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A Guide to Amman

The Jordanian capital, Amman is a civilised and charming jewel in the Middle East that is often overlooked by travellers. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Amman definitely deserves more than a passing glance.

Amman, knows also as the 'White City' is a lovely jumble of old stone houses clinging to the vast mountains that surround it.

Beautiful in its own right, Amman also happens to be a gateway to the vast plains of the Wadi Rum desert where you can sandboard and take camel rides in the sunset; the breath-taking 'Rose City' of Petra, with monumental architecture carved right out of the very rocks and the biblical Dead Sea, where the high salt content means you'll float effortlessly on the surface of the water like a leaf on a pond.

Amman is a palate of historical architecture from the intricate and holy Ottoman style King Hussein Mosque to the ancient crumbling Roman amphitheater that lies at the foot of the great citadel. However, Amman is more than just an ancient wonder of the world; it is also a thriving cosmopolitan city that offers much in the way of entertainment.

A lively café culture flourishes on Amman's streets, surrounded by leafy suburban districts where fine houses sit proudly under the gaze of the surrounding mountains with galleries and museums that exhibit both traditional and modern art and artifacts. A young generation of Jordanians flock to the bars and restaurants at night to eat, drink and dance away the cares of the day away.

Known as one of the friendliest and safest cities in the Middle East, Amman is the perfect place for backpackers, holiday makers and those looking for a family break. Hotels in Amman range in price and cater well for families. If you are traveling on a budget there are plenty of hostels and B&Bs on offer.

Downtown Amman is great for shopping, with little stall and markets vying for space among the larger malls. Gold jewelery is a particularly good buy here and the haggling should whet your appetite for a strong coffee and shihsa pipe or even a full blown meal of mouth-watering mezze from grilled fish and meats to vegetable dishes and temple-achingly sweet desserts. If you come to Amman for no other reason, come for the food. Once there, you'll find many more reasons to return.

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