Amman | Jordan

Amman is the capital and most populous city of Jordan. Built on seven hills (jebels), it has expanded into a sprawling metropolis of 20 hills. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, serving as a gateway between the Mediterranean and the Arab East.

Historical Timeline

Habitation dates to the Neolithic period (Ain Ghazal). As the biblical Rabbath Ammon, it later became the Hellenistic/Roman city of Philadelphia, one of the Decapolis League. The modern city was revitalized in the late 19th century by Circassian immigrants and became the capital of Transjordan in 1921. Its 20th-century growth was primarily driven by regional migration waves (1948, 1967, 1990, and 2011), transforming it from a small town into a major financial and medical hub.

Demographics & Population

The population is approximately 4.6 million (2026 estimate). It is a highly diverse city with a majority Palestinian-Jordanian population, alongside significant communities of Iraqis, Syrians, and Circassians. The median age is 24 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Downtown (Al-Balad): The historic and geographical center, characterized by traditional souks, Roman ruins, and street food.

Jabal Amman: A historic district home to Rainbow Street, art galleries, and mid-century architecture.

Abdali: The "New Downtown," a modern high-rise district featuring the Boulevard and luxury retail.

West Amman (Abdoun, Sweifieh): Affluent residential and commercial areas with high-end malls, cafes, and embassies.

East Amman: Denser, more traditional residential areas with lower socioeconomic indicators.

Top City Landmarks

Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a): Featuring the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace, offering 360-degree views of the city.

Roman Theatre: A 2nd-century, 6,000-seat theater carved into a hillside.

King Abdullah I Mosque: Famous for its blue mosaic dome.

The Jordan Museum: Houses the 9,000-year-old Ain Ghazal statues.

Rainbow Street: A cultural hub for dining, shopping, and nightlife.

Transportation Network

Movement is automotive-centric. Amman Bus and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) have recently improved public transit coverage.

Air: Queen Alia International (AMM) is 30 km south; Amman Civil Airport (ADJ) handles regional flights.

Roads: Traffic is heavy, especially at major circles (1st through 8th Circles).

Taxis: Yellow taxis and apps (Uber, Careem) are ubiquitous.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is very high. Crime against tourists is extremely rare. There are no "red zones" in terms of physical danger, though East Amman is more traditional and less catered to tourists. Standard vigilance is recommended in crowded souks.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speed is 100–500 Mbps via Orange, Zain, or Umniah (Fiber). Mobile 5G is widely available. Card acceptance is standard in West Amman and malls; cash (JOD) is required in the Downtown souks. ATMs are everywhere.

Climate & Air Quality

Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons.

Summer: Dry and hot (20°C–32°C).

Winter: Cold and rainy (4°C–12°C), with occasional snow in high-altitude jebels.

Air Quality: Generally good, though dust storms (khamsin) occur in spring.

Culture & Social Norms

Tipping is expected at 10% in restaurants. Social norms are a blend of Bedouin hospitality and modern cosmopolitanism. Respectful dress (covering shoulders and knees) is recommended in traditional areas and religious sites. The city has a vibrant cafe culture.

Accommodation Zones

Stay in Jabal Amman / Rainbow St for a boutique, historic feel.

Stay in Abdali / Shmeisani for modern business hotels and walkability.

Local Cost Index

Espresso: JOD 3.00

Falafel Sandwich: JOD 0.50

Bus Ticket: JOD 0.55

Nearby Day Trips

Dead Sea: 55 km (1-hour drive).

Jerash (Roman City): 50 km (1-hour drive).

Madaba (City of Mosaics): 35 km (45-minute drive).

Mount Nebo: 40 km (50-minute drive).

Facts & Legends

Amman is known as the "White City" because by law, all buildings must be faced with local white limestone. A verified historical oddity is that the city was once gifted by the Ptolemies to Ptolemy II Philadelphus, hence its Roman name. Local legend claims the Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ahl al-Kahf), mentioned in the Quran and Christian tradition, is located on the city's outskirts.