COVID: Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Jordan
Amman has an approximate population of around 4,302,730 people and you can typically expect to pay around £4.89p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
A hot vacation destination in the middle east, Amman in Jordan attracts a large number of visitors every year from every country on the globe. Many of those who decide to come here are doing so in search of a new experience or a chance to see a part of the world that few know much about. The region has its own share of history and culture, but with the development of modern Jordan as an international tourist destination comes an influx of visitors interested in the more recent developments within the kingdom and the dynamics of its politics and society.
The capital city of Jordan, Amman, is an up-and-coming modern urban center with many ancient ruins to explore. On the northern edge of the city is the highly revered Al-Azhar Mosque - considered one of the seven wonders of the world by UNESCO - and the Islamic University of Jordan which serves as a center for the global teaching and research of religion and Arabic culture. Mount Zion, considered to be the tallest mountain in the world, can be seen from within the religious hub of Amman. Just outside of the city's walls is the imposing Arabobaric Palace, whose massive fountains attract thousands of travelers every day. Just north of the capital city, on the border with Iraq, lies the ancient and only resort for the Christian minority in the Middle East, Maradi Qabas. Maradi Qabas shelters hundreds of families who earn their living farming on its fertile land.
One of the most popular activities that tourists in Amman indulge in is Jordan hiking trips, which typically last three to four days and include camping in the desert. Another popular attraction in Amman is thenah Jalba; a large sandstone monastery which was built around the century BC, and still holds the world's oldest known building, a structure dating back to the second century B.C. Known as the "Mother of all Monasteries," the nameless prelate still preserves her sacred texts and is the largest church in the entire Jordan. Tourists who want to experience a more cultural perspective during their trip to Amman should visit the traditional souqs, or places of business located along the Souk, and watch the daily hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Jordan are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
For up to date information around safety and security in Jordan read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Jordan.
For cooler temperatures in the high teens, the best time to visit Jordan is March-May. Amman reaches a comfortable 32°C between June and September, while nights can drop below freezing from December to February. The beaches of Aqaba and the salty Dead Sea touch 40°C in July.
Amman, in the north of Jordan, is host to some of the most important festivals in the world. The Amman International Arts Festival, inaugurated by Queen Noor Al-Hussein in 1983, is a premier showcase for performing artists from all over the world. Set in the ancient Greco-Roman city, the Azraq Festival is one of Jordan's lesser known but highly enjoyable festivals. During the Festival, local performers perform in the streets and sell traditional food and souvenirs.
Festivals in Jordan include the Amman International Theatre Festival, which is organized by a small independent theatre company. This festival brings together new talent from throughout the country to showcase their talents and skills in Arabic and English. The Amman International Arts Festival is one of the most celebrated cultural events in Jordan and attracts thousands of visitors each year. It includes a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and celebrations - from food and handicrafts to art and literature.
The Amman Drama Festival is one of the largest events in the country and is a trusted platform for innovative artists and creative ideas. The Festival brings together traditional drama skills and international exposure through workshops on essential techniques. The event also boasts an array of musical acts, including Lebanese singer Majida El Roumi and Syria's Hussein Al Deek. A list of the most popular festivals in Jordan can be found at the bottom of this article.
Festivals in Jordan can take many forms. The Amman International Theatre Festival is a great example of this. In the heart of the capital city, this festival features performances in Arabic and English. The performance format is highly competitive, making the festival a great way to experience the local culture and support the local talent. This annual event is a must for any visitors to Jordan! You can see performances from all over the world at the Amman International Theatre Festival.
The Amman Drama Festival is a must-attend event in Jordan. Held annually in the capital city, this event showcases the best of local theatre. Both English and Arabic performances are featured at this festival, with a competitive edge. The Amman International Theatre Festival is a great opportunity to learn more about Jordanian culture. If you're interested in the arts, the Amman Drama Festival is a great place to start.
The Amman International Theatre Festival, held in the capital city, is a great way to see the local talent in action. This annual event showcases the best theatre in the country. Its format is similar to that of a competition, with performances in Arabic and English. It's also a great opportunity to experience the local culture and to support local talent. While it's important to know about festivals in Jordan before travelling, the following festivals are worth attending:
You'll need a visa to enter Jordan. You can get a single entry visa valid for 1 month on arrival at the airports or the Sheikh Hussein/North Border crossing at the Jordan/Israel border.You can extend your visa after you arrive in Jordan up to a maximum period of 6 months.
See which forms you may need for entry into Jordan.
The official currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Jordan you can grab amazing Jordanian Dinar deals via Wise.com (GBP to JOD).
Animals in Jordan. striped hyena, the ibex, the Arabian gazelle, the leopard, the jackal, the wolf, the camel, the desert fox, the rabbit, and the sand rat.
Arabic food? The national dish of Jordan and the most distinctive Jordanian dish. Mansaf is a traditionaldish made of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt called Jameed and served with rice or bulgur.
Arabic is the official language in Jordan & English has been the primary foreign language in the country since 1946, there is a small French speaking population in Jordan. You can learn some basic Arabic before you travel to Jordan and really impress the locals!
The currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (Tipping in Restaurants. 10% for service may be automatically added to the bill, but a small tip - 5-10% - for the waiters is appropriate.).