Jordan Travel Guide

Why Visit Jordan?

Jordan is one of the world's most captivating travel destinations, offering an extraordinary blend of history, desert, archaeology, culture experiences. Whether you're drawn by the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, or world-renowned cuisine, Jordan promises an unforgettable journey.

With a capital in Amman and languages including Arabic, English, Armenian (minority), Jordanwelcomes millions of visitors every year. The country's diverse landscapes range from bustling metropolises to serene natural wonders, making it a destination that truly has something for every type of traveler.

History of Jordan

Jordan's position at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe has made it one of the most historically layered places on earth — every major ancient civilisation left its mark on this small but extraordinary country. Neolithic settlements at Ain Ghazal near Amman (7250 BC) rank among humanity's earliest known villages. The Nabataean Arabs carved their capital Petra into rose-red sandstone cliffs between 400 BC and 106 AD, controlling the incense trade routes between Arabia, Egypt, and Rome. The Romans annexed Nabatea in 106 AD and built Jerash — still the best-preserved Roman provincial city outside Italy. Byzantine Christianity flourished with remarkable mosaic churches, including the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in Madaba. The Islamic conquests of 636 AD brought a new civilisation, and the Umayyad caliphate built a series of desert castles for pleasure and politics across the Jordanian steppe. Crusader castles at Karak and Shobak attest to medieval conflicts between Christian and Muslim kingdoms. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was established under King Abdullah I after WWI, carved from the former Ottoman territories. Jordan has since played a careful diplomatic role in one of the world's most volatile regions, welcoming over 2 million Palestinian refugees and 660,000 Syrian refugees. King Abdullah II continues the Hashemite tradition of protecting Jerusalem's holy sites for all three Abrahamic faiths.

Top Attractions in Jordan

From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems, here are the essential places you must visit during your trip to Jordan.

UNESCO Ancient City🇯🇴

Petra — The Rose City

The Nabataean capital carved entirely from rose-red sandstone is the most spectacular archaeological site in the Middle East. The narrow Siq canyon leads to the sudden revelation of Al-Khazneh (the Treasury) — a 40-metre carved facade glowing pink at sunrise. Beyond lies a city of 800 carved tombs, a colonnaded street, Roman theatre, and Byzantine church mosaics, covering 264 sq km.

JOD 50 (1-day); JOD 55 (2-day); JOD 60 (3-day) Best: March–May or September–November; arrive at 6am opening

Desert UNESCO Reserve🇯🇴

Wadi Rum Desert

The Valley of the Moon — vast red-sand desert of towering sandstone mountains, ancient rock inscriptions, and Bedouin camp fire culture — was T.E. Lawrence's base during the Arab Revolt and Hollywood's stand-in for Mars in The Martian. Overnight stays in luxury Martian domes or Bedouin goat-hair tents under the Milky Way are Jordan's most extraordinary experiences.

JOD 5 (reserve entry); jeep tours from JOD 25 Best: March–May or September–November; magical for stargazing

Natural Phenomenon🇯🇴

Dead Sea

The world's saltiest and lowest body of water (430 metres below sea level) allows every bather to float effortlessly on its dense mineral waters — the ritual mud smear, the buoyant float, and watching the salt crystal formations at dusk from the Jordanian shore are bucket-list experiences. The Dead Sea is also shrinking at 1 metre per year, making visits increasingly urgent.

JOD 20 (beach resort entry) Best: October to May (summer temperatures extreme)

Roman Archaeological Site🇯🇴

Jerash Roman City

The best-preserved Roman city in the Middle East features 2,000-year-old colonnaded streets, two theatres, a hippodrome, nymphaeum fountains, and temple complexes that feel more intact than Rome itself. The annual Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts fills the ancient theatres with concerts, making it one of the world's most atmospheric performance venues.

JOD 10 Best: Morning or late afternoon; avoid midday heat

Best Time to Visit Jordan

The ideal time to visit Jordan is during March to May, September to November. During this period, you'll enjoy the most favorable weather conditions with comfortable temperatures, lower rainfall and vibrant local events and festivals.

However, Jordan has something to offer throughout the year. The shoulder seasons often provide a great balance between good weather and smaller crowds, while even the off-season reveals a different, more authentic side of the country that many travelers find even more rewarding.

How to Get to Jordan

Getting to Jordan is straightforward with multiple transport options available depending on your departure location. Most international visitors arrive by air at the main international airports, though rail and road connections make Jordan highly accessible from neighboring countries.

The currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). It's advisable to carry some local currency for smaller purchases, markets and rural areas, though major credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas.

Food & Cuisine in Jordan

The food culture of Jordan is a fascinating reflection of its history, geography and traditions. Local cuisine features bold flavors, fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Street food markets, family-run restaurants and fine dining establishments each offer a unique window into the soul of the country.

Don't leave Jordan without trying the local signature dishes. Visit local markets in the morning for the freshest ingredients, and explore neighborhood eateries away from tourist centers for the most authentic dining experiences.

Essential Travel Tips for Jordan

• Visa Requirements: Check visa requirements well in advance as processing times can vary.
• Health & Safety: Research any required vaccinations and register with your embassy upon arrival.
• Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette to show respect for the culture.
• Transport: Public transport in major cities is generally reliable and cost-effective.
• Language: Learning a few basic phrases in Arabic will go a long way in your interactions.
• Photography: Always ask permission before photographing people and respect signs restricting photography at religious sites.
• Bargaining: Bargaining is often expected in markets — start at 50% of the asking price.
• Budget: Have a mix of payment options — cash, cards and potentially a travel card with low fees.

Sample Jordan Itineraries

We've created three itinerary options based on the length of your visit. Each one is carefully designed to maximize your experience while allowing enough time to truly appreciate each destination.

Budget Guide: How Much Does Jordan Cost?

Jordancaters to all budget levels — from backpackers to luxury travelers. Here's a general breakdown to help you plan your budget effectively:

Traditional Culture & Lifestyle in Jordan

Understanding Jordan's traditional culture and way of life will transform your trip from sightseeing into genuine connection. Here is what makes Jordan's culture truly unique.

Traditional Foods of Jordan

These are the signature dishes and flavors that define Jordan's culinary identity — dishes every visitor must try:

Traditional Dress & Fashion

Daily Life & Lifestyle in Jordan

Festivals & Celebrations

Plan your trip around these remarkable Jordan celebrations for an unforgettable cultural experience:

Etiquette & Cultural Do's in Jordan

Showing respect for local customs will open doors and create genuine connections with people:

• Accept coffee and tea when offered — refusing the first cup can be impolite
• Greet same-gender acquaintances with multiple cheek kisses
• Use formal Arabic greetings: 'Marhaba', 'As-salamu alaykum'
• Dress modestly especially outside of tourist areas
• Remove shoes when entering homes
• Don't photograph military sites or people without consent