Travel in Amman
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Informations on Amman: history, politics, economy, culture, Did you mean: Amman
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Amman is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (population c. 1.2 million). Although not the most interesting or beautiful of Middle Eastern capital cities, Amman nonetheless forms a great base for exploring the country and does, in fact, hold a few items of interest to the traveller. The city is generally well-appointed for the traveller and the people are very friendly.
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Get in
By plane
Most travellers to Amman (and to Jordan) will arrive via Queen Alia International Airport. Entry visas to Jordan can be purchased at the airport, if not already obtained from a Jordanian consulate overseas.
See
Although the capital of a diverse kingdom, Amman is not what one would call "packed" with things to see.... Making it a great gateway to explorations further afield. Even so, the city does hold a few items of historical and cultural interest (allow absolute maximum 2 days to see them...)
Landmarks
- the Roman Theatre
- the Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a) - located in the centre of both ancient and modern Amman.
- the Temple of Herakles - Roman period remains
- the Byzantine Church - dating to the 5th-6th centuries
- the Ummayad Palace - situated in the northern portion of the Citadel
Museums and Galleries
- the National Archaeological Museum, located on the Citadel - a small but interesting collection of antiquities from all over Jordan
Sleep
Amman has the full range of accommodation options from very basic 1 star accommodation to luxurious 5 star facilities.
Budget
Mid-range
- Radisson SAS - a decent hotel located only a short ride from the 3rd circle. Damaged in a terrorist attack on November 9, 2005
Splurge
- Four Seasons Amman 1 (http://www.fourseasons.com/amman/index.html), 5th Circle, Al-Kindi Street, Jabal Amman, tel 962 06 550-5555, fax 962 06 550-5556 - a wonderful luxury hotel located conveniently on the 5th Circle
- Kempinski Amman 2 (http://www.kempinski.com/travel/hotel/index.htm?country_group=4&id=111), Abdul Hameed Shouman Street, Shmeisani, tel +962 6 5200 200, tel +962 6 5200 202 - a recent addition to the city: all the luxury of a 5 star with a number of interesting modern art features in the designer building.
- Hyatt Amman - a favourite of the expat set for its laid back ambience, terrace views and quality restaurants. Located on the 3rd circle. Damaged in a terrorist attack on November 9, 2005
- Intercontinental Amman - another hotel popular with foreign professionals. Conveniently located between the 2nd and 3rd circles.
- Le Royale Hotel - Amman's largest hotel by a distance and a folly of overblown kitsch. The cathedral like space in the centre of the building always seems desperately low on guests. Architecturally interesting, but curiously soulless and poor value for money. 3rd circle
- Sheraton Amman - another five-star. Conveniently located on the 5th circle.
Get out
Amman makes a convenient base for day trips to Madaba and Jerash.