Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan, set in the Middle East and spread across a series of seven hills. Its layout gives the city a rolling, terraced character, with neighbourhoods climbing and descending in every direction, so a visit is as much about walking the slopes as about any single sight.
What to see
- Ancient Roman ruins: Amman holds remains from its classical past, and among them is a well-preserved amphitheater, a good place to picture how the city looked centuries ago.
- The hilltop views: Walking between the hills lets you take in the city's dense, layered skyline from different heights.
Who it suits
Amman works well for visitors interested in history and archaeology, who will find the Roman remains a natural focus. It also suits travellers who enjoy wandering on foot and reading a city through its streets, where the old and the modern sit close together. Because the ruins are the clearest highlight in the facts available, a visit built around them, with time to explore the hills at a relaxed pace, is a sensible way to plan.
Planning your trip
Amman is Jordan's capital and its largest city, so it is a practical base for exploring the wider country. Allow time for the steep, uneven ground, and check opening arrangements for the ruins before you go, as these can change.
