Exactly a year ago, I was in Amman. One of my most memorable trip. Amman is a city of layers where ancient ruins rise above modern neighborhoods, and everyday life unfolds between echoes of empires. Streets here carry the aroma of spice and charcoal. Food is at the heart of everyday life here: from crisp falafel sizzling in downtown shops, to shared platters of mansaf that turn meals into rituals, to syrup-soaked kunafa enjoyed late into the night.
1. A modern city with modern infrastructure and
lovely people.
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2. Opposite downtown Amman, towards North. At the foot of the hill, 2nd century Roman Theatre built in honour of Emperor Antoninus Pius. Sun wasn't in the most favorable direction.
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3. And here is the Roman Theatre. the theatre was carved into the northern hillside of Amman, then known as
Philadelphia and designed to seat thousands of spectators.
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4. Amman Citadel sits atop one of the city’s highest hills, quietly watching over Amman’s history. Known locally as Jabal al-Qal‘a, the site has been inhabited for thousands of years, bearing traces of Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad civilizations. Walking through the Citadel feels like moving through time: the massive columns of the Temple of Hercules, the remnants of Byzantine churches, and the Umayyad Palace complex all coexist against sweeping views of modern Amman below.
Amman is a place where ancient history and everyday life are inseparably intertwined.
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5. Downtown during Amman food tour.
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6. Falafel Al Quds. They have 3 items in the menu - falafel sandwich, tea and Pepsi. Goes without saying, finest falafel! When you have a restaurant business built on just one item in the menu, it better be the best!
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7. Mansaf is Jordan’s national dish and a powerful symbol of hospitality, community, and tradition. At its core, mansaf is made of tender lamb cooked slowly in "jameed" a fermented, dried yogurt unique to the Levant then served over a large platter of rice and flatbread. It’s typically garnished with toasted almonds or pine nuts and eaten communally, often by hand, from a shared tray.
More than just food, mansaf represents respect and generosity in Jordan. It is traditionally prepared for weddings, holidays, and important gatherings, where sharing the dish signifies unity and honor. To be invited to eat mansaf is to be welcomed deeply - into a home, a family, or a moment of celebration.
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8.
Cafes of Amman could have been a series of its own. Amman reveals itself slowly through its hills, its conversations, and its cafés. Beyond the ancient stones and busy streets lies a vibrant café culture that shapes daily life in the city. Cafés in Amman are places to linger, not rush: friends gather for hours over Arabic coffee or mint tea, and conversations stretch from politics to poetry to music to war.
From neighborhood spots tucked into quiet streets to lively cafés along Rainbow Street, these spaces act as modern majlis welcoming, social, and deeply human. The aroma of freshly ground coffee blends with the hum of traffic and call to prayer, creating a rhythm that feels uniquely Ammani. In these cafés, the city pauses, reflects, and connects offering an intimate window into Amman’s soul.
9. Zghairon Cafe,
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10. Amman Story Coffee Place
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11. "Jadal for Knowledge and Culture" - feels less like a café and more like a living room for ideas. Tucked away from the city’s rush, Jadal brings together Amman’s thinkers, artists, students, and quiet observers in a space where conversation matters as much as coffee. Time seems intentionally unhurried. At one corner, a master was teaching Rubab (a musical instrument) to just one student. No topics are taboo here unlike some of the other places at Amman.
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12. Yafa coffee shop. The owner was forced to leave Yafa, Palestine.
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13. The "Jordanian" Starry Night
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14. Graffiti + Street Art + Number 13
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15. Pay it forward: "
In an attempt to create a fair social system, Ezzwiti (as a non-profit restaurant) was established in 2015 in Amman/Jordan. Ezzwiti initiative aims to achieve the values of social and economic solidarity among all members of society. Ezzwiti has created innovative ways to support those in need and promote the principles of cooperation. "Al-Azem – The inviter" pays for the price of a meal for someone they do not know and hangs a note on the Wall of Kindness. "Al-ma'zoom – The invitee" gets the invitation note from the board and gets the meal of their choice from the menu, prepared by a dedicated group of volunteers." -- text excerpts from the second photo.
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16. Palestinian influence is so visible in Amman through foods (like Palestinian kunafa etc) and other parts of life. A large Palestinian population has lived in the city for generations, especially after major displacements in 1948 and 1967, making their culture an integral part of everyday life. Food and shop names preserve regional identity and authenticity, reflecting shared Levantine roots rather than separation. In Amman, these labels are not political statements but normal expressions of history, memory, and pride, woven naturally into the city’s social and cultural fabric.
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