This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Amman.
Amman is the capital city of the Kingdom of Jordan in the Middle East. Here you'll find many restaurants serving local Middle Eastern and Arabic cuisine, such as shwarma (a meat dish), pita breads, mansaf (the national dish of Amman), falafel, and hummus. A number of more Western restaurants are also beginning to appear within the city. There are also a number of museums; art galleries; shisha or hookah cafes; citadels; and souqs (traditional Middle Eastern markets), selling herbs, spices, dried fruits, paintings, trinkets, and rugs. There is also a growing nightlife in Amman, with a number of nightclubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants opening up around the city.
There is a broad range of accommodation options in Amman, with plenty of modern resorts and luxury hotels for travelers wanting to splurge. There are many hostels in Amman for budget travelers. Amman hostels are usually good value for money, and include free Wi-Fi and internet, complimentary breakfast, complimentary tea throughout the day, a roof terrace, communal areas, and sometimes free shisha. Most hostels in Amman also have English-speaking staff members, who are happy to provide information about local attractions, tours, and events. Hostels in Amman can usually also arrange airport pickup and dropoff, ensuring that visitors won’t get ripped off when they first arrive into the city.
Jordan is an Islamic country, and though it's quite a liberal country in the Arabic world, women are still advised to dress modestly to avoid unwanted male attention, and avoid offending any local people. A headscarf is generally not required unless visiting a religious site, however a long skirt, or pants, with a long-sleeved top is recommended. Even men should avoid wearing shorts, or walking the streets topless, as this can be seen as disrespectful in some areas.
Written by local enthusiast for Amman hostels
Kelly Sheldrick
