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Zoek op land, regio of reis

Jordanie...

Maak kennis met gastvrij jordanië.

Jordanië, een land vol geschiedenis, ongerepte natuur, cultuur, woestijn, strand, kamelen, waterpijpen en een vriendelijke bevolking. Jordanië is de afgelopen jaren steeds populairder geworden als vakantieland en wij begrijpen heel goed waarom! Onder de bezielende leiding van Koning Abdoellah II is Jordanië een modern land geworden. De inwoners van Jordanië zijn trots op hun land en verwelkomen de toeristen dan ook met een brede glimlach. Ontdek dit prachtige koninkrijk met een rondreis door Jordanië.

De mooiste reizen naar Jordanië

Een rondreis door Jordanië laat u keer op keer versteld staan. Rijd met een 4-wheeldrive jeep door de Wadi Rum woestijn, overnacht onder de sterren in de woestijn, dobber in de Dode Zee, maak kennis met de onderwaterwereld van de Rode Zee of hike binnen het natuurreservaat van Dana. Een vakantie naar Jordanië biedt voor ieder wat wils! Maar waar Jordanië echt bekend om staat is het culturele erfgoed. De meest bekende is de mysterieuze rode stad Petra welke behoort tot één van de zeven wereldwonderen en door UNESCO is verklaard tot Werelderfgoed. Kortom, een unieke en bijzondere plek om te bezoeken!

Fly drive naar Jordanië

Wilt u uw rondreis door Jordanië optimaal ervaren? Kies dan voor een avontuurlijke fly drive naar Jordanië. Met een fly drive naar Jordanië kunt u dit prachtige land in uw eigen tempo ontdekken, ziet u alle hoogtepunten en verblijft u in de mooiste accommodaties. Kortom, de ideale manier om uw rondreis door Jordanië onvergetelijk te maken!

Bezienswaardigheden tijdens uw vakantie in Jordanië

Het noorden van jordanië, het midden van jordanië, het zuiden van jordanië.

De beste reistijd voor Jordanië

Ontdek Jordanië met zijn diverse klimaten: mediterraan in het westen en steppe- en woestijnklimaat landinwaarts. De zomers zijn droog en heet en de temperatuur in juli en augustus kan zelfs oplopen tot meer dan 40 graden Celsius. De ideale reisperiodes zijn van half maart tot half mei en van september tot met november. Houd er rekening mee dat de maanden december tot en met februari koud en nat kunnen zijn in het westen, met gemiddelde temperaturen van rond de 15 graden Celsius. Overweeg een onvergetelijke overnachting in de adembenemende Wadi Rum-woestijn, maar vergeet niet dat het 's avonds flink afkoelt. Zorg dus voor een extra vest of jas. Voor wie op zoek is naar aangename temperaturen het hele jaar door, biedt Aqaba, in het zuiden van het land, de perfecte bestemming voor een winterzonvakantie.

Ontdek al onze reizen naar Jordanië

Wilt u dit prachtige stukje Midden-Oosten ook ontdekken? Bij Style in Travel vindt u de mooiste reizen naar Jordanië. Bezoek de mooiste plekjes, overnacht in exclusieve accommodaties en ervaar Jordanië in uw eigen tempo met de unieke reizen van Style in Travel. Vind de perfecte reis en boek direct uw vakantie naar Jordanië!

Jordanië, een land vol verrassingen...

Jordanië is een fascinerend land! Een land dat een belangrijke rol heeft gespeeld in de geschiedenis van de regio. Vele veroveraars hebben er hun sporen achtergelaten; van de oude Romeinen en de Ottomanen tot de Europese Kruisvaarders. Overheersers die een overvloed aan bouwwerken achterlieten; rijk gedecoreerde kerken, kruisvaarderskastelen, forten en als absoluut hoogtepunt de "Verloren Stad" Petra. Loop langs de indrukwekkende staaltjes bouwkunst van de Nabateeërs in Petra, wandel door het Dana Nature Reserve en drink een kopje koffie bij de Bedoeïenen. Slaap een nacht onder de sterrenhemel in een tentenkamp in de woestijn van Wadi Rum, dobber in de Dode Zee en ontdek de wonderschone koraalriffen in de Rode Zee.

Het reisaanbod...

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Stedenspecial Amman

Jordanie | Stedentrip | 3, 4, 5 dagen | Jordanië | 3 nacht(en) of langer

• Bijzondere stedenspecial
• Verken Amman en omgeving
• Vijfsterren accommodatie
• Dagexcursies vanuit Amman
• Vrijheid voor eigen planning

Verrassend Jordanië in drie-sterren hotels

Jordanie | Fly-drive | 8 dagen | Jordanië | 7 nacht(en) of langer

• Laat u verrassen door Jordanië
• Actief op reis en ontspannen
• Mix van cultuur en natuur
• Scherp geprijsd
• Ook mogelijk met privé chauffeur

Het beste van Jordanië in drie-sterren hotels

• De hoogtepunten van Jordanië in het kort
• Afwisselde reis
• Ontdek de Jordanese cultuur
• Combinatie van actief en ontspannen

Verrassend Jordanië in vier-sterren hotels

Het beste van Jordanië in vier-sterren hotels

• De hoogtepunten van Jordanië
• Overnachten in Petra
• Accommodatie naar keuze
• Geniet van gastvrij Jordanië

De hoogtepunten van Jordanie in vier-sterren hotels

Jordanie | Fly-drive | 10 dagen | Jordanië | 9 nacht(en) of langer

• Dagen met eigen invulling
• Verblijven in 4 sterren accommodaties

Op ontdekking in Jordanie in 4-sterren hotels

• Een avontuurlijke reis door Jordanië
• Cultuur & natuur
• Verblijf in 4 sterren accommodaties

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From the ancient city of Petra to the breathtaking Dead Sea and sublime desert landscapes of Wadi Rum in between, Jordan has delighted visitors for centuries.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, attractions, must-see attractions.

The spectacular sandstone city of Petra was built in the 3rd century BC by the Nabataeans, who carved palaces, temples, tombs, storerooms and stables from…

The area known as the Citadel sits on the highest hill in Amman, Jebel Al Qala’a (about 850m above sea level), and is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon…

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

Established in 1975 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), this 22 sq km reserve was created with the aim of reintroducing wildlife…

Darat Al Funun

On the hillside to the north of the downtown area, this cultural haven is dedicated to contemporary art. The main building features an excellent art…

Royal Automobile Museum

You really don't have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy this museum, which displays more than 70 classic cars and motorbikes from the personal collection of…

Jordan Museum

The Jordan Museum, located next to the City Hall, is one of the best in the Middle East. Housed in a grand modern building, a series of beautifully…

Children's Museum

This brilliantly designed hands-on museum for kids is a complete joy. In its many zones, young visitors can play and learn about everything from the…

Burdah Rock Bridge

The largest of Rum's three arches is the Burdah Rock Bridge, precariously perched about 80m above surrounding rock. There’s a precipitous hike to the…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

Jordan has a rich culture, ancient ruins, incredible hospitality and wonderful landscapes. Use our nine favorite experiences to help plan your itinerary.

Things to Know

With top tips on safety, seasons and local etiquette, we've got all the insight you need to start planning your first incredible trip to Jordan.

Transportation

The best way to get around Jordan depends on you, your preferences, budget, itinerary and travel style. Here’s some insight to help you decide.

Visa Requirements

Jordan’s ancient sites, beaches and desert vistas draw enthralled visitors from around the world. Here's how to obtain a visa and start planning your trip.

Money and Costs

Jordan isn't known for its budget options but it's all a matter of knowing where to look. Use our top tips to help plan your budget adventure.

Traveling with Kids

Jordan is a massively underrated destination for family travel – here are our tips for planning an incredible trip with kids.

Best Road Trips

Jordan packs a lot of ancient culture and staggering sights into a small space. Here's how to explore it all on a riveting road trip.

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The Right Jordan Itinerary For You

March 22, 2022

Plan your perfect Jordan itinerary and enter a world of swirling red sand, ancient cities, stargazing skies and stories that will last several lifetimes. Pull up a chair, grab some cardamom coffee and let’s walk you through our Jordan travel guide.

Table of Contents

Finding The Right Jordan Itinerary for You

I love travel in Jordan. There, I’ve said it. I love the swirling red desert sand, the stargazing at night, and the dates and pomegranates at open markets. I love the raspberry ripple stone canyons of Petra, the childlike joy of floating in the Dead Sea and the philosophical power punch of visiting holy sites from long ago. But most of all, I love the welcome from people.

Through tea, sumac and spice, I’ve enjoyed this Middle Eastern country so much that I go back time and again. 

But when planning my first trip to Jordan, I didn’t know where to start. Jordan’s position in the Middle East means that a little planning is required when putting together your Jordan itinerary.

So here’s my guide to do just that. You can find all the more atmospheric stories about visiting Jordan over here and a guide to visiting the best places in the Middle East here.

In the meantime, let’s plan your itinerary for Jordan.

Jordan Itinerary At a Glance

• Arrive Amman
• See Amman and Jerash
• Explore Wadi Rum
• Hike through Petra
• Visit Kerak Castle and the Dead Sea
• See Mt Nebo, the Madaba Mosaics and Bethany Beyond the Jordan
• Head back to Amman

Jordan Itinerary Google Map

Jordan: one of the most interesting countries on earth…

Disclosure – I have travelled to Jordan many times, now, in partnership with Visit Jordan and Globus Travel on occasion. As ever, as always, I keep the right to write what I like here on the Lab. Otherwise, what’s the point? Also, if you book or buy through any of the links on this page then I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Cheers!

Why Visit Jordan

Where do I begin?! Jordan has not one, not two, not three but many more world class places that stand head and shoulders above the highlights of many other countries. 

First, and perhaps most famously, there is Petra. This hidden city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, buried in the rocks, was “rediscovered” by the world in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt . But local Bedouin had known about it, of course, for all this time. The view of the Treasury may be the most famous image of Jordan, but the Nabatean city extends for miles behind that. 

Then there is the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, with a saline concentration so high you can float on its waters. 

Jordan straddles part of the ancient Holy Land and so you can visit the site where Jesus was baptised, according to archaeologists and theologists alike, then conduct historical jigsaw puzzles with the mosaics of Madaba. 

Wadi Rum, though not as well known, carves deep red dunes into the camel stone of the desert. It is powerfully, poignantly beautiful. 

Then you have ancient Roman ruins, the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth, a range of fresh and flavoursome Jordanian food and a modern city with modern women running businesses from their home.

Phew. And do you know what else? I’m actually only getting started. Read about the best things to do in Jordan over here.

Now, let’s roll our sleeves up and get talking about practical travel tips for Jordan and work out how to plan the perfect Jordan itinerary for you!

How long do you need to visit Jordan?

You can comfortably hit the main sights with either a 7 day Jordan itinerary or a 10 day one. Of course, as a big supporter of slow travel and as someone who absolutely loves travel in Jordan, the longer the better if you can. More time will give you more opportunities to meet local people, hike off the beaten track and sample more of the food on offer.

But if time is tight, as it usually is, then you can still see a lot within a 7 day Jordan itinerary. 

Should you join a group or go it alone?

Should you travel independently or join a tour?

Ah, that’s a big question. Again, as a passionate supporter of independent travel in general, there are a few things to bear in mind about travel in Jordan. 

The first is the language barrier. In the popular tourist spots in the capital Amman and in the big resorts at the Dead Sea, Petra and Aqaba, you will find enough people who speak English to get by. 

However, in more rural areas, and even in other popular spots like Wadi Rum, you will find that without speaking Arabic, it’s going to be difficult to work out what to do. Even if you blunder through to success (another method I enjoy on occasion) you will miss out on conversations with people, and that’s a shame because meeting new people is one of the best things to do in the Middle East. 

With a tour, you will be travelling with a guide and interpreter and can learn much more about how Jordanian society works and interact with people more easily. 

The second issue to consider involves the borders with Jordan’s neighbours. Jordan borders Iraq, Syria, Israel and Saudi and these are all borders with geopolitical significance – and often military guards. While Jordan itself is a very safe country to travel through, a blunder onto the wrong side of a border with the wrong paperwork is not a safe situation to find yourself in. 

For these two reasons, I’d highly recommend travelling with a guide, at least outside the capital of Amman. 

Globus Jordan Escape group walking through downtown Amman

Should you join a group trip?

So, onto the next question. Should you hire a private guide and driver? Or join a group tour?

Let’s talk about the pros and cons of joining a group tour, based on my recent trip to Jordan with Globus Escapes.

• You save an enormous amount of time! Calculating drive times, checking opening times, coordinating permits and border permissions, booking hotels, comparing rates, looking for parking, checking visas, checking safety recommendations. Sheesh! When someone does all that for you, you save a lot of time. 
• You get company! Sure, you’re unlikely to become best friends with everyone, but in a group of more than about six people, you’re bound to find someone you like. I’ve made lifelong friendships from people I met travelling. Plus, even with more casual acquaintances, it’s nice to have people to meet at breakfast, to look after your bags and, well, in general look out for each other.   
• You get access to things that are difficult to arrange on your own.  This partly depends on the company (and I’ve travelled with some bad ones!) But Globus really made the effort to take us to places that would be difficult on your own. Sustainable travel places, like the Bait Khairat Souf and a family homestay meal in Wadi Musa. Not all of these excursions are included in the tour price but it was always clear in advance when that was the case. And they were all absolutely worth it.
• You get access to rich background information. Travel on your own and you’re with your own thoughts for the journey. Travel with Globus and you have a local guide filling you in on the background of the country, from how to tie the keffiyeh headscarf to deciphering marriage traditions, from bellydancing to mineral exports and everything in between. Do make sure this is the case, though. I have travelled with other tour companies where the guide is an enthusiastic fellow traveller just reading material from a worksheet. Globus always uses professional local guides.
• You get help if things go wrong. This is priceless. Especially during coronavirus times. Not only do you have access to someone who can speak the local language right in front of you but they also know the country and how it works. In our group alone, our guide tracked down lost electronics, sorted out health problems and provided advice for border crossings.
• Your interpreter can help you get to know people. One of the best things about the Middle East, or perhaps travel in general, is meeting people from different backgrounds to you. But that’s hard to do, sometimes, when you can’t speak the language. Having a Globus guide, for example, meant I could ask away and connect on a deeper level.
• You get off to the right start. I never fail to enjoy the treat of someone meeting me at the airport. In Jordan, with Globus, they meet you before you pass passport control and help with your visa application as well. Then, instead of haggling with waiting taxi drivers and wondering whether or not you’re being ripped off, you simply step into your waiting transport and are whisked off to your comfortable hotel. A great start to a journey. 
• It’s much less stressful. T his point really builds on all the others. But you know that if something goes wrong while on the trip, it’s not your problem alone to fix it. You know that you are travelling with professionals who know the area and the language. If you get caught up in traffic, they will know the short cut and be able to call ahead to say you’re running late. If something worse happens, well, again, you have backup. It’s liberating.
• You can have some down time. Shhh. This is a bit of a strange one but I’ll say it anyway. When you travel with a private guide, there’s often a social expectation that you are both chatting all the time, which can start to feel a little awkward. Sometimes, it’s nice to be able to give your mind a break or close your eyes on long journeys. When you travel on a group tour, you can drift in and out of conversations, giving your mind some much needed rest.
• The size of the group makes some thing difficult. The more people there are, the longer the toilet breaks take, and the same for shopping trips, photo stops, snacks and everything else. Groups can’t visit small eateries and it’s harder to initiate authentic interactions with local people with a group of 30 behind you. Plus, if decisions go to a vote, chances are you won’t get your first choice. That’s just the way democracy works!
• If you miss something, you miss it. T ravel on your own and if you feel unwell, you can often pause and try again the next day. With a group, there’s no chance for that. The group moves on and you have to rejoin them when you can. 

Having said all that, you can easily overcome many of the cons with a little initiative. You can peel off to arrange some meals on your own or leave the main tour to pick up a smaller one, if you wish. With Globus, we did this in Wadi Musa near Petra. A smaller group of us left the buffet one evening to dine in a family home. The next morning, we hired a guide to hike a different route into Petra. The key lies in good communication so that the rest of your group aren’t left confused and hanging around!

If you decide not to book through a group trip, then check out the Jordan Pass. I t may help you arrange your sightseeing.

Osama: fabulous guide

Travel in the off season, beat the crowds…

The Globus Escapes Concept

• Escapes by Globus have a genius idea: they take place during the off season. This way, you avoid temperature extremes, are less likely to be jostling nose to armpit with crowds of tourists and, yes, the tours cost less as prices are lower in the off season.
• This was my first experience of a Globus Tour but I found myself travelling with many, many people who had travelled with them before and who had booked this trip just as soon as they’d got home from their last Globus adventure.
• Our guide, Osama, was outstanding in his level of knowledge, degree of helpfulness and, crucially, sense of humour and joie de vivre.
• Our group was mostly 40 plus and for those travelling solo, they waive the single supplement.

Bookmark these Jordan travel itineraries and this Jordan travel guide on Pinterest to read later.

Your 7 day Jordan Itinerary

This Jordan itinerary is based on the Jordan Globus Escapes plan. I’ve mentioned some extras that you can add in along the way and at the end, I’ve offered some alternative 10, 8, 5 and 3 day Jordan itineraries. 

Day One – Jordan Itinerary

Arriving in Amman…

 Arrival into Amman

Amman is a bewitching city, with its ochre-white walls and calls to prayer mixing with trendy coffee shops, design, art and innovation. It’s not the most beautiful capital in the world but it is one of oldest: the Ghazal figures at the Citadel museum mark  the oldest representation of people in the world. 

If you arrive early and have time to spare, then you can find an easy introduction into life in Jordan by wandering along the coffee shops and restaurants on internationally minded Rainbow Street. But if you’ve had a long flight, take it easy on yourself on day one. Rest and save your energy for later.

Where to sleep : The Kempinski Hotel Amman

• Try a daytime meal at the eco-conscious Wild Jordan and enjoy the view across to the Citadel.

Day Two – Jordan Itinerary 

Amman & jerash.

Now we’re getting started! Spend the morning travelling back to the past in Amman. ( See also more ideas for Amman here. )

Remains of Hercules at the Amman Citadel

The Amman Citadel

If you want to feel young, head to the citadel. Perched on one of the seven hills or jabals in Amman, this dry and dusty place has seen civilisations come and go like waves on a shore. First was the Neolithic period, then the bronze age. The Ammonites, neo-Assyrians, neo-Babylonians, Ptolemies, and Seleucids roamed around and that’s all before the Romans arrived in around 100 BCE. 

The temple of Hercules is the site’s most famous set of ruins, the hand elbow and, er, other body part lying unceremoniously in the rust red earth. 

The unassuming museum houses artefacts from throughout time, including the Ghazal figures: mankind’s first artistic representation of himself (or herself, who knows?)

The Old Town

From the solitude and windswept stone of the citadel, head to the warmth and bustle of Amman’s Old Town. If you have your heart set on anything Aladdin-like then here’s your best shot. Piles of spices, hanging fruit, glittering gold in shop windows and fluttering fabric in the breeze. 

• Top tip: try some crumbling, hot and sinful knafeh at Habibah Sweets in the Old town. It’s one of the best things to do in Amman! If I ever start a Jordan travel blog, this will be the very first food entry…

Lunch: Bait Khairat Souf

Now, the Globus Jordan Escape team organised this lunch: it’s not a straightforward place to reach independently. But I’m writing about it here because of three important reasons:

• It disproved my idea that group meals on tours tend to be bland and divorced from local traditions
• The story behind Bhait Khairat is one that deserves to be heard
• The food tasted good!

Set in beautiful gardens, with flowering petals, small fountains and a canopy of green, the Bait Khairat Souf is a women’s cooperative supported by the Queen Al Noor foundation. Food is largely home grown and definitely home cooked and it provides options for local women to develop skills, friendships and economic independence.

There are Roman ruins. And there are Roman ruins. 

Forget the odd mosaic, baths or villa you might find lying around in the UK. Jerash is an entire city. Just 45 minutes from Amman, the columns and colonnades sprawl in a leisurely fashion from Hadrian’s Arch for mile after mile, making it one of the best preserved Greco-Roman ruins in the world. 

And just to make you wonder if you’re losing a grip on reality, you’re also likely to catch a bagpipe show in the amphitheatre. 

Yes, forget everything you ever knew. Bagpipes do actually originate from the Middle East, not Scotland. 

How’s that for an impressive and little known fact?!

Bagpipes: not from Scotland after all…

Nothing breaks through barriers faster than eating and drinking together

Learn to cook at Beit Sitti

Get to work for your evening dinner at the fabulous Beit Sitti cooking class, run in a home by the lovely Maria. I first met Maria ten years ago on one of my earliest assignments. Post Covid, I was thrilled to see that her business had survived and elated when she recognised me the moment I walked through the door. Read more about that story and her delicious Jordanian recipes here.

This experience isn’t part of the standard Globus tour (as all 30 people can’t fit in her house) but you can add it to your Jordan itinerary by heading directly to the Beit Sitti website.

Where to sleep: The Kempinski Hotel Amman

Day Three – Jordan Itinerary

Day three – wadi rum.

On the face of it, a visit to Wadi Rum doesn’t sound all that enticing. You go, you see the desert, you leave. 

Once you go and you see the desert, I’d bet eighteen camels you don’t want to leave. Because it is absurdly beautiful. Richly stunning. Imagine untouched ski slopes rising and falling around you, except replace white snow with burned red sand. Picture the sky a lavender blue and the wheels of the jeep gliding over the landscape, a breath, a sigh of wind in your hair. 

Imagine an undulating kaleidoscope of those blues and oranges and purples, rising and falling, shifting and drifting. Then stop for tea or cardamom coffee in a blood striped tent, the traditional way. 

Yeah. I know what you’re thinking…

Ride camels in Wadi Rum

Of course, you could go all out for tradition and hike your backside up onto a cantankerous camel. Those images may look serene but I can assure you that the reality is anything but (or butt.)

Yes, dear readers, after years of riding camels across the desert sands in many countries, I can tell you that those days are over. The lurch and swing, the projectile snot, the abrasive hide. 

But, you know. Try anything once etc.

Beyond the sand and the camels, you’ll also find yourself sifting through the complicated legacy of Lawrence of Arabia. Not just a Peter O’Toole movie, the real Lawrence (T.E Lawrence) did indeed exist, befriend the Bedouin and fight against the Turks. But the legacy beyond that is complicated, to say the least. Amid the conundrums, today’s Bedouin take you to see a somewhat questionable  carving of his likeness in the rock.

• Inside tip: make sure your legs are covered if you plan on riding a camel. Just saying…

Dinner in a Bedouin home

Now, depending on who you ask, Bedouin are people who live a nomadic life in the desert. Or those who did until recently but who now have a permanent home but who have maintained the traditions of their communities and people. 

And one of the most moving experiences of the trip was the invitation to dinner in Ameena’s home, with her children and their uncle, Sohaeb. More about that later!

Where to sleep:  the Mövenpick Resort Petra right by the entrance to Petra

The Monastery in Petra

Day Four – Jordan Itinerary 

Petra. This is the jewel in the crown, the sandwich in the picnic, the meat in the sandwich (sorry veggies.) Even before you know what it is, I’ll be you you’ve seen that image of Petra, the face of the Treasury peering between the raspberry ripple rocky gorge. 

Petra is simply outstanding. No matter how many times you visit, you’ll always find something new. It’s like London, only prettier. If a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. If a woman is tired of Petra, she needs to have a word with herself. Basically.

However you plan your itinerary through Jordan, whether through Globus, another tour or through someone else, I would highly recommend this: make sure you rise and fall with Petra. That is, arrive the night before and give your aching, hardworking, unsuspecting muscles the chance to recover by staying the night after as well. 

The site of Petra is huge. Vast. Enormous. Gigantic. In the words of my nursery age daughter, a million, billion years big. 

Even if all you do is walk from the entrance to the Treasury and turn back, you will have walked four kilometres. And missed the point, to be honest. 

The famous approach to the Treasury

Understanding Petra

Petra is an ancient city, built by the Nabateans and extending over 102 square miles. It has columns and colonnades, an amphitheatre, tombs, marketplaces, mysteries and the awe-inspiring Monastery. 

And it has been made more accessible over the years and over my visits. The rough stony approach to the Treasury is now a smooth concrete path. Golf buggies now buzz where horses used to roam. This is great for those with mobility issues. 

For those without, it’s worth pulling on the hiking boots, slapping on the sunscreen and dosing up on your mojo to hike at least to the Monastery. 

It’s hard to provide a sense of just how big the complex is. And it’s definitely worth visiting with a guide, to get a sense of who the Nabateans were.

Petra by night: serenity by candlelight.

Petra by Night

An optional extra to Petra is the evening experience known as Petra by night. Personally, I think it’s utterly beautiful, a constellation of stargazing, candlelight and folk music in front of the majestic Treasury of Petra itself. But for those who expect a blaring, glaring light and sound show, you’ll be disappointed. Read more about my thoughts over here: is Petra at night worth it?

• Inside Tip – When it comes to visiting Petra, Globus Escape has the right idea. When I visited during the summer heat, my lasting memory is of collapsing into bed with black dots battling with stars in my head. And I was ten years younger. Simply put, Petra is best visited in the off season.
• Where to sleep:  the Mövenpick Resort Petra  right by the entrance to Petra

Day Five – Jordan Itinerary

 kerak, wadi majib and the dead sea.

OK, OK. Today you can relax. After a hard day hiking through Petra, the fifth day of this Jordan itinerary sees you spend a recuperating amount of time on the road. (What some inspiration? Check out these fun road trip questions for grown ups. )

But in between watching camels slide by through the window and listening to your guide talk about the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, you will have a few key stops. 

Kerak castle

Everyone who’s heard of Robin Hood, Prince John and Richard the Lionheart has heard of the Crusades, albeit vaguely. But of course, these weren’t the background scene of a Nottingham legend but a real series of conflicts held around the Holy Land in the Middle Ages. 

Kerak Castle helps to put some context into the period, through its dungeons, windswept battlements, stables and broad views of the cream and russet countryside. It’s one of the largest and best preserved castles from the Crusader Period. Built in 1140, it changed hands several times in very many bloody, messy ways. Today, though, it’s a peaceful spot and the restaurant just outside serves beautiful refreshing mint and lemon drinks.

Wadi Majib (or Wadi Mujib) is a deep canyon cuts through rust red rock with a sense of passion and drama. It’s also a hotspot for adventure sports and canyoning (you can have a good laugh at a retro video of a younger me canyoning in Wadi Majib right here.)

On the Globus Jordan itinerary, though, you don’t have to splash yourself through that. You drive down, across, and up the gorge, stopping for photo spots but nothing more arduous.

Then it’s on to the lowest point on earth: the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea

Glistening between Jordan and Israel, the Dead Sea sits at 427 metres below sea level and, well, is a lake rather than a sea. Despite the off-putting name (it’s the fish who can’t survive, not the people,) it’s become a popular place for spa resorts. Each weekend, Jordanians leave the capital of Amman and head to the Dead Sea, slathering themselves in mud for a youthful complexion and watching a bellydancer for, well, reasons unknown. 

Three times, now, I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Dead Sea and each time has been a blast. There’s something faintly ridiculous, no boldly ridiculous, about covering yourself in mud and bobbing about like a drunken penguin. The high salinity means you can’t sink but you sure as anything can’t swim either. 

Bluntly put, the Dead Sea is a wonder of the world and an absolute must on any Jordan itinerary.

• Where to sleep: the Mövenpick Dead Sea Resort and Spa
• Tip: don’t shave before getting into the Dead Sea. It will sting like crazy! Find out why and uncover some other interesting facts about the Dead Sea over here.

It’s a busy day – you need to move fast!

Day Six – Jordan Itinerary 

Mt nebo, madaba, bethany beyond the jordan.

Today is a busy day. One which spans thousands of years, scales a mountain, views the promised land and, well, puts your feet on the earth where world-changing events took place. 

Wherever you sit on the religious spectrum, there’s absolutely no denying that the events that took place here had monumental, far reaching consequences for the world at large. Consequences that continue to this day. 

Because in just a few square miles, you can stand on the spot where Jesus was baptised and also on the mountain where Moses saw the promised land of Israel. 

If you believe, the significance is obvious. If you don’t, it’s perhaps more powerful to stand and wonder why these places, why these stories achieved the global fame and far reaching consequences that they did. 

And in either case, to visit is to witness a striking contrast to what you see on the news: soldiers chatting in the sunshine on the West Bank. And Muslims and Jews paying to protect sites that matter to Christians. 

But enough chatting. Let’s talk about what you can see. 

His Excellency Rustom Mkhjian, Director of the Baptism Site

Powerful thoughts…

Bethany Beyond the Jordan

We arrived in Bethany Beyond the Jordan in an appropriately biblical downpour of rain. Greeted by the Director of the Baptism Site Commission , His Excellency Rustom Mkhjian, we walked through the archaeological ruins and remains that suggest that this area was the place of ministry for John the Baptist. 

Then you move to the baptism site itself. The place where historians tend to agree was the original baptism site of Jesus, and the pivotal moment where He began His teachings. 

A tiny stream trickles through a cross-shaped grave of mud and the noise sounds livelier and more energetic than it looks. In the Bible, Jesus is baptised in the River Jordan, which is not, of course, this. But experts agree that the river has changed course over the last two thousand years or so and other archaeological remains almost unanimously suggest that this is the place. 

But not entirely unanimously. Just a little way further along, you can visit the Jordan River, which separates Jordan from the West Bank. Various irrigation systems upstream have siphoned off the water, so what sounded like the Hudson or Thames in biblical times is now around the size of a country road.

Still, people attend on both sides for baptism and a beautiful church, resplendent in the breaks of sunshine between the clouds, also celebrates the site.

Madaba: famous for mosaics but there’s more to the story than that

Just along the road in Madaba, the word on the street is mosaics. In fact, the mosaics were the streets in Roman times which, of course, were also the times when Jesus and John the Baptist were roaming around. 

The most famous mosaic in Madaba is the 6th century depiction of the Holy Land in the Greek Orthodox Church of St George. It’s worth visiting, not only for the mosaic, but also to witness the practice of Christianity in a Muslim country. 

Just along the road is the Church of the Virgin Mary, which I missed on my first visit to Madaba (thanks again Globus for the heads up!) 

Inside, you’ll find mosaic after mosaic after mosaic, well, you get the picture. 

But it’s worth seeing them. See why the mosaics of Madaba matter more than you think here.

It gets cold and windy up here!

Sunlight marks the Promised Land…

From the peak of Mt Nebo, God showed Moses the Promised Land of Canaan. And standing on that peak, even amid the wind and rain, the whole idea makes sense. For while we stood battered and smattered by the elements, a golden expanse of sunshine seemed to breathe with ease over the land of today’s Israel. 

Beyond the viewpoint, you’ll find a memorial, a small museum and a covered selection of more mosaics. They are all interesting in their own right but it’s the view from the mountain itself that makes this a world class visit. 

The Dead Sea (again)

In the Globus Jordan itinerary, you head back to the Dead Sea spa for the night because, why not?! It’s fun!

Alternatives would involve travelling back to Amman to cram in a few more city sights before you fly.

• Inside tip: leave all your preconceptions behind. Respect and reverence and an open mind make for getting the best and the most out of this day.

Sad to say goodbye…

Day Seven – Jordan Itinerary

Leave from amman.

Depending on your flight time, you can either spend the day lazing by the side of the Dead Sea… or get up at the crack of dawn to hot foot it to the airport. 

That’s it! Your seven day Jordan itinerary has come to an end. Want more time? Check out the other Jordan itinerary suggestions below…

10 day Jordan Itinerary

With 10 days in Jordan, you can expand some of the stops on the 7 day Jordan itinerary but follow the same basic loop of the plan. Spend a night in Wadi Rum, two in Petra and in the warmer months, head further south to Aqaba.

• Explore Wadi Rum – stay overnight
• Hike through Petra and Little Petra – 2 nights in Petra
• Head to Aqaba
• Return via Kerak Castle and the Dead Sea

8 day Jordan Itinerary

For an 8 day Jordan itinerary, follow the outline above but spend one night in Wadi Rum or at the Dana Biosphere Reserve mid trip.

• Explore Wadi Rum 
• Stay in the Dana Biosphere Reserve

5 day Jordan Itinerary

With 5 days in Jordan, time is tight! I’d suggest cutting the Kerak Castle day and combine Petra and Wadi Rum into one day. It will be a squish but you can just about pull it off. 

• Explore Wadi Rum & Petra
• See the Dead Sea, Mt Nebo, the Madaba Mosaics and Bethany Beyond the Jordan

3 day Jordan Itinerary

With only three days in Jordan, instead of a week in Jordan, then something has to go. Head straight from Amman to Petra, then to Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea and then back to Amman to fly home.

• Arrive Amman and head straight to Petra
• See Petra and Wadi Rum
• Back to Amman via the Dead Sea

More options to add to your Jordan itinerary

With more time, you can see more! Here are more details about the activities mentioned above.

Stay overnight in Wadi Rum: Hot air balloon ride in the morning

Once you’ve seen Wadi Rum, you’ll want to stay. At night you can see the stars in a perfectly dark sky. And early in the morning, you can head into the air in a wicker basket, powered simply by raw fire. You can watch my hot air balloon ride in Wadi Rum on YouTube here.

Hit the coast in Aqaba in the south

Jordan may have a small sliver of a coastline but it likes to make the most of it. Aqaba in the south borders the Red Sea, with plenty of rainbow fish to keep snorkellers and divers happy. It’s also a good spot for windsurfing. Bear in mind that winters are cool, however, so plan to visit Aqaba during the warmer months.

Go stargazing in the Dana Nature Reserve 

Hidden in the Dana Biosphere Reserve is one of the most forward-thinking eco lodges in the world. Built on an abandoned archaeological site, you can stargaze at night in a pollution free sky. You can also hike through the reserve or take a driving tour through Roman mines and sit and have coffee and homemade bread with Bedouin people who live on the land. 

It’s a special place to visit and you can read my full account about the Feynan Ecolodge here.

Hike Little Petra

Little Petra, in virtually any other setting, would be big news. Somewhat overshadowed by nearby Big Petra, Little Petra also represents Nabatean city life set in a sandstone canyon. Its name in Arabic is Siq al-Barid, meaning the cold canyon, and it does offer plenty more shade than the bigger version.

Hike the off the beaten track routes in Petra

You could honestly spend a week hiking through the ancient city of Petra. And indeed, that’s what keen hikers do. 

But if you’re not in a position to spend another seven days away from the desk, you can spend one day exploring different parts of the site. You don’t have to join the crowds and walk straight from the visitor centre to the Treasury. With the right guide, you can hike straight to the Monastery, via the back route. Other options include four hour excursions to those stunning viewpoints seen on instagram.

• See also travel tips for how to get off the beaten path.

Fresh oranges and pomegranates hanging in Amman Old Town

Spend extra time in Amman

You could fill 3 days in Jordan with nothing but an Amman itinerary to soak in a sense of the country. In particular, I’d recommend the following highlights:

The Royal Automobile Museum

Car lovers will fall head over heels in love with the Royal Automobile Museum. But the rest of us? It’s more interesting than you may think. Amid the shiny metal and scent of rubber, you’ll find the whole history of the modern state of Jordan told through news archive and, well, automobiles. It’s the first time I’ve seen engineering history combined with humanities and, well, it’s a success!

Ride like a king!

When we left the Royal Automobile Museum, we couldn’t help but notice that our trusty tour bus had been replaced. By a fleet of vehicles from the King’s personal collection, complete with royal guards. They were assembled to take us back to our hotel!

Now, this isn’t something that you can arrange but I mention it because it reminds me of the joys of travel: you really never know what will happen in a day. 

The Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative

Just 20km southwest of Amman, so perfect for a leisurely day trip, you’ll find the Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative. Here, cooking and crafts workshops take place within ten renovated historic farmhouses. They in turn overlook the Qasr Al-Abd archaeological site which dates back to 200BC and the Hellenistic era of Hyrcanus the Tobiad.

This beautiful spot provides home-cooked meals and sells hand crafted ceramics and pressed flowers. 

Lina from Divergent Traveler in the Amman Art Gallery

The Jordan Gallery of Fine Arts

To get a sense of where a nation is right now, you can’t beat visiting a modern art gallery. The Jordan Gallery of Fine Arts curates work from across the Middle East in a series of white, light, beautiful exhibition spaces. It also has a wonderful multicolour balcony space that overlooks the neighbourhood outside (plus a cafe, always good to find coffee.)

As an extra Globus plus, we met with Suhail Baqueen, founder of the Darat Suhail Art Center where he runs the Scent of Color programme. There he pairs colours with scents (pink with rose, lemon with yellow, orange with, well, yes, orange and so on) allowing visually impaired students to create visual art.

Travel in Jordan makes you feel alive!

Frequently Asked Questions About Jordan

Whenever you’re planning a Jordan trip, it’s important to ask yourself the following questions:

When is the best time to visit Jordan?

Summers in Jordan are hot, hot, hot and that heat can feel crushing when you’re spending the day hiking through Petra or beneath the burning desert sun in Wadi Rum. 

Jordan’s most popular seasons, therefore, are spring and autumn: the months of March to May and September to November. During those months, Jordan’s heat has faded but the skies are still a sun kissed golden warm. 

However, there is another time to visit, as I discovered on my Globus Escape. Their Escape tours prioritise travel during the off season when prices are lower and crowds are thinner. And it worked. We saw the beautiful ruined cities of Petra and Jerash with few tourists for company. And the tour prices are, on average, 30% cheaper than during the high season. 

Of course, if you travel in the off season, you need to be aware that it can be cold. It’s unusual but possible for snow to fall on Petra, for example. And exposed places like the top of Mt Nebo and the Citadel in Amman, you will need to wrap up warm with the full works: hat, scarf, gloves, waterproof. 

It’s also a great season for seeing the more authentic side of Jordan. And with fewer tourists around, people are more relaxed and likely to stop and chat. 

What to eat in Jordan

Food is a big, feasting, sharing tradition in Jordan and it comes with plenty of fresh salads, hummus and flat breads. You can read more about Jordanian food here , including recipes, but expect plenty of cardamom coffee, baba ghanoush, rice and meat based dishes like mansaf and the hard white yoghurt of lebneh. 

Vegetarianism is still seen as a quirky curiosity across most of the country but it shouldn’t be too difficult to find meat free options. 

If you’re travelling on a Globus Tour, then most evening meals will involve a buffet in one of the four and five star hotels. This will offer plenty of local options but also some international food, in case the saffron and sumac is getting too much. 

On the other hand, if you’re feeling more adventurous, then you can ask your guide to arrange a home visit or cooking class for you (for an additional charge) in the evening. 

Lunchtimes are a mix between large restaurants that cater for large groups of tourists or off the beaten path co-ops that burst with local traditions and flavours.

If you’re travelling independently, of course, you can choose whichever you wish. Although, bear in mind that some of the cooking classes and home visits rely on personal introductions, often through tour companies, so you may find your options more limited than they first appear.

What about dietary restrictions in Jordan

In general, the Jordanian customs are extremely hospitable and people will try to cater for your needs. That said, it’s still not that common to present vegan, gluten free and lactose free options as a matter of routine. As always, travel with a translated version of what you need to ask about, remain calm and polite and bring your own snacks, just in case.

What to wear in Jordan

It’s natural to be slightly concerned about what to wear in Jordan – and in fact I’m going to write a whole new post about it. 

Certain parts of the country, particularly in the desert, are extremely conservative and there you will see women fully covered with a headscarf and burqa. In Amman, on the other hand, don’t be surprised to see women in skin tight leather trousers and slouchy sweaters with their hair loose. 

So what should you do?

In short, it’s best to wear loose clothes that go down to your wrists and ankles. Girls, it’s handy to have a scarf with you for visiting holy sites (and sheltering from the rain) but other than that, it’s rarely necessary. Keep shoulders and cleavage covered and avoid slits in skirts and dresses.

Is Jordan safe?

In short, yes. While nowhere is perfect, Jordan has had a stable government for many years. The main places that tourists will visit are far from the borders with places in conflict. The police presence is visible and the level of street harassment is very, very low, even from hawkers. As a solo female traveller , I’ve walked around Rainbow Street and Downtown Amman on my own with no trouble at all.

Is it a good idea to travel to Jordan with kids?

Yes and no. While I’m a passionate supporter of family travel and write about plenty of family travel itineraries, there are a few things to bear in mind about Jordan. Firstly, Petra is huge and is best enjoyed by walking around. Secondly, the Dead Sea isn’t fun to splash around in: all that salt hurts! Finally, the desert in Wadi Rum doesn’t have many facilities. It’s part of its beauty but it does make things harder if you’re travelling with very young children. 

If you’re travelling with teens, I would highly recommend a trip to Jordan for your family travel bucket list. But for children younger than 10-12, I would recommend waiting. You’d be fine but you’ll enjoy it a lot more (and so will they) when they are older.

What to pack for Jordan

Don’t fall for the myth that the Middle East is always hot. Even in the summer, temperatures plunge at night in the desert. 

I would recommend packing long sleeve, long legged trousers in cool linens, with some thermals and a lightweight jacket and warmer jacket as well. Make sure you have proper walking shoes of hiking boots for areas outside the city. 

It’s not essential for women to cover their hair but it is really useful to pack a scarf to protect yourself from the sand if it’s windy. 

Don’t forget to pack a travel adapter , your usual medication, chargers and so on. See our ultimate packing checklist here.

What is it like to travel solo in JOrdan?

If you join a group tour, it’s going to be a whole lot of fun. If you don’t speak Arabic and you’re travelling on your own, then it’s going to be intense and quite hard work. It’s a safe country, though, with a tradition of politeness and hospitality. Even the markets feel far calmer and safer than, say, Cairo or Marrakech.

Do you need a visa for Jordan?

Obviously, this depends to some extent on your own passport status. But in general, US and UK citizens can collect a tourist visa upon entry to Jordan and the process is straightforward. Always check properly in advance, though, with your own government. 

How to get to Jordan

Most visitors arrive into Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) in Amman. Flights connect to most of the world’s major hubs, from London Heathrow to New York. The airport is around 45 minutes drive from downtown Amman. While not the most exciting airport in the world, it is clean and well equipped for shopping and eating.

From London, both British Airways and Royal Jordanian fly from London Heathrow. The fastest way to connect from Heathrow to central London is via the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, the gateway to the west, southwest and Wales. Using the Heathrow Express website in advance, you can book tickets for as little as  £5.50. Plus, children 15 and under travel for free.

How to get around Jordan

The easiest way to get around Jordan, by far, is by car or coach with a dedicated driver. As mentioned above, given the border situation with neighbouring countries, it’s not the best place for a self drive. 

In Amman, you can walk or take a taxi or Uber pretty easily. Public transport options do exist but if your time is short and you’re trying to get through this 7 day Jordan itinerary, then your own wheels make the most sense. 

What currency do you need for Jordan?

Jordanians use the Jordanian Dinar, which equates to around 1 GBP or 0.8 USD. In main hotels and some tourist sites, you can pay in USD but it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on you just in case. ATMs are plentiful and straightforward to use in Amman.

More on Travel in Jordan

See our travel guide to the best things to do in Jordan and then browse through the articles below:

• Jordanian Food: the 21 dishes you need to know
• What is it like to visit Petra?
• Is Petra at night worth it?
• The ecolodge where you can spend a night with the Bedouin
• How the Madaba mosaics show the pathway to peace
• How to create your Jordan bucket list

You may also be interested in this article on the best places to visit in the Middle East.

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Into Wadi Mujib: The Prehistorical Canyon

Petra guide- a rose-red city half as old as time, discover wadi rum – the martian desert on earth, the dead sea: all you need to know, jordan guide – a 4-day trip.

Jordan is great country to spend a week, off the beaten tracks. It offers an incredible variety of landscapes and nature.  People are naturally nice and helpful, from the cities locals to the desert Bedouins. There is a lot to do in this country, and you will have a lot of fun. Discover our Jordan Posts.

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Jordan Tours (Private and Group) We offer flexable Tours to explore Jordan historical & Religious (Islamic, Christian) places like Petra - One of 7 wonders, Wadi rum, Jerash, Aqaba, Dead Sea and Baptism site, Desert Castles, Um Qais, Mount Nebo, Ajloun Castel, Karak Castle, Shoubak Castle, Canyons Adventure.

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Modern cities filled with worldly citizens, mountainous regions dotted with small villages, and deserts inhabited by the nomadic Bedouin - Jordan has all this diversity and more.

With the cosmopolitan cafes of Amman , the peace of hilltop Dana and the historic treasures of Madaba, you may come to Jordan to see the ruins of   Petra , but you’ll leave having encountered so much more.

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Best places to travel in March

How bringing my friend on an Intrepid trip brought us closer together 

I didn’t grow up travelling but now I’m visiting all the landmarks that inspired me

Hiking to the Monastery was the unexpected highlight of my trip to Jordan

This traveller discovers how group travel can help couples connect

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Why you should consider a trekking trip in Jordan (and what it’s like)

From hummus to hospitality: What to know about visiting Amman, Jordan

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Jordan at a glance, capital city.

Amman (population 960,000)

6.5 million

(GMT+02:00) Amman

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type B (American 3-pin) Type C (European 2-pin) Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin) Type J (Swiss 3-pin)

Learn more about Jordan

Culture and customs.

As a Muslim country, Jordan’s culture is quite conservative, although not as conservative as some other Middle Eastern countries. Western influences (particularly in Amman and other large cities) have infiltrated Jordanian society so Jordan now possesses a mix of Arabian customs amid modern ways of life. Due to immigration, Jordan now has a significant Palestinian and Iraqi population, adding to the cultural diversity of the country.

Despite the outside influences, Islamic traditions are strong in Jordan with spectacular mosques signalling the call to prayer five times a day, Ramadan being observed each year and some segregation of the sexes occurring. 

The desert-dwelling Bedouin have a distinct culture of their own, drawing on traditions that have been passed down for centuries. Living a largely nomadic lifestyle, the Bedouin rely on the herding of animals and the creation of handicrafts in the absence of a fertile environment to farm. With a strong musical heritage, traditional instruments are played and time-honored traditions are continued. 

Hospitality is a crucial element of Jordanian culture. Most visitors will be humbled by the kindness, sincerity and genuine care showed by Jordanians. Being welcomed into peoples’ homes is common, and can probably be attributed to the custom of welcoming strangers and sharing food when travelling in the unforgiving desert.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Featuring typical Middle Eastern ingredients like lamb, chickpeas, garlic and a range of aromatic herbs and spices, Jordanian cuisine is delicious.

Things to try in Jordan

Like many other Middle Eastern countries, a plate of shared breads and dips is a great way to begin a feast.

This traditional Bedouin dish of lamb and yoghurt is usually served with rice and bread. This is the national dish of Jordan, so definitely try it before you leave.

These small, sweet pastries made with honey and nuts will have you going back for more.

The coffee in Jordan is strong. Often spiced with a hint of cardamom, coffee is strongly linked to the famed Jordanian hospitality, so drink up – it would be rude not to!

Read more about the top dishes to try in Jordan

Learn more about popular Jordanian drinks

Geography and environment

Jordan is made up of a staggeringly diverse range of natural environments. From stark deserts to towering mountains, fertile wetlands, coastal reefs and urban cities, journeying through Jordan provides changing scenery and varying conditions. 

Sharing borders with Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Jordan mixes modern architecture with heritage-filled buildings, well-manicured streets with historic alleyways and impressive mansions with simple homes. 

Modern, developed cities like Amman and Aqaba feature unique architecture, spectacular mosques, five-star hotels and resorts. Small villages with rustic housing populate the less-built-up rural areas and Bedouin tents made of goat hair can be found in desert areas.

History and government

Early history.

The country now known as Jordan was originally inhabited by the Nabataeans thousands of years ago. Over the centuries, Jordan has been a place conquered and inhabited by many different people including the Romans, Greeks, Assyrians, Ottoman Turks, Egyptians and Mamluks (people of Kurdish origins). All these influences can still be seen today in Jordan's ancient ruins, architecture, crafts and arts. Many battles were fought in Ancient Jordan, including the Christian crusaders who clashed with Islamic Forces in Jordan during the 11th and 12th centuries. The first Muslim Dynasty began with the Umayyad Empire in 661.

Recent history

In 1950, Jordan was renamed the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and in 1951, King Abdullah I was assassinated while visiting a mosque. His eldest son became king but was removed from his duties in 1952 due to mental illness. In 1953, his teenage son Hussein Ibn Talal became king, and continued to rule for over 40 years. In the 1960s, Jordan saw many immigrants arrive and settle – mainly Palestinians escaping the conflict in their homeland.

In 1999, King Abdullah II succeeded his father King Hussein and continues to rule Jordan now. His reign has been characterised by liberal policies, economic reforms and technological advances. His wife, Queen Rania of Jordan, has a visible public profile, is active in many social causes and is regarded internationally as a highly influential woman.

Top 10 ways to experience Jordan

1. locate a lost city.

Spend a day exploring the astonishing lost city of Petra. Discover temples, tombs, a monastery and an amphitheatre in this fascinating, world-renowned archaeological site.

2. Take a dip

Dive into the Dead Sea and relax in the famous waters thought to have therapeutical properties. The high salinity makes floating effortless so it’s easy to lie back and enjoy the view. This experience is a must-do for any visitor to Jordan.

3. Kick back in a cafe

The cafes of Amman are the perfect place to get acquainted with modern Jordan. From elegant, urban cafes serving international fare to earthy, family-run cafes offering traditional food and coffee, see both sides of modern Jordan when you eat.

4. Delve into the desert

Travel across hot, desert sands and spend the night camping under the stars with Bedouin hosts. Stargazing, eating traditional food and learning about the Bedouin way of life is an authentic experience to remember.

5. Admire ancient art

The city of Madaba is known for its amazing collection of ancient mosaics. Take a stroll around the city to scout out these handcrafted pieces of the past that are scattered throughout Madaba’s churches, museums and homes.

6. View an icon

Behold the sight of legendary Mt Nebo. A revered holy site, Mt Nebo is home to the ruins of a church and monastery, and is an interesting place for believers and non-believers alike.

7. Meet Mother Nature

A hike through the changing landscapes of the Dana Nature Reserve offers wildlife encounters, quaint villages and majestic mountain views. Get back to nature and see Jordan’s natural treasures here.

8. Relax in a resort

See a different side of Jordan in the laidback resort town of Aqaba. Chill out on the beach, feast on fresh seafood, soak up the sunshine and enjoy the change of pace in this piece of coastal bliss.

9. Uncover a bit of history

Explore the fortified town and castle of Karak to gain insight into the fascinating history of this region. Walk through a network of tunnels and walkways and imagine what life was like centuries ago.

10. Discover Roman ruins

Travel to Jerash to see some of the biggest and most preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy. Baths, theatres, temples and forums feature within the colonnaded streets and still-standing city walls.

From atmospheric souqs to modern malls and designer boutiques, Jordan has a shopping experience to suit everyone. While not particularly cheap, the quality is generally excellent and the service friendly.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country.   Australia   and   New Zealand   generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Jordan

1. Traditional handicrafts

Mosaics, ceramics, rugs and carpets can be found everywhere in Jordan, but the variety and quality found in Madaba is a standout.

2. Bedouin crafts

Silver jewellery and embroidered scarves make great souvenirs and can be purchased from souqs and independent vendors around Jordan.

3. Gold jewellery

Traditional souvenirs and stunning gold jewellery can be found in the souqs of downtown Amman.

Festivals and events

Ramadan and eid.

During the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed by most in Jordan and is thought to be a time of spiritual rejuvenation. For this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset - refraining from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Eid marks the end of fasting with three days of feasting and celebration.

Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts

See the best of local and international performing arts with theatre, music, poetry and dance taking over the ancient Roman city of Jerash, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

• Lailat al Miraj
• Eid al-Fitr
• Independence Day
• Eid al-Adha
• Islamic New Year
• Birth of Prophet Mohammed

Many of  Jordan's public holidays  are religious holidays and are celebrated according to the Islamic lunar cycle. Please note the dates may vary.

Top places to visit in Jordan

If you think you’ve been to Rome and seen some impressive ruins, you’ll be amazed by the sights at the ancient city of Jerash. One of the biggest and most well-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world, it has a striking collection of archways and theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets.

This seaside town is the perfect place to kick back and relax by the hotel pool or at the beach. Located on the tip of the Red Sea, there are untouched coral reefs not far from the shore ready to be explored.

3. Wadi Rum

When you first enter Wadi Rum you may feel as though you’ve been transported to Mars. The red desert landscape is peppered with towering rock formations as far as the eye can see. Don’t miss an opportunity to mingle with the nomadic Bedouin people and perhaps even spend the night in one of their Desert Camps.

The ancient city of Petra was crowned one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, and once you visit, it’s not hard to see why. Packed with history and culture, a visit to this UNESCO world heritage site is a must.

Further reading

Jordan travel faqs, do you need a visa for jordan.

Visas are required by all visitors entering Jordan.

Single entry visas valid for 14 days and can be obtained by most nationalities on arrival at the airport in Amman or at the Jordanian border for approximately JOD40.

It can be significantly more expensive to acquire your visa from the embassy in your home country.

If you require a stay longer than 14 days, visas obtained from the embassy in your home country will be valid for two months.

When is the best time to visit Jordan?

The weather in Jordan can get quite extreme. Overall, it tends to be hot during the day and cold at night (in desert areas, expect it to be extremely hot during the day and freezing at night). Yet during winter it can get bitterly cold, with snowfall occurring in some parts of the country.

Travelling during the summer months (June, July and August) can be challenging for those not accustomed to the heat, so visiting Jordan during spring and autumn is recommended for those who wish to escape the hotter temperatures. 

Is tipping customary in Jordan?

Tipping is up to the individual in Jordan. Hotels and up-market restaurants typically add a surcharge that is included in bills, which is usually 10%. Rounding up bills and leaving spare change is a good idea when dining in smaller restaurants and when using taxis.

What is the internet access like in Jordan?

Internet access is growing rapidly in Jordan. Internet can usually be accessed from hotels and internet cafes in major cities. Expect little to no access in small towns, villages and other rural areas.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Jordan?

Mobile phone coverage is good in Jordan’s major cities and built-up areas like Amman and Aqaba. Expect limited to no phone coverage in more isolated areas like the desert. Ensure you have global roaming activated on your phone before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Jordan?

Western-style toilets are common in modern hotels, malls and at popular tourist areas. Squat toilets are the standard throughout the rest of the country. Sometimes, you may need to pay and bring your own toilet paper when visiting public rest rooms.

Can I drink the water in Jordan?

Drinking water from taps in Jordan can be safe, depending on where you are. It's considered safe to drink water from modern hotels that have filtered water but perhaps not so from smaller establishments and in rural areas. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Peel fruit before eating and avoid ice in drinks.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Jordan?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores in Jordan. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in Jordan?

ATMs are common in Jordan’s main cities so finding one won't be a problem. Rural and remote areas typically will have less ATMs so be sure to carry enough cash for purchases when away from the city.

Is Jordan LGBTQIA+ friendly?

As a Muslim country, Jordan’s culture is quite conservative, although not as conservative as some other Middle Eastern countries. Homosexuality has been decriminalised in Jordan since 1951, and while Jordanians who identify as having an LGBTQIA+ identity will not be criminalised, many people continue to hide their sexuality or identity from their families and there is still a deep social stigma. As long as LGBTQIA+ travellers display some discretion and respect for local culture, particularly when visiting places outside of the major cities and tourist areas, they will have no problem visiting Jordan. 

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What is the transport like in Jordan?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Jordan, you may find yourself travelling by 4x4.

Head out for a day of dune-bashing in a 4x4. Scale the towering desert dunes and take in the sweeping views. A fun way to explore remote parts of Jordan.

What's the accommodation like in Jordan?

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Jordan you may find yourself staying in a desert camp.

Be welcomed by Bedouin for a night of camping under the stars. Enjoy traditional food and music then fall asleep in the supreme silence of the desert.

What to wear in Jordan?

Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country and conservative clothing is the norm for all genders. You don't need to cover yourself from head to toe, but you should wear clothing that covers your chest, shoulders and legs from the knee up. Honouring the local dress code shows respect for the local culture and customs.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Travel Guide Jordan

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We were very happy with our guides. They had excellent people skills, were very knowledgeable and accommodating. We can only highly recommend them.

Western travellers have been exploring the Middle East for well over a century, but Jordan is a relative newcomer to tourism, welcoming only a fraction of the numbers who visit neighbouring Egypt and Israel. Its popular image abroad encompasses not much more than camels and deserts, yet this is a country of mountains, beaches, castles and ancient churches, with an urbane people and a rich culture. It is safe, comfortable and welcoming – and by far the region’s most rewarding destination to travel.

Facts about Jordan

Where to go in jordan, jordan’s cultural heritage, jordanian identity, nationality, the next generation, jordan’s flag, pigeon-fancying, the royal botanic garden, the search for water, travel ideas for jordan, created by local experts.

Discover Jordan

Jordan has it all: spectacular desert scenery; the Dead Sea, age-old cities, castles, monuments, and more. Discover the best of this welcoming country as you delve into the history of ancient civilizations and see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World up close.

Treasures of Jordan

From the Dead Sea's restorative salty shores to Red Sea reefs teeming with aquatic life, Jordan is full of treasures. Get a taste of desert life and adventure in Wadi Rum; then fill up on culture in Petra and Amman, and maybe squeeze in a trip to Jerusalem, too.

Highlights of Jordan

Explore the highlights of Jordan in this compact itinerary. Activities include stargazing in Wadi Rum, exploring Petra and spending a day at leisure at the Dead Sea. Your knowledgeable guide will share stories about history and culture and introduce the Bedouin lifestyle to you.

An active adventure in Jordan

Experience a mix of hiking in the North of Jordan, canyon trails and relaxing activities combined with sightseeing of the highlights and meeting locals. This trip is accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and is not recommended during wintertime (November to February).

Jordan Culture in depth

Get to know the Jordanian culture in depth, indulge in mouthwatering street and local homemade food, meet the owner of the smallest hotel in the world, learn more about the Bedouins and the desert in Wadi Rum and finish off by floating over the Dead Sea mineral water.

Family adventure in Jordan

Indulge into the magical ancient world of Jordan on this thrilling family adventure! This tour has been specially designed to highlight the most exciting corners of Jordan, from natural reserves to historical Jerash to magnificent Petra, from Wadi Rum desert to the blissful Dead Sea.

Jordan is about 85 percent desert, but this one plain word covers a multitude of scenes, from the dramatic red sands and towering cliffs of the far south to the vast stony plains of volcanic basalt in the east. The northern hills, rich with olive trees, teeter over the rift of the Jordan Valley, which in turn runs down to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. The centre of the country is carpeted with tranquil fields of wheat, cut through by expansive canyons and bordered by arid, craggy mountains. At Jordan’s southernmost tip, beaches fringe the warm waters of the Red Sea, which harbours some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world.

• The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Al Mamlakeh Al Urduniyyeh Al Hashmiyyeh, or Al Urdun for short) covers around 90,000 square kilometres – roughly the same area as Portugal or Indiana.
• Of the 6.7 million population, well over 90 percent are Muslim Arabs, with small minorities of Christian Arabs, as well as Muslim Circassians and Chechens.
• Life expectancy is just over 80 – slightly ahead of the UK and Luxembourg.
• Jordan is a constitutional monarchy, with universal suffrage over the age of 18. The king appoints the Prime Minister and together they appoint the Cabinet. The Senate is appointed by the king and the House of Representatives is voted in by proportional representation.
• Jordan’s per-capita GDP is under US$6000. It has virtually no oil. Key economic sectors are phosphate and potash production, and tourism.
• Jordanian workers are entitled to a minimum wage of JD190/month (US$265).
• King Abdullah’s father, King Hussein, and mother, Toni Gardiner (later Princess Muna), met on the set of Lawrence of Arabia in 1961.
• King Abdullah once appeared in a non-speaking role in Star Trek: Voyager.

There are many fascinating places to visit in Jordan, from ancient Nabataean cities to the world-famous salt lake, known as the Dead Sea. Here is a handful of the best places to go in Jordan:

Treasury at Petra, Jordan © trabantos/Shutterstock

Magnificent ancient city hidden away in the craggy mountains of the south – one of the world’s must-see attractions.

The Dead Sea

Enjoy spectacular sunsets at the lowest point on earth, floating effortlessly on this inland lake supported only by the density of the salty water.

Wadi Rum Protected Area

Experience the atmosphere of the open desert in the stunning company of sheer mountains, red dunes and vast, silent panoramas.

Amman midtown with the Jordan flag in the background © tenkl/Shutterstock

Roman columns and the ruins of an Islamic-era palace tower over Amman, gazing down on a huge Roman theatre in the heart of the city.

Head south for some of the Red Sea’s best-preserved coral reefs and greatest marine biodiversity.

Follow in the footsteps of Moses to this summit above the Dead Sea (named in Deuteronomy), to gaze out over the Promised Land.

The “Desert Castles”

Take a day to explore this fascinating string of early-Islamic forts, bathhouses and caravanserais east of Amman on a convenient, easy-to-navigate loop of roads.

Large South Theatre - in antique town Jerash © volkova natalia/Shutterstock

A spectacularly well-preserved Roman city, complete with colonnaded streets, grand temples, intimate marketplaces and mosaic-floored churches.

Discover more places in Jordan

• The eastern desert Travel Guide
• Jerash and the north Travel Guide
• The King’s Highway Travel Guide

Jordan is part of the land bridge linking Europe, Africa and Asia, and has seen countless armies come and go. Greeks, Romans, Muslims, Christian Crusaders and more have left evidence of their conquests, and there are literally thousands of archeological sites from all periods in every corner of the country. In addition, Israel and Palestine, Jordan’s neighbours to the west, have no monopoly on biblical history: it was in Jordan that Lot sought refuge from the fire and brimstone of the Lord; Moses, Aaron and John the Baptist all died in Jordan; and Jesus was almost certainly baptized here. Even the Prophet Muhammad passed through.

And yet the country is far from being stuck in the past. Amman is a thoroughly modern Arab capital, and poverty is the exception rather than the rule. The government, under head of state King Abdullah II, manages to be simultaneously pro-Western, pro-Arab, founded on a bedrock of Muslim authority and committed to peace with Israel. Women are better integrated into positions of power in government and business than almost anywhere else in the Middle East. Jordanians are also exceptionally highly educated: roughly four percent of the total population is enrolled at university, a proportion comparable to the UK. Traditions of hospitality are ingrained, and taking up some of the many invitations you’ll get to tea or a meal will expose you to an outlook among local people that is often as cosmopolitan and world-aware as anything at home. Domestic extremism is very rare.

Desert camp at Wadi Rum, Jordan © Ahmad A Atwah/Shutterstock

Most people take great pride in their ancestry, whether they’re present or former desert-dwellers (bedouin) or from a settled farming tradition (fellahin). Across the desert areas, people still live and work on their tribal lands, whether together in villages or apart in individual family units. Many town-dwellers, including substantial numbers of Ammanis, also claim tribal identity. Belonging to a tribe (an honour conferred by birth) means respecting the authority of a communal leader, or sheikh, and living in a culture of shared history, values and principles that often crosses national boundaries. Notions of honour and mutual defence are strong. Tribes also wield a great deal of institutional power: most members of Jordan’s lower house of parliament are elected for their tribal, rather than political, affiliation. The king, as sheikh of sheikhs, commands heartfelt loyalty among many people and respect among most of the rest.

National identity is a thorny issue in Jordan, which has taken in huge numbers of Palestinian refugees since the foundation of the State of Israel in 1948. Many people from tribes resident east of the River Jordan before 1948 resent this overbalancing of the country’s demography, as well as the fact that Palestinians, having developed an urbanized, entrepreneurial culture, dominate private-sector business. For their part, Jordanians of Palestinian origin – by some estimates comprising more than sixty percent of the population – often resent the “East Bank” Jordanians’ grip on power in government and the public sector. All are Jordanian citizens, but citizenship tends to mean less to many of Palestinian origin than their national identity, and less to many East Bankers than their tribal affiliation. Recent influxes of refugees from Iraq and Syria, plus large numbers of long-stay guest workers from Egypt, muddy the issue still further. “Where are you from?” – a simple enough question in many countries – is in Jordan the cue for a life story.

Top image: Ad Deir temple, Petra © tenkl/Shutterstock

Although Jordan has a homogeneous population, society is characterized by overlapping layers of identity . You’ll often come across expressions of religious and social sensibility that sound refreshingly unfamiliar to Western ears.

Almost Jordan’s entire population is Arab . This is an ethnic term, but also marks a pan-national identity, largely because nation-states are relatively new: many people in Jordan feel a much stronger cultural affinity with Arabs from nearby countries than, say, Britons might feel with Belgians. The bedouin add a deeper layer of meaning by often regarding themselves to be the only true, original Arabs. Jordan has tiny ethnic minorities of Circassians and Chechens (who are Muslim), Armenians (Christian) and Kurds (Muslim) – all of whom are closely bound into Jordanian society – as well as Dom gypsies (also Muslim).

Roughly 92 percent of Jordanians are Sunni Muslim , and the observance of Islam is a central part of daily life for most people across the country. The call to prayer sounds five times a day in every city, town and village. Jordan’s largest religious minority, totalling around six percent, are Christians , most of whom are Greek Orthodox, but also including Melkite Catholics, Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Maronites and some Protestants (Lutherans, Baptists, Episcopalians and others). There are also small communities of Shia Muslims , Druze and Bahai . Expats aside, there are no Jews in Jordan.

There persists a perceived difference between people whose origins lie in families long resident on the east bank of the River Jordan and people whose families originate on the west bank of the river. All are Jordanian citizens, yet Jordanians of Palestinian origin are estimated to number between half and three-quarters of the total population. Roughly seven percent of people in Jordan are expats, including guest workers – many of them Egyptian , Sri Lankan and Filipino – alongside a sizeable population of Iraqi refugees.

A tribe is an extended grouping of families who cultivate a distinctive tradition of history and folklore (mainly oral) and assert ownership of a particular territory. Not all tribes are desert-dwelling – there are many whose background is rural, and others who have become urbanized. Tribal territories, which predate nation-states, often extend across international borders. Some tribes are made up of clans and branches which have taken on tribe-like status; others have banded together in larger, often pan-national, tribal confederations. All these concepts are rather loose, but for a lot of Jordanians, tribal identity is at least as strong as religious or national identity.

Within tribal identity, many people make a distinction between two broad social traditions. The bedouin originate in families who are current or former desert-dwellers: they may once have been nomadic, but are almost all now settled. Some still live in tents in or near the desert, following traditional lifestyles, but many do not: a police officer in Amman or a marketing executive in Aqaba might be as bedouin as a camel-guide in Wadi Rum. By contrast the fellahin originate from a settled, rural, farming tradition, often in the north and west of Jordan. They frequently have strong historic links – often of family or tribe – to rural communities across the borders in Syria and Palestine.

More than a third of Jordanians are under 15 . This is one of the best-educated countries in the developing world: almost everyone you meet will be able to hold some sort of conversation in English (and possibly French, Spanish and German too). Students from all income groups and social backgrounds mix freely at the universities, where the traditional emphasis on engineering and the sciences – Jordan is a world leader in medical fields including ophthalmology and cardiology – is giving way to new technology. Aqaba’s Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts , backed by Steven Spielberg, is turning out directors and cinematographers of world-class standard. The heritage-style image of Jordan as a nation of simple tent-dwellers, scratching a living from the desert sands, bears little relation to reality.

Jordan’s flag is adapted from the revolutionary banner of the Great Arab Revolt of 1916–17, when Arab armies under the Hashemites – a noble dynasty, now led by King Abdullah II of Jordan, which traces its origins back to the Prophet Muhammad – overthrew the rule of the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East.

The flag has three equal horizontal bands. At the top is black , representing the Abbasid Caliphate that ruled from Baghdad in the eighth and ninth centuries; in the middle is white , representing the Umayyad Caliphate that ruled from Damascus in the seventh and eighth centuries; and at the bottom is green , representing the Fatimid Caliphate that ruled from Cairo in the tenth and eleventh centuries. On the hoist side is a red triangle representing the Great Arab Revolt of 1916–17. Within the triangle is a seven-pointed white star which symbolizes the seven verses of the opening sura (verse) of the Quran; the points represent faith in one God, humanity, national spirit, humility, social justice, virtue and hope.

At sunset in towns all across Jordan, you’ll see small, tight flocks of pigeons wheeling overhead. Pigeon-fancying is surprisingly popular, and has taken on something of a shady image, since the point of it is not to race the birds, but rather to kidnap prize specimens from other people’s flocks. In every neighbourhood, as the sun goes down, people emerge onto the flat rooftops and open up their ramshackle pigeon coops, sometimes twirling a lure on a length of rope to keep the flock dipping and swooping, sometimes holding a female bird up so that the males will circle around. Neighbours will often deliberately exercise their flocks at the same time, to try and persuade each other’s birds to defect; similarly, some well-trained flocks can be enticed to fly off to another part of town to bring back new individuals. Newspapers report that enthusiasts gain three or four new birds a week, yet lose roughly the same number. Many fanciers keep their identities secret, since – for obvious reasons – they’re popularly seen as being not entirely trustworthy.

Due to open in 2014, Jordan's Royal Botanic Garden is set to feature five local habitats (deciduous oak forest, pine forest, juniper forest, Jordan Valley and freshwater wadi), as well as themed gardens (medicinal, Islamic, the five senses, bees and more). Eventually there will be walks along 20km of scenic nature trails , birdwatching from concealed hides, a butterfly house, boat trips on the lake, a wholefood café-restaurant and ecolodge accommodation.

The site chosen for the garden is the hilly area of Tell Ar Rumman , to the west of the Amman–Jerash road about 25km north of the capital, overlooking the lake formed by the King Talal Dam. Because of the garden’s size (180 hectares, with more than 300m of elevation difference between mountain summits and the lakeshore) and its variety of habitats, most of Jordan’s native plant species can be grown onsite. It is intended to be a demonstration site, showcasing “sustainable living and environmentally compatible solutions that can be easily replicated by the average Jordanian”. For up-to-date information , call or check the website (06 541 3402, w royalbotanicgarden.org ).

Jordan is one of the five driest countries in the world. Annual consumption per capita (calculated as renewable water resources withdrawn) is about 170 cubic metres, compared with 630 as the world average, 800 across the Middle East/North Africa region – and 1,650 in North America. Almost a third of the water used in Jordan comes from non-sustainable or non-renewable sources. Three decades of pumping from the once-abundant Azraq oasis has brought it to the point of collapse. The River Yarmouk sports a large dam shared by Jordan and Syria, and all the major valleys leading down to the Dead Sea are now dammed in an effort to stop water draining into the salty lake – which has contributed to its rapid shrinking. Every winter the local newspapers publish reports tabulating levels of water storage in the country’s reservoirs, while Jordanians anxiously wait for rain. Water rationing is in place in Amman over the summer. A scheme to pipe water to Amman from desert aquifers at Disi is already under way, and plans are afoot for desalination plants on the Red Sea, possibly – and very controversially – to be powered by a nuclear plant.

Travel advice for Jordan

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Jordan

• Culture and Etiquette in Jordan
• Eating and drinking in Jordan
• How to get to Jordan
• Getting around Jordan: Transportation Tips
• Shopping tips for Jordan
• Travel Tips Jordan for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Jordan

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updated 26.04.2021

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This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.

Day 1 Amman: Arrival

On arrival in Amman you will be met and assisted through immigration and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 Amman: Historic City & Wine Tasting

This morning drive north of Amman to the spectacular Roman ruins of Jerash. The city's many monuments still retain the atmosphere of the once thriving metropolis, famous in its time for its magnificent temples, amphitheatres and plazas. Return to Amman where your guide will then take you for a stroll through the city’s crowded streets, from the colourful Rainbow Street, Amman’s soho like area, to the souk area around the Husseini Mosque. Experience some of Jordan’s best street food, before visiting some of the capital’s sites. This evening you will be given a wonderful insight into Jordanian cuisine as you embark on a private cooking class at Beit Sitti, an establishment set up by sisters looking to continue their grandmother’s legacy.

Day 3 Amman: Roman Jerash

This morning drive north of Amman to the spectacular Roman ruins of Jerash. The city's many monuments still retain the atmosphere of the once thriving metropolis, famous in its time for its magnificent temples, amphitheatres and plazas. Explore the theatres, colonnaded streets and the nymphaeum before returning to Amman. This evening enjoy dinner at Fakhr Eddin Restaurant.

Day 4 Amman – Petra: Through the Holy Land

Leave Amman and drive south to the mosaic-filled city of Madaba. Next head to the nearby Mount Nebo, one of the reputed sites of the tomb of Moses. The summit of this lonely, wind-swept mountain commands spectacular views over the Dead Sea to the West Bank and Jerusalem and you can see the springs where Moses supposedly smote the ground to bring forth water. Continue your journey south to the Pink City of Petra.

Day 5 Little Petra & Petra: Along the Bedouin Trail

This morning visit Little Petra, located a few miles away from the main valley, and a less-visited site with a charm all of its own. From here you then travel a short distance to the start of the Back Door Route to the main site of Petra - a spectacular, but little-known, Bedouin trail. This route offers a unique insight into two very different sides of Petra, with dramatic views and the chance to escape the crowds. This evening you will then be treated to a very special experience, visiting Petra at night, as you follow the candles through the siq and enjoy local Bedouin music as you sit and admire the Treasury lit up at night, a memory that will stick with you for many years to come.

Day 6 Petra – Wadi Rum: Desert Camp

This morning is free for you to explore Petra further taking in some more of the ancient tombs and carvings. In the afternoon head south to experience the unique landscapes of Wadi Rum. Today you will experience not only history but the unique landscapes of Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum is a vast, silent desert, both romantic and extremely beautiful, where massive mountains rise vertically out of the pink desert sand, eroded by the wind into shapes of men, animals and monsters. Transfer through the desert to your camp and enjoy the afternoon to take in the peace and quiet or enjoy a walk in the surrounding area. Sunset is particularly delightful as the desert glows for miles into the horizon and you can enjoy a sundowner at the camp.

Day 7 Wadi Rum – Aqaba: Sand Safari

This morning set out in a 4WD to explore the desert sands and monolithic rock formations, stop to scramble up dunes and walk through narrow rocky canyons while learning about the history of the desert and the hardy flora and fauna that make the desert their home. Return to your camp for some lunch, before driving to the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.

Day 9 Aqaba: Relax by the Sea

Enjoy a day at leisure today. You can either enjoy your stunning hotel, or explore one of the many additional experiences available, including sailing on a private yacht as you watch the sun set over the Red Sea.

Day 10 Aqaba – Kerak Castle – Dead Sea: Crusader Castle & Saline Waters

Leaving Aqaba, drive north to Kerak Castle, built in 1136 as part of a long line of Crusader mountain top castles that defended the route from Jordan to Turkey. From here continue on to the Dead Sea. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the legendary therapeutic and healing secrets of this renowned salt lake. We recommend you take a mud-pack treatment with therapeutic Dead Sea minerals.

Day 11 Dead Sea – Amman Airport: Departure

This morning your driver will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to Amman airport for your flight.

EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION

Movenpick resort petra, petra.

Situated at the entrance to the magical site of Petra, the Movenpick is arguably the best hotel in Petra and some of the rooms offer good views over some of the ruins. Renowned for its intricate Arabesque interior design and large collection of antiques and artwork, the building has a wonderful atmosphere completely in keeping with its exotic location. Everything is here to provide you with a luxurious stay including numerous restaurants and bars, an attractive roof-top garden with swimming pool, fitness centre, steam bath and a gym.

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Dead Sea

Set in the shore of the Dead Sea, amidst bamboo and olive trees gardens, the five star Kempinski Hotel Ishtar boasts 318 luxurious rooms and suites segregated between two enclaves. The Arabesque main building is decorated in clean and simple lines, while the Babylonian inspired Ishtar Villas, designed with a tasteful contemporary decor, offer an even more luxurious and exclusive stay with a boutique hotel feel. All rooms and suites benefit from stunning views of the Dead Sea with spacious patios or balconies, and feature state-of-the-art technology and luxury amenities. Food and beverage outlets are meticulously complemented with immaculate service and breath-taking views, and the full array of leisure facilities include nine fresh water swimming pools, a gymnasium, the longest private beach in Jordan, and the Anantara Spa, the biggest in the region.

Discovery Bedu, Wadi Rum

Discovery Bedu is a luxury eco-camp run by local Bedouins and set in the majestic landscapes of Wadi Rum. Powered by solar energy the accommodation consists of one communal tent and six tented suites, each including an en-suite bathroom and private deck looking out over the red sand dunes and the mountains. Local dishes are served in the main dining tent or al fresco under the stars. Its secluded location makes Discovery Bedu the perfect place to unwind or enjoy one of the many activities on offer including stargazing, desert walks, 4x4 driving, sand-boarding and camel-riding.

Fairmont Amman, Amman

A luxurious choice in the 5th circle of Amman, the five-star Fairmont Amman is within a thirty minute drive from the airport. Designed by an award-winning contemporary architecture firm, the hotel is now a modern landmark within the ancient city. The building encompasses 317 elegant rooms and suites with unparalleled views of the stunning Amman hills and premium amenities for leisure and business travellers. With a focus on the freshest regional produce and faultlessly executed recipes, there is a wide range of cuisine on offer; from local food and shisha at Nasim, Levant cuisine at Nur, Japanese and the finest sushi at Tsuki, or the finest steaks and meats at Salt. Outside the restaurants, the hotel has a lobby lounge serving afternoon tea, a pool bar and grill and an evening bar. Outside in the grounds is the outdoor pool which is perfectly paired with a visit to the Willow Stream retreat complete with six treatments rooms, one of the best hammams in the region, an exclusive couple’s treatment room, hair salon, full-service nail studio, kids pool, gym, Jacuzzi and a mineral pool. It’s the perfect place to kick back after a long day of exploring the city or after your productive business meetings. You will be pampered to your hearts content here at the Fairmont Amman.

Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba, Aqaba

Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba is set on the shores of the Red Sea. The luxurious hotel features 208 rooms, 38 suites and 2 villas, suitable to couples, families and groups. Each room has a large bed with a desk and private bathroom. View the Red Sea or granite mountain range from the accommodations. There are two restaurants on site, specialising in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Days are spent diving, swimming in the pool, sunbathing on the private beach, working out in the fitness centre or relaxing the senses at the Spa.

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Home » Middle East » Jordan » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Jordan Travel Guide (2024) • Tips + Secrets

Most people that visit Jordan just see Petra and then move on elsewhere. I’m here to tell you that there is so much more to do when you go to Jordan! The Jordanian wilderness is astounding and the capital, Amman, is far more vibrant than people think. Jordan deserves to be explored.

The good news is that Jordan is still a bit of a backpacker secret so you won’t have to look too far to get off the beaten path and away from the hoards of tourists. It’s easy to make your own adventure here!

Backpacking in Jordan was one of the best times of my life. The landscape is incredible and the locals are wonderful. Fuck, everything about this place was amazing for me.

This travel guide for Jordan is a collection of all the knowledge that I gained while backpacking there. In it, you will find tips on where to go and how to spend as little money as possible while backpacking Jordan. You will visit Petra, the Dead Sea, secret ruins, and much more along this journey.

So come with me. It’s time we visited the spectacular sands of Jordan!

Why Go Backpacking in Jordan?

The following is a moment from my life while backpacking through Jordan:

Our Bedouin guide called me Shams, which means “the sun” in Arabic. He gave me this name because of the two girls that I traveled with. Their names were Alqamar and Najima – the moon and the star.

Together, we were the Sun, Moon, and Star of Jordan.

Each morning, I rose before dawn to climb the mountains of the desert. I was searching for that perfect view where everything could be seen. Reaching the summit, I exhaled a breath of relief as I arrived in time to greet the true Sun. Amusingly, I always imagined myself passing a symbolic torch to it.

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During the day, our guide would lead us to the most beautiful places in the desert. We navigated narrow canyons and hiked over monolithic bridges. The sky was a perfect blue and empty aside from the waning moon that watched over us.

At night, the four of us slept outside and under the night sky. We admired the heavens for ages and were never cold – the blanket of stars above was all that was needed.

If you’re not stoked about visiting Jordan, it’s time to!

In the following sections, you will find three different itineraries for backpacking Jordan with a great depth of coverage. Over the course of these backpacker routes, you will experience much of what there is to do in Jordan. You will visit Petra, the Wadi Rum, travel along the King’s Way, and so much more.

Best Itineraries and Routes for Backpacking Jordan

Below is a list of four travel itineraries for backpacking through Jordan. They vary from one week to 10 days in length and cover the majority of the top things to do in Jordan.

Backpacking Jordan 10 Day Itinerary #1: Jordan’s Highlights

Those with more time on their hands will be fortunate to see Amman , the rapidly growing capital, plus most of the previously mentioned destinations. Chances are you will start your journey in Amman, either by flying in or crossing from Israel.

Stay in Amman and explore this dynamic city. Go hunting for graffiti and visit one of the many art galleries. Take day trips out to Jerash and the Dead Sea where you can float until your heart is content. Drop by Madaba if you’re interested in seeing the Madaba Map, which is of great historical importance.

Head south to visit Petra and the Wadi Rum. Afterward, catch a flight back to Amman in Aqaba. If your international return ticket is via Aqaba, thanks for visiting Jordan! You’ll be welcome back anytime.

Backpacking Jordan 5 Day Itinerary #2: The Dead Sea and Petra

Five days only? OK, strap in amigos, it’s time for a whistlestop tour of two of the most extraordinary places to visit in Jordan!  On this 5-day itinerary through Jordan, we’ll just be visiting two attractions: Petra , and the Dead Sea . This is a very common route for those who have been backpacking in Israel and want to get out for a few days.

Fly into Amman or cross the border at Allenby Bridge and head straight to the Dead Sea . Experience one of the most bewildering feelings in the world: weightlessness in the hyper salinated water.

Be sure and visit nearby Wadi Mujib or Wadi Numeira for some great hiking and canyoneering. These slot canyons are two of the top things to do in Jordan.

After the Dead Sea is Petra , which is one of the most admired places in the world! Enter the siq ( canyon )  and discover the “Rose-Red City.” Stare in awe for as long as you like – everyone does that here.

Backpacking Jordan 7 Day Itinerary: The South of Jordan

This route is great for those who want to spend more time in the deserts of Jordan. It includes a visit spectacular Wadi Rum , the reefs of the Red Sea , and, of course, the always magnetic Petra .

Backpackers can arrive in either Aqaba or Amman . The former is better as you can get a free visa! See the Getting a Visa in Jordan section for more on this sweet deal. Those who have been backpacking in Israel can also enter via the convenient Wadi Araba crossing between Eilat (great for diving) and Aqaba.

Go diving in Aqaba and see some of the most colorful coral in Arabia. Trek in the Wadi Rum all day and then sleep under the stars. Drop by on a trip to Petra and see what all the fuss is about. All of this and more is covered in this itinerary!

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Places to Visit in Jordan

Now that we’ve covered a few backpacking routes in Jordan, I’m going to go into detail about the places to visit in Jordan, and what you can expect to do!

Backpacking Amman

Amman is both the largest city in Jordan and its capital. Amman only receives a fraction of the tourists that Petra does, which is a shame because it really is a wonderful place to visit in Jordan.

In the last few years, Amman has undergone a lot of urban renewal in hopes of keeping up with its Arab neighbors. For this reason, there are a ton of things to do in Amman. From the Roman Amphitheatre to the booming Rainbow Street, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city.

Lovers of history will be very impressed by Amman. There are several ruins here dating back to the Romans. The most noticeable sight is the Citadel.  Sitting atop Jabal al-Qal’a, this complex rises right in the middle of the city and is hard to miss. At the Citadel you will find archaeological sites like the Roman Temple of Hercules , and the Umayyad Palace . From the hill, the views of the city are unbeatable as well.

Other historical sites in Amman include the aforementioned Roman Theatre and the  Mosque of King Abdullah I .

Amman has a vibrant art scene that cannot be denied. The Darat Al Funun is a “home for the arts and artists of the Arab World.” Their story is fascinating and I encourage travelers to check it out. Nearby is the Fine Arts Museum of Jordan . The city is also full of stunning graffiti from local and international alike.

Finally, no trip to Amman is complete without visiting Rainbow Street and Jabal Al Weibdeh . Both areas are very bohemian and have lots of charming cafes and artists studios. Sip a coffee and people watch in these districts.

Backpacking Jerash

To the north of Amman at the border of Lebanon and Syria is the very impressive city of Jerash . Jerash is home to some of the grandest ruins in the Middle East. You’ll have to pay a fee ($14) to enter the historical grounds but it’ll be well worth it for history buffs.

There are Roman archaeological sites everywhere in Jerash. You could easily spend the whole day wandering around the arches and fallen pillars of this place. The Roman complex is complete with a forum, agora, nymphaeum, Hippodrome, temple – to Artemis specifically – and a theatre. These are staples of Roman architecture and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better-preserved site unless you were a time traveler.

Moving forward in history, about 10 miles outside of Jerash is Ajloun and its spectacular castle. Built in the 12th century, Ajloun Castle would become one of the most important outposts in Saladin’s Sultanate. From the fortress, all of the surrounding lands could be protected and trade upheld. The castle itself is quite labyrinthian and preserved very well.

To be honest, both Jerash and Ajloun could be visited as day trips from Amman. Those on a tight travel budget for Jordan might prefer to do this because local accommodation can be expensive. This area is very beautiful though and some may see value in staying a few nights.

Camping in the woods around Ajloun is a great idea. The best camp around is in the Ajloun Nature Preserve , though it is considered “luxury camping.” You can read more about the facility by clicking the link below. I suggest going with a group of people to split costs and save some cash.

Backpacking Madaba

Madaba is a sleepy little town with not a whole lot going on. You could walk around the whole city in less than a day. Its few significant historical sites plus prime location make it a worthy stop for anyone traveling to Jordan.

The most important attraction in Madaba is the Madaba Map . The map dates back to the 5th Century AD and is a (partial) mosaic of the Middle East.

This relic is compelling because it is the oldest known geographic mosaic in the world. It’s portrayal of the Holy Land and Jerusalem also make it the oldest known depiction of either. Historians have placed great importance on this finding. The Madaba Map can be found at the Church of St. George .

Other places to visit in Madaba of particular interest include:

• The Archaeological Park
• The Shrine to the Beheaded St John the Baptist .

Madaba really shines because of its location though. Its proximity to the Dead Sea makes it an excellent base for exploring the area. Accommodation prices in Madaba will be much cheaper than those around the Dead Sea as well.

If you do venture out to the Dead Sea, make sure you stop by the lovely Ma’in Hot Springs . The springs are warmed by thermal vents and full of healing minerals. The water is a gorgeous aqua color and it flows picturesquely via several waterfalls.

Also worth visiting in Mount Nebo , the place from where Moses saw the “Promised Land.” This mountain is only ten minutes outside of Madaba and affords excellent views of the surrounding landscape. You can see all the way to the Dead Sea and even Jerusalem on a clear day. Taxis to the trailhead can easily be arranged in Al Muhafada circle.

Backpacking Petra

Petra is One of the Seven Wonders of the New World! These ruins are often the main reason many people go to Jordan backpacking in the first place.

Petra was once the capital of the ancient Nabataean Kingdom and sheltered nomadic Arabs for many centuries. Eventually, the city was conquered by various superpowers including the Romans and Saracens. Over the years, Petra was forgotten and would remain hidden until it’s rediscovery in the 19th century.

What remains of Petra is a few archaeological sites that now act as tourist destinations in Jordan. The most well-known attraction is the Al-Khazneh or “Treasury.” You may recognize its facade from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade . The Treasury was once a mausoleum used by the Nabataeans.

Other sites include The Monastery , Roman Theater, Royal Tombs , and Street of Facades . There’s enough to see that an itinerary for Petra could last several days. There are several hiking routes going in and out the area as well (see the  Trekking in Jordan section).

Entry is expensive but the system is designed to put the greatest financial burden on making a day trip to Petra. Single-day passes are $125 . Those staying overnight in Petra will actually pay less at around $70-$80 .

Of course, Petra is a valid destination if you have a Jordan Pass (refer to the  Getting into Jordan section for more on this).

Visiting the ruins at night is a popular activity and it’ll even save you money – about $50 worth! Unfortunately, this option limits you to only seeing the Treasury and only on certain days: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Backpacking the Dead Sea

Though less visited than the Israeli side, the Dead Sea of Jordan is no less stunning!

The Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth and one of the saltiest as well. It’s so salinated that it’s almost impossible to sink. People marvel at the buoyancy of the water and at how effortlessly they float – literally without trying. “Swimming” in the Dead Sea is for sure a weird experience and makes the trip worth it.

The high mineral content of the Dead Sea is also very therapeutic. Smother some mud on your skin for a healing bath!

There are a couple of cautionary steps that swimmers are suggested to follow in the Dead Sea:

• Do not float on your belly as this will cause you to be very disoriented (you still totally can though and it’s a lot of fun).
• Don’t put your head under, however, unless you’ve recently been experimenting with putting Tiger Balm in your eyes and your pain tolerance is excellent. You can still drown in the Dead Sea.
• The water tastes like a fish’s butthole – fair warning.

Just south of the Dead Sea are two of the most beautiful places to go to in Jordan – The Wadi Mujib and Wadi Numeira . These are gorgeous slot canyons that are very reminiscent of those in Utah and Arizona. You can go on one the best hikes in Jordan in the Wadi Mujib.

The Siq Mujib trail is a thrilling canyoneering route, sometimes through thigh-high water. You will navigate the canyon all the while marveling at the impressive sandstone formations. The Siq Numeira trail has similar geology to Mujib but far less water, which is better for aquaphobic people.

Backpacking the Wadi Rum

The Wadi Rum ismy favorite place to visit in Jordan! The desert landscape is absolutely astounding here. Striking mountains rise up from the ground in surreal fashion. The brilliant colors of the sand here are reminiscent of a painter’s pallet. At sunset, the scene is transcendent.

Arriving into the Wadi Rum is straightforward. Ride the bus or hitchhike along the only highway in the area (the 15) until you reach the Wadi Rum turnoff. Sometimes there are taxis waiting to give you a lift. Otherwise, you’ll have to hitch another ride. If you booked your accommodation ahead of time – which I highly recommend – you can arrange for a pickup. If you’re coming from Petra, there are usually minibusses that will go all the way to Wadi Rum Village.

You’ll have to register with the tourist office before entering the Wadi Rum, but this is a painless affair. Once you’ve passed this checkpoint, next stop is Wadi Rum Village . This is the final settlement before the desert. You can stock up on supplies here if you like.

Past the village is the Wadi Rum! Make no mistake: this desert is huge . It would very foolish to simply walk across it. I really suggest that you hire a driver as they’ll know the best spots and get you there quickly. Drivers will often be available via your desert accommodation or by asking around town. Seriously, paying the extra money for this service is totally worth it, if not, mandatory.

With your driver, you can go just about anywhere in the Wadi Rum! Visit the remains of Lawrence of Arabia’s old house . Navigate the narrow Khazali Canyon . The possibilities are infinite!

Backpacking Aqaba

Aqaba is the gateway to the stunning Red Sea! The Red Sea is famous for its cerulean water, which makes for great swimming and diving.

There isn’t much to do in the sleepy town of Aqaba aside from seeing the local fort or museum. The city itself really only serves as a port and base for visiting the Red Sea.

There are a few beaches in the city but the best are down south towards the Saudi Arabian border. Hotel shuttle buses and taxis are the most convenient means of transportation. The former can usually be arranged even if you’re not a guest of the particular hotel.

Arriving at the beach you’ll notice a few things:

• The beach can be quite stony.
• Women are still wearing bikinis.
• The water is perfect.

The second bit about the swimwear is notable because many travelers expect the more traditional Muslim garb. The beaches are private and have their own (casual) dress code so bikinis are welcome.

NOTE: The reason to mention Western-style swimwear is that because certain articles of clothing, like bikinis, are generally frowned upon at public beaches in Jordan. Thus, if you want to wear something like a bikini, you’ll need to go to the private beachs and resorts to do so.

Beachgoers will have the unique opportunity of seeing four different nations at once. Across the Red Sea, you’ll see Egypt and Israel, and to the south is Saudi Arabia.

There are several dive centers around these beaches. Visit one of them and book a diving trip. For more information on diving, see the Diving in Jordan section of this guide .

Going Off the Beaten Path in Jordan

Jordan is a pretty small country so you’d think that there would be very few secrets left. There is always a side to every country though that evades popular attention. The east of Jordan – near the borders of Iraq and Syria – is very rarely visited. Few backpackers actually make it to every site in between Amman and Petra as well because they’re in such a rush to get to the latter.

As is always the case with taking the road less traveled, I strongly suggest renting a car in order to get around. Public transport is slow or non-existent in all of the below. Having your own ride will make getting around much easier and, for everything else, you always got your thumb.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

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Backpacking Eastern Desert

East of Amman, and well off the usual backpacking route, is the Eastern Desert of Jordan. The desert here doesn’t really stand out – compared to the Wadi Rum at least – and there isn’t much to do.

What this region offers though is a collection of remote desert castles. These buildings are among the top historical places to see in Jordan and do not suffer from larger crowds. Chances are you’ll either be sharing the sites with only a handful of people or you’ll have them all to yourself.

The main castles in the Eastern Desert are Qasr al-Hallabat , Qasr Amra , Qasr al-Azraq and Qasr al-Kharaneh. If you make it as far east as Qasr al-Azraq, it may be worth staying in the small town of Azraq . There is almost nothing to do in this settlement beside visiting the nearby wetlands. It does offer a nice base to see the ruins though.

I must warn some people that there is very little grandeur to these outposts. Bleak is the landscape and humble are the structures. They are important though. Lawrence of Arabia used Qasr Azraq as his own base to conduct several campaigns. These castles have stood the test of time and if you visit them, you may understand a little more about Arabia.

Backpacking Dana Biosphere Reserve

There is very little green in Jordan but that doesn’t mean it’s completely barren. Enter the Dana Biosphere Reserve – located in-between the Wadi Rum and Petra. This natural park is one of the most verdant areas in the country and is a welcome respite from the ubiquitous desert landscape.

The Dana is the most environmentally diverse place in Jordan. This park is characterized by several types of flora and fauna, as well as being subject to four distinct bio-geographical zones.

There over 200 species of bird in the Dana. In addition, several endangered species reside here including the Nubian ibex and kestrel. The geology is a mix of sandstone, limestone, and granite.

For these reasons, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is a great area for hiking in Jordan. Many who are backpacking through Jordan quickly skip this area, either out of ignorance or because of a lack of time. Such a pity! The Dana is one of the great experiences of Jordan and shouldn’t be overlooked.

There are a number of ways to enjoy the Dana Biosphere. You can go for a walk (refer to the Trekking in Jordan section) or even mountain biking. Because of its location, you can even connect the Dana with Petra and/or the Wadi Rum via long-distance hiking!

Backpacking The King’s Way

When visitors enter Jordan, they usually head straight to Petra and take the quickest route there – via a modern highway. In doing so, these people miss out on one the most scenic and culturally significant roads in Jordan: the  King’s Way .

The King’s Way is an ancient highway dating back thousands of years to the origins of civilization in the region. Running from Syria to Egypt, it once was the primary means of trade in the area. The road was vital for the pilgrim’s journey to Mecca. Several important events have purportedly occurred along this route including the Exodus of Israelites.

Nowadays, the King’s Way is a relic. It twists and turns and follows the contours of the landscape in dizzying ways. Transport is obviously slow but this is no reason not to travel on it. By taking the King’s Way you’ll have more time to savor the scenery. Besides, the King’s Way conveniently passes through many destinations that have already been discussed!

Starting in Madaba, you’ll pass by the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib, and Dana Biosphere Reserve before reaching its terminus at Petra. You’ll also get a chance to see one of the most important historical sites in Jordan: Kerak Castle . Even though it’s in ruins, Kerak is still one of the finest crusader castles in the Middle East.

If you’re not short on time and want to see a more intimate side of Jordan, take the King’s Way. How many people can say they walked the same path as Moses and the kings of the Holy Land?

Top Things to Do in Jordan

Below I have listed 10 of the best things to do in Jordan to get your ideas flowing for your next adventure! Just a short summary of the sexiest parts of the Jordan travel guide!

1. Visit Petra

One of the most popular places to visit in Jordan! Wander around the ruins and marvel at their brilliance. I will warn you, however, that there are a lot of stipulations with the fees for visiting Petra , so do your research!

2. Go Hiking in the Wadi Rum

The Wadi Rum is one of the most beautiful places in Jordan! See the desert that inspired the setting for films like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian .

3. Hang with Bedouins

The Bedouins love hosting guests and dinners can be a huge affair. Watch as they bury a stove underground and cook using only the hot sand.

4. Take the Kings Way

Ditch the modern highway and take the antique King’s Way. Transport yourself to a different era and travel in the footsteps of the rulers of old. It’s easily the coolest way to travel around Jordan!

5. Float in the Dead Sea

Floating in the Dead Sea is a can’t-miss experience in Jordan! Feel weightless in the hyper salinated water and then treat your skin to a healing mud bath.

6. Explore Ancient Ruins

There are so many historical places to visit in Jordan. The ruins of countless civilizations litter the ground in Jordan. Nabataean, Roman, Crusader – they’re all here!

7. Hang with Bedouins Under the Stars

The night skies in Jordan are ridiculous! There are endless stars and – during the right season – a great view of the Galactic Center. Ask your local Bedouin guide about their favorite constellations.

8. Go Canyoneering in the Wadi Mujib

There are very few spots that can be compared to the epic canyons of Utah. The Wadi Mujib is one of them! Explore this amazing slot canyon, and be sure to bring backpacking-friendly waterproof gear .

9. Visit a Desert Castle

Jordan has some of the best-preserved desert castles in the Middle East. Visit one of the many ruins in the interior of Jordan or head to the Eastern Desert to see some remote fortresses.

10. Dive in the Red Sea

The Red Sea is the perfect place to go scuba diving! The water is clear, the reefs are kaleidoscopic, and the marine life is abundant. If you’re going backpacking in Egypt, you can also experience the magical underwater world from there.

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Backpacker Accommodation in Jordan

Allow me to introduce to you the various backpacker friendly accommodation options in Jordan. There are many lodging choices in Jordan, from hip hostels in the capital to quaint guesthouses in the villages, and even an option to stay in more unorthodox dwellings like traditional Bedouin tents or rock-cut caves .

Most hostels in Jordan are situated in more developed locations like Amann, Aqaba, and Petra. Most quality dorms in Jordan shouldn’t cost you more than $15.

Hostel options get pretty grim outside of the tourist hubs though. You’ll have to rely on other means to get a good-night sleep in some of the more remote areas but, luckily, there are lots of options…

Hotels are a popular means of lodging in Jordan. These can either be very luxurious or pretty basic. Many come with multiple beds, which is great for a group of backpackers looking to split a room. Most hotels will be more expensive than staying in a hostel, regardless of quality, so packing multiple people into one room is a good idea to save cash.

Camping in Jordan is totally acceptable and a really amazing experience. You’ll most likely be pitching a tent in the middle of the desert – the sky here is jaw-dropping at night! I strongly recommend traveling Jordan with a  solid backpacking tent  for a good night’s rest.

Many camps are already prearranged to handle the massive influx of tourists. Tents are sometimes made from steel cages covered in insulating textile. These campgrounds are usually cheap. If you’re really fortunate though, you’ll be able to stay in a proper Bedouin tent complete with wood pillars and rugs.

Traveling by Couchsurfing  is always an option and is actually quite common in Jordan – it’s even possible to Couchsurf in cave dwellings in the area surrounding Petra! Given the spectacular hospitality of the Jordanians, you’re sure to be taken care of while doing this.

Where to Stay in Jordan

Jordan backpacking costs.

The best way to backpack Jordan on a budget is to do the following:

• Travel around Jordan with a group to split costs and save money.
• Try and get a free visa for Jordan or one that pays for entrance tickets.
• Visit Jordan during the low seasons – summer/winter.

A comfortable budget while backpacking around Jordan would be around $25-$30 per day . This will get you a bed and plenty of food, and enough leftover cash to go drinking or sightseeing around Jordan.

Eating out is a very inexpensive affair in Jordan. Fair warning though, Jordan’s restaurant culture is lacking: most Jordanians prefer home cooking over dining so cafe and restaurant food will be pretty basic. You’ll survive but you won’t get the full culinary experience.

Accommodation is usually affordable but certain destinations in Jordan can be expensive. Popular day trip spots, like the Dead Sea or Jerash, can be pricey if you want to stay overnight. There is definitely merit in paying extra money to sleep in these places but you’ll have to decide for yourself if it’s worth it.

Renting a car in Jordan is a very reasonable idea. If you have a large group of people, you can split costs and it’ll probably be cheaper than buses or taxis. Most modern Jordanian roads are well-maintained and shouldn’t be a problem. Older roads like the King’s Way are trickier but still manageable. Leadfoots should be wary as well because there are many traffic cameras around.

If you wanted to see everything highlight that Jordan has to offer, you will have to pay for it. Hiring guides in the Wadi Rum, entry for Petra; all of these expenses add up. Popular places, like the Wadi Rum or Petra, will cost around $200 for the full – probably three-day – experience. A Jordan Pass can help with the entry fees but you’re still paying for everything else.

A Daily Budget in Jordan

Money in jordan.

The official currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar. Find out how much your money is worth today by using the up-to-date converter below.

Technically, the Jordanian dinar is worth more than the dollar, but most everything in Jordan costs only a few notes. Don’t feel bad for exchanging that crisp Benjamin for only a few bills – they’ll go a long way.

Most cities in Jordan have plentiful ATMs and it should never be difficult to withdraw cash. Note that ATMs usually dispense twenty and fifty dinar notes. Since everything only costs a couple of dinar, breaking a bill can be tedious. Try to keep as much small change as possible.

Unsurprisingly, there are not many banks or ATMs in the middle of the Jordanian desert. Before venturing out into the wilderness, like the Wadi Rum or Dana, be sure to have cash on you. If you run out of dinar, many businesses will accept USD if forced to. Be sure and inquire about this with your local guide.

Top Tips for Visiting Jordan on a Budget

To keep your spending to an absolute minimum whilst backpacking Jordan, I recommend sticking to the basic rules of budget backpacking…

• Camp: With plenty of campgrounds, Jordan is a great place to camp. You can often pitch a tent for much cheaper than staying in a guest house or, maybe, for free altogether. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best gear to take backpacking and sleeping out.
• Cook your own food: If you’re on a real tight budget, it’s also worth taking a portable stove Check out this post for info on the best backpacking stoves .
• Hitchhike:  In Jordan, it is relatively easy to thumb a ride. Hitchhiking is an ace way to keep your transport costs down.
• Pack a travel water bottle:  Save money – and the planet – every day!

Why You Should Travel to Jordan with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

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Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

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Best Time to Travel to Jordan

Jordan is predominantly a desert climate. It has long, hot summers and cool, damp winters. The far north of Jordan is more Mediterranean and receives a greater amount of precipitation. Backpacking in Jordan is possible year round so long as you don’t mind some extreme temperatures here and there.

Summer in Jordan (June-September) can be oppressively hot. Temperatures will usually rise above 100 F in the middle of the day.

Thankfully, this is a dry heat so you can escape it by staying indoors. Be sure to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. Visibility in the summer is limited as a brownish haze settles over the landscape. This is the reason for the desert’s pastel sunsets.

Winters can be quite cold in Jordan. Snow is not unheard of in the higher reaches of the nation – this climate zone includes Petra, the Dana, and the north of Jordan.

The cooler spring and autumn seasons are when the majority of tourists arrive in an attempt to beat the heat. It’s the best time to go to Jordan in terms of the weather but prices will obviously be higher around these times. If you want to avoid the crowds and get a good deal, try backpacking around Jordan in the summer and winter.

To be honest, backpacking Jordan on a trip in the summer isn’t the furnace that people make it out to be. Yes, it can get very hot in the Dead Sea and the middle of the desert. As I mentioned before though, you can escape the heat by simply finding some shade.

Festivals in Jordan

Many of Jordan’s holidays are religious in nature. Some can involve gestures that seem intense to Western audiences but not every holiday involves sheer penance. There are several secular festivals in Jordan. These are more cultural in nature and usually feature music, art, and dance exhibitions.

Note that Muslim holidays follow the Muslim calendar, which is different from the Gregorian calendar. The main difference between the two is that the Muslim calendar is about a dozen days shorter than the Gregorian. This disparity is slight but it does cause the dates of Muslim holidays to jump around a little when they’re transferred to a Gregorian calendar.

• Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival (February) – Celebrates the culture of Bedouin communities. Includes art, poetry, and more.
• Ramadan (May/June) – The great fasting of Muslims. Food and drink are only consumed at night.
• Jerash Festival (July) – The largest cultural festival in Jordan. Celebrates all ethnic factions of the nation.
• Al Balad Music Festival (July) – Showcase of traditional music of the Middle East. Held at the Roman Theater in Amman biannually.
• Muharram (September/October) – Commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali. Celebrated through mourning, with Shias performing chest-beating and self-flagellation.
• Baladk Street Art Festival (October) – Arts festivals showcasing local graffiti artists in Amman.
• Rabi’ al-awwal (October/November/December) – Celebrates the birth of Muhammad. Stories of the prophet are shared.

What to Pack for Jordan

On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Staying Safe in Jordan

Well, it’s the Middle East and that nearly always raises the same question on everyone’s lips: Is Jordan safe to travel?

Jordan is not a desolate nation wrecked by war. Conflicts in neighboring Syria, Palestine, and Iraq are far away and effectively contained by the Jordanian military. At the end of the day, Jordan is a very peaceful place.

Backpacking Jordan and traveling around is very safe. People here are very open-minded and shouldn’t be aggressive towards Westerners. Polarizing topics in the region, like homosexuality and sex before marriage, are actually accepted here, although at a hush-hush level. There is no reason to fear for your safety in Jordan any more than your own homeland.

For a few more safety tips while visiting Jordan, try:

• Checking out Backpacker Safety 101 for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst backpacking.
• Picking yourself up a backpacker security belt to keep your cash safe on the road.
• Checking out this post for plenty of ingenious ways to hide your money when traveling .
• I strongly recommend traveling with a headlamp whilst in Jordan (or anywhere really – every backpacker should have a good head torch!) – check out my post for a breakdown of the best value headlamps to take backpacking.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Jordan

Most of the nightlife in Jordan is centered around its largest metropolis, Amman. Elsewhere in the nation, people usually retire to bed early and villages can be empty after 8 P.M.

Even though Amman is still relatively conservative compared to some Western countries, it’s still one of the most liberal in Arabia. Lots of Jordanians, particularly the younger ones, stay up well past sundown to seek out the thrills that may come after dark. There are plenty of things to do in Amman at night.

There is certainly a different side of Amman that comes out after the sun goes down. Late night cafes open up, the lights turn on, and the overall ambiance changes. Amman is still quite safe at night so explorers will have some freedom in their nocturnal wanderings. Meander through the streets and drop by whichever lounge suits you.

There are plenty of bars to choose from in Amman:

• Off the Record – A speakeasy-themed cocktail bar that plays jazz music often.
• Loft – One of Amman’s trendiest rooftop lounges.
• Studio 26 – Another great music venue that features funk and rock music of all varieties.

There’s way more venues than just these three though. See if you can find the next popping spot.

Amman is not as debaucherous or hedonistic as it’s infamous Lebanese neighbor – Beirut. Clubs are not really popular here and most people just like to mellow out in the lounges.

There are a couple of nightclubs in Amman in the city that draw solid crowds. One of the top party places in Amman is Eight Club. It features a good selection of Western beats but you’ll still hear some local dance music mixed in.

Travel Insurance for Jordan

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use and affordable. They also let you buy travel insurance after leaving on a trip in case you do forget.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Getting Into Jordan

There are three ways to begin your trip to Jordan: by land, air, and sea.

Bus services are available at nearly every Jordanian border with the exception of Egypt, which technically shares no land border with Jordan. Aside from those coming from Israel, all bus routes will take a long time. Make sure you’re all set to cross the border.

Note that if you’ve rented a car while  backpacking in Israel , you will not be able to drive it into Jordan because of insurance purposes.

If you want to fly to Jordan, there are two Jordanian cities with international airports: Amman and Aqaba. The largest international airport is Queen Alia International in Amman. If you’re arriving from outside the Middle East, chances are you’ll fly to Queen Alia.

From Queen Alia, you can travel to the city center of Amman by public bus, airport bus, or taxi. A taxi will cost around $30. Don’t let taxi drivers convince you that there is no bus. If you’re confused about where the bus is, ask the local information desk.

Aqaba has no airport-city connection by bus, so you’ll have to take a taxi. The fair is around $15.

It is also possible to travel to Jordan by boat. You can take a ferry or hire a speedboat to get across the Red Sea. This method is only used for travel between the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt) and Aqaba.

Traveling by sea can be expensive. Ferry tickets cost between $60-100 depending on where you’re coming from. Unless you really don’t want to deal with Israeli customs, it might be better to just cross into Israel via Eilat and then into Jordan.

Entry Requirements for Jordan

Visas for Jordan can be a complex affair because there are so many types.

For a simple tourist visa, there are three different versions.

• One Month Visa (single entry) – around $56
• Three Month Visa (double entry) – around $85
• Six Month Visa (multiple entries) – around $170

Most nationalities can obtain a visa-upon-arrival in Jordan, but some countries have to apply for a visa prior to arriving though.

Note that Jordan no longer stamps passports at the Israeli border. This is to accommodate people who are worried that other Arab nations will reject them since they’ve visited Israel.

The Jordan Pass is a new form of entry authorization that is convenient and could save you a lot of money. A Jordan Pass essentially acts as a prepaid ticket to most of Jordan’s tourist attractions. The kicker is this: if you stay in Jordan longer than three nights , your visa fees are waived.

This could be an awesome deal if you plan on staying in Jordan for several days, as a visa is $50+ and attractions can be upwards of $70 (Petra). Note that Jordan Passes must be bought online .

If you choose to use a Jordan Pass, you’ll be given three options ranging from $100-$115.  These options differ only in the amount of time that you will be allowed to stay in Petra without extra fees.

Upon entering Jordan, you will present your Jordan Pass at customs and be charged nothing initially. When departing from Jordan, customs will check your Jordan Pass again and the length of your stay; only then will you be charged accordingly. Stayed in Jordan only two nights? Gotta pay for a visa. Three nights? Hooray! Free visa.

Free Jordan Visa

Aqaba is a special economic zone, which means that it deserves some extra attention. Because of its unique designation, there are actually a number of ways to get a free visa via Aqaba.

If you fly into and out-of Aqaba airport, you will get a free one-month visa. This means you can’t leave Jordan by any other port unless you want to pay for a visa.

If you travel into Jordan using the Wadi Araba border crossing between Eilat (Israel) and Aqaba, you have the chance of getting a free visa, under certain circumstances. When crossing the border, you will initially be asked to pay for a “visa-on-arrival.” However, these visa fees can be refunded depending on your length of stay in Jordan.

Here are the conditions:

• Stay in Jordan for 2 nights and depart via Wadi Araba  – FULL REFUND
• Visit Jordan for 1 night and depart via Wadi Araba – PARTIAL REFUND
• Stay in Jordan for 3 nights or more – NO REFUND
• Depart from Jordan via any port besides Wadi Araba – NO REFUND

All-in-all, this a great, albeit confusing, method to save some cash. The situation at Wadi Araba is also super convenient if you’re coming from Israel and just want to spend a few days backpacking Jordan.

Remember that these visas only apply if you’re entering Jordan via King Hussein International Airport or the Wadi Araba border crossing in Aqaba. Visa protocols in Jordan are always changing as well so be sure to check on their current availability before committing.

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How to Get Around Jordan

Buses are a common means of transport while backpacking through Jordan. There are two types that you should know about: the larger commercial ones and the minibusses.

• The larger buses usually stick to the main route up and down the Desert Highway (15). This means that the larger buses are great for traveling to Petra but not so good if you want to go off the beaten path.
• If you want to go somewhere more specific (remote), you’ll have to rely upon the local minibusses. Note that these are much smaller and will usually leave only once they’re full. Prices vary depending on the route.

Taxis are the most abundant form of transport in Jordan. They’re convenient and somewhat affordable. Finding one with a meter is always preferred as there’s less room for getting ripped off.

You can book a taxi for a long period of time, in which case you need to negotiate the price ahead of time. If you just hop in a taxi and start riding for hours, the driver’s going to continually raise the price. When negotiating a price, know how to haggle hard . If you get a fair price, using a taxi can be convenient.

Hitchhiking in Jordan

Hitchhiking in Jordan is very common and totally safe. Even the locals do it! Jordanian people are extremely hospitable and will take time out of their day to help a stranger out. If you’re standing on the side of the street, looking lost, they will pull over try to help before you even think about asking.

When looking for a ride, try to wave or point to the ground. Avoid sticking your thumb out; apparently, that gesture is used with prostitutes. Once you’re offered a ride, just relax and be polite. Most drivers will be insistent upon getting you to your destination, even going so far as to enlist the help of another friend (I adore when this happens – so wholesome).

Be sure to be clear with the driver. Make sure he knows where you’re going and that you’re a hitchhiker traveling without much money . Many will expect a little bit of payment for their service. If you can’t offer them anything, firmly explain this to them but a small tip isn’t out of the question.

Onwards Travel from Jordan

Jordan has an open border with every country that it touches. Tourists are allowed through the majority of them.

Below is a list of Jordan’s border crossings.

Working in Jordan

It is possible to find English-teaching jobs in Jordan and there is an active community of expats here. If you want to work in Jordan, teaching English is probably your best bet.

Of course, you’ll need to go through the usual channels and get the proper certifications first. TEFL is the most popular teaching certificate provider.

TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world.  Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (using the code PACK50).

Digital nomads may also find Jordan a surprisingly comfortable place to base themselves too. Amman is becoming increasingly international although it’s not NEARLY as young or dynamic as other Middle Eastern hubs like Beirut or Tel Aviv. This place is still raw (hipsters, get at it).

The internet in Jordan is actually quite good – most of the nation has high-speed. You can thank King Abdullah for modernizing the telecommunication network and sparing no expense.

TL;DR – finding a SIM card or Wifi shouldn’t be a problem when backpacking around Jordan.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteer in Jordan

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in Jordan including teaching, construction, agriculture and pretty much anything.

Jordan’s small economy and developing country status mean there are plenty of opportunities for backpackers to lend a helping hand. Language teachers are in high demand throughout the country, and there are numerous ‘bread and board’ opportunities in hospitality. Volunteers can also offer up skills in gardening, agriculture, and marketing. Unless you’re from the Middle East, you will need a visa to volunteer in Jordan.

Our go-to platform for finding volunteering gigs is Worldpackers who connect travellers with host projects. Have a look at the Worldpackers site and see if they have any exciting opportunities in Jordan before signing up.

Alternatively, Workaway is another excellent common platform used by travellers searching for volunteering opportunities. You can read our review of Workaway for more info on using this terrific platform.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and platforms like Workaway are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

What to Eat in Jordan

The food in Jordan is another very important aspect of Jordanian society. People gather around at meals to come together and share with one another. As mentioned before, Jordanian people take care of one another and this includes providing nourishment.

The best food is found in the local communities and not in the restaurants. If you have a chance to eat a traditional meal with a family, do it. It will likely be the most memorable food and local beverages you’ll have while backpacking Jordan. There will be many opportunities to eat with Jordanians in the more intimate parts of Jordan like the Wadi Rum and the quieter neighborhoods of Amman.

Jordanian cuisine incorporates a lot of cooking from neighboring countries. Hummus , falafel , tabouli , and other Middle Eastern staples will be widely available in Jordan. Don’t mistake these for traditional Jordanian food though. They are popular dishes but not rooted in the culture.

Most Jordanians eat mezze style, which is a form of communal dining. In mezze, everyone shares from a large selection of appetizers served simultaneously. After finishing the mezze, main courses will be served.

Popular Jordan Dishes

• Mansaf –  Lamb cooked in dried yogurt served over rice or bulgur.
• Bulgur – Milled wheat.
• Makdous –  Pickled eggplant with stuffing.
• Zarb –  Rice and meat dish cooked in an oven that is submerged in sand.
• Maqluba – Rice, veggies, and meats are cooked in a giant pan and “turned over” whole onto a plate.
• Kibbeh –  Boiled rice and meats fried in dough.
• Musakhan –  Roasted chicken and onions served over bread.
• Warak Enab –  Grape leaves stuffed with various ingredients.
• Mujadara –  Vegetarian dish with rice and lentils.
• Kebab –  Roasted or grilled meats on a skewer.

Jordanian Culture

Jordanians are some of the most hospitable people that I’ve encountered. They will take anyone in and ensure that all their needs are met. This kindness is extended to neighbors, backpackers, and anyone else.

Jordanian culture is built upon hospitality. Because the people live in such a harsh environment, it’s imperative that they take care of each other. A Bedouin never knows when he’ll be caught in a bad situation – either for lack of subsistence or shelter – so they must often turn to their neighbor. They’ll ask for aid and, in return, they’ll give assistance when it’s called upon.

In my own experience, I find Jordanians to be very open-minded. Westerners have a tendency to label Arabic cultures as overzealous. This is not the case in Jordan. Jordanians are very accepting, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Many will express a great curiosity when it comes to foreigners. They will ask many questions – usually with a smile.

The overwhelming hospitality displayed by Jordanians doesn’t mean tourists can act recklessly though. There are plenty of customs in Jordan that still need to be followed. You can learn about these taboos in the section Being a Responsible Backpacker .

You’ve probably heard the word “Bedouin” a lot by now too. Bedouins are nomadic Arabs that live in the desert and travel frequently. They are spread across all of Arabia and there is a very large population in Jordan. They have their own culture and are recognized by the Jordanian crown.

There is still some segregation amongst men and women in Jordan. The tradition has been a facet of the culture for thousands of years though and it isn’t the backpacker’s place to criticize the locals. This separation shouldn’t affect foreign women as they are treated as “honorary men” while visiting.

Useful Travel Phrases for Jordan

The official language of Jordan is Arabic. Jordanians use a Levantine dialect, which is the same used by Palestinians, and some Syrians and Lebanese. The dialect is not too different from classic Arabic so conventional speakers should have no trouble understanding Jordanians.

English is widely spoken by younger Jordanians and those in the tourism industry. Some Jordanians who live in the more rural settings struggle with English but you should be able to get your point across. French and German are also common foreign languages.

Learning a little Arabic will definitely be beneficial while backpacking Jordan, especially if you plan on traveling to other Middle Eastern countries. Below is a list of ten common Arabic phrases that you should know. These phrases are going to look a little weird but the more you try to use them, the more fluent you will become.

• Naam  – Yes
• min faDlik  – Please
• Shukran  – Thank you
• Äafwan  – You’re welcome
• Aläafw  – Excuse me
• Ismii…  – My name is…
• la kees minn al-blastik  – No plastic bag
• la qishat min fadlik  – No straw please
• la sakakin bilastikiat min fadlik  – No plastic cutlery please
• Anaa laa afham  – I don’t understand
• Hal tataHaddath al’ingiliiziyya?  – Do you speak English?
• As-sal?mu ?alaykum  – Peace be upon you (Hello)

Book to Read about Jordan

Check out all of these books set in Jordan below:

• Seven Pillars of Wisdom – T.E. Lawrence’s account of World War I in the Middle East. Partly inspired the film Lawrence of Arabia .
• Leap of Faith: Memoir of an Unexpected Life – The fourth wife of King Hussein – an Arab-American – tells her side of the story. Revisits various events that shaped present-day Arabia.
• Married to a Bedouin – A New Zealand woman falls in love with a Bedouin who sells souvenirs at Petra. Follows her as she joins the desert culture.
• King’s Counsel: A Memoir of War, Espionage, and Diplomacy in the Middle East – A former employee of the CIA reveals intimate details about the affairs of Middle Eastern politics.
• The Fires of Spring – Novel that seeks to paint a picture of the Middle East in a post-Arab Spring world. Nuanced and incisive.

A Brief History of Jordan

Like the Petra of John Burton’s poem, the history of Jordan is “half as old as time”. The earliest evidence of Jordan’s culture dates back over ten thousand years to the Neolithic Era. For the thousands of years to come, Jordan would be juggled between competing sovereignties. Jordan would witness the rise and fall of some of the world’s greatest powers.

In antiquity, Jordan was present when the Kingdoms of Moab and Ammon ruled. On Jordanian land, the King of Ammon battled the House of David, which is spoken about in the Book of Kings . When the Romans came, the Nabateans were the kings of Jordan. They were defeated by the Roman Empire and their capital, Petra, was forgotten.

In the Middle Ages, Jordan was a part of the first Muslim dynasty, the Umayyad Empire. Like the Romans, the Umayyads fell. Then came the Abbasids – they faded away too. One power after another inhabited Jordan – the Crusaders, Saladin’s Mamluks, and finally the Ottomans.

The Ottomans were cruel to the Jordanians. They neglected the people and treated Jordan merely as the halfway point to Mecca. Cities were abandoned until only the Bedouins remained. The Ottomans would be the last foreigners to rule Jordan.

During World War I, the Jordanians joined the Great Arab Revolt, led by the Saudi Kingdom of Hejaz, against the Ottomans. The United Kingdom supported them in hopes of destabilizing the opposing Turks. The revolting Arabs would be victorious by 1918.

The UK helped establish the first modern iteration of Jordan following World War I. By 1928, Jordan was fairly autonomous. In 1946, they were granted full independence by the English Crown under Abdullah I. Jordan was finally its own country.

Jordan in Modern Times

Jordan would be caught up in the turbulence that wracked the Middle East following World War II. Israel had just been created after a second partition of the region. Jordan united with other Arab nations against Israel in the Arab-Israeli War of 1948 and, in the aftermath, gained the West Bank.

Following the death of Abdullah I, his grandson, King Hussein, took the throne. Under Hussein, Jordan would become one of the most liberal Arab nations, especially during the 50s and 60s. By the mid-60s there was another armed conflict with Israel, the Six-Day War. Jordan would lose the West Bank to the Israelites.

For the next forty years, Jordan would be subject to mass protests, attempted coups, and collateral from extra-territorial wars. In the 90s, Jordan supported the Iraqi government under Saddam Hussein. The US promptly withdrew all aid to Jordan, resulting in severe economic hardship. In 1994, Jordan, along with other Arab nations, agreed to enter peace accords with Israel. They came to terms and ended a war that had lasted 46 years.

King Hussein died in 1998, and his son Abdullah II became ruler. Jordan has since continued its liberal policies and prospered under Abdullah II. There have been some bumps in the road for Jordan including political stagnation and unwarranted terminations. Continued public dissatisfaction with certain political entities would cause the people to join in the trans-Arab movement known as the Arab Spring.

No country is perfect. Jordan, like every modern nation, is fighting its own demons. Jordan stands out from the rest though. It promotes free speech and tolerance in a region that can seem radically conservative at times. Jordan has staggered some, yes, but its future is still bright.

Some Unique Experiences in Jordan

What to do in Jordan? Well… apart from everything else I just mentioned…

Soak it up! Jordan’s tourist destinations are one thing but the people are another! Enjoy the beautiful sands of Jordan and be amongst its culture: it’s certainly special.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Trekking in Jordan

Jordan is full of adventurous opportunities! You can go trekking, climbing, scrambling, and canyoneering throughout the country. I actually found the landscape in Jordan to be very similar to the American Southwest, which is one the premier outdoor areas on Earth!

There are several campgrounds in Jordan, mostly in the south around Petra, the Dana, and Wadi Rum. Most have tents that are already set up and ready to be occupied. These prearranged camps can be quite cheap.

It’s always a good idea to have your own backpacking tent though as it’s a great way to save cash, and I’d take a top quality sleeping bag too as it gets cold amongst the sands at night.

I always suggest getting a sturdy hiking backpack as well. My first backpack was a cheap one. Though it lasted a respectable amount of time, it would eventually be held together by duct tape and carabiners. Needless to say, it was far from waterproof.

Take my advice: invest in a quality backpack because by the end of your trip to Jordan, you’ll be wearing it so much that it’ll become an extension of your own body. You want the best.

Below is a list of Jordan’s most famous trails!

Best Hiking Trails in Jordan

Diving in jordan.

As mentioned before, Jordan offers some of the best diving around the Middle East! All the dive sites are located in the south where the Red Sea meets with Jordan’s only coastline. The most convenient base to dive from is the city of Aqaba.

There are more than enough dive centers in Aqaba . Most speak English; find one that looks good to you and reach out to them! As of March 2018, Dive Aqaba is even hiring interns for the 2018 season. Sound interesting?

Once you’ve found your favorite dive center, they can take you to one of many dive sites in the Red Sea. The Red Sea is known for the clarity of its water and the brilliance of the coral. Local marine life includes hawksbill turtles, moray eels, lionfish, blue-spotted rays, napoleon wrasses, and frogfish.

Diving is possible year-round though the water gets quite warm in the summer – over 80 F. Bring a thinner suit during the summer months.

Popular diving sites in Jordan include the following:

• Diving Cedar Pride – One of the popular dive spots in Jordan. Refers to the sunken ship of the same name that you’ll be exploring.
• Diving Japanese Gardens –  Very colorful coral garden. One of the best reefs in the area.
• Diving Seven Sisters and the Tank – Sunken US military tank that is now covered in coral. Hosts lots of eels.
• Diving Power Station – Unpredictable conditions but a dramatic drop off is well worth the wait. Popular with tech divers.

Rock Climbing in Jordan

Wadi Rum is a paradise for rock climbers . As one rockhound put: “It feels like the epicenter of the universe…the ultimate in adventure climbing.” Having been there myself, I agree wholeheartedly.

The rock in the Wadi Rum is mostly sandstone. There are some soft spots though, so trad climbers should be cautious. I should mention as well that are no sport routes in the Wadi Rum – everything is pure. So trad is really the only way to go.

The known routes range from 5.5-5.13 in difficulty. The cracks, in particular, are near perfect. The following is a list of some of the best routes:

• The Beauty – T 5.10
• Wisdom Pillar – T 5.9+
• La Guerre Sainte – S5.12b
• Lionheart – T 5.10+
• Merlin’s Wand – T 5.10

So the Wadi Rum sounds like a good time, eh? It’s probably overrun with dirtbags by now though. Why bother?

Nope . The Wadi Rum is empty . There is no one there.

Tourism in Arabia has been steadily dropping off in recent years. This is reportedly due to rising tensions in the Middle East. Consequently, the Wadi Rum is relatively undeveloped still in regards to climbing.

That is not to say that there is no climbing community in Jordan. Jordan actually has one the most dedicated climbing communities in all of Arabia. People care about climbing in Jordan and young Jordanians, who learned the sport from legends passing-by, keep the flame alive. Thanks, guys.

Final Advice Before Visiting Jordan

Jordanians are a forgiving people that usually look the other way when a foreigner acts rudely. Leniency aside, this is no excuse to act like a douchebag while backpacking through Jordan. You should still try and adhere to local customs and to be as polite as possible.

If you slip up, don’t worry – no one’s going to throw you in jail. The people of Jordan will appreciate you greatly though and show greater respect if you at least try. Here are few local etiquettes to be mindful of in Jordan.

• Dress modestly to adhere to Muslim tradition.
• Avoid public displays of affection.
• Remove your shoes when entering a house or mosque.
• Never present the soles of your feet.
• Return greetings.
• Avoid eating in public during Ramadan.
• Don’t talk shit about the King of Jordan.

Tours in Jordan have been criticized for their (poor) handling of pack animals including horses and donkeys in the past. Thanks to local activists, animal cruelty is severely limited these days but that being said, there are sometimes relapses. If you see someone abusing a creature, report it to the local park rangers.

By now, you’ve gathered by now, but I fell in love with Jordan. I fell in love with its striking landscapes and I fell in love with its striking culture. Most of all, I fell in love with the people.

It bums me out that people only make a short trip to Jordan. They go to Jordan for Petra and the Dead Sea (both spectacular in their own right) and then scoot on over somewhere else. Jordan deserves a greater backpacking adventure than that.

Because it’s special.

Go see the sands. Go see the ancient lands. Walk amongst some of the oldest places on Earth and do it with an open heart.

If you’re interested, be sure to check out some of the other biggest deserts in the world .

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

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I want to express my gratitude for this amazing post. We are going to Jordan soon and I was really confused about the itinerary and other details. And on your website, I’ve found it all. It is written so well and so detailed. Thank you so much for simplifying so much the preparation for our journey. I wish you all the best and send my love and prayers for the safety and pleasure of your further journeys!

More of these articles please – Great read!

I think you got the vise refund information mixed up. Also you might want to be cautious when advising women to wear bikini without underlining that they should do that on privet hotel beaches and not on public beaches. Been there, done that, and it is not a pleasant experience at all.

I thought that the issue of avoiding bikinis was implied in the section in question but I can see why the topic needs additional clarity. I’ve gone in and added an extra bit of copy, just to make sure.

In regards to the visa refund situation, it is my understanding that the information in the article is still relevant. Do you have a different source that says otherwise?

Great suggestions. Happy travels! Thanks for sharing about your Jordan experience!

Clearly, this was written by a guy. If a woman does some of these things, she will be met with glares and even catcalls. If a woman goes off the beaten path, hitchikes or is solo, there is a much greater risk. Jordan is not as bad as North Africa but still very traditional. I wish they would let a female write these some times because your advise can put solo women at some risk.

Our writing team is made up of both men and women. Probably at least half of our posts are written by women. But we always give priorty to the writer with the most experience of a country…

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world.

• Jordan Itinerary and Travel Guide: 8 Days trip of a lifetime!

Jordan is the first Arabic country I’ve ever set foot in, not counting all transits I’ve done through Dubai Airport. I went to Jordan as a guest of the Jordan Tourism Board. I visited quite a few places during the trip – Amman, As-Salt, The Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum.

My time in Jordan was absolutely amazing. It was everything I hoped it would be – I tried food I have never heard of, checked off two items from my travel bucket list (Petra and the Dead Sea), learned plenty about Bedouin culture, and gained insights into Arabic culture firsthand from locals.

So in this post, I’d like to impart that knowledge to you!

How to explore Jordan

The jordan pass: what is it and is it worth it, jordan travel tips, is jordan safe.

• What food should I eat in Jordan?

8 Days in Jordan Itinerary

What else can i do in jordan.

Normally I’m a fan of traveling on my own, but Jordan is a country where you will greatly benefit from a local’s insights, so I must recommend joining a tour while you’re here. There is so much cultural context you can learn by having a local with you.

I recommend booking the following tours, depending on how long you’re planning to stay in Jordan, all based in Amman:

• 2-Day Tour – if you have a limited time but want to see the essentials of Jordan
• 3-Day Private Tour
• 5-Day Private Tour
• 6-Day Private Tour
• Jordan Allure Tours is the one I personally used when I was in Jordan. The tour is run by Ramzi, my tour guide who is a native of Wadi Musa, the town where Petra is located. If you want a highly customized tour, you might want to try him.

Tip: Joining a Jordanian tour could also mean your tourist visa fee of 40 JOD will be waived if you’re holding a passport from a non-restricted country (those who can obtain a visa on arrival). You can check the visa fees and requirements here .

The Jordan Pass is a travel pass created by the Jordanian government that will grant you access to some of Jordan’s most popular attractions. If you are planning to visit Petra while you are in Jordan, this is a great way to save up.

The main draw of this pass is that your tourist visa fee (which normally costs 40 JOD) is also waived if you’ve purchased the pass before arrival in Jordan and if you’re planning to stay for at least 3 nights in the country. Based on this alone, the pass is likely worth it for most visitors to Jordan!

Here is the official link to buy The Jordan Pass , and here is a list of included attractions .

Even if you’re going with a tour, it’s still worth it to buy Jordan Pass because most tours do not include tickets to attractions or tourist visa costs.

Buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport or in town – You definitely want to stay connected throughout your trip in Jordan. Zain is the major telco in Jordan. Their data plan is affordable and SIM cards can be easily purchased at any Zain store. You can check the price list here. Keep in mind you need an unlocked phone for this SIM to work. In my experience, the Zain SIM card worked flawlessly when I was there.

Dress appropriately – although Jordan is not a super conservative country, it is still important to cover up and dress respectfully while you’re here. You don’t have to cover up from head to toe, just use common sense. Don’t wear very short shorts, short skirts, crop tops or sleeveless tops.

If you are visiting on a Friday , some traditional markets and shops might be closed during prayer time, as Friday is a holy day in the Muslim religion. However, big tourist destinations should still remain open so it will not affect your visit as much.

Getting out from Airport – to make things easier, you might prefer having someone pick you up – you can pre-book an airport transfer here . Otherwise, a taxi to Amman is a fixed price of JOD 22 – about US$31.

Short answer: yes, absolutely!

Jordan borders Syria and Iraq, probably the two most antagonized countries in the 21st century. But, Jordan itself has always been a peaceful kingdom.

When I received an invitation from the Jordan Tourism Board, I personally did not hesitate to go. I did hide it from my family though – I told them I was flying alone to Jordan mere hours before the flight was scheduled to take off. That conversation did not go well, but I went on the trip anyway, and… spoiler alert, I was fine!

I can honestly say I have never felt threatened in my entire time in Jordan, even as I was walking by myself or walking around the city (jetlag hit me hard, so I went on a morning walk in Amman). There had been a few small-scale terrorist attacks in Jordan since 2016. I say you would run the same risk visiting major cities like London or Paris, which had also been subjected to terrorist attacks in recent years.

Exercise common sense and always be vigilant. Chances are you’ll be fine.

What to eat in Jordan

I’m glad you asked because I have a whole post on food in Jordan here . Expect to have delicious falafels, hummus, tender meat with amazing spices, and more!

Okay, now that we got the important stuff out of the way – here is what I did during the 8 days I was in Jordan. You can take this as an example and build your own itinerary based on what you’re interested in.

• Day 1 : Arrive in Amman
• Day 2 : Explore Amman
• Day 3 : As-Salt – Day Trip from Amman
• Day 4 : Go to the dead sea
• Day 5 : Dana Nature Reserve
• Day 6 : Petra, The Rose City
• Day 7 : Wadi Rum, The Desert of Jordan
• Day 8 : Drive back to Amman and fly out

Day 1: Arrive in Amman

On the first day, arrive in Amman and settle down at your accommodation. Since this is your first day in Jordan, I recommend taking it easy. The area I would highly recommend exploring today is Jabal (mountain) Amman, a heritage district in Amman located on top of a hill that can be explored on foot.

1. Rainbow Street

Rainbow Street is a very nice area to walk around in the historic area of Jabal Amman. This street is filled with cafes, restaurants, and pubs.

I recommend checking out Al Quds Falafel for the BEST falafel sandwich you’d ever have, which is also the only item on the menu of this small stall. I wasn’t even feeling too hungry and I told Ramzi (my guide) that I was only going to eat half, but once I tasted the falafel sandwich, I knew I had to finish it.

I also recommend trying Gerard Ice Cream down the street if you still have some space. I recommend trying the Arabic flavor if they have it, which consists of crumbled pistachio and gum arabic made from acacia tree sap. The pistachio gave an amazing texture that really compliments the fragrance of gum arabic.

You can also visit Souk Jara , if you are there on a Friday. Souk Jara is an open-air flea market where you can find local products made by local artists. Another option is Trinitae , where you can find handmade soaps and dead sea mud beauty products – perfect for souvenirs.

2. Wild Jordan Center

From Rainbow Street, Wild Jordan Center is just a short walk away. Wild Jordan is a cultural center that doubles as a restaurant, but the best part of this place is that it’s perched on top of a cliff, and from the roof, you get a really nice overview of the Amman Citadel!

3. Dinner at Fakhreldin

Fakhreldin serves Lebanese cuisine in a very cozy yet elegant restaurant. If you feel like you’re stepping into someone’s house, that’s because you are! The restaurant ground used to be a house. It was originally built and constructed during the mid-20th century’s golden era by one of the Prime Ministers of Jordan before being turned into a restaurant in 1997.

At Fakhreldin, I had the Mezze appetizer and mixed grill as mains. Mezze consists of small dishes to taste, sort of like tapas in Spain, and I basically tasted everything that was put in front of me, including a really creamy Hummus and a dish of chicken liver with molasses – my personal fav.

By the way, I love the concept of Mezze so much that I had to write a dedicated post about it .

Where to stay in Amman

La Locanda Boutique Hotel is a great option for Amman. I stayed here for the entire 3 days that I was in Amman. The hotel is conveniently located, breakfast was great and there is a convenience store down the street. Also, their breakfast was delicious!

Day 2: Explore Amman City

Today, we will take the time to explore more of Amman! You’ll see all the sights, cultural centers, and museums in the capital of Jordan.

1. Breakfast at Shams El Balad or Hashem Restaurant

Start your day off with breakfast at Shams El Balad or Hashem . Both are vegetarian restaurants serving traditional Jordanian fare that is well-loved by locals.

Shams El Balad feels more modern and upscale with its trendy location, whereas Hashem feels a bit more modest. But don’t be fooled – Hashem is the oldest restaurant in Jordan. The restaurant is loved by the Jordanian royalties as well.

2. Amman Citadel

After breakfast, make your way to the Amman Citadel, a historic site located in the center of downtown Amman.

You might not be expecting to see Roman structures here, at least I wasn’t, but that’s exactly what you’ll find here at the Amman Citadel.

The Citadel dated back to the days of Roman occupation over Amman in 162AD. You can explore the Temple of Hercules ruins, which includes some impressive Roman columns and a marble remnant of the hand of Hercules, and Ummayad Place. From the size of Hercules’ hand, it is speculated the statue once stood at 13m, making it one of the largest marble statues known to man.

Amman Citadel has been inhabited by many different cultures, including the Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire, evidenced by the ruins of a Byzantine Church that was built in 550 AD.

You’ll also get to explore Ummayad Palace , a large palace complex built over the Roman structure, which is thought to have been built in 724-743 AD during the reign of Umayyad Caliph Hisham.

If you are interested more in artifacts and archeological sites found in Jordan, you can also go to Jordan Archaeological Museum , which is included with your Citadel entrance fee.

3. Roman Theater

At the foot of the Citadel is an impressive Roman Theater, yet another remnant of the Roman period in Amman. This theater was built in the 2nd century when the city was known as Philadelphia and seats about 6,000 people. Nowadays, the amphitheater is still used for concerts and other musical events.

4. Al Balad / Downtown Amman

From the Theater / Citadel area, you can walk to downtown Amman, the traditional market area in Amman where you can find anything. If you are visiting on a Friday though, shops might be closed during prayer time.

I recommend visiting Gold Souq , where you’ll find rows and rows of gold jewelry, and Habibah Sweets (try their Knafeh!)

5. Dinner at Shawarma Street

Shawarma Wrap is yet another Middle Eastern cuisine that is so delicious that it has been adopted all over the world. Shawarma is made by stacking slices of meat and fat onto a vertical spit, which will rotate and grill the meat for long hours – sometimes even an entire day. Once it is ready, the meat is shaved off with a large knife and collected at the bottom of the spit, before being made into a delicious wrap with onion, fresh vegetables, and Tahini sauce.

The Shawarma Street at Al-Fadl Ben Al-Hasan St on the 7th circle is popular among locals. It takes a bit of work to get there, about 20 minutes by car from downtown Amman, but if you want to see a real local scene then it’s worth it. This street consists of tiny shawarma stalls, with the most popular being Reem and Bashka .

6. Nafisa Sweets at 7th Circle

If you decide to come out to Shawarma street, then make sure you stop by Nafisa too! Nafisa is a famous Arabic sweet shop, and the one thing to get here is Knafeh, a Syrian dessert made with cheese and ground cashew, and pistachio. This one is a real show-stopper, especially if you happen to catch a fresh batch. They are baked daily on the spot.

There are clear windows where you can watch all the action in the kitchen from outside of the shop, so it makes the trip super fun.

Day 3: Day Trip from Amman to As-Salt or Jerash

Now that we’ve explored Amman, it’s time to get out of the city for a bit. For a day trip, I recommend visiting either As-Salt or Jerash. If you loved the Roman ruins at the citadel, you’ll want to check out Jerash. But if you want to see more markets and Jordanian culture, you can head to As-Salt.

I went to As-Salt to explore the markets. As-Salt, sometimes referred to as just Salt, is an ancient city just an hour away from Amman. It used to be the regional capital during the days of the Ottoman Empire, serving as the trading hub. Nowadays, you can enjoy visiting the traditional souks (markets) for some food, shopping, and handicrafts. It’s very doable to make this a day trip from Jordan.

You can visit Abu Jaber Museum to learn about the history of As-Salt. It is a small museum, so it won’t take you long to get through. From there, the Hammam Street Market is within walking distance, where you can get lost and wander around for a few hours.

Day 4: The Dead Sea

You cannot visit Jordan without dipping your feet in The Dead Sea. The beach area accessible to tourists is only an hour away from Amman by car.

Most of the beach is lined up by five-star resorts, but if you don’t want to stay in these resorts, you can go to one of the public beaches. They charge an entrance fee of 8-20 JOD per person. However, I’ve read mixed reviews about the public beaches as it tends to be dirty and the facilities are not great. If you are only planning to stay for a few hours, then the public beach is probably ok, but if you’re planning to stay for an entire day, then booking a resort might be your best bet.

Whichever option you choose, here are some tips and what to expect at the dead sea:

• The feeling of floating on the ocean was a strange feeling, but great! You don’t have to try very hard to stay afloat and it feels like you are lying on top of pool floaties .
• You probably won’t be staying in the water too long, since the water is extremely salty. For me, I found that my skin started getting tingly and itchy after about 5 minutes so I had to get out.
• If you are at the resort, they might have the dead sea mud ready for you to apply to your skin. Try this! The minerals contained in the mud are supposed to be very beneficial for your skin.
• Wash off right after you get out before using the towels, or else you’ll find salt in your towel later on.
• Don’t wear light colored swimsuit. The sand is very fine and might get stuck in the suit.

Where to stay in The Dead Sea

I stayed at Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea , which was such an amazing (and massive!) resort. There are multiple pools, luxurious spas, and a private section to the Dead Sea just for resort guests. And of course, their facilities are top-notch. It was so well worth it!

Day 5: Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve

From the Dead Sea, continue your way down south. We made a slight detour into the mountains to visit Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s biggest nature reserve at 308 square kilometers. Dana stands out as it houses a large diversity of plants, birds, and mammals.

If you love nature, you’re in for a treat. We stayed in Dana for camping – although personally, I would call this “glamping” since the camps are already built and there are even beds inside. You can hike around the nature reserve or visit Dana Village, which is said to have been occupied since 4000 BC.

Where to stay in Dana

Rummana Campsite is where I stayed in Dana Nature Reserve in the mountains. Both the nature reserve and the drive up there were absolutely beautiful! You cannot park your car near the camps as it is inside the nature reserve, but you can leave it at the visitor center. The staff of the campsite will pick you up from there.

Day 6: Petra, the Rose City

Finally, the site of what Jordan is best known for – Petra the Rose City. The Nabatean ancient city Petra has become the ultimate symbol of Jordan, and it’s really no surprise why – everything there was majestic. It looked like I was on a set of an Indiana Jones movie! Well, actually, I wasn’t too far off – Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade were filmed here!

I checked off my second Jordan bucket list here, which is to see The Treasury (Al-Khazneh). To get here, you first walk the 1.2km long Siq , a narrow gorge that serves as the entrance to Petra. I was brimming with anticipation, and at about 20 minutes in I started to wonder if we were ever going to get there.

But Ramzi, my tour guide, was one hell of a guide and he knew how to build up the excitement. That reveal of The Treasury at the end of the Siq was magical! This is why I recommend going with him at Jordan Allure Tours . The walk would have been just another regular walk if it wasn’t for him.

Another must-see at Petra is The Monastery (Ad Deir). This one takes a bit more work to get to as it’s located almost at the end of the city, but it’s worth it! It’s a LOT larger than the treasury. You can see the scale of it from this photo below – I’m somewhere in the photo in case you didn’t notice!

I recommend spending two days here because the place is massive and there is so much to see in Petra.

Petra is only open from 6 am and closes at 6 pm. However, you can come back and visit Petra by Night for a view of the treasury, lit by candlelight. Petra by Night is held every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 PM. The ticket costs 17 JOD.

Where to stay in Petra

Petra is located near a town called Wadi Musa , and that is where all the accommodations and restaurants are located. Staying overnight inside the Petra area itself is illegal , so please do not attempt that. It would be a very silly way to get yourself into trouble in a foreign country.

Mövenpick Resort Petra was where I stayed and it really doesn’t get any better than this hotel in terms of location. It is literally right across the entrance of Petra, which makes it very convenient if you plan to come back and see Petra at night.

Day 7: Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a desert filled with sandstones that are taller than some of the skyscrapers in Singapore. Due to the extreme terrain that makes it look extraterrestrial, it was chosen to be the set for movies like The Martian and Lawrence of Arabia.

In Wadi Rum, you can take a desert tour which takes you on a 4WD around the desert. I highly recommend this, since it’s not really possible to see the desert otherwise – you definitely cannot walk or take a regular vehicle.

One of the stops at the tour was a Camel camp, and I was so amused as it was only the second time I had ever seen a camel (the first time being at Uluru, Australia )

I also highly recommend going on a camel ride to see the sunset. The sunset in the desert was absolutely beautiful. Be careful when going on a camel ride though, make sure you maintain your balance so you don’t get thrown off the camel. I, fortunately, did not get thrown off but there were moments where I felt like I could have fallen off too!

Where to stay in Wadi Rum

Captain’s Desert Camp is such a cool accommodation. You get to stay in a traditional Bedouin-style camp in the middle of the desert. They also do BBQ at night, and even cooked Zarb , a Bedouin BBQ cooked underground, which was one of my most memorable meals in Jordan.

Day 8: Drive Back to Amman and fly out

And finally, your stay in Jordan has come to an end. The drive back to Amman from Wadi Rum took approximately 4 hours, so keep this in mind when booking your flight.

My flight was at midnight, so I stayed at a hotel near the airport for a little while before flying out. I had a terrible experience at the hotel though, so I am not going to recommend staying there. If you have more time before your flight like me, I suggest visiting Amman again to see anything you might have missed.

Will 8 days be enough in Jordan? It could be. I personally wish I had more time in Jordan. I mean, I did get to see the best of Jordan in the 8 days that I was there, but it felt rushed and I missed out on things like Jerash and visiting the Red Sea.

If I were to have a do-over, I would have extended my stay to at least 12 days. Here are some places I would visit, in addition to the itinerary above:

• Aqaba (1 day) – I love diving and I have heard so much about the red sea, so this is definitely on my bucket list.
• Jerash (1 day) – This historical city houses the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy
• Wadi Mujib (1 day) – This site is best known for canyoning and water sports. Totally right up my alley! It’s too bad I had no time, even though we stopped by to see the entrance to the canyoning site. It looked amazing.
• One more day in Petra – I would allocate 2 days in Petra since the site is spread apart and there is just so much to see there.
• Jerusalem and Bethlehem – It’s possible to do a day trip to see Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Amman. However, be mindful that they are located in a different country than Jordan and you need to have obtained a specific Jordanian visa to be able to do the border crossing. Please check with your tour guide!

Looking to learn more about Jordan?

Check out my other posts on Jordan:

• Mezze experience in Jordan
• Jordanian Food Guide: 16 Traditional Middle Eastern Food You Must Try in Jordan

29 Comments

• April 5, 2024

Hi Melissa Wow thank you so much for the information.. I’m going to Jordan end of April on my own .. I will be there for 9 days .. I will take your advice and use the tour agent you recommended.. they will help with of the days?? Transportation and accommodation?

Bless you thank you again Salwa

Hey Salwa, yes typically the tours will organise everything for you including food, temptations and hotels

• January 29, 2024

Hi Melissa – great post! Did you use Jordan Allure tours for your entire stay in Jordan? Did they drive you from one place to another?

Hey Gary, yes they arranged from start to finish including transport.

• October 9, 2023

Hi Melissa,

This post is so informative for my Jordan Trip. Was wondering did you get any Jordan Dinar in Malaysia before flying to Amman? If yes, where did you get it? If not, do you only get it upon reaching Amman?

Hey Adrian, I live in Singapore. Was not able to find it here, so I brought USD and exchanged in Amman.

• June 19, 2023

Wonderful review and super helpful for our family planning to Jordan. Thank you for sharing

Have fun in Jordan, fellow Melissa!

• June 8, 2023

Thank you for your post. It will help me a lot to plan my travel. I only have one question if you could help me with that. Is that place ok to travel for Senior citizen? I am planning to take my mother, so want to know if there are any provisions for them as they definitely won’t be able to walk too much.

• June 10, 2023

Hey Pompa, if you hired a tour, it should be fine. But in places like Petra it might be difficult since it does require a lot of walking. You could ride a donkey so that could be an option for her?

• April 6, 2023

I came across your post at the perfect timing. I am planning a trip to Jordan in October and wasn’t sure how many days will suffice, but after reading your blog, I am going to book 14 days. The fact that you posted this was recently updated, made me even more excited and eager to book my trip. Thank you for sharing your insights and recommendations – especially the Jordan Pass details. 🙂

• October 3, 2022

This is an awesome review that is going to help me plan my Jordan trip in 2 weeks. Nicely covered from all angles.

• June 27, 2022

Really loved your review and the detail of your visit in Jordan. Can you please suggest the exact night accommodations as per this 8 days schedule? Is it like Day 1,2,3: Amman Day 4: Red Sea Day 5: Dana Day 6,7: Petra Day: fly off

please correct me if I have missed anything. thanks again for your great review. much appreciated

• June 28, 2022

Hey Shawkat, yes this is correct!

• January 18, 2022

Hi, I just want to ask what month did you go to Jordan and what’s the best time to go to Jordan. Thank you.

Hi, I went in May and it was perfect!

• December 9, 2021

I am visiting Jordan in 10 days and this post is going to help me plan things and make my life easier 🙂

• March 4, 2021

Hello Melissa! That’s a great post! I am really happy to have booked a trip to Jordan next may 🙂

I would like to ask you something: how did you get around in Amman? By taxi or on foot?

And how did you ger from Amman to Dead Sea and so on? Did you pay a transfer?

Thank you very much! I will definitely follow your food tips hehehe

Hi Andre, Amman downtown you can get around by foot, but you do need to take a taxi sometimes since the area is big. From Amman to Dead Sea, you do need to pay a transfer. I got a private driver since I had limited time in Jordan!

• November 3, 2022

Hi Melissa may I have your contact of the private driver. BTW how much is it? Tks again

• April 10, 2020

Hey, your blog post has just blown me away. I am a student and would love to travel to Jordan, too! Can you tell me what kind of travel expenses I can expect – considering I would want to do a trip similar to yours? Thanks in Advance!

• September 20, 2019

Hi there, Thanks for the guide. Just a question, how can I get a reliable tour guide / driver? I’m going to travel Jordan next month with my family. Thanks, Toan,

Hi Toan, I’ve put a tour guide recommendation above: https://www.facebook.com/jordanalluretours/

• July 21, 2019

Just wanted to say that yours was the best, most relevant and informative blog post I found about travelling in Jordan. Super helpful, big thumbs up from me.

• July 22, 2019

Hey Andrea, I am glad it was useful!!

• July 16, 2019

SabaH al-khayr Thanks for yourr interesting Blog Report. I am a freguent traveler to Jordan and I am not sure I agree with some statements. I don’t think all Palestinians in Jordan would agree the Knuafe originates from Syria, but from Nablus in Palestine. The photo decribing the road to Wadi Rum is not correct. The road om the photo is located in Little Petra / Beidha, another interesting place to visit 3km north of Petra. Last comment, the photo mentioning the beduin dish is probably not zarb. I do not they serve rice with zarb. The photo, to me, would be mansaf.

Many thanks for your information om Jordan, which I agree is a safe and friendly country.

Thanks Irene for the information! I can confirm the dish is definitely Zarb, or at least that’s what I’ve been told by the people in the camp.

• August 28, 2019

You are definitely right Melissa, it is Zarb. I’m Jordanian I assume I would know both dishes since we eat both of them at least once a week ;). But in regard to the Kunafa, I agree that it originally is a Palestinian desert, and it’s full name is Kunafa Nabulseyya, meaning from Nablus, a city in Palestine. Thank you very much for the informative post. Keep up the good work.

• March 18, 2019

Awesome!!! I love ur post and photo. I hope that I can be traveller like u hehehe.

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Girl about the Globe

Making solo travel easier.

Solo Travel in Jordan

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Cultural, Desert, Historical, Nature GatG

Jordan in the Middle East is a stunning country to explore. If you are planning on visiting Jordan as a woman, below is my Jordan solo travel guide including the best places to visit in Jordan, what to see in Jordan, how to travel around Jordan, where to stay in Jordan, and the best Jordan tour companies for solos. Just click on the relevant section or read through the whole article for Jordan solo female travel.

N.b. For every booking made through this article, I donate money to projects helping vulnerable girls about the globe. Thank you for helping to make a difference to their lives. 

About Jordan

Jordan adventures & tours, accommodation in jordan.

• Travelling Around Jordan
• From The Airport
• How Long Do I Need?

Jordan Travel Guide

• Travelling Onwards

Plan a Trip To Jordan

Map of jordan, related posts.

King Abdullah Mosque in Amman

Is Jordan safe for solo female travellers? If you are not comfortable with leering men then traveling to Jordan as a woman may not be right for you. As much as it is a beautiful country, visit Jordan alone as a Western woman and expect a few stares. That's why I've given it 2 out of 5 stars.

Being a male-dominated country, some of the women that you encounter on the streets cover their head with a scarf or a veil. However in the cities and the main Jordan tourist sites, Jordanians are used to seeing solo and Western female travellers and the facilities are generally set up with tourists in mind. Get off the beaten track and you’ll encounter restaurants with separate areas for women to eat as well as a separation on public transport.

In summary, is Jordan safe to travel as a woman? Yes. When you solo female travel Jordan, if you dress modestly and respect the culture, this mystical country is an experience that you won't forget. Jordan is a wonderful country but if you are unsure of what to do in Jordan or things to see in Jordan alone,  you may feel more comfortable with Jordan solo female travel on one of the group tours to Jordan.

* Before you solo travel Jordan, check what paperwork or visas are required for Jordan .  

Nestled in-between the war-torn countries of Syria and Iraq, Jordan is the last neutral Arab state and solo travel in Jordan can be challenging but it is a fascinating country to explore. One of the main Jordan tourist attractions is Petra , the ‘Red Rose’ city which attracts hoards of visitors each year and is worth the flight alone.

The year 2012 saw the 2000th year of rediscovery of this magical site that belonged to the Nabataean civilisation. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place of timeless beauty with a kaleidoscope of colours and royal tombs.

The  Treasury  itself is enough to leave you breathless before climbing the 800 steps to the  Monastery that stands 50 metres tall. If the climb gets too much, donkeys are on hand to give you that well-needed ride. One of the fun things to do in Jordan.

It is safe to visit Petra solo. Visit Petra at night for one of the candlelit Petra tours, held on Mondays and Thursdays but being there at dusk is just as magical in this heritage site, half as old as time. Entry here isn’t cheap but the proceeds are given to the Queen Eilah humanitarian fund and the local Bedouins. You may want to pay for entry for two days instead of one to give you more time, as a Petra tour is a must do in Jordan.

Wadi Musa is the gateway to Petra. Although it is touristy being so close to one of the popular Jordan attractions, it still retains its Jordanian charm and is the place to relax before and after witnessing one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

When in Wadi Musa, make sure to venture to “Little Petra,” (called Sia al-Barid). This lesser-known site (a 15-minute ride north of the main Petra) is also a Nabataean site and has the same carved facades as its older sibling. There’s a Treasury, stone temples and a canyon. Plus, you won’t encounter all the crowds at the main site either.

* Click here to discover all activities and best things to do in Jordan

The Monastery in Petra

From here you can travel two hours to Wadi Rum desert, one of the country's natural wonders and famous things in Jordan as it was once the setting for the film, Lawrence of Arabia . Red creamy dunes, basalt and sandstone mountains make Wadi Rum a truly magical destination and the definition of pure peace. Bedouin families live here in the Jordanian desert and some even have up to 2000 relatives! A four hour private tour will cost 35 JD and take you through the Wadi Valley to the seven pillars of wisdom, Lawrence Spring and the ruins of his house.

You can also trek amongst the red sand dunes or take a jeep tour. Walking from Wadi Rum to the  Saudi Arabian  border will take five nights sleeping in Bedouin camps along the way. Wadi Rum is our favourite place on Earth and is one of Jordans’ most iconic destinations.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Things To Do in Amman

Amman is the capital and getting around Amman on foot is doable for a spot of Jordan sightseeing as you can walk around the sites in less than a day. You can also base yourself here as there are several day trips and Jordan tours from Amman. Is Amman Jordan safe? Yes. The locals are very hospitable and will ask you if you need any help if you look lost. 

Public transportation in Amman consists of buses and shared taxis where you pay a fixed fare and the driver picks up others along the way. If you’re willing to part with some cash, pay a driver to take you as it’s a fair walk to the beautifully decorated Turkish Mosque, one of the places to visit in Jordan Amman. King Abudullah Mosque known as the Blue Mosque is also stunning. You can hire an abaya (black robe) to enter the mosque and gaze at its blue design. There’s also a great little bizarre selling jewellery, candles and embroidery.

The  Roman amphitheatre  sits within the bustling capital. There’s also a folklore museum which used to be the holding place for the lions in the gladiator days. For great views of the city walk up the crumbling steps to the peaceful  Citadel  which sits high on a hill above Amman.

There is an Archeological museum on the site that has artefacts dating back centuries and will teach you all about the Islamic and Jordanian culture.

Even though it’s a Muslim country you can find alcohol served in restaurants and bars along with shisha in the outdoor coffee shops of Rainbow Street , a funky street with artisan shops and modern bars. Don’t forget to try Knafeh when you're travelling to Amman, a traditional sweet made of cheese and sugary syrup and cardamon coffee. 

Amman Citadel

If holy sites are more your thing, Jordan is bursting with them. Visit  Madabah , on the Kings Highway, one of the most revered holy sites known for its famous mosaics. Other Biblical sites are Mount Nebo ,  Lot’s Cave ,  Elijah’s Hill  and  Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan  where Jesus is believed to have been baptised before the new Christian era began.

Head East for desert castles, examples of Islamic art and architecture and some of the best Jordan sites to visit. You can see five of Jordan’s castles within a day trip:  El Halabad Palace ,  Esrock Palace ,  Umrah Palace  and  El Harrana Palace . But if you only have time to see one castle,  Karak  is the one to see and is an impressive insight into the ancient Crusader days.

Jordan will surprise you and if you have time, visit the North of Jordan to find Mediterranean scenery, olive groves, citrus fruits and banana plantations to old Roman towns. Jerash  is the second most popular tourist destination after Petra, (although we think it should be Wadi Rum) and is known as a ‘Rome away from Rome’ with its ancient Roman ruins. It’s also the highest producer of olive oil in Jordan.

Ruins of the basalt church in Umm Qais

Further north is the ancient town of  Umm Qais , 378 metres above sea level which used to serve as a key trading route from Syria to Palestine. The route takes you near the Syrian border (30 minutes away). Umm Qais is the perfect viewpoint to see the surrounding borders; the  Sea of Galilee  in Israel, Jordan and  Syria .

The old Decapolis city is made out of black basalt and is the only place that has a black and white Roman theater and church. This area should definitely be on your itinerary and even the route past volcanic stones is worth seeing. But you don’t have to go all the way to Umm Qais to see Israel as there’s a viewpoint at Pella , one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities.

From here you can travel south through  Jordan Valley  to the creme de la creme; the  Dead Sea , one of the biggest tourist attractions in Jordan. The Dead Sea is bordered by Israel and is the lowest point on Earth at 400 metres below sea level. It is said that the Jordan River (the major water source into the Dead Sea) is the source of all holy water in Christianity. Being one of the Jordan tourist spots, you simply have to experience floating in the Dead Sea.

Going solo is no problem as everyone is happy and smothering themselves with mud packs that you can’t help but leave with a smile on your face. Once the saline waters have cleansed your skin, you’ll be looking and feeling good too. Unless you stay in one of the hotels along the Dead Sea, you have to pay to enter the beach area.  Amman Beach  is the cheapest at £15.

Abu Darwish Mosque in Amman

The very southern point of Amman is  Aqaba , which borders  Eilat in Israel. It was chosen as the Arab Tourism City of 2011 and although it’s Jordan’s only coastal city, you still may have to cover up if you’re on your own. It is very touristy with shops, markets, restaurants and bars and is an ideal place to explore the Red Sea coral reefs and wrecks.

There isn’t really that much in regards to entertainment in Jordan but one of the unique things to do in Jordan is to absorb yourself in Bedouin storytelling at the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Around a campfire at Rummana Campsite you can learn more about the Bedouin traditions.

Other places to visit in Jordan are: Dana , a preserved old stone village with simple living, wildlife and hiking routes through its nature reserve. The Dana Biosphere Reserve sits on the edge of the spectacular Great Rift Valley and is an eco dream. Explore other nature reserves at Ajlun , Wadi Mujib  and  Azraq Wetland Reserve .

Jordan has the added benefit of not being too crowded, except for peak times at Petra and if you like history, biblical sites, pampering and ancient ruins, it’s a great place to come.

Jordan Tips

• The call to prayer takes place 5 times a day and you have to hire a black gown to enter the mosques which aren’t open to the public on a Friday.
• Jordan is a nation of smokers so order a non-smoking room if you don’t smoke.
• Taxi drivers may tell you that your hotel has burned down and try and take you elsewhere where they get commission so pre-arrange a transfer or take the bus instead.
• Avoid Ramadan where you are not permitted to eat or drink after dawn. The dates change each year so check dates before you travel.

G Adventures Jordan

Jordan can be slightly challenging to get around by yourself so you may feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your trip or the whole duration. G Adventures is a responsible tour company which mainly caters towards budget travellers. Most tours have an average of 10 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.

Adventures start from a 4 day Explore Petra & Wadi Rum Independent Adventure, a G Adventures highlights of Jordan trip for 8 days starting and ending in Amman, to a 22 day G Adventures Egypt and Jordan trip including Israel. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female friendly company. * Check rates and availability for G Adventures Jordan tours

Intrepid Travel Jordan

Intrepid Travel is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. Over 50% of people using their trips are solo travellers. They tend to use hotels instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear a bit more costly than G Adventures.

Their Intrepid Jordan trips start from 3 day tour to Jordan discovering Petra Uncovered to a 24 day Middle Eastern Discovery through Jordan from Egypt to Turkey. To see Jordan, w ith both tour companies you share a room with someone of the same gender or you can pay extra for your own room. Read our  Intrepid Travel Reviews

Get Your Guide   – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and tours in worldwide destinations including Jordan. Choose from a full-day tour of Petra, an excursion to Wadi Rum, or a day tour to the Dead Sea from Amman. There are several to choose from and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check rates and availability for Jordan day tours

Jordan has a selection of accommodation w hether you prefer budget, eco or luxury. You’ll find hostels in Amman, Petra and the beach resort of Aqaba as well as 2 to 5 stars hotels and resorts. Treat yourself to luxury and a spa at one of the posh Dead Sea Resorts, or spend an evening under the stars in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum. .

You’ll also find all types of accommodation on Airbnb such as hotels, apartments and local’s homes with stunning views of Petra, the ‘Red Rose’ city. The accommodation below have been recommended by solo female travellers and are the best places to stay in Jordan as a solo.

For all other hostels and hotels in Jordan check rates and availability for all accommodation in Jordan here

Amman – Dali House – $

This 3-star hotel Amman is ideal for those on a modest budget looking to self-cater. Rooms come with air conditioning, your own private kitchen with a stove and a dining area. Located near the Downtown area near coffee shops, restaurants and a supermarket, you can walk to the Temple of Hercules, the Al Hussainy Mosque and Rainbow Street. The owner and the staff are welcoming and helpful and they have their own restaurant and bar where you can mingle with the other guests. Choose from a double room or a double room with a bath or balcony and a city view. *  Check rates and availability: Dali House  

Petra – Petra Guest House – $$

You can’t get any closer to the entrance of Petra than this gorgeous restored 1st century Nabatean House. With cocktails at night and dining in a Cave Bar for breakfast, we love this place. Choose from a single, double or twin room or upgrade to a superior chalet. * Check rates and availability: Petra Guest House  

Petra – Movenpick Resort Petra – $$$

If you want to treat yourself in Petra, you can’t get a better location than this gorgeous 5-star resort. Situated opposite the entrance, it’s the perfect place to relax in some luxury after hours of trekking through this ancient wonder. Dine at the rooftop restaurant with views of Petra’s hills, cool off in the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy a cocktail or two in the lobby. The rate includes breakfast and there’s even an ATM at the hotel. Choose from a superior twin room, a family room or a king or royal suite. * Check rates and availability: Movenpick Resort Petra  

Wadi Rum Legend Camp – $

Staying in a Bedouin camp doesn't mean that you can’t do it in comfort. With panoramic tents, comfortable beds and showers, camping will never be the same again at this legend desert camp. Explore the magic of Wadi Rum during the day on a jeep tour and enjoy deliciously cooked food, evening games and Bedouin stories around the fire at night. They also arrange shuttles to and from the airport. Choose from a double or standard room with a mountain view or a double room with a private bathroom. * Check rates and availability: Wadi Rum Legend Camp

Photo @ Earth Magazine

  Travelling Around Jordan

How to travel in Jordan – It can be difficult travelling Jordan unless you have a private car and private driver Jordan as many places are off the beaten track. The best way to get around Jordan is by hiring a private car and driver, especially if you have limited time in the country.

For driving in Jordan, the roads are easy to navigate as signs are in Arabic and English and a rental car is a cheaper option (although you may prefer company if taking this option). The Desert Highway runs from Aqaba in the south of Jordan to the north. The King’s Highway starts near Irbid in the north and runs south to Wadi Rum, the closest town for Petra. Can women drive in Jordan? Yes and there are women taxi drivers too.

If you choose to hire a car for Jordan independent travel, we recommend pre-booking car rental so you can collect your car when you arrive at the airport.

If you take one of the Jordan taxi cabs, agree the price beforehand; white-painted ‘service taxis’ take fixed routes which you can share with other passengers but we suggest using the private yellow taxis. To take a taxi as Jordan transport, it is respectful not to sit in the front seat if you are a woman.

Public transportation in Jordan – Buses only run along certain routes. The Jett tourist bus runs the 3.5 hour journey from Amman to Petra once a day and costs approximately £15. To return back to the capital, buses from Petra to Amman also only leave once every day. Local buses run other routes such as Aqaba and Wadi Mjusa. Find all routes for Jett Bus Jordan here .

For those planning on spending some time at the Red Sea before flying back out of the capital, the bus from Aqaba to Amman takes 5 hours, costs approx £20 and leaves every 4 hours. You can also fly between the two. 

From The Airport 

Queen Alia International Airport, Amman : An airport express bus runs to the North bus station (Tabarbour) in Amman and costs 5 JD for the 50 minute journey. Taxis are also available and prices are displayed near the taxi office at the airport.

* Feel more confident traveling to Jordan as a woman with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book a transfer with Hoppa , a reliable and safe service for solo females.

How Long Do I Need? 

I recommend a week minimum if you are visiting only Jordan. You could also combine your trip with Israel and spend two or three nights in either Jerusalem or Aqaba depending on which border you cross.

In seven days you can see the best of Jordan such as the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman. If you have ten days, add Jerash and Aljoun into your itinerary.

If you need a guide book for your travels we recommend Rough Guides. Covering where to go and when to go, things not to miss, itineraries, getting around, festivals and events, history, and maps, they are amongst the most comprehensive guides on the market. If you prefer Lonely Planet click here for all Jordan guide books.

If you are planning on travelling to Jordan for the first time, the Rough Guide to Jordan covers topics such as: book your trip, accommodation, getting there, getting around, food and drink, and travel essentials. They also include culture and etiquette so you can know exactly what to expect in the country. They’re your travel Bible.

* Check prices on Amazon

Travelling Onwards (check visas before you travel)

Flying into Amman then travelling onto Israel can actually be cheaper than flying directly into Israel.

Jordan To Israel :  King Hussein Bridge : This is the best border if you are looking to return to Jordan within 14 days as you don’t need a multiple visa. From downtown expect to pay 25 JD for a taxi to the border or take a bus from Amman bus station. * Read: Crossing The Israel Jordan Border

Exit tax is 10 JD payable at one of the 3 counters at the border (you need to go to all 3) before buying a ticket for yourself (4 JD) and your bag (1.30 JD) to board a minibus. Then it’s a 15 minute journey to exit Jordan and arrive at an airport style immigration in Israel.

There are 3 check points to get through so be prepared to wait and allow at least 3/4 hours. If you come late evening they may turn you away and ask you to return the next day. Interrogation is more probable for muslims and British passport holders.

Make sure you have an itinerary pre-booked as they will ask you for address and how long in each place.  Read here for opening times.

Sheik Hussein : In the North to Beit She’an in Israel. In Jordan buses run to Irbid, one of the cities in Jordan, then take a taxi from here for 20 JD or all the way to the border. Beit She’an is 5km from the border and is reachable by bus.

Wadi Araba crossing : Between Aqaba and Eilat in the south. From Aqaba take a taxi for 5 JD to the border. Exit tax is 10 JD and a taxi from the border into Eilat will cost around 35 NIS after paying 5 JD from Aqaba to the crossing.

Jordan To Egypt : Fly or take the fast boat from the terminal south of Aqaba. It only takes 1 hour to Nuweiba and leaves every day at noon apart from Saturdays and costs 26 JD. There’s also a slower car ferry which departs early evening (5pm).

Jordan To Syria and Iraq: Not recommended at this time.

Jordan To Saudi Arabia : Three border crossings: Umari, Mudawara, Durra. You need to apply for your visa beforehand and it’s very difficult to obtain one.

Where can I go from here?

• Israel – 40 minutes
• Egypt – 1.5 hours
• Lebanon – 1 hour
• Can I drink the water? Yes, you can but you may prefer to  take your own water filter with you.
• Is tipping expected?  Up to 10% but most hotels and restaurants will add this to your bill. For taxis just round up.
• Fixed price or barter?  Barter.
• Any ATM’s?  Yes.
• Which side of the road do they drive?  Right.
• Good for vegetarians?  Yes, plenty of falafel!
• Any Seven Wonders of the World? The ancient city of Petra.

*  This page contains affiliate links. These are of no extra charge to you and Girl about the Globe donates 10% of all affiliate sales to War Child, protecting children in war zones.

To help you plan female solo travel Jordan, here are some useful links including airlines which fly there, vaccinations required and events and festivals.

Budget – £30 a day

Capital – Amman

Population – 6.5 million

Language spoken – Arabic, English

Local Currency – Jordanian Dinar

Do I Need a Visa?

Vaccinations Required

Flying time to Jordan – 5 hrs 

Useful Info

Airlines to Jordan

Best Time to Go – May, June & Sept

What Plugs Do I Need?

UNESCO Sites in Jordan

Events & Festivals in Jordan

Local Cost Guide

Driving Distances

Local Customs & Etiquette

Sacred Places in Jordan

Lingo – Useful Arabic phrases

Weather in Jordan – Below is an annual weather chart of the weather in Jordan

Stay at Feynan Ecolodge

Volunteering

Habit for Humanity

Wild Jordan Nature Centre

Mind Body & Soul

Stay At a Meditation Retreat

Dead Sea Spa Treatments

• Solo Travel in the Middle East 
• Solo Travel in Israel
• Visiting Petra in Jordan
• My Day With a Wadi Rum Bedouin
• My Jordan Adventure

14 thoughts on “ Solo Travel in Jordan ”

Thank you SOOOO much! I am just beginning my planning for a solo trip to Jordan and Israel and this is exactly what I needed to have the confidence to do it. THANK YOU! 🙂

Awww, thanks Lisa. Have an amazing time x

I am planning for a solo trip to Jordan first time ever. I have never gone out of India neither alone nor in a group so I am bit nervous about what to do and what not. do I need to get visa before entering jordan or I can get visa on arrival?. I want a budget travel. how much does it cost me?

Hi Areeb. I only know about the British passport for visas. Can you contact the Jordan embassy in India to check if you need a visa? In the UK we have information on the Foreign Office website for visas. Do you have something like that? x

Heya, just wanted to point out an error in your description. You said Ramadan takes plus usually around August/September, but that’s not true. The calendar shifts annually, and so it’s in a different period every year from one to the next. It was in August/September a few years ago, this year it’ll be around May, and in the next years it’ll be in the earlier months before circling back to August/September in a couple of years. Overall, super dope article!

Read this for more clarity: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ramadan-2018-calendar-timetable-uk-when-is-it-this-year-latest-timings-a8350711.html

Hi Sabs, thanks for taking the time to comment. This information is great! I have changed this on the site x

is transportation, bus perhaps, to tourist spots like Petra, wadi rum, is easily accessible? thank you

Hi Steward, there was a bus to Petra. Rome2Rio is a great website from point to point. Have an amazing time. https://www.rome2rio.com

Great guide for solo travel in Jordan, its interesting how different our travel experiences can be when travelling as a female solo vs with a partner (especially a male partner!).

I have to disagree with you regarding Ramadan though, we found it an amazing time to visit Jordan! Yes most restaurants will be closed during the day (though tourist spots and big hotels should still be open), but experiencing the entire country stop for half an hour at Iftar (the breaking of fast) in the evening to pray and eat together is incredible. We joined the locals in fasting during our visit (though we still drank water- which a lot of people don’t), and it was actually surprisingly easy. It’s also less busy as some people are put off by the limited restaurants!

Thanks for commenting Ashley. That’s a good point about Ramadan. I wouldn’t be able to not eat though x

Can I ask the best way to hire a driver for a 9 day trip around the country?

Hi Cherene, I hired a driver when I was there for a full day. Jordania Aventura Drivers are highly recommended and you can read their reviews and book through Trip Advisor. Have a wonderful time x https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g293986-d6902406-Reviews-Jordania_Aventura_Drivers_Day_Tours-Amman_Amman_Governorate.html

Hello, i was wondering how safe is it to do the Jordan to Israel border crossing via public transport and for a solo female traveller in 30s? my tour finishes in amman. I need to get by myself from Amman to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to join an Israel tour. Please advise the process and how safe it is to do this. thanks

Hi May, thanks for your comment. You can take a taxi from downtown to the border or take a bus from Amman bus station. There is an exit tax, payable at one of the 3 counters at the border (you need to go to all 3) before buying a ticket for yourself and your bag to board a minibus. Then it’s a 15 minute journey to exit Jordan and arrive at an airport style immigration in Israel. Rome2Rio shows that there are public buses and gives the numbers https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Amman/Jerusalem Have a great trip x

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Best Time to Visit Jordan: Month by Month Breakdown

With its ancient history and hospitable culture, Jordan is one of the most popular destinations to travel to in the Middle East. 

In Jordan, you can visit the iconic ruins of Petra, you can hike through desert landscapes or you can even go diving in the Red Sea. But given the country’s location within Arabia, picking the best time to visit Jordan is important if you want the best travel experience. 

Summer, between June and August, can be unbearably hot in Jordan, while conversely, some areas can become frigidly cold in the winter, between December and February.

Most travelers choose to visit in spring, between March and May, or in autumn, between September and November. This is when the weather is at its most pleasant, but of course, that also means that spring and autumn are peak season. 

Being a Muslim nation, you may also want to factor in Ramadan when deciding the best time to visit Jordan, although this varies year by year.

Diving is better at different times of the year, as is the hiking too. To help you plan your trip, here’s our guide on picking the best time to visit Jordan! 

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Jordan (Travel Guide)

Table of Contents

Visiting Jordan in January 

January is the middle of winter in Jordan, and while you might at first think that this isn’t such a problem given the Middle Eastern location, this is in fact a country that experiences vast extremes of weather. 

In fact, the capital Amman can be bitterly cold, given its relatively high altitude, and the city occasionally sees snowfall. The desert regions, while they might be perfect to explore during the day in January, become equally cold at night once the sun has dropped.

January though is a good time to go hiking, and a good time to visit Petra, when things aren’t quite so busy at this iconic Jordanian attraction. 

Visiting Jordan in February 

February is the last winter month, and it can be the best time to visit Jordan before the rush of spring begins.  Temperatures are starting to rise again and things are heating up in the desert and along the Red Sea.

Around Aqaba, the popular diving and beach resort area, they are already seeing average temperatures rising into the 20s, while in Amman, it’s considerably colder.

Head to Petra or Wadi Rum to see these sights without the spring crowds, but take warm clothes to wrap up in at night time. 

Visiting Jordan in March 

March is when spring begins, and in terms of the weather, it can easily be the best time to visit Jordan.  The country is heating up and in the desert and along the coast it’s very much getting warmer, with highs approaching the 30 degrees Celsius mark. 

This is a great time to be in Amman and to enjoy both good weather and great culture. Petra and Wadi Rum are starting to get busy though, as tour groups begin to arrive and tourist numbers rise.

If you want to go hiking in Jordan, weather conditions are optimal in March, while the country’s nature and wildlife are starting to bloom beautifully. 

Visiting Jordan in April 

April can be particularly busy, especially at famed tourist spots such as Petra, but that’s because April is the best time to visit Jordan to experience the country’s best nature and best attractions. 

The weather is great, and it’s still not summer, so temperatures are pleasant yet not overbearing. Amman is now seeing temperatures in the 20s, while Aqaba in the Red Sea is regularly well above 30 degrees Celsius. 

In the western world, April usually means it’s the Easter holidays, and this can bring in lots of visitors from Europe or North America looking to not only make the most of their holiday time but to enjoy the warm climate of Jordan. 

Visiting Jordan in May

May is when the climate begins to transition from spring into summer and you can rest assured that it’s going to be hot in Jordan. 

It’s still not overbearing though and given the wildlife and nature on show, this can be the best time to visit Jordan if you’re interested in hiking or scuba diving. 

This is a great time to visit Aqaba on the Red Sea as temperatures are high, and you can really enjoy the beaches. If you’re diving or snorkeling, then the visibility is perfect and as summer approaches, the currents and conditions are much calmer than in winter. 

In May, wildflowers are blooming everywhere in Jordan, and it’s a beautiful time to strap on the hiking boots and to hit the trails in search of Jordanian flora and fauna. 

Visiting Jordan in June 

June is the start of summer, and it’s not necessarily the best time to visit Jordan, because this is when things really start to heat up. 

Compared to July, June is colder, of course, but conditions are still verging on the unpleasant, especially if you aren’t used to hot temperatures. It’s incredibly dry in June though, and there’s no humidity and no chance of rain. 

While you won’t want to be hiking, June is great for scuba diving and snorkeling, as visibility is only getting better in the Red Sea, and you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the underwater world before relaxing the rest of your day away along the beautiful coastline. 

Visiting Jordan in July 

July is the height of summer, and things can be really hot all through the month. If you’re looking for cool weather, this is most definitely not the best time to visit Jordan, and if you aren’t used to temperatures breaking the 40 degree Celsius barrier than its best to stay away. 

Given the oppressive heat though, Jordan is quiet in July and if you brave the high temperatures you’ll find that usually crowded locations such as the ruins at Petra are actually quite quiet this time of the year. You can score good deals on flights and tours too because this is low season across the country. 

Head to the coast for more great scuba diving, but make sure you book a hotel with a swimming pool or one that’s right by the beach so you can cool off in the water! 

Visiting Jordan in August 

In August, it’s still incredibly hot across Jordan with temperatures hovering between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius depending on your location. 

Again, this is still low season, and if you can beat the heat then you can score some excellent package deals and tours, and if you are on a budget, it can be the best time to visit Jordan. 

Like the rest of summer, August is great for scuba diving, and given the heat, the water is always the best place to be in Jordan when the sun is out. 

The desert and Wadi Rum are popular places to visit for budding astronomers, as in August, the annual Perseid Meteor Shower can be seen. With dark skies, Jordan is a wonderful place to experience this natural phenomenon. 

Visiting Jordan in September 

From September onwards, temperatures begin to drop slowly as the country transitions to autumn.  This is the start of peak season again, as given the colder climes it’s a great time to travel to Jordan .

It’s still very hot though, compared to winter, so be prepared to deal with the sun, particularly at midday.  For divers, September is often seen as the best time to visit Jordan, because the Red Sea has the best visibility of any time of the year.

You can see far into the depths because the water is crystal clear, as there has been no rain or runoff from the coast for months by now. 

Visiting Jordan in October 

October can be the best time to visit Jordan if you are looking to go hiking, or simply to sightsee, as you can enjoy the wonderful weather of autumn when it’s not too hot and not too cold. 

It’s very busy this time of year, but it’s great if you want to visit Wadi Rum and explore the deserts, as you can enjoy the sights and walk around attractions without working up too much of a sweat. 

Visiting Jordan in November

November is the start of winter in Jordan, and it’s very much a shoulder month when it comes to tourism.  You can expect a little rainfall as the month progresses while the nights can be very cold, especially in the desert.

It’s a good time to avoid the high season crowds but to also enjoy hot weather during the day, and it’s the last chance to really go scuba diving on the coast before the water gets colder and the visibility decreases once the rain starts to fall in heavier amounts. 

Visiting Jordan in December 

December can be rainy and cold, and it’s often not a popular time of the year to visit Jordan.  In Amman, temperatures drop drastically as you enter the dead of winter and in the desert, night time is a frigid affair. 

It can still be warmer here than many countries in the northern hemisphere, especially Europe and North America , and if you head to the coast then you can enjoy some winter sun over the Christmas period, although this is a holiday that isn’t celebrated here of course. 

Our Top Recommended Tours in Jordan:

• Essential Jordan: Dead Sea & Desert Stars with G Adventures – 8 days
• Explore Jordan with National Geographic Journeys – 8 days
• Highlights of Jordan with G Adventures – 8 days
• Explore Petra & Wadi Rum with G Adventures – 4 days
• Jordan Multi-sport with G Adventures – 8 days

More on Jordan:

• Is Jordan Safe to Visit?
• Swimming in the Dead Sea in Jordan
• Inside Petra Jordan: Everything You MUST Know Before Visiting
• Petra by Night is Pure Magic

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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Looking Elegant at the Airport Is Possible—6 Outfits Perfect for Autumn Flying

I have to be honest—of all the outfits I may plan, airport looks are at the absolute bottom of the list. Typically, my thinking about what I'll wear on a plane is limited to having to wear last-minute "just in case" pieces that I can't squeeze into my suitcase, or just going for whatever I grab the morning of the flight. But over the past few years, I've noticed more and more of my fellow passengers strolling around the airport in outfits that truly put mine to shame. Turns out, stained sweatpants and crumpled t-shirts are no longer considered travel-appropriate.

And has anyone else spotted more and more influencers posting seriously chic airport looks? And I'm not just talking about the ones jumping on a private jet. Our favourite tastemakers have truly nailed the elevated casual look, combining comfort and style with effortless finesse. I must replicate.

Luckily, you probably already own a lot of the pieces needed to create an upgraded airport look . Elevated athleisure paired with tailored separates is a common formula that influencers like Aimee Song and Lucy Williams follow. But if you are looking to add some new additions, high street favourites as well as high end labels more than have you covered.

So, if you're joining me in the journey to dress like a First Class passenger (even if you're sticking to Economy,) scroll on for some runway-ready looks to inspire you.

1. Tonal Sweats + Blazer

Style Notes: Creating an elevated airport look doesn't mean sacrificing comfort. As Aimee proves, sweats are still a great go-to for wearing on a plane, just opt for high-quality pieces in a rich tone, and top it off with an oversized blazer in a matching hue for a polished finish.

Shop the look:

Cosy perfection.

An ideal match.

I love how Aimee uses a lighter blazer to elevate the look.

The ultimate finishing touch.

Accessories are key to making an airport outfit look extra considered.

To guard against the paparazzi.

2. Hoodie + Blazer + Jeans

Style Notes: Personally, I'm all for wearing jeans on a plane—especially if you're going to need them in your final destination, or heading straight out once you land. Styling them with a hoodie and a blazer keeps it more than travel-appropriate, but still undeniably cool.

Everyone needs a comfy hoodie.

I'm such a fan of & Other Stories' tailoring this season.

Such a gorgeous fit.

Running trainers are ideal for powering through the airport.

3. Matching Sweats + Cropped T-Shirt

Style Notes: For long haul flights when comfort is the top, top priority, sweats are a must. Keep yours looking fashion-forward by opting for a matching set in a cool colour, and a cropped t-shirt.

I love Alo Yoga's sweats.

Such a cool set.

To complete the cropped look.

The kind of trainer you'll be happy to wear on the plane, and to have on hand in your travel wardrobe.

Just enough space for all your essentials.

4. Leggings + Ballet Flats + Crossbody Bag

Style Notes: Over the last few months, influencers have been reminding us of the fashion kudos of leggings. And what better time to wear them than on a plane. Ultra-comfortable, leggings are made for layering, so you can adapt the look to whatever climate you're in, and however intense the AC in the airplane may be.

Adanola leggings are so flattering.

The t-shirt our editors swear by.

The ultimate travel coat.

A silk scarf is such a chic way to elevate a travel ensemble.

I'm obsessed.

Equal parts useful and sophisticated.

5. Slouchy Trousers + Turtleneck Knit + Loafers + Tote Bag

Style Notes: If I was flying to a city and immediately starting my trip activities the moment I got off the plane, this would be the look I'd wear. It's both elegant and effortless in all the best ways, and each piece would be a great style to have to hand for the days ahead.

Is anyone else excited for cosy jumper season?

There's no hand baggage more sophisticated that The Row's Park tote.

A brilliant alternative to trainers—and so easy to slip off at security.

6. Track Pants + Cardigan + Long Coat + Trainers

Style Notes: For me, this is the perfect example of how to inject a little colour into your travel outfit while still retaining that cool, minimalist vibe. Plus, with all those layers, you'll really be supplementing whatever you packed.

The Adidas x Wales Bonner collab is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

I'm a big fan of a cropped cardigan. It works just as well buttoned up as a top as it does layered over a t-shirt.

I love the effortlessness of the belted silhouette.

A retro trainer is undeniably cool.

Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor for Who What Wear UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.

Some might surprise you.

By Grace Day

They're one step ahead of the curve.

By Bébhinn Campbell

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This Is the Story of How a Gas Pipe Became a Jewelry Legend

The Bulgari Tubogas, a house signature since 1948, takes center stage once more in a new fall collection.

Sometimes a crisis can be a boon for creativity—a necessity-is-the-mother-of-invention kind of thing. In jewelry history this truth is most evident in pieces designed during the 1940s. Platinum had been banned for decorative use because of the war effort, which is why yellow gold dominated. The availability of precious stones became limited as trade routes did, which resulted in the rise of the semiprecious. And with images of tanks seen in newsreels every day, the bejeweled geometry of Art Deco gave way to a new aesthetic: bold, high-wattage pieces that telegraphed strength in beauty. These are the kind of pieces you’ve seen on the cinema stars of the era, but they were largely born out of the reality of scarce resources—and of imaginations fueled by the need to innovate.

That first experiment with tubogas led to a solid decade of design inquiry for Bulgari, and by the 1970s it had evolved into a house motif , used with those iconic Monete coins and cabochon stones. By the 1980s the tubogas technique was a Bulgari signature. And this fall a new collection will be presented. The bracelets and necklaces are all in yellow gold, though there is one style in trigold and another with pavé diamond studs. They are unadulterated tubogas; the method and material reign supreme.

“It’s an extraordinary technique,” says Bulgari jewelry creative director Lucia Silvestri. “It represents the intersection of industrial functionality and artistic elegance. And despite its modernity, the craftsmanship component remains a key feature at the core of this signature.” Silvestri herself wears several Bulgari Tubogas pieces, mixing and layering them with vintage jewels and the Monete coin collections . “Our heritage is a great source of inspiration. We have ventured far with the tubogas technique, which has proved to be an incredibly versatile canvas, whether through the matching of various gold finishes, the introduction of flexible steel, or the use of colored gems. The success of it all led to the launch of Bulgari Tubogas, a collection where age-old tradition seamlessly merges with forward-thinking innovations.” Ones, to be clear, you can wear right now.

The Jewelry Holy Grail Pipeline

The debut of the Bulgari Tubogas watch coincided with the birth of another OG: the Serpenti.

Gems from the Stars and Stripes collection are still highly coveted. This bracelet just sold at Christie’s for $69,300.

One radical idea lays the foundation for another: the triple combination of yellow, rose, and white gold.

What is the formula for red carpet jewelry ambition? A healthy appetite for risk, plus a fierce attitude to match. Grace Jones gave a master class at the L.A. premiere of Evita.

Editor-in-Chief Stellene Volandes is a jewelry expert, and the author of Jeweler: Masters and Mavericks of Modern Design (Rizzoli).

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