The historic downtown area with the Roman Amphitheatre, Citadel, Rainbow Street, and traditional souks.
About Amman City Centre (Downtown)
The Citadel hilltop preserves ruins spanning the Bronze Age through the Umayyad period, including the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. From its summit, the entire city spreads below — a sea of white and tan limestone buildings cascading over rolling hills, punctuated by minarets and church towers reflecting Jordan\'s religious diversity.
Downtown Amman is where travelers find the most authentic local experiences: mansaf (the national dish of lamb and fermented yogurt over rice) at legendary spots like Hashem Restaurant, Arabic coffee in hole-in-the-wall cafés, and the animated energy of a city that serves as a crossroads between the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, and the wider Middle East.
Nearby Landmarks
Transport Options
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | JOD 20-25 (~$28-35) | 30-45 minutes | Convenience, groups, heavy luggage |
| Rideshare | JOD 15-20 (~$21-28) | 30-45 minutes | Budget-conscious, app users |
| Bus/Shuttle | JOD 3 | 45-60 minutes | Cheapest option |
Good to Know
Late Night Transport
After midnight, airport taxis and pre-booked transfers are available (JOD 20-25 to downtown). Uber and Careem operate in Amman 24/7. The Airport Express Bus does not run overnight. Amman is very safe at night. Many hotels offer airport pickup — a common and recommended option for first-time visitors navigating the unfamiliar city.
Luggage Tips
Airport taxis are typically modern sedans that handle standard luggage well. The Airport Express Bus has luggage compartments. Downtown Amman streets are steep and narrow with stairs in places — if your hotel is in the heart of Al-Balad, confirm vehicle access. Many budget hotels downtown require walking the last 50-100 meters through pedestrian souks.
Accessibility
Queen Alia Airport is modern and fully accessible. Amman itself presents significant challenges for wheelchair users — the hilly terrain, stepped streets, and high curbs in downtown make independent navigation very difficult. The Citadel and Roman Theater have limited accessibility. Hotels in the newer western districts (Abdoun, Sweifieh) are more accessible. Pre-arrange all transport through your hotel.