Amman Local History

The city of Amman served as the modern and ancient capital of Jordan and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world with remains from the stone age having been found during excavations, In the 3rd century BCE Amman was renamed Philadelphia after the Pteolenaic ruler Philadelphus. In 30 BCE Philadelphia became part of a loose alliance of ten Roman ruled cities and many great examples of Roman architecture can still be seen today.

In 635 after the city had started to decline it was once again ruled by the Arabian armies of Islam and the origional name of Amman was restored. THe modern history of the city began in the late 19th century when the Ottomans resettled in Amman and after the great Arab Revolt in 1921 Amman was re-enstated as Jordans Capital.

Amman Attractions

Top Attractions

Amman Restaurants and Bars

Middle Eastern cuisine is full of flavour and spice. Specialities not to be missed when visiting Amman include falafel which are deep fried chickpea balls usually served with a sauce or dip as well as the delicious chickpea spread known as hummus that is served with flat Arab bread that usually contains cummin seeds.

Lamb dishes are also very popular in Amman and roasted lamb served with couscous is a good dish to try.

Beverages are usually non alcoholic and strong mint tea with lots of sugar is a favourite drink in Jordan.

Amman Restaurants

Al Quds - located in King Hussein Street. Also known as the Jerusalem Restaurant, Al Quds is situated opposite St Georges Street and serves delicious, untouristic food at reasonable prices. The meals are huge and particularly good is the hummus and arab bread as well as the half chicken with rice and the lamb mensaff.

Lebnani Snacks - located at Douwar Al Abdoun. This is a great place to eat simple western style food. The service and setting are good and the fish sandwhiches and fresh orange juice are particularly tasty.

Fakhar al Din - located off Second Circle. Housed in a lovely old renovated house in a swanky section of Amman this restaurant serves fantastic food and has a woderful outdoor sitting area. Fakhar al Din is famous for their desserts specialy the Osmaleyeh which is light fluffy cheese topped with shredded filo dough and drenched in rose syrup, this dish is a must!

Amman Bars & Clubs

Da Willy - located at Jebel Amman. Situated on the top of Jebel Amman hill it is the epitome of cool. The décor in the restaurant is striking and this is the best place in Amman to drink a few pitchers, eat great food, listen to music and smoke Argileh. Da Willy is located above a bookstore where you can pick up english books and magazines and use the internet cafe.

Tche Tche Bar - located near the USA Embassy. This is a great place for evening drinks and is one of the few places where it is considered okay for woman to go in the evening.

Champions Bar - located at Issam Ajluni Street, inside the Marriott Hotel. A nice hotel bar that serves a good selection of drinks.

Old Irish - located in the basement of the Dove Hotel between 3rd and 4th circles. This bar serves cheap beer, has a small dance floor, friendly bartenders and bad music.

Amman Tours

Looking for organised tours in Amman?

• Around Jordan in 8 days Private for Individual Travelers
• Wadi Rum
• Land of Wonders Jordan

More Amman Tours