The desert landscape around Amman is a fascinating environment ideal for hikes, horseback riding and the exploration of ancient ruins. Swimming is a great way to cool off, either at the beaches of the Dead Sea or the city’s Waves Water Park. Children of all ages should have no problem getting into the romance of the desert and all its unique facets.

Hiking
There are some amazing hikes just outside Amman that offer an excellent way to experience the beauty of the Jordanian desert. Wadi as-Seer is the best place to begin your explorations as it lies just 13 kilometres from the city. Its lengthy trails pass through picturesque valleys and traditional villages like Iraq al-Emir (the Caves of the Prince).

Horseback Riding
There’s a long tradition of horsemanship in Jordan, and Amman offers several ways to experience the desert on the back of an Arabian horse. For a quick romp, check out the city’s Princess Alia Riding Centre or the Arabian Horse Club. But for a real memory, head out of Amman to the town of Jelad and its Country Riding Centre of Jordan. Its lovely countryside trails will lead you into the thick of the desert and hilly forests.

King Hussein National Park
This diverse park on the western edge of Amman offers a range of recreational and cultural activities. A series of themed gardens provide a cool green place to relax or take a stroll, along with a playground for the kids. The Cultural Village and Arabic calligraphy studio at this popular park are definitely worth a look.

Swimming
The best way to beat the heat that pervades Amman through much of the year is to swim. The Dead Sea is close enough for an easy day trip, boasting a number of beaches and resorts along its shores. Many of the city’s nicer hotels have pools, some of which allow non-guests to cool off for a daily fee.

Waves Water Park
Amman’s premier water park is a hugely popular spot for the locals when summer temperatures begin to rise. There are several quiet pools where you can swim and relax, as well as a number of waterslides, wave pools and river rapids for more excitement. The park’s restaurants and facilities are top-notch, making this the best place in Amman to bring the kids.

Jordan may be a relatively new country, but its ancient territory is the site of some of the Middle East’s most important historical and religious centres. Amman’s museums house significant relics, and offer an in-depth look into the archaeology and culture of this part of the world. From its striking mosques and exotic bazaars to its rising art scene, there is plenty on the menu in Jordan’s capital.

Abu Darweesh Mosque
Amman’s most striking Islamic structure is this mosque that has a distinct three-dimensional chessboard character. All its ornate details are laid out in black and white patterns, creating an amazing overall image with its large dome and towering minaret.

Balad Souk
Located at the very heart of Amman’s oldest district is Balad Souk, a classic Middle Eastern market that epitomises the feel of a timeless desert bazaar. Even though modern development threatens to encroach on it, Balad is holding its own, providing locals and visitors with a sense of the exotic so elusive in today’s world. The surrounding old town of Balad itself is also worth a thorough exploration.

Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is the place where Moses first glimpsed the Promised Land and was eventually buried according to passages from the Torah and the Bible. This 800-metre hill located outside Amman near the Dead Sea makes an excellent day excursion for both its historic and scenic attributes. The panoramic views of the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, and even Jerusalem on a clear day are worth the trip alone.

Museum of Folklore, Costume and Jewellery
Everything from Bedouin mobile housing to traditional costumes from around the region is presented in this lively and interesting cultural museum. The folklore and customs of Jordanian life stretching back 200 years are presented in entertaining and educational exhibits featuring household items, musical instruments and traditional jewellery and crafts. Its restored theatre also puts on a great show about Jordanian culture before it became a modern nation.

National Gallery of Fine Arts
One of the world’s most extensive collections of Islamic art is housed in this massive museum dedicated to the region’s artistic legacy. Works have been assembled from more than 40 Muslim nations around the globe to present a comprehensive look at the fundamental aspects that tie Islamic artistic traditions together.

Rainbow Street
Amman’s trendiest district is Rainbow Street, an area in the midst of an artistic and cultural renaissance. The neighbourhood’s wonderfully restored historic homes are intermixed with hip cafés, boutique shops and art galleries. To get a sense of the creative direction Amman is heading in, spend some time exploring this vibrant street.

Unlike many other Middle Eastern cities, Amman is awash in international cuisine of all stripes. Everything from American fast-food chains to trendy fusion restaurants can be found in the capital, and the selection seems to increase with each passing year. The downtown area has a full range of eateries, but the most exclusive restaurants tend to be located in Amman’s five-star hotels. Rainbow Street is a good choice for quaint creative cafés, but there are always plenty of streetside vendors selling tasty kebabs, shawarmas, and other classic snacks.

The local cuisine tends towards typical Middle Eastern fare, with plenty of lamb, chicken, and legumes such as chickpeas. Pork is a glaring absentee to Amman’s menus because of Islamic dietary law. Be sure and try Amman’s local speciality mansaf, a wonderfully simple but delicious lamb and rice dish traditionally eaten with the hands.

Yoghurt finds its way onto every table, as well as classic cucumber and tomato salads to complement the main dishes. Jordanians have a real penchant for dessert so don’t miss out on the local favourite knafeh nabelseyyeh. Alcohol is legal in Amman, but difficult to find and very expensive.

Amman is a real shopper’s paradise, with plenty of the old and the new to choose from. Gleaming new malls create a nice balance with the ancient souks to provide visitors with both the latest Arabian fashions and some real treasures from the past. Best of all, Jordan’s 16 per cent sales tax is refundable upon departure. If it’s gold or silver jewellery you want, head straight to one of the city centre’s dozens of gold shops, where beautiful works of art are haggled over in timeless fashion. Amman’s public markets are also fascinating places to watch the locals going about their daily business, particularly Balad Souk (the city’s oldest), which is a tourist attraction in itself.

Amman’s most luxurious shopping centres are the Abdoun Mall and the Amman Mall. Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, these glitzy hangouts give a unique insight into the wealth of this nation. More traditional buys include embroidered textiles, kilim rugs, olive wood creations, Hebron glassware, and boxes inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Some great antique gems can be found in the souks if you forage deep enough.