🏺 AMMAN, JORDAN – The Ultimate Local’s Guide for US Travelers
Marhaba, friends! I'm your Amman guide, here to show you why Jordan's capital is the Middle East's most underrated gem. As a US traveler, you'll love our $2 falafel, ancient ruins, and Bedouin hospitality – all with perfect English spoken everywhere. Let's explore like a true Ammani!
🌞 3-Day Amman Itinerary (Like a Local)
🏛️ DAY 1: Ancient Hills & Street Eats
Morning – Citadel Sunrise
Jabal al-Qal'a – Walk through 7,000 years of history at the hilltop ruins (free before 8am).
Local Tip: The Temple of Hercules columns make perfect sunrise photos.
Midday – Downtown Feast
Hashem Restaurant – King Abdullah's favorite falafel joint (order ful medames with mint tea).
Habibah Sweets – Hot knafeh (cheese pastry) straight from the oven.
Afternoon – Roman & Rainbow Streets
Roman Theater – Climb the 2nd-century steps (2 JD entry).
Al Balad District – Hunt for vintage Arabic records at Souk Jara (Fridays only).
Night – Modern Meets Traditional
Fakhr El-Din – Upscale Lebanese in a 1920s villa (try the fattet hummus).
Books@Cafe – Rooftop shisha with downtown views.
🏜️ DAY 2: Day Trip to Wonders
Morning – Petra or Jerash
Petra Option (6am-9pm):
Hike the Monastery Trail for epic views
Local Secret: Al-Khubtha Trail shows the Treasury from above
Jerash Option (1hr north):
Walk the Cardo Maximus Roman roadCatch the chariot race reenactment (11am)
Evening – Hammam Relaxation
Al Pasha Turkish Bath – Scrub + massage for 25 JD (tip 5 JD extra).
🛍️ DAY 3: Local Life & Farewell Feast
Morning – Coffee & Culture
Rumi Cafe – Cardamom coffee with balcony views of the Citadel.
Jordan Museum – See the 9,500-year-old Ain Ghazal statues.
Afternoon – Souk Shopping
Souk al-Bukharia – Buy handmade olive soap and mankousheh (za'atar bread).
Local Tip: Say "Kam min?" (How much?) before bargaining.
Night – Mezze Feast
Sufra Restaurant – Best maqluba (upside-down rice dish) in town.
Darat al Funun – Art gallery night events with Amman's elite.
🍴 Must-Try Jordanian Foods
Mansaf – National dish (lamb + fermented yogurt sauce).
Falafel – Crispiest at Al-Quds downtown.
Zarb – Bedouin barbecue cooked underground.
Drink This:
Sahlab – Warm orchid root milk (winter only).
Limonana – Fresh mint lemonade.
⚠️ Local Tips
✅ Dress Code: Shoulders/knees covered at religious sites.
🚕 Transport: Uber works perfectly (3-5 JD per ride).
💵 Money: 1 JD = $1.41 – ATMs everywhere.
🌟 Final Local’s Advice
"Amman is a city of layers – literally! We build new apartments atop Roman ruins. Eat with your hands, drink endless tea with strangers, and never say no to a second helping. Ahlan wa sahlan!" – Cheap Trips Guide
Need a private Dead Sea guide or secret rooftop bar? DMs open! 🏊♂️
🗣️ Essential Arabic Phrases
"Keef halak?" (To men) / "Keef halik?" (To women) = How are you?
"Mumtaaz!" = Excellent!
"Yalla!" = Let's go!
Want a custom itinerary for history buffs or foodies? Just ask! 🏛️🍢
