Destination of the Week: Amman, Jordan
Tuesday, November 25th, 2008
Amman is a city with ancient and modern aspects. It was the site of historic events from the Roman Empire and from biblical times. It is also a modern metropolis that features shopping, restaurants and an under-the-radar nightlife.
The city has two distinct parts. West Amman is the modern commercial capital of the city. East Amman is much older, with many aged buildings made from white stone.
It is surprising that Jordan isn’t more of a tourist destination. It has a diverse population of Jordanians, Palestinians, Armenians and Iraqis and most residents have a working knowledge of English. Residents of Jordan are known throughout the Near East for their hospitality.
There are several famous buildings that date back to the waning years of the Roman Empire. One is the remains of the Temple of Herakles, which dates back to the 5th century.
The Citadel sits directly in the middle of Amman. Aside from offering great views of the surrounding area, it houses what is probably one of the best tourist sites in the country, The National Archaeological Museum. Though the museum is small compared to its counterparts in Egypt, it houses an impressive array of antiquities, including some parts of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls.
Amman is a shopper’s city. Modern malls like Mecca Mall, The City Mall and Plaza Mall dot the city. Old Amman features a downtown area, called Balad, which has independent shops and old-style markets. Prices here are not clearly marked and purchasing anything means you will have to bargain hard.
Amman is a modern city, so there are plenty of Western-inspired restaurant chains. The best places to eat have a decidedly Middle Eastern flare. Local eateries have bean-based dishes like falafel and hummus as well as rice and meat dishes, lamb being the meat of choice.
There are a few nightlife spots in West Amman. No, it’s not the scene of Beirut or Tel Aviv, but it’s fun enough, especially on the weekends.