A Weekend in Amman from Cyprus: Flights, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Amman is a city of hills, honey-coloured stone and warm hospitality, where Roman ruins sit above busy souks and rooftop cafés. It's one of the shortest flights from Cyprus, and it doubles as a gateway to some of the region's most famous sights.

Before you book: flights to Amman are sometimes suspended at short notice because of the regional situation. Check your government's travel advice and the airline's latest updates before you travel.

How do you get to Amman from Cyprus?

Royal Jordanian flies direct from Larnaca (LCA) to Amman year-round, with a flight time of about 1h 20m. Ryanair has also flown to Amman from Paphos (PFO), so it's worth checking both airports. Routes and schedules change by season, so check with the airline before booking.

Flights arrive at Queen Alia International Airport, around 35 kilometres south of the city. An airport express bus runs into Amman, and taxis and ride-hailing apps are available outside arrivals for a direct journey to your accommodation.

Is Amman good for a weekend?

Yes, especially if you have three days. Amman suits history lovers, food fans and anyone wanting to combine a city break with desert or Dead Sea scenery. It's also a good choice for families, with friendly locals and plenty of open-air sights.

Spring and autumn bring warm days and cool evenings, the best conditions for sightseeing and day trips. Summers are hot but dry, and winters are cool and can be wet, with occasional snow on the hills.

What to do in Amman in a weekend

Day 1

Start at the Amman Citadel on Jabal al-Qal'a, home to the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace, with sweeping views over the city. Walk down to the Roman Theatre, carved into the hillside, then explore the souks of downtown (Al-Balad) and the King Hussein Mosque area. Finish with dinner on or around Rainbow Street in Jabal Amman.

Day 2

Visit the Jordan Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls displays, then the blue-domed King Abdullah I Mosque. Spend the afternoon in Jabal al-Weibdeh, a leafy, arty neighbourhood of galleries and cafés, before a rooftop sunset over the city's hills.

If you have a third day

The Dead Sea is roughly an hour's drive away, where you can float in the salty water at a resort beach. Alternatively, head north to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy. With an extra night, Petra and Wadi Rum turn a weekend into an unforgettable trip; both deserve an overnight stay rather than a rushed day.

Where to stay in Amman

• Jabal Amman: around Rainbow Street, with cafés and restaurants; ideal for first-timers.
• Downtown (Al-Balad): close to the Roman sights and souks, good for budget travellers.
• Jabal al-Weibdeh: relaxed and artistic, suits couples and slower travellers.
• Abdali and Shmeisani: modern business districts, good for comfort and convenience.

What to eat

• Mansaf: Jordan's national dish of lamb cooked in fermented yoghurt, served on rice.
• Falafel and hummus: everyday staples, best from a busy downtown café.
• Maqluba: an "upside-down" dish of rice, vegetables and meat, flipped at the table.
• Knafeh: warm, syrupy cheese pastry, a favourite dessert.
• Mint tea and cardamom coffee: offered everywhere as a sign of hospitality.

Practical tips for travellers from Cyprus

• Currency: the Jordanian dinar. Cards work in many places in Amman, but carry cash for taxis and souks.
• Language: Arabic. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist sites.
• Time difference: Amman is on the same time as Cyprus in summer and 1 hour ahead in winter.
• Passport and entry: Jordan isn't in the EU, so you'll need your passport. Check the entry rules for your nationality before you book. If you plan to visit Petra, look into the Jordan Pass, which bundles entry to major sites.
• Mobile roaming: EU roaming doesn't apply in Jordan. Check your provider's roaming rates or use an eSIM; see our expat toolkit.
• Local custom: dress modestly in the old city and when visiting mosques; women will need to cover their hair in mosques. Friday is the main day of rest, when some shops open later.

For more ideas, see a weekend in Beirut or browse all our weekend getaways from Cyprus.