First Time in Amman, Jordan: What I Did, Ate & Loved

As cabin crew, we’re lucky to tick off countries some people only dream of visiting — and Amman, Jordan was one of those hidden gems for me. I didn’t know what to expect from this Middle Eastern capital, but I left with a full heart, a full stomach, and a camera roll overflowing with golden light and ancient vibes.

Whether you’re crew or just curious, here’s what I did, ate, and absolutely loved during my layover in Amman — including a whirlwind trip to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Petra.

Touchdown in Amman

We arrived at Queen Alia International Airport in the late evening. The warm desert air hit differently — dry, calm, and almost sacred. After a smooth check-in to our crew hotel, we made a quick plan to explore the city the next morning before the heat set in.

Pro tip: Get your Jordanian dinars from either your bank or your hotel — many local cafés and markets still prefer cash.

What I Did in Jordan (Crew Layover Vibes + Petra Adventure)

The Amman Citadel

This was top of my list, and it did not disappoint. The Citadel is perched high above the city with panoramic views, ancient Roman ruins, and that magical golden light that makes every photo look like a postcard.

King Abdullah I Mosque

We passed by this stunning blue-domed mosque, and even though we didn’t go inside, the architecture alone was worth the visit. Remember to dress modestly and bring a scarf if you plan to enter.

Rainbow Street

Think: local boutiques, Jordanian coffee shops, and a chilled mix of locals and tourists. It’s the perfect place for a slow stroll, people-watching, and picking up handmade souvenirs. We stopped at a café overlooking the city for iced mint tea and got talking to locals — Jordanians are so warm.

🐪 A Day Trip to Petra

This was my big bucket list moment — and 100% worth the journey. With the help of a private driver (booked through our hotel), I set off for a day trip to Petra — about 3 hours each way. It was an early start, but seeing the rose-red city carved into rock with my own eyes? Unreal.

From the Siq walk to the dramatic reveal of the Treasury, every step felt like a spiritual experience. Petra is more than a photo-op — it’s a journey through history, silence, and stunning architecture. Just be sure to wear comfy shoes, bring snacks, and have a portable charger!

What I Ate in Amman

Jordanian food is a sleeper hit. I didn’t realise how flavorful and comforting it would be. Everything was seasoned with love and served with a side of warm pita.

Mansaf

The national dish of Jordan — lamb cooked in a fermented yogurt sauce, served over rice and bread. We had this at a traditional spot in downtown Amman, and I was hooked.

Falafel & Hummus

So simple, but so good. The falafel in Jordan hits different — crispy outside, soft inside, and seasoned with herbs. We stopped by Al Quds Falafel on Rainbow Street, and I’m still dreaming about it.

Mint Tea & Arabic Coffee

Mint tea flows freely everywhere — refreshing and light. But the Arabic coffee? Spiced with cardamom and strong enough to wake the dead. Served in tiny cups, it’s a full ritual.

What I Loved Most

Petra, the Ancient Wonder

Hands down, the highlight of the entire trip. Petra lived up to — and exceeded — every expectation. I felt like I’d stepped into another world, and I’ll never forget the stillness, the scale, and the pink stone cliffs glowing under the sun.

The Golden Light

Whether it was the Citadel at dusk or the view from Rainbow Street cafés, Amman’s light has a way of making everything look like magic hour. My photos barely do it justice.

Local Hospitality

Even though I stood out as a Black woman with colourful hair and crew vibes, I felt respected and genuinely welcomed. People were curious, kind, and proud to share their culture.

Cabin Crew Tips for Amman & Petra

• Modest dress is appreciated – especially if you’re entering mosques or more rural areas.
• Stay hydrated – desert heat can sneak up on you.
• Use Careem or Uber in Amman – both safe and affordable.
• Hire a private driver for Petra – we booked ours through the hotel concierge. Leave early (around 5–6 AM) to make the most of your time.
• Bring cash to Petra – for snacks, camel rides, and souvenirs.

Will I Be Back?

Without a doubt. Jordan has this soulful energy that stays with you. I’m already dreaming about returning to Wadi Rum for a desert camp experience or floating longer in the Dead Sea. For a short layover, this one was unexpectedly deep.

More of Amman & Petra?

Catch my full adventure on Instagram @travelwithtillyah — including reels of the Treasury reveal, mint tea moments, and golden Citadel views.

Have You Been to Petra?

What was your favourite part? Thinking of going? Let’s chat in the comments — I’d love to hear your experience or help you plan.

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🧭 Travel With Tillyah Recommends:

• Best time to visit: March–May or September–November
• Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
• Useful apps: Jetpac (get your roaming sis!), Google Maps, Careem, Google Translate (Arabic)
• Perfect for: History lovers, solo travellers, and spiritual adventurers
• Safety rating: 4 out of 5 – you can see what is happening in west bank en route to Petra (warm and respectful — great for solo crew)

Love and hugs,

Tillyah x