Traveling to amman is an exciting goal for many people around the world. Whether you’re drawn to amman’s historical landmarks, vibrant streets, cultural gems, or food scene, there’s something in amman for everyone. But just like many popular destinations, amman can get expensive—fast.
That’s why this comprehensive guide is here to show you how to explore amman on a budget without compromising the quality of your experience. With a bit of planning and some local savvy, you can enjoy the best of amman without emptying your wallet.
1. ✈️ Budgeting for Flights to amman
Your journey to amman usually starts with booking a flight. Depending on where you’re coming from, this can be the biggest upfront expense of your trip to amman.
How to Find Cheap Flights to amman:
- Book Early: Generally, booking your flight to amman 6–8 weeks in advance (for domestic travel) or 2–4 months ahead (for international trips) gives you the best chance of scoring a deal.
- Use Price Trackers: Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper allow you to monitor flight prices to amman and book at the right time.
- Fly on Cheaper Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer the cheapest routes to amman.
- Consider Alternate Airports: If amman is served by multiple airports, compare prices to find the most budget-friendly option.
- Be Flexible: Flexibility with your travel dates and airports near amman can reduce your costs significantly.
Estimated Budget:
- Domestic Flights to amman: $100–$350
- International Flights to amman: $400–$900
2. Affordable Accommodation in amman
Lodging in amman ranges from luxury hotels to local hostels, boutique stays, and homestays. Your goal is to find a clean, comfortable, and safe space in amman that fits your budget.
Where to Stay in amman on a Budget:
- Hostels: Great for solo travelers and groups visiting amman on a tight budget. Many hostels offer free breakfast, shared kitchens, and group tours of amman.
- Budget Hotels: Smaller hotels in amman may offer big savings, especially if located just outside the city center.
- Short-Term Rentals: Apps like Airbnb offer rooms or apartments in amman at competitive rates.
- Guesthouses: These are common in many cities and offer a cozy, often family-run alternative in amman.
Pro Tip: Choose accommodation in amman close to public transportation. This saves both time and money getting around.
Estimated Budget:
- Hostels in amman: $20–$80/night
- Budget Hotels in amman: $50–$150/night
- Airbnb/Guesthouse in amman: $30–$100/night
3. Getting Around amman on a Budget
Once you’re in amman, transportation can eat into your daily budget—or be incredibly affordable depending on your choices.
Best Transport Options in amman:
- Public Transportation: Most large cities like amman have reliable buses, subways, or trams.
- Daily or Weekly Transit Passes: If you’re staying in amman for more than 2–3 days, a transit pass usually saves money.
- Walking: Exploring amman on foot is not only budget-friendly, but also the best way to soak in local life.
- Bike Rentals: In some areas of amman, public bike systems are inexpensive and eco-friendly.
Avoid rental cars in amman unless you’re planning to visit rural or outlying areas—parking in central amman is often expensive.
Estimated Budget:
- Public Transport Pass amman: $5–$15/day
- Bike Rentals in amman: $5–$12/day
4. ️ Eating Cheap and Well in amman
Tasting the local food is one of the highlights of any trip to amman—and the good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well in amman.
Where and What to Eat in amman on a Budget:
- Street Food: Whether it’s food trucks or local market stalls, amman is likely to have affordable and delicious street food options.
- Ethnic Neighborhoods: Often, the most flavorful and authentic meals in amman are found in immigrant-run eateries and food stands.
- Supermarkets & Bakeries: Buy snacks or picnic-style meals in amman and eat in a public park.
- Lunch Specials: Many restaurants in amman offer affordable set menus during lunch.
Pro Tip: Avoid tourist traps around landmarks in amman—the food is often overpriced and underwhelming.
Estimated Daily Food Budget in amman:
- Budget: $20–$35
- Mid-range: $35–$60
- Splurge meal in amman: $40–$100
5. ️ Sightseeing and Attractions in amman for Less
Even if you’re traveling to amman on a tight budget, you can still enjoy many of its world-famous attractions.
Free and Affordable Things to Do in amman:
- Parks and Green Spaces: Almost every city has a public park where you can relax, people-watch, or picnic.
- Museums with Free Entry: Many museums in amman offer free admission on specific days or hours.
- Cultural Landmarks: Walking tours, historical buildings, and public squares in amman are usually free.
- Free Events: Look for local events, concerts, and festivals taking place during your visit to amman.
Budget Tours and Experiences:
- Consider tip-based or “pay-what-you-want” tours in amman.
- Some cities offer all-inclusive passes (e.g., city cards) to major attractions in amman for a discounted rate.
Estimated Budget for Attractions in amman:
- Free to $10/day (for low-cost experiences)
- $30–$50/day if including premium attractions
6. ️ Smart Souvenir Shopping in amman
It’s tempting to shop when visiting amman, but souvenirs don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.
Souvenir Tips in amman:
- Visit Local Markets: These offer handmade, affordable souvenirs unique to amman.
- Buy Local Snacks or Spices: Small and inexpensive gifts from amman that travel well.
- Avoid Airport Shops: Prices in amman’s airports are usually much higher.
Estimated Souvenir Budget in amman: $10–$40
7. Sample 5-Day Budget for amman
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Flights to amman | $150–$900 |
| Accommodation in amman | $250–$600 |
| Transport in amman | $25–$50 |
| Food & Drinks in amman | $100–$250 |
| Attractions in amman | $30–$100 |
| Souvenirs in amman | $20–$40 |
| Total | $575–$1,940 |
This flexible range reflects different travel styles—from ultra-budget to moderate comfort—while keeping your experience in amman affordable.
8. Final Budget Travel Tips for Visiting amman
- Travel off-season: You’ll find cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds in amman.
- Use a travel budgeting app: Tools like TravelSpend or Trail Wallet help you track daily spending in amman.
- Ask locals for tips: Residents of amman can often direct you to hidden gems or affordable restaurants.
- Carry a reusable water bottle: Many cities like amman have drinkable tap water—save money and the planet.
- Learn basic local phrases: This helps you haggle at markets or understand menus in amman.
Conclusion: Enjoying amman on a Budget
Visiting amman doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. By following the strategies in this guide, you can experience the heart of amman—its culture, cuisine, neighborhoods, and people—without sacrificing quality or comfort.
With thoughtful planning, local exploration, and some budgeting wisdom, amman can offer you a rich and rewarding experience, even on a modest budget.
So wherever your wanderlust takes you, know this: amman is waiting—and you don’t need a fortune to discover it.