Looking for a city break with a difference? THIS incredible destination should be at the top of your travel wish list in 2023!
Ad Feature by Jordan Tourism Board
The new year is well underway and if one of your resolutions was to travel more in 2023, now is the time to start planning your next adventure.
And why not start with a long weekend in a new city?
Whether you’re with your special someone or a group of friends, a city break is a fantastic way to discover a new country, a new culture and to get away from it all – even if it’s just for a few days.
And anyone looking for a city break with a difference should put Amman, the capital of Jordan, straight to the top of their wish list.
And anyone looking for a city break with a difference should put Amman, the capital of Jordan, straight to the top of their wish list.
Only a five hour flight from the UK, this incredibly vibrant city is brimming with authentic experiences you just can’t find anywhere else. And with new direct routes from just £34.99 one way with Wizz Air, it’s closer and easier to get to than you think.
Located between the desert and the lush Jordan Valley, the ancient rubs shoulders with the modern in Amman and it’s the perfect base from which to discover all this country has to offer.
The Dead Sea is only 45 minutes away by car and all of Jordan’s fascinating destinations can be reached within just a few hours.
From historic sites to tempting cuisine, here’s why Amman is the ultimate spot for an unforgettable city break.
Sensational shopping
There’s nothing like finding a truly unique piece of clothing or jewellery, especially when you find it on holiday.
And in Amman there are endless opportunities to do just that. You’ll find big brands and a familiar shopping experience at Mecca Mall and The Taj Mall, but it’s in the streets of this city where you’ll find the real treasures.
Head to Rainbow Street where you can browse art galleries and artisan shops selling fine soaps, stationery and clothing made by local and regional designers. There’s a real focus on preserving traditional crafts and skills in Amman, so you’ll come across many showrooms and shops selling beautiful heritage objects that will make the most lovely keepsakes. While you’re in Rainbow Street, head to nearby King Talal Street for a great choice of stores selling trinkets, accessories and fabric.
There’s nothing like finding a truly unique piece of clothing or jewellery, especially when you find it on holiday. And in Amman there are endless opportunities to do just that.
And like any city, Amman has its trendy districts where you can always find a really good cup of coffee and plenty of independent shops.
In Abdoun browse stylish activewear and book shops, stopping for a bite to eat at a healthy café. Previously part of Amman’s suburbs, this neighbourhood was surrounded by woodland, but is now a buzzing hipster hangout.
Another cool spot is Jabal al-Weibdeh. Located in one of the oldest districts of the city, it’s got a Bohemian vibe and is filled with cute coffee shops and decorated with painted street murals. In fact, Jabal al-Weibdeh is a thriving area for artists so is the perfect place to explore contemporary galleries.
And, of course, Amman has plenty of street markets to explore.
Make Souk Jara your first stop. Open on Fridays and located just off Rainbow Street, browse stalls selling handmade leather sandals, beads, mosaics and clothing, and you’ll even enjoy performances from bands and musicians.
Fancy something shiny? Souk El Sagha is the gold souk where you can shop for high quality jewellery at amazing prices. Go early for the best bargains as many vendors still follow the ancient tradition of discounting the day’s first sale for good luck!
And for a chance to see locals going about their day, wander through the busy Souk al-Sukar where residents shop for fresh fruit and vegetables.
Amman is full of colourful markets where you can shop for local specialities and crafts
Fab for foodies
Amman is a true foodie’s delight.
From high end restaurants in the city’s smart hotels to the extensive range of tasty street food, the options are diverse and delicious, and you’ll only wish you had more time to sample it all.
You’ll find countless cafes and restaurants in every neighbourhood serving up speciality sweets, barbecue, traditional and fusion cuisine.
Classic Amman dishes include shawarma, falafel and hummus and if you want to try the best falafels in the business go back to Rainbow Street, a key spot for street food in the city. Simply pick a queue and join it; at the end you’ll get a snack to remember.
Or go straight to Hashem Restaurant, one of the oldest in Jordan. Famous for its hummus and falafel, you’ll find locals and tourists enjoying its legendary menu at all times of the day. Once you’ve filled up on savoury treats, head to nearby Habiba for something sweet.
Knafeh – a dessert made from spun pastry and syrup typically layered with cheese, or with toppings like clotted cream, pistachio or nuts
Pick up some baklava or try the Knafeh – a dessert made from spun pastry and syrup typically layered with cheese, or with toppings like clotted cream, pistachio or nuts.
For more casual bites stroll down Al-Madina Al-Monawara Street, which is entirely allocated to street food vendors! Your only problem will be deciding what to have.
And be sure to try traditional Jordanian food like Mansaf. Considered the national dish, this is lamb cooked with jameed (fermented and dried yoghurt) over rice.
Or how about zarb – a dish of meat buried in the ground and slow-cooked, or Warak Enab, grape leaves stuffed with rice, meat, garlic and sundried tomatoes before being boiled.
Want to recreate Amman specialities back at home? Book a cooking experience at Beit Sitti. You’ll learn how to prepare a traditional Arabic meal including appetisers and puddings, which you’ll then share with other guests.
You’ll be sure to impress your friends back in the UK at your next dinner party.
After a day of shopping and sightseeing, there’s plenty to keep you busy once the sun starts to set.
Fun when the sun goes down
After a day of shopping and sightseeing, there’s plenty to keep you busy once the sun starts to set.
Finding a great spot for supper is easy with wonderful restaurants all over the city, but you’ll also find a large selection of stylish bars and clubs where you can dance the night away to live music and DJs.
Choose from gastropubs, rooftop terraces, elegant lounge bars and even speakeasys where you can sip a handcrafted cocktail, as well as large venues like The Blue Fig where you can enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing all under one roof.
And anyone wanting to try a local tipple should ask for Arak. Made from grapes or dates, this traditional spirit is flavoured with aniseed and served with water and ice.
Step (far) back in time
Amman has all the attractions of a modern city, but there are also compelling legends and an ancient history to discover here too.
Amman has all the attractions of a modern city, but there are also compelling legends and an ancient history to discover here too.
Your first stop should be Citadel Hill or Jabal Al-Qal’a. It’s the highest point in Amman and is where the first inhabitants of the city lived.
Giving visitors a glimpse into the evolution of Amman, you’ll be able to take in stunning views of downtown, before exploring the fascinating ruins that date back as far as Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic times.
The ruins of the Byzantine Church
Don’t leave without seeing one or more of the beautiful mosques that dot the city
Don’t miss the Umayyad Palace complex, the Temple of Hercules and the Byzantine Church, while at the bottom of the hill you’ll find the 2nd century Roman Theatre. And make time to see the remains of the nearby Nymphaeum. Built in 191 AD, it was once a large two-story monument with fountains, mosaics, stone carvings and even a large swimming pool.
There are also plenty of museums where you can learn more about Jordan’s history including the Jordan Archaeological Museum, Jordan Folklore Museum and Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions.
And don’t leave without seeing one or more of the beautiful mosques that dot the city. Check the visitor’s guides for rules on dress and decorum and gaze in wonder at these incredible sacred spaces.
Adventures outside the city
The largest natural spa on earth, the Dead Sea is renowned for the healing powers of its minerals and its unique location, 400m below sea level.
Only a 45 minute drive from Amman is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.
The largest natural spa on earth, the Dead Sea is renowned for the healing powers of its minerals and its unique location, 400m below sea level.
Start by simply floating in these warm and soothing waters. Thanks to their extreme salinity, you’ll float happily for as long as you want with no danger of sinking. And don’t forget to luxuriate in the stimulating black mud found along the shoreline too.
Make it a day trip and head back to Amman for dinner and a night on the town, or why not stay overnight at one of the world-class hotels at the Dead Sea
The combination of Dead Sea water and mud is said to have significant benefits including increasing circulation, easing joint and muscle discomfort, helping with allergies and revitalising skin.
Make it a day trip and head back to Amman for dinner and a night on the town, or why not stay overnight at one of the world-class hotels at the Dead Sea, where you can sunbathe, swim and truly get away from it all.
A few days in Amman is the perfect way to kick off a year of adventure so click HERE to find out more.
Book your Amman adventure now…
Amman and all its wonders are closer than you think. A direct five hour flight makes it the perfect spot for a city break with a difference, or as the ideal jumping off point for a longer stay in Jordan.
Feeling inspired?
Amman and all its wonders are closer than you think.
A direct five hour flight makes it the perfect spot for a city break with a difference, or as the ideal jumping off point for a longer stay in Jordan.
And with Wizz Air’s new route operating between London and Amman three times a week, all year round and prices starting at just £34.99 one way, it’s an affordable adventure too.
Click HERE to discover more and to book your Amman city break now.
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