Amman

Amman is the administrative capital of Jordan, situated atop the Jabal al-Qala’a hill. It combines modernity with a host of fascinating ancient ruins to create the perfect city break. Foremost among these are the Roman and Hellenistic ruins, along with the 8th-century Umayyad Palace complex, renowned for its grand dome. The city itself is located in the heart of the country and has a population of around 4 million people.

With a warm Middle Eastern climate, it guarantees hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn, when temperatures are in the high teens and early twenties and the city is not too hot. The hottest months are July and August, when temperatures sit in the mid-to-high twenties, which can feel slightly stifling due to its inland location. Winters are generally cool, with the coldest month, January, averaging around 8 degrees.

The area has been inhabited for at least 5,000 years, dating back to the Bronze Age. Many artefacts found here indicate that the inhabitants traded with Greece, Cyprus, and Mesopotamia. It is also known as the site of a significant battle mentioned in the Bible, in which King David of Israel destroyed the city after being insulted by its residents. By the 3rd century BC, the city had come under the control of the Ptolemies following the wars of the successors and was renamed Philadelphia in honour of one of the kings who rebuilt it.

Later, it was conquered by the Romans and ruled by Herod, a client king in the region. During this period, numerous Roman temples and amphitheatres were constructed, many of which still stand today. The city eventually fell into disrepair until the Arab Conquests of the 7th century revived it as a bustling trading post. However, it experienced another decline until the early 20th century, when it became a vital stop between Saudi Arabia and Damascus. Eventually, it developed into the capital of Trans-Jordan, and later Jordan, during the 1940s and 50s.

This destination is a fantastic place for visitors of all ages, offering a wide range of activities for children to enjoy during their family holidays. One must-visit attraction is the Children’s Museum, located in Al Hussein Public Park. It features numerous interactive, fun, and educational activities. Older children will likely appreciate nearby historical sites, such as the Citadel. Car enthusiasts, especially boys, will be fascinated by the impressive collection at the Royal Automobile Museum. Additionally, the ancient Roman Amphitheatre showcases stunning architecture and occasionally hosts performances, making it a perfect spot to experience local culture.

This vibrant, modern city beautifully blends ancient culture with a bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it an ideal holiday destination. A visit would be incomplete without exploring the ancient Citadel, which features attractions such as the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Additionally, visitors can take a tour to the Dead Sea, about a 45-minute drive from the capital. This unique experience allows you to float in its salty waters and visit the lowest point on land on Earth.

As one of the more liberal Muslim capitals, the city offers a wide variety of nightlife for those looking to have fun. Most of these activities are centred on Zahran Street, which runs through the heart of the city. In addition to several pubs and gastro pubs, there are plenty of options for a quiet drink or a lively night of dancing.

During your stay, be sure to shop for artisanal handmade goods, including coffee pots, textiles, and jewellery. The best place to buy jewellery is the Gold Souk, located just off King Faisal Street. For handicrafts, visit Rainbow Street, where you can find a variety of unique items. Additionally, Amman has many shopping centres that offer Western fashion designers, and you’ll also come across pop-up markets on various streets selling handwoven Bedouin robes and much more.