Where to stay

The old heart of the city around First, Second and Third Circles, with Rainbow Street, villa restaurants and boutique hotels. Walkable and full of character.

A leafy, arty hill of 1920s–1950s stone houses, galleries and small cafés, a short walk above downtown. Calm and residential.

Amman’s new business district: towers, big international hotels, the Boulevard and a large mall. Polished and practical, with taxis to the old city.

An upmarket residential district of embassies, cafés and Taj Mall. Quiet and family-friendly, but you will need taxis for sightseeing.

A central district of mid-range and business hotels, restaurants and shops, between Abdali and the western suburbs.

Simple hotels in the busy valley of souqs, mosques and the Roman Theatre. Lively and central; noisy, and steep walks to everywhere else.

The town at Petra’s gate. Stay within walking distance of the visitor centre so you can enter at opening.

Licensed camps from simple Bedouin tents to glass-domed “bubble” rooms. Nights are cold in November; ask about heating and blankets.

A strip of large resort hotels at Sweimeh with private beaches and pools. Good for families and for resting before a flight.