Where to Stay in Amman: Easy Area Guide (2023)

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Looking for the best areas to stay in Amman, Jordan? You’re in the right place! This post outlines the best areas and places to stay in Amman for first-timers.

Before we visited Amman, we had no idea about the different circles and neighbourhoods, and it took us a while to get our heads around what to expect in this bustling capital city in Jordan!

Amman is a great city. It’s known for its good balance of tradition and culture, with a mix of ancient remains and historical ruins, as well as a vibrant and fun city atmosphere. If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s worth staying for at least 2-3 nights.

Whilst it’s not as modern and tech-savvy as neighbours like Tel Aviv and Neom (you won’t find many chains or brands) it has a lot to offer, and over the past few years, it has become more and more of a tourist hotspot.

But Amman is big – really big – and it’s important to know the best areas to stay in Amman for tourists. So, let’s get started!

Other Jordan posts:

• What to do in Wadi Rum: Ultimate Guide for First-Timers
• Where to stay in Wadi Rum: Best Desert & Bubble Camps Explained
• Jordan 7 Day Itinerary: The Perfect Week Trip

Where to stay in Amman: A Summary

It’s important to know that Amman is built on seven hills. These hills are made up of circles (roundabouts), which are named the First-Eighth Circle.

Generally speaking, Western Amman is more liberal and visited by tourists than Eastern Amman.

Most of the hostels, hotels and nightlife are located in Western Amman.

We stayed in a few different areas, and it’s easy enough to get around using Uber or a hire car. Just be prepared for a bit of traffic! If you’re worried about driving in Amman, you can check out my full guide on driving in Jordan here.

There are seven main areas in Amman that I recommend for tourists or first-time visitors. Those areas are:

• Jabal Amman: for backpackers and solo travellers
• Shumaysani (Shmeisani): a budget-friendly location in the centre of Amman
• Jabal Al Weibdeh (Paris Square): a hipster, gentrified area in Amman
• Old Downtown Amman (Wasat Al Balad): the oldest area in Amman
• New Downtown (Abdali): the most modern area in Amman
• Al Swaifyeh: for the best nightlife
• Abdoun: the biggest expat area in Amman

As previously mentioned, you can travel between the areas and circles in Amman via Uber regardless of what area you are staying in, so don’t worry too much.

Some of the neighbourhoods listed are also close together. This means it is either walkable or a short distance from the next circle or area in Amman, so you can visit other areas easily!

Best hostels in Amman for backpackers

There are hostels all over Amman, and whichever hostel you choose, you’ll be likely to meet other backpackers wanting to explore the city.

All of the following hostels are centrally located, have excellent reviews and all of the basic facilities we as backpackers require. As always, be sure to check the Hostelworld reviews before booking, as things can change quickly!

BEST HOSTELS IN AMMAN:

• The Castle Star Hostel (near the Citadel): ➡ BOOK AND READ THE REVIEWS NOW

• Carob Hostel (downtown Amman): ➡ BOOK AND READ THE REVIEWS NOW

• Battuta Hostel (downtown Amman): ➡ BOOK AND READ THE REVIEWS NOW

• Nomads Hostel (Jabal Amman): ➡ BOOK AND READ THE REVIEWS NOW

• The Cabin Hostel (near the Citadel): ➡ BOOK AND READ THE REVIEWS NOW

• Jordan Tower Hostel (downtown Amman): ➡ BOOK AND READ THE REVIEWS NOW

Best areas to stay in Amman

Below I have listed the best areas to stay in Amman, along with some of the best accommodations. Be sure to read the description of each area carefully, so that you can stay in an area in Amman best suited to you.

1) Jabal Amman: best area for backpackers

I recommend staying in Jabal Amman if you’re visiting Amman as a backpacker.

Jabal Amman still has the ‘old town’ feel of Amman to it, as well as having modern cafes, bars and restaurants. It’s also close to old downtown Amman, so you can travel there easily to immerse yourself in the Jordanian culture further.

Jabal Amman is also a good base for visiting the ancient ruins in the city, like the Citadel and Roman Theatre. From most hostels and balconies, you can see the ruins in the distance!

Jabal Amman is also home to Rainbow Street, which is one of the most popular tourist streets in Amman.

Walk along the cobbled streets lined with colourful lanterns and aesthetic rainbow steps. Mingle with friendly locals and quirky shops with singing parakeets out front. It’s definitely an experience!

TOP TIP: Most of the graffiti in Amman has a story. Take a graffiti or walking tour to learn about its history first-hand. Some tell heartbreaking stories of loss and war, whilst others show metaphors of how they’ve interpreted their lives. Take a free walking tour to find out more!

BEST ACCOMMODATION IF YOU’RE STAYING IN JABAL AMMAN

• Nomads Hostel: If you’re backpacking Amman and Jordan solo and want to meet like-minded travellers. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!

• The House Boutique Suites: for a luxury stay in Jabal Amman. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

• Jabal Amman Hotel (Heritage House): For couples and groups visiting Amman for the first time. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

2) Shmeisani: best area for first-timers

Shmeisani is the perfect place to stay in Amman if you are visiting for the first time. It’s located in the heart of the city and is close to most of the main attractions, the five-star hotels and shopping malls.

Even if you want to travel around to other parts of Amman, you can easily find transport here, as you’re well-connected to the rest of the city!

Shmeisani has a vibrant Jordanian culture with traditional restaurants and a Middle Eastern atmosphere, and you can expect loud music and a fun atmosphere.

It’s full of fun, quirky cafes and bars, and is home to one of the biggest shopping malls in Amman.

Throughout Shmeisani, there are a number of luxury hotels and apartments. although you can also find backpacker hostels.

It’s a great area in Amman to stay in if you’re visiting for the first time!

BEST ACCOMMODATION IF YOU’RE STAYING IN SHMEISANI, AMMAN

• W Amman: for a 5* hotel in Shmeisani, within walking distance of all of the best attractions ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

• Celino Hotel: for couples on a budget in Shmeisani ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

• Coral Towers: for a modern hotel with breakfast, an onsite restaurant and a great location ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

3) Al Swaifyeh: best area for nightlife

Al Swaifyeh (often referred to as ‘Swefieh’) is perfect for budget, partying backpackers.

Al Swaifyeh in Amman is where the cheapest accommodation is, as well as the late-night party places and bars.

It’s also known for bringing in tourists and locals from all over the country for its nightlife! If you’re visiting, check out G Club Lounge for late-late night dancing, or Dubliners for an Irish pub experience in the Middle East!

BEST ACCOMMODATION IF YOU’RE STAYING IN AL SWAIFYEH, AMMAN

• Jawharet Alswefiah Hotel Suites: for travellers on a tight budget in Amman ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

• Comfort Suites Hotel: for another budget option in Amman ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

• The Strand Hotel: for a hotel in Al Swaifyeh with free breakfast ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

4) Al Madinah: best area for history and culture

Al Madinah surrounds the Citadel, the historical centre of the city. Here you can find the only ancient Roman ruins, outside of Italy, in the world.

Al Madinah is also home to some of the oldest buildings in Amman, ancient stonework and some colourful and bustling markets.

It’s a great place to stay in Amman if you would like to experience both the old and new of the city, and it’s centrally located.

BEST ACCOMMODATION IF YOU’RE STAYING IN AL MADINAH, AMMAN

• Rafi Hotel: for a basic hotel in Al Madinah ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW

• Rainbow House Hostel: for backpackers wanting to be close to the ancient ruins. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!

Top tips for visiting Amman for the first time

🚗 Driving in Amman can be pretty hectic. Unless you are a confident driver, I recommend leaving your hire car at the airport and taking a taxi into the city. We did drive in Amman, and found it to be ok; we just hit a lot of traffic! If you’re unsure, I’ve written a driving in Jordan guide to help you.

🇯🇴 Jordan is an Islamic country, and it’s important to dress respectfully when visiting. Even if you’re in a more ‘westernised’ area, it doesn’t hurt to still wear clothes that would be acceptable anywhere else in the country. If you’re unsure about what to wear, check out my detailed guide about dressing in Jordan here.

🌃 West Amman is the busiest tourist area of Amman, is is more visited by tourists than Eastern Amman. This includes backpackers, holiday-makers and expats living in Amman.

💻 Wifi isn’t always widely available in Amman, although it is improving. I recommend either buying a local SIM card or buying an eSIM. ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing. You can check out Jordan eSIMs here!

🗣️ Jordan’s main language is Arabic, but most people will speak basic English. We had no problem talking and communicating with the Amman locals!

💰Currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dollar (JD). It currently has a similar exchange rate to GBP. This makes it easy to convert quickly!

💦 The tap water in Amman isn’t safe to drink, so I used my filter water bottle to keep myself hydrated. This specific bottle can be used all over the world in water that isn’t suitable to drink without filtering.

Where else to stay if you’re visiting Jordan for the first time

If you’re travelling around Jordan for the first time, these are some of the best hotels and hostels. 

🇯🇴 WADI RUM

• Bubble dome: UFO Luxotel has classic bubble dome rooms, with views overlooking the desert. ➡ BOOK AND READ REVIEWS NOW

• Traditional Bedouin tent: Wadi Rum Desert Adventures is one of the most popular authentic desert camps in Wadi Rum. ➡ BOOK AND READ REVIEWS NOW

🇯🇴 PETRA

• Hotel: Petra Sky Hotel: A hotel close to Petra’s entrance that’s cheap, includes breakfast and has a decent-sized room.

• Hostel: Petra Boxtel Hostel: for backpackers and solo travellers. ➡ BOOK AND READ REVIEWS NOW

Where to stay in Amman: FAQs

1) Which is the best area to stay in Amman?

Shmeisani is the perfect place to stay in Amman if you are visiting for the first time. It is located in the heart of the city and is close to most of the capital city’s main attractions.

It is a neighbourhood in the Al-Abdali district in north-western Jordan. It’s safe, easy to get around and has plenty of accommodations to choose from.

BEST ACCOMMODATION IF YOU’RE STAYING IN OR NEAR SHMEISANI

• W Amman: for a 5* hotel in Shmeisani, within walking distance of all of the best attractions ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

• Celino Hotel: for couples on a budget in Shmeisani ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

• Coral Towers: for a modern hotel with breakfast, an onsite restaurant and a great location ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

2) How do I get to Amman from the airport?

🚗 By car: Amman International Airport to the city centre is around a 30-minute drive (traffic dependent). It is a direct straight road (as most driving in Jordan is) all the way from the airport to Amman. Check out my driving in Jordan guide here.

🚕 By taxi: It will cost around £20 (20 JD) for a one-way trip from the airport to Amman city centre.

🚎 By public transport: There is a public bus (Sariyah Airport Express Bus) which runs from the airport to Amman city centre, but it does take around an hour. It will only cost roughly £3 (3.50 JD) for a one-way ticket.

➡ Need to hire a car in Jordan? We rented our car in Jordan from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗 LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN JORDAN NOW!

3) What are the best things to do in Amman?

Here are some of the best things to do in Amman:

• Visit the Citadel, home to the city’s ancient Roman ruins. The Citadel includes a Roman Theatre and the iconic Umyadd Palace.

• Head downtown for The King Abdullah Mosque, which tourists are allowed to enter for a small fee. Make sure you’ve dressed appropriately!

• Experience the nightlife. Whether it’s on Rainbow Street or Al Swaifyeh, make sure you experience an Amman party!

• Walk around the hustle and bustle of the colourful souks (markets). Souk Mango, Gold Souk and Souk El-Khodra are all located downtown, so you can easily visit all three.

• EAT! Eat, eat and eat some more. Some of the best food we had in Jordan was in Amman. I only eat vegetarian food when we travel, and there were so many options. There’s plenty to choose from, and make sure you try a Knafeh for dessert!

Amman is a city full of life, and to be honest, some of my favourite memories were made when we walked around the streets, spotting good viewpoints and meeting the locals.

We felt welcomed in every corner of Amman and loved it!

4) What are the best day trips from Amman?

If you have a bit of extra time in Amman, I recommend the following day trips:

• Amman to Jerash Day trip: Either hire a private driver or hire a car to visit the ancient ruins in Jerash. Jerash was a Greek and Roman settlement, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. You can see well-preserved Roman architecture including temples, the amphitheatre and plazas.

• Amman to Petra: Amman to Petra is a long journey. If you want to see Petra properly, I’d recommend staying overnight. I’ve written about what you can expect in Petra here and listed the best places to stay when you visit.

• Amman to the Dead Sea: The Dead Sea isn’t too far from Amman, and it’s one I recommend booking a tour for. Finding a public beach at the Dead Sea can be time-consuming, as most of the beach is used by private hotels. We visited the Dead Sea via the Crowne Hotel (we didn’t stay there, we just paid for a day pass to access the Dead Sea). You can either do this or book a Dead Sea tour here.

5) Is Amman safe to visit?

Amman, like all other cities in the world, will have a varying degree of safety. However, we felt safe during our trip to Amman, especially during the day.

If we were walking at night, we would stick to busy or well-lit areas, and get a taxi for longer journeys. In general, the locals in Amman were kind, welcoming and friendly.

Overall, Amman is a safe city to visit and is safe for solo female travellers. If you’re worried, stay in a backpacker hostel to make friends and meet new people to explore Amman with.

6) Is Amman worth visiting?

Yes! Amman is so worth visiting when backpacking in Jordan. Even as a person who doesn’t love cities, I fell in love with Amman.

From the culture and history to the fun and bustling atmosphere, plus the welcoming locals and delicious food, it’s a city that should be on every backpacker’s bucket list.

If you’re visiting for the first time, I recommend spending at least 2-3 nights there!

7) Is Amman a walkable city?

Amman is built on seven hills, and you can feel this on your calves when you’re walking around! Wear a pair of good shoes, expect the incline and be wary of the midday sun.

Walking between certain areas is doable, but if you want to travel further from your accommodation, you can book an Uber or jump in a taxi.

8) How many days do you need in Amman?

Spend at least 2-3 nights exploring Amman. There’s a lot to see and do, and if you’re like us, you won’t want to miss out on anything. If we were to return, we would spend a little longer (around 4-5 nights) to really get to know it better.

9) Can you drink alcohol in Amman?

Even though Jordan is an Islamic country, alcohol is allowed in Amman. However, it can be hard to find!

You will have to seek out bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, as a lot won’t – and we found this to be the same all over the country. However, most bars will have shisha.

10) What tours should I do in Jordan? 

Looking to book a tour in Jordan? Tours are one of the best ways to see the hidden gems of the country you are visiting. If you’re travelling during peak season, I highly recommend pre-booking your tours to ensure you don’t miss out!

When travelling, we use this company to book our tours. Tours include skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else! 

Some of the best tours in Jordan include: 

• Scuba diving in the Red Sea ➡ BOOK NOW!
• Private Petra tour with transfers ➡ BOOK NOW!
• Day trip to the Dead Sea from Amman ➡ BOOK NOW!

➡ Check out more tours for your trip here!

11) Do I need a SIM card to travel around Jordan? 

Yes, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

12) Do I need a car to travel around Jordan?

Driving in Jordan is safe and straightforward. Some of the main attractions are a distance away from each other, so to maximise your time in the country, you may want to hire a car. 

If you’re looking to hire a car in Jordan, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in Jordan now!

Where to stay in Amman: In A Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about where to stay in Amman if you are visiting for the first time. 

When you’re planning a trip to Jordan, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Jordan content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

​​Visiting Jordan? Check out my other posts below:

• Is The Jordan Pass Worth It? A Must-Read Before Purchasing!
• Petra: Best Places to Stay Near the Entrance
• Tipping in Jordan: Everything You Need To Know