high cliffs the waterfalls of Zarq'a Ma'in are a sneak peek into heaven. Visitors to the Zarq’a Ma’in hot springs will be treated to landscapes similar to the tropical atmosphere of South American countries. Bring your trekking shoes and enjoy the hike.
