Visit the Roman Amphitheatre, an imposing monument set into the side of the mountain. Traditionally built on three tiers - the lowest for those most important, the middle for the military and the top for the general public – this site makes for impressive viewing. Brave the steps and climb to the top for spectacular view and must have photograph of the sunset over the city.

Next head to the citadel. Made up of three important structures - the Byzantine Church, then 100m south the Temple of Hercules and finally, and the most impressive of the three, the Umayyad Palace Complex.

Once you have had enough of culture, head to the largest mall in the city, City Mall, for some retail therapy. Also check out ‘Sharia’a Al Wakalat’ or ‘brand street’ which offers many western stores. Or if you are after something a little more authentic go to the downtown area of the city for quaint shops and stalls selling jewellery and household items. Prices are generally not shown as bartering and negotiating is expected! Many antique dealers are also scattered through the city so grab yourself a piece of traditional Amman. Shops in the west of the city will have the best grasp of English though expect to spend more for the privilege!

Souvenirs you might want to take home could include a ‘Keffiyeh’ a traditional checked headpiece worn by Jordanian men, antique brass tea or coffee pots distinctly middle eastern in shape with a curved spout or olive wood carvings of objects and people.

During the evening head to the cosmopolitan west side of the city where you will find many western and American franchises. Or if you would rather stick to a traditionally Jordanian menu, you should try Shwarma (cooked lamb meat in a special sauce rolled in flat bread) or Mansaf (lamb and rice typically eaten with your hands).

Dress is an important part of Jordan culture. Many women wear Islamic headscarves although as there are no legal obligations you will find many choose not to. More affluent areas of the city see women in more westernised clothing. It is advised that tourists wear modest clothing such as long skirt or trousers, and tops with sleeves below the elbow to restrict unwanted attention. It is also respectful to the residents to follow these modest dress codes when visiting religious sites.

Amman’s climate is pleasant with hot dry summer and slightly cooler evenings, and temperatures remaining at comfortable levels. Winters are colder and wetter with most rain falling between October and March.

Amman is also a great base for exploring more of Jordan. Petra, often described as the eighth wonder of the ancient world, is the unique vast city carved into the sheer rock face. The Dead Sea, at over 400m below sea level, is a large stretch of water which is absolutely breath-taking and definitely worth a visit. And Aqaba, boosting the Red Sea offers some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world!