Ruins of the Citadel Jabel al Qalah in Amman , Jordan
Credit : Getty
AMMAN ’ S HEADY MIX OF OLD AND NEW
Amman is a modern city filled with busy people frequenting chic restaurants and galleries , incredible souk shopping / market areas like the Gold Souk and Souk Jara , and even bars and nightclubs serving alcohol in this mostly Muslim metropolis .
Built on a series of hills , the city features Old Town , which centers on the Roman Theater , built in 2 CE ; nearby is the Nymphaeum as well as ancient Citadel Hill , holding the Temple of Hercules , the Byzantine Church and various museums . The pink-and-white Grand Husseini Mosque and the blue-domed King Abdullah Mosque are designed for worshippers , so plan to follow the customs when visiting these beautiful structures ( women must cover their hair and bodies , all must leave shoes outside ). Wandering the streets of Amman is like going back and forth through time , with old and new in bustling harmony .
South of Amman is the Dead Sea , where salt makes everyone float ; and Madaba , where Roman and Byzantine mosaics remain perfectly trapped in time . Continue further south to the caravan city of Petra , the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage city carved into rock . Plan to spend at least one or two nights at these must-see southern Jordan sights .
DINING DELIGHTS
Amman is a metropolitan city , so don ’ t be surprised to find popular French and Italian restaurants in the mix , as well as many other international cuisines . For authentic Jordanian food , make your way to
Sufra on Rainbow Street or Najla ’ s Homemade on Alsaedi Street . Enjoy dishes like mansaf ( a large communal platter of meat , flatbread and rice ), fattet hummus ( Jordan ’ s unique take on that chickpea puree ) and shawarma ( roasted sliced meats ). Wash it all down with sweet black tea .
WHERE TO STAY
The nicest hotels in Amman include familiar names like Four Seasons , Fairmont and St . Regis . They are located in the central neighborhoods of Abdoun Al Shamali , Jaban Amman , Zahran and Shumaysani . Or opt to stay closer in the ancient city , where more modest two- or three-star hotels will cost less than $ 50 per night .
GETTING THERE
Fly nonstop to Amman from Dulles International Airport ( IAD ) on United Airlines , taking roughly 11 hours . You ’ ll land at Queen Alia International Airport ( AMM ), 20 miles outside of the city . Note that Jordan requires visitors to have a passport with at least six months validity to enter the country and you must buy an entry visa at the airport for about $ 60 ( 40 Jordanian Dinars ). Plan to take a taxi or a bus service into Amman , then get around in the city via taxis , tour-guide transport or walking .
Amman ’ s weather is generally temperate , sunny and dry , with highs ranging from 87F in summer to 47F in winter , with typically chillier evenings .
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