Archaeological Site of Jerash

Jerash (Ancient Gerasa) looks like Rome in the Middle East. It's a sprawling Greco-Roman city where chariot ruts still groove the 800-metre Colonnaded Street. Start at Hadrian’s Arch (AD 129), then explore the Oval Plaza, ringed by 56 Ionic columns, and the Temple of Artemis looming above. Don’t miss the South Theatre: climb to the top tiers to test acoustics so sharp you’ll hear coins drop on stage. Unlike Petra, Jerash feels blissfully crowd-free. Expert guides help decode the ruins, telling you stories of chariot races, temple intrigues and bubbling marble fountains.

• Web:

  international.visitjordan.com/Wheretogo/Jerash

• More info:

  About 50 minutes away from Amman.

Children's Museum

Amman's Children's Museum is surprisingly delightful. There are plenty of interactive exhibits allowing the young ones to get a hands-on approach to learning about the world, from the inner workings of the human digestive system to the mechanics of a car. Adults will enjoy continuing on to the Royal Automobile Museum next door.

• Web:

  www.cmj.jo

• Address:

  King Abdullah II Street, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 541 1479

Citadel Hill

The capital's most important historic landmark is an entire area known as the Citadel, perched on top of Amman's highest elevation — the Jabal al-Qal'a hill. Its story dates back to as early as the Bronze Age, with various epochs bringing cultures and peoples who have all left their mark here. The Citadel's two primary attractions are the ancient Temple of Hercules (162-166 AD) and the Ummayad Palace dating back to the 8th century.

• Web:

  www.touristjordan.com/amman-citadel

Darat Al Funun

Darat Al Funun unites contemporary Arab art with layered history. Housed in a gracefully restored 1920s complex, its rotating exhibitions unfold alongside Byzantine ruins, including a 6th-century church at the entrance. The hillside gardens frame panoramic views of Amman, making this as much an architectural pilgrimage as an art destination.

• Web:

  daratalfunun.org

• Address:

  Nadim Al-Mallah Street 13, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 464 3251

• Opening hours:

  Sat–Thu 10am–7pm. Open until 3pm during Ramadan. Closed in August

Jordan Museum

The Jordan Museum offers a chronological journey through 1.5 million years of history, from Paleolithic tools to modern Jordanian culture. As the country’s premier cultural institution, it houses globally significant artefacts like the 9,700-year-old ‘Ain Ghazal statues — the world’s oldest human figurines — and fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Exhibits pair these treasures with bilingual (English/Arabic) narratives that contextualise Jordan’s archaeological legacy without overwhelming casual visitors. The museum’s modern galleries balance education and aesthetics, with interactive displays and temporary exhibitions ensuring fresh perspectives. Allot two hours to appreciate its dual role as research hub and national showcase.

• Web:

  www.jordanmuseum.jo

• Address:

  Ali Ben Abi Taleb Street 10, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 462 9317

• Opening hours:

  Sat–Mon, Wed & Thu 9am–6pm; Fri 3pm–7pm; Tue closed

Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts

The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts offers a refreshing counterpoint to Amman’s ancient ruins. It showcases contemporary works from across the Islamic world in two airy buildings that flank a sculpture-dotted park. Founded in 1980 under royal patronage, its collection spans 2,000 pieces: from provocative Palestinian installations to delicate Sudanese weavings. Be sure to check the rotating exhibitions in Building 1. Building 2 anchors the experience. Start at the ground-floor, then work your way up through bold Jordanian abstracts before rewarding yourself at the top-floor café. Its terrace overlooks Jabal al-Luweibdeh’s artsy rooftops, perfect for reflecting over mint tea after browsing the art library’s curated books. Free from crowds (and mercifully air-conditioned), it’s where Amman’s creative pulse feels most immediate.

• Web:

  www.nationalgallery.org

• Address:

  Jabal Al-Luweibdeh, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 463 0128