In which district of Amman?

Are you going to Jordan to discover the charms of the Middle East? Discover the guide to the neighbourhoods where to stay in Amman!

Capital and largest city of the Jordan Amman is currently the oldest city in the world still inhabited. It is currently populated by more than 4 million inhabitants.

Capital of the Ammonites in the 13th century before our era, Amman was occupied by many civilizations during his multi-millenary history, including the Nabateans and the Romans. Named Philadelphia during the Roman Empire from 106 AD, she passed successively in the gallows of Ghassanides, Omeyyades, Abbassides and Ottomans. The city, chosen as the capital of Jordan in 1921, is a land for refugee populations of conflict in the region and fleeing the occupied territories (Palestinians, Syrians, Iraqis, Kuwaitis).

Are you afraid to visit or sleep in Amman? Jordan is a pole of stability in a crisis region. However, vigilance must remain in place. Nevertheless, Amman is not Damascus or Baghdad and can visit itself despite tensions related to Islamic terrorism in the Middle East. Moreover, the old town and its monuments have a rich history that is worth exploring. Here is our presentation of the neighborhoods where to stay in Amman.

Old town

The historic centre of Amman extends over seven steep hills. It is also the district renowned for being the most lively in the city. The old town is built around the Citadel, the Odeon and the Roman antique theatre, in a maze of small traditional streets. It is these two monuments that most tourists come to visit Amman, especially because they retrace the Roman domination of the region. The Roman ruins and the citadel also offer a superb viewpoint on the low city.

In this part of the city, there is a plethora of small shops worthy of the Counts of the 1 001 nights. Here, the merchants sell spices, clothing, gold, fruits and vegetables, various toys or cloths. It’s not the Grand Bazar of Istanbul, but the old souks of Amman. It is good to stroll around and feel the local popular life that frogs. To the north of the Roman theatre, go through the Temple of Hercules, the Palais des Ammonites, the Omeyyade Mosque, the Byzantine church, and then go to the Rainbow Street: it is the corner of restaurants and bars. It is a very central area where to stay in Amman.

Weibdeh

The Weibdeh district is west of the historic city centre. This area where staying in Amman is essential if you want to see Jordanian life outside the beaten paths. Here, a life of a small village is unveiled, with the withdrawal of large signs and tourist monuments. The district houses the French Institute and an Italian cultural centre, attracting many young intellectuals.

When you come to stay in Weibdeh, be sure to stroll around Paris Square, a very pleasant pedestrian area surrounded by small cafes and restaurants. Weibdeh is also full of small art galleries – made for example the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Art – and many terraces where you can relax while smoking the narguilé. The neighbourhood is often described as one of the best places to stay in Amman and one of the most enjoyable places to go.

Al Abdali

Al Abdali is a bit the modern town of Amman, where shopping centres, businesses, shops and leisure infrastructure are inherited. A modern atmosphere is therefore palpable, in contrast to the old city. Al Abdali is one of the 27 districts of Amman, located west of the historic city centre and was founded in 1940: it is therefore a very recent area. If you choose to come and stay in Al Abdali, know that it is mostly a residential area, with also government buildings and embassies.

Al Swaifyeh

Located at Wakalat Street, a pedestrian area, Al Swaifyeh is home to shops selling fashion items and luxury products. Again, there are cafés and tea shops. The neighborhood is a little away from the city: you can take a bus to go on a trip to the Dead Sea and to the archaeological remains of the city. City of Petra .