The Jordan Museum offers a chronological journey through 1.5 million years of history, from Paleolithic tools to modern Jordanian culture. As the country’s premier cultural institution, it houses globally significant artefacts like the 9,700-year-old ‘Ain Ghazal statues — the world’s oldest human figurines — and fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Exhibits pair these treasures with bilingual (English/Arabic) narratives that contextualise Jordan’s archaeological legacy without overwhelming casual visitors. The museum’s modern galleries balance education and aesthetics, with interactive displays and temporary exhibitions ensuring fresh perspectives. Allot two hours to appreciate its dual role as research hub and national showcase.

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.

Hattiloo is a modern 75-seat theater and performing arts venue that vehemently supports African-American culture, featuring black artists, playwrights, and actors from all over the country, and giving them a platform to tell their stories and have their voices heard.

The road across the Datça peninsula has stunning scenery, with steep mountains, ravines and flat countryside. Datça is an attractive village about 90 kilometres west of Marmaris. From Körmen, just north of Datça, there are boats to the port city of Bodrum. At the Saturday market in Datça you will find food, household utensils, beautiful tablecloths and clothes. You can reach it with local transportation.