Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Best Places to Stay
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»Jordan InterContinental Hotel (
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)
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»Hisham Hotel (
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)
»
»Jordan Tower Hotel (
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)
»
»Caravan Hotel (
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)
»
»Palace Hotel (
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)
Why Go?
Jordan's capital city, Amman, is one of the easiest cities in the region to enjoy the Middle
East experience. The city has two distinct parts: urbane Western Amman, with leafy resid-
ential districts, cafes, bars, modern malls and art galleries; and earthy Eastern Amman,
where it's easier to sense the more traditional, conservative and Islamic pulse of the capit-
al.
At the heart of the city is the chaotic, labyrinthine 'downtown', a must-see of a capital
visit. At the bottom of the city's many hills, and overlooked by the magisterial Citadel, it
features spectacular Roman ruins and the hubbub of Jordanian life - best understood by
joining the locals in the nightly promenade between mosque, souq and coffeeshop.
When the intense conurbation of the city becomes claustrophobic, there are village es-
capes within the urban fringe - reminders that despite thousands of years of settlement,
Jordan remains a largely rural experience.
When to Go
The capital's hilly location brings sharp winds during cold winters making March to May
and October to November the best time for a visit.
If you can bear the claustrophobic heat of mid-summer which radiates off densely-
packed buildings and lurks in breezeless alleyways, then July and August is recommended
for the annual Jerash Festival. At this time the Roman Theatre comes alive and the capital
penchant for an evening promenade comes into its own.
In September, the Hakaya storytelling festival brings a Bedouin experience to the heart
of the city.
