Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Thank goodness for three opportunities to experience the authentic cuisine of Amman, Jordan. If you find yourself there, take the advice of Chef Tariq Nasir joins RealFoodTraveler.com to tell us where to eat. 

If you only had 24 hours to spend in any one location I can guarantee you won’t find a better destination then Amman, Jordan. The sights, sounds, cuisine and overall atmosphere are far from the usual places you might visit. The one downside is that there are so many activities you can spend your time on, that it could become overwhelming. Questions such as “Where are the best places to dine?” and “What are the most important landmarks are worth visiting?” will undeniably be on your mind.

This guide will help you decide how to spend 24 hours in Amman in the most efficient and action-packed way.

Get Your Breakfast Fill at Shams el Balad in Amman Jordan

When you first wake in Amman you will most likely be ready to get some food in your system and Shams el Balad has got you covered. This restaurant is a local treasure and their focus on fresh, local and delicious food which will get you powered up for your day of exploring the city.

Palestinian, Lebanese and Jordanian cuisines are served here so you are able to get a wide taste of Middle Eastern cuisine in one stylish and modern restaurant.

For breakfast I personally recommend the Green Eggs and Toast made with Khobeizeh scrambled eggs, mustard leaf labneh, and Foron Rex toast. If that doesn’t do it for you then you cannot go wrong with the Tomato Scramble consisting of Pan-fried akkawi cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, onions, and za’atar.

Shams el Balad. Photo courtesy Shams el Balad Facebook.

Explore Amman’s Historical Sites

After a delicious breakfast you will be energized and ready to explore what Amman has to offer. The first activity you should embark on is exploring Amman’s three most popular historical landmarks. These are the Roman Amphitheater, Temple of Hercules and The Citadel. These three destinations are a must see so it’s important to start your day with them so you don’t miss out.

The Roman Amphitheater is a beautiful marvel of architecture that fills you with an overwhelming feeling of intrigue and wonder. Even after 2000 years the theatre still functions and offers concerts and many other activities. With it’s well maintained appearance it is no surprise it is able to keep its place as one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Amman.

The Temple of Hercules features pillars that tower overhead and can be seen from all around the surrounding area. Standing still and looking around at the ruins can be surreal and can make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. The remaining hands from the statue of Hercules really do give you a feel for the sheer size of the statue and the temple as a whole must have been. This is not a place you want to skip during your exploration.

To visit Amman without seeing the Citadel, the important remaining ruins of an historic mosque. Being there around noon will allow you to hear the Ezan (the call for prayer). You can hear this call for prayer from dozens of mosques which surround the Citadel. It is a very cool experience and hearing it while standing in or around this archaeological landmark makes it even more special.

Roman Coliseum in Amman, Jordan. Photo courtesy Pixabay.com

Lunchtime at Zajal Grill 

This restaurant is housed in a historic building located right in the center of the action in downtown Amman. Views from the restaurant can be illuminating and a showcase of the hustle and bustle of the city. The regal interior of the restaurant is a former living space that has been renovated to bring out the historic charm and luxury.

A must-eat dish here is the Zajal Grill which consists of a large selection of bbq meats for you to enjoy. If you have room for dessert you should give Om Ali a try. It is made of puff pastry, custard and nuts and isn’t overly sweet which can be the perfect way to end your meal.

Zajal Cafe photo courtesy Zajal Cafe on Facebook.

Visit Bohemian Jabal Al Lweibdeh

Burning off your lunch can be done easily with a hill climb to Jabal Al Lweibdeh. This magnificent neighborhood in Amman, Jordan is a haven for expats and tourists alike. Its beauty lies in the relaxed atmosphere, quaint house designs from another era, and cultural blending that permeates the streets all around.

This neighborhood is actually well known as one of the oldest in the city of Amman but has been modernized as of late. With this modernization has come an abundance of niche stores, cafe’s and a burgeoning art scene that builds upon the legacy of popular art gallery Darat Al Funun. This gallery will treat you to historic pieces from the early 1900s, contemporary art from Arab creators on the rise and much more.

Take a load off at the trendy Rumi cafe, which is named after the famous Persian poet, for a late cup of tea. The outdoor terrace layout allows you to really take in your surroundings and see how the locals of this area live day to day.

Jabal al Lweibdeh. Photo courtesy Rumi Cafe Facebook page.

Dinner at Sufra

Take a taxi to the famous Rainbow Street off the 1st Circle in Jabal Amman. This street is full of cafes, restaurants, and shops and is part of the old part of the city. On Rainbow Street you will find Sufra, a traditional restaurant situated in an old Amman house, giving it very much the feeling of dining in someone’s home.

The food is authentic, tasty, and well done. You should try the mansef, the national dish of Jordan, which is a delicious meal of lamb and rice with a very unique yogurt sauce. But there is an extensive menu here that will be sure to have something on it that will appeal to everyone.

Sufra Restaurant photo credit Facebook.

After Dinner Drinks at District Urban Rooftop

After dinner you can take a nice walk up to the 2nd Circle where you can have an after dinner drink at District Urban Rooftop. This is a very modern space with both indoor and outdoor seating, a really nice bar and late night snacks. Nice views, good atmosphere, and good drinks make this the perfect end to a very busy day.

District Urban Rooftop photo courtesy Facebook.

Bonus:

If you still have stamina after visiting District, then it is time to visit one of the many nightclubs in Amman. Head over to Cube Lounge for dancing and dejayed music.

A different DJ every night provides the perfect backdrop to this very popular party spot. Many would not imagine that a place like Amman would have this kind of a nightlife and therefore miss a wonderful experience.

Another place to check out is CLUSTR. Open on a seasonal basis this place is worth seeing if you have the time.

To learn more about traveling in Amman, Jordan, visit the tourism website. 

Hungry for more? See what it’s like to harvest olives in Jordan in this article by Teresa Bergen.