Discover
The Soul of Jordan
The People
A Kingdom Built on Kindness
Jordan's 11 million people represent a mosaic of cultures — Bedouin, Circassian, Armenian, and Palestinian communities living side by side. What unites them is an extraordinary generosity of spirit.
In Jordan, a stranger is simply a friend you haven't shared coffee with yet. This ancient code of honor — called "Diyafa" — makes every visitor feel not just welcomed, but cherished.
With 95% literacy, a thriving tech sector, and the highest concentration of engineers per capita in the MENA region, Jordan bridges tradition and modernity with remarkable grace.
What Jordan Is Known For
Six Pillars of the Kingdom
Legendary Hospitality
Jordanians are renowned for their warmth. From Bedouin desert camps to Amman's cosmopolitan cafes, every encounter begins with a welcome — and often ends with an invitation to share a meal.
A Culinary Crossroads
Mansaf (the national dish of lamb in fermented yogurt), fresh falafel, knafeh from Nablus, and Za'atar-kissed breakfasts. Jordan's cuisine tells the story of trade routes spanning continents.
Living Traditions
The sound of the oud in Amman's souks, Dabke folk dances at celebrations, and the call to prayer echoing across ancient minarets — Jordan's cultural pulse is vibrant and unbroken.
Cradle of Civilizations
Home to some of humanity's oldest settlements, Jordan has been shaped by Nabataeans, Romans, Byzantines, and Islamic empires — each leaving architectural and cultural masterpieces.
Natural Wonders
From the lowest point on Earth at the Dead Sea to the coral gardens of Aqaba, and the moon-like valleys of Wadi Rum — Jordan's geography is spectacularly diverse.
Bedouin Heritage
The Bedouin people, Jordan's original inhabitants, maintain traditions of desert navigation, herbal medicine, poetry, and a code of hospitality that forms the nation's cultural backbone.
Local Food
Where Locals Eat
From hole-in-the-wall falafel shops to family-run mansaf houses — these are Jordan's beloved dining institutions.
Hashem Restaurant
BudgetDowntown Amman
Open since 1952, Hashem is Amman's most beloved falafel institution. Royalty and presidents have eaten here — often rubbing elbows with locals. Cash only, always bustling.
Must try: Falafel, Hummus, Ful Medames
Sufra Restaurant
Mid-rangeRainbow Street, Amman
Set in a beautifully restored 1940s villa, Sufra serves classic Jordanian home cooking in an elegant setting. A favourite for Mansaf, Maqluba, and mezze feasts.
Must try: Mansaf, Maqluba, Mixed Mezze
Tawaheen Al-Hawa
Mid-rangeSweifieh, Amman
A long-standing Amman institution known for its generous mezze spreads and traditional grilled meats. Outdoor terrace with panoramic city views.
Must try: Grilled Lamb Chops, Fattoush, Kibbeh
Rakwet Arab
BudgetParis Square, Amman
A charming old-school café beloved for its thick Arabic coffee, fresh juices, and light bites. The kind of place where you linger for hours over conversation.
Must try: Arabic Coffee, Knafeh, Za'atar Manaqeesh
Jafra Restaurant & Café
BudgetDowntown Amman
A beloved downtown cultural space with poetry readings, live Arabic music, and a warm bohemian atmosphere. Vintage radios and old photographs line the walls.
Must try: Mezze Spread, Mint Lemonade, Knafeh
Captain's Restaurant
Mid-rangeAqaba Waterfront
Aqaba's best-known seafood restaurant, right on the Red Sea waterfront. Fresh catch daily — grilled whole fish, calamari, and shrimp with a view of the gulf.
Must try: Grilled Hammour, Calamari, Seafood Mezze
Entertainment
Music, Culture & Nightlife
Amman has a surprisingly vibrant arts and nightlife scene — from jazz bars and rooftop clubs to live Dabke performances and open-air concerts.
Books@Cafe
Bar & Live MusicRainbow Street, Amman Noon – 2 AM
Amman's most iconic hangout — a multi-level venue with a bookshop, café, rooftop bar, and live music nights. A creative hub for artists, writers, and music lovers since 1997.
Blue Fig Café & Bar
Rooftop BarAbdoun, Amman 4 PM – 2 AM
A stylish rooftop lounge in Amman's upscale Abdoun district. Known for craft cocktails, live DJ sets on weekends, and a relaxed upscale atmosphere.
Jafra
Cultural Café & MusicDowntown Amman 10 AM – Midnight
A beloved downtown cultural space with poetry readings, live Arabic music, and Dabke folk dance performances. The place to experience Amman's authentic artistic underground.
The Jordan Museum
Culture & ArtsRas Al-Ain, Amman Tue–Sun, 10 AM – 7 PM
Jordan's premier cultural institution, housing artifacts from 1.5 million years of history including the Dead Sea Scrolls display. Regularly hosts cultural nights and exhibitions.
Amman Jazz Bar
Jazz & CocktailsShmeisani, Amman 8 PM – 2 AM
Intimate live jazz venue in the heart of Shmeisani. Local and international jazz acts perform Thursday through Saturday. Sophisticated atmosphere with an excellent cocktail menu.
Royal Film Commission
Cinema & Film4th Circle, Amman Screenings vary
Hosts the annual European and Arab film festivals, plus regular arthouse cinema screenings. One of Amman's most important cultural venues for cinema and the arts.
Wadi Rum Bedouin Nights
Desert EntertainmentWadi Rum Evening / Overnight
Experience traditional Bedouin entertainment under the stars — live oud music, Dabke dancing around a campfire, storytelling, and traditional zarb (underground BBQ).
District Urban Rooftop
Rooftop Bar & ClubShepherd Hotel, 2nd Circle, Amman 1 PM – Midnight (Happy Hour 1–7 PM)
Amman's most talked-about urban rooftop, perched atop the Shepherd Hotel in Jabal Amman. Sweeping panoramic city views, sophisticated decor blending contemporary art with rustic touches, and an international fusion menu. Known for cocktails, duck tacos, and lively weekend nights.
Nai Lounge
Club & DJSweifieh, Amman 10 PM – 3 AM
One of Amman's most popular nightclubs with international and regional DJs, Lebanese pop, and Arabic music. Smart casual dress code. Busiest on Thursday and Friday nights.
The Cuisine
Feasts of the Ancient World
Jordanian cuisine is a celebration of the earth — olive oil pressed from groves that have stood for centuries, wild herbs gathered from the hills of Ajloun, and recipes passed down through generations of Bedouin cooks.
Begin your morning with a spread of labneh, za'atar, and fresh-baked taboon bread. At sunset, gather around a communal platter of Mansaf — lamb slow-cooked in jameed (dried yogurt), served over fragrant rice with toasted almonds.
