The capital's most important historic landmark is an entire area known as the Citadel, perched on top of Amman's highest elevation — the Jabal al-Qal'a hill. Its story dates back to as early as the Bronze Age, with various epochs bringing cultures and peoples who have all left their mark here. The Citadel's two primary attractions are the ancient Temple of Hercules (162-166 AD) and the Ummayad Palace dating back to the 8th century.

Glenfiddich, which means 'Valley of the Deer' in Scottish Gaelic, is the world's best-selling and most awarded single-malt whisky, and about halfway between Aberdeen and Inverness lies the distillery, which can be visited and toured, and you can naturally sample and purchase delicious whisky.

If you want a break from the city’s streets, the Boboli Gardens offer plenty of green space along with a good dose of history. Spread out behind the Pitti Palace, the gardens are filled with sculptures from the 16th to 18th centuries—and a few pieces dating back to Roman times. While you’re there, don’t miss the Porta Romana nearby, an old city gate with its own story.

The so-called Temple of Hercules (AD 162–166) dominates Amman’s Citadel. These days, archaeologists prefer to call it the Great Temple of Amman, since its dedication remains uncertain. Only six Corinthian columns stand reconstructed today. The rest lie as fragmented drums, their dowel holes revealing Roman engineering techniques. A colossal marble statue once graced the site. All that survives is a weathered elbow and fingers, suggesting a figure over 13 metres tall, likely toppled in the 8th-century earthquake. The temple’s platform doubles as Amman’s premier viewpoint, framing the modern city against the 150-metre Jordanian flag. Excavations nearby expose layers of civilisation: Umayyad palaces, Byzantine churches, and Roman baths intertwine with older Bronze Age ruins. Though the Hercules name persists thanks to the sculptural remnant, archaeologists emphasise the temple’s civic importance. Its sheer scale reflects Amman’s status as a regional hub. Guides prove invaluable for deciphering 9,000 years of history compressed into a single hilltop.