Travel to Amman

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Amman, Jordan

Amman, the capital of Jordan, has some really unattractive suburbs, but at the heart of the city centre lies a place full of charm and life. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is full of relics from its rich and splendid history, and is today a lively place which is pleasant to visit. Amman is sure to be on the itinerary of anyone visiting Jordan, and while some will simply use it as a stop-off point for visiting the rest of the country, others will be happy to spend a few days exploring the capital. There are two sides to modern-day Amman, with the more traditional and working-class lower part of town standing alongside the more modern residential part.
For your information, the airline Royal Jordanian operates flights between Paris and Amman, with 7 daily flights between Paris CDG airport and the Jordanian capital.

An old town with many relics recalling its interesting past
Traditional little cafes and restaurants
Wandering the markets and haggling in the souks

cons

It is a sprawling city, and the lack of public transport makes it difficult to get around without a car
The traffic can be difficult to negotiate

Visit Amman

To see

Head up to the citadel for an insight into the city's past, before going back down to the theatre to admire the acoustics and the view. Feel free to wander the town, visiting the markets and savouring the sights and smells; indeed, walking the streets of Amman in the evening is the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of this Middle Eastern city.

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To do

Make yourself comfortable in a cafe, and enjoy a tea or a Turkish coffee while smoking a hookah. When you get peckish, find a table at one of the many little streetside restaurants to enjoy the various mezzes, falafels and koftas on offer. Haggle in the gold souk and chat with 'Duke' Mamdouh Bisharat in his Diwan in the centre of Amman.

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To think about

Remember to haggle.

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To avoid

Female visitors should avoid wearing anything too suggestive (shorts, short skirts or tank tops).

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To try

Try the mezzes (houmous, muttabal, fuul, baba ghanooj, etc.) served with bread and olives. Taste the local mutton or chicken, too, served with rice or stewed vegetable. At the end of your meal, relax and enjoy your choice of either mint tea, with a touch of sage or thyme, or a Turkish coffee, with cardamom.

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To bring back

What to bring back with you... How about a red and white keffieh, as worn by the desert Bedouins, a rug, a copper or brass cafetiere, spices, Tahini sesame paste, a hookah pipe and some hookah tobacco to get you started! Jewellery can also be bought at a good price.

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