Ready for your dream Jordan vacation? From the Roman ruins of Jerash to the rose-red city of Petra, the desert of Wadi Rum to the healing waters of the Dead Sea, this guide outlines the ultimate Jordan itinerary.
These easy-to-use itineraries help you find the best things to do in Jordan—featuring ancient wonders, desert stargazing, crusader castles, Middle Eastern cuisine, and floating in the lowest place on Earth.
Want to make your Jordan trip even more special? Learn basic Arabic before you go
- Petra: Jordan’s crown jewel—an ancient city carved into rose-red rock, with the iconic Treasury and a magical desert canyon entrance.
- Amman: A buzzing capital that blends ancient ruins with modern cafés, souks, and sweeping city views from the Citadel.
- Wadi Rum: A surreal desert wilderness with towering sandstone mountains, Bedouin camps, and landscapes straight out of a sci-fi movie.
- Dead Sea: Float effortlessly in salty waters at the lowest point on Earth, then slather on the famous mineral-rich mud.
- Aqaba: Jordan’s Red Sea escape, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and sunny relaxation with a side of waterfront dining.
- Jerash: One of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy—walk through grand arches, ancient plazas, and colonnaded streets frozen in time.
- Madaba: The city of mosaics—home to the famous ancient map of the Holy Land and a gateway to Mount Nebo’s panoramic views.
- Mount Nebo: A sacred, windswept mountaintop where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land—come for the history and the stunning views.
- Dana Biosphere Reserve: A protected natural wonderland with epic hiking trails, wildlife, and eco-lodges tucked into sandstone cliffs.
💡 Jordan Tips
- Cash is king in many places: Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, but carry Jordanian dinars (JOD) for small businesses, taxis, and markets.
- Dress modestly, especially outside Amman: Jordan is a conservative country — covering shoulders and knees is respectful, especially in rural areas or religious sites.
- Taxis don’t always use meters: Agree on a price in advance, or use ride-hailing apps like Careem for transparent fares.
- Tipping is customary: 5–10% is standard in restaurants, and a small tip is appreciated for hotel staff, drivers, and guides.
- Drink bottled or filtered water: Tap water is generally not safe for drinking — use bottled water for brushing your teeth as well.
- Buy the Jordan Pass: It covers visa fees and major attractions (like Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash) — a great value if you’re planning to explore.
- Greetings matter: Jordanians are very hospitable — greet people with a smile and a polite “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you).
- Expect tea and coffee invitations: It’s a sign of hospitality — try Arabic coffee (qahwa) or sweet black tea with mint.
- Respect Ramadan traditions: During the holy month, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
- Public transport is limited: Buses are infrequent outside cities — consider renting a car or booking tours for flexibility.
- Weather varies by region: Pack for both desert heat and cool mountain evenings — layers are key.
- Jordan is safe for travelers: Crime is low, and Jordanians are welcoming — solo travelers, including women, generally feel secure.
🇯🇴 Jordan Menu
- Mansaf (Nationwide, esp. Bedouin communities): Jordan’s national dish — lamb cooked in fermented yogurt (jameed) and served over rice with flatbread and almonds. Traditionally eaten communally with the right hand.
- Maqluba: A savory upside-down rice dish layered with meat (usually chicken or lamb), vegetables, and spices — flipped before serving.
- Falafel (Amman & Nationwide): Deep-fried chickpea patties, crispy outside and fluffy inside — served in pita with salad, pickles, and tahini.
- Hummus: Creamy chickpea and tahini dip — often served with olive oil, paprika, and warm flatbread.
- Mutabbal (Baba Ghanoush): Smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon — rich and tangy.
- Shawarma: Thinly sliced marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries — popular street food.
- Kebabs: Grilled skewers of minced or cubed meat, often lamb or beef — served with rice, bread, and dips.
- Kofta Bi Tahini: Spiced minced meat baked in a creamy tahini sauce with potatoes and onions — comforting and rich.
- Warak Enab: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat — slow-cooked and served warm or cold.
- Zarb (Wadi Rum): Bedouin-style barbecue cooked in an underground oven — meat and vegetables come out tender and smoky.
- Tabbouleh: A fresh salad of parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, mint, lemon, and olive oil — light and vibrant.
- Fattoush: A chopped salad with crispy pita chips, sumac, cucumber, and tomatoes — tangy and refreshing.
- Laban (Yogurt Drink): A salted, tangy drink made from fermented yogurt — cooling and hydrating.
- Kunafa (Amman & Levant region): A sweet dessert of shredded pastry soaked in syrup, filled with melted cheese or cream — crispy, gooey, and beloved.
- Qatayef (Ramadan dessert): Stuffed pancakes filled with nuts or cream, fried or baked and drenched in syrup — eaten during the holy month.
- Arabic Coffee (Qahwa): Strong, cardamom-spiced coffee served in tiny cups — central to hospitality culture.
- Mint Tea: Sweet black tea with fresh mint — served after meals or during social visits.
📅 Jordan Calendar
- Amman International Film Festival (March, Amman): Showcasing Arab and international filmmakers
- Dead Sea Ultra Marathon (April, Dead Sea): Race from Amman to the lowest point on Earth
- Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts (July–August, Jerash): Folk dance, poetry, and music in a Roman amphitheater
- Petra Light Festival (Multiple dates, Petra): Candlelit walks through the Siq to the Treasury at night
- Petra Desert Marathon (early September, Petra): Scenic long-distance run through one of the New Seven Wonders
- Wadi Rum Desert Challenge (October, Wadi Rum): Adventure races through Martian landscapes
- Olive Harvest Season (October–November, rural Jordan): Participate in family-led olive picking and tastings
- Red Sea International Diving Festival (November, Aqaba): Dive events and reef tours along the Red Sea coast
- Christmas in Madaba (December, Madaba): Tree lightings, carols, and Christian traditions in one of Jordan’s oldest towns