Where is the best place to stay in Amman?
By Sarah Bowtell. September 14, 2023
A delightful blend of ancient and modern, Amman is a great city to explore for a couple of days before heading south to visit Jordan’s world-famous attractions including Petra and Wadi Rum. The city was originally built on seven hills and boasts some impressive historic sites, notably the Roman Theatre and the hilltop Citadel. This isn’t just a place for history buffs though, Amman offers an excellent introduction to the region’s culture and is a top spot to discover local foodie delights. Amman’s also perfectly placed for day trips to the Roman city of Jerash or the fascinating Dead Sea.
Amman’s expansion across the hills over the years has created a number of neighbourhoods and at first glance it can be a bit tricky to know where best to base yourself. For most visitors, Shmeisani will be the best area to stay in Amman, thanks to its convenient location, modern accommodation and nearby shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for a comfortable place to rest after a day of sightseeing within easy reach of all of the main areas for history, shopping, nightlife and culture, then Shmeisani is a great option with a good range of accommodation.
If you are interested in where to stay in Amman, you may also be interested in where to stay in Cairo, where to stay in Istanbul, where to stay in Tunis and where to stay in Tel Aviv.
Shmeisani, the best area to stay in Amman
Best for Easy Access and Modern Accommodation
Shmeisani is located in the very centre of Amman and is home to plenty of modern hotels, making it a convenient and comfortable spot for exploring the city. This bustling business district sits just north of Fourth Circle, making it easy to take a taxi to the traditional and historic area of Downtown to the east or the modern area of Swefieh to the west.
The neighbourhood has plenty of shops and restaurants and better still, staying in Shmeisani means you’re within walking distance of Abdali, often referred to as New Downtown, and Abdali Mall. A short taxi ride will take you to the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts and nearby trendy Weibdeh, a great spot to stop for a coffee and discover shops selling local handicrafts and art.
Shmeisani really offers the best of everything, with plenty of modern accommodation for all budgets.
Other areas to stay in Amman
Rainbow Street
Best for Nightlife and Culture
Taking a walk down lively, café-lined Rainbow Street, you’ll be in no doubt why staying in this area (known as Jabal Amman) is perfect if you want to be in walking distance of a range of bar and food options and explore the artisan side of the city.
Strolling down Rainbow Street, you’ll spot art galleries nestled amongst falafel and ice cream shops. You can take a rest at a café or head to a lively rooftop bar. Thursday nights are particularly popular in this area when the Jordanian weekend begins. If you visit on a Friday in summer, you’ll have the chance to wander through the impressive handicraft market at Souk Jara. What’s more, from Rainbow Street you can wander down to Downtown or take a short taxi ride to the trendy area of Weibdeh.
Most accommodation in this area is mid-range, although you can find both luxury and budget-friendly options.
Downtown
Best for Budget Accommodation / History / and Traditional Food
Also referred to as Al-Balad, Al-Madinah or Old Town, Downtown is one of the most traditional areas of Amman and perfect for travellers on a budget who want to be close to the historical sites. You won’t find Western-style restaurants here but instead you’ll be greeted by some of the best food the city has to offer.
If you’re keen to try Amman’s most famous hummus restaurant or feast on Kunafeh, a mouthwatering sugar-soaked dessert layered with cheese and nuts, then this is the area for you. As well as all manner of shops and market stalls selling everything from clothes to gold, there’s easy access to the historic ruins of the Citadel and the Roman Theatre. This is the place to stay if you want to be immersed in Jordanian culture and are looking for the most budget-friendly accommodation.
However, if you’re looking for a hotel with amenities and modern facilities, other areas would suit you better.
Swefieh
Best for Shopping and Nightlife
Covering the area between Sixth and Seventh Circles, Swefieh is a modern, lively district to the west of Amman, perfect if you’re looking for shopping and nightlife. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, and the area is known for its varied shopping options with a number of malls.
Although further out from the historical area, Swefieh is a great neighbourhood to stay in if you’re looking to sample the city’s nightlife as you’ll find numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. Amman is not the most walkable of cities, but the Swefieh area boasts wide pedestrian-friendly zones such as Wakalat Street. The neighbourhood also often hosts events, including live music and seasonal markets. Despite the glitzy modern shopfronts, there are plenty of budget-friendly and mid-range accommodation options available.
It’s easy to take a taxi to other areas of the city such as Downtown and Rainbow Street, while affluent Abdoun is the next neighbourhood over.
Abdoun
Best for Luxury Accommodation and a Quieter Neighbourhood
Abdoun is a wealthy residential area, which is home to many of the city’s embassies. As such, it’s ideal if you’re looking for a quieter high-end stay. On the fringes of Abdoun, around Fifth Circle, you’ll find several high-end hotels. These are great options if you’re looking for your accommodation to include facilities such as spas, swimming pools, bars and restaurants.
Abdoun is conveniently located between Jabal Amman and Sweifieh, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter neighbourhood with easy access to the bars and restaurants of nearby areas. This is also a popular district for expats with a mixture of traditional and Western-style cafes and eateries. In particular, you’ll find lots of places to eat around Abdoun Circle and for shopaholics, there’s Taj Mall and Abdoun Mall nearby.
Abdoun isn’t the place for you if you’re looking for a backpackers’ hostel but it’s great if you want a luxury hotel in a quieter neighbourhood.
Our recommended hotels in Amman
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in AmmanNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
