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Discover the most detailed travel experiences in Jordan for an exciting journey to this country of extraordinary wonders in the Middle East.
Jordan, a small Middle Eastern country, stands as a top-tier travel destination. Recognized as one of the most westernized nations in the region, it boasts developed infrastructure and English road signs, perfect for enthusiastic drivers.
Jordan offers a myriad of attractions. Travel back in time to the ancient city of Petra, one of the world's most captivating ruins and a New Seven Wonders site. Indulge in soul-stirring desert explorations in Wadi Rum and don't forget to float in the enchanting Dead Sea.
Jordan offers a variety of fascinating attractions. Photo by Lonely Planet
With a plethora of offerings, Jordan stands as the perfect stop for Middle Eastern culture, history, and beauty. Below are travel experiences in Jordan to help you plan your journey!
Travel Insights for Jordan
Jordan, with its breathtaking desert landscapes, captivating archaeological sites, delicious cuisine, and pleasant weather, is one of the prime destinations to explore in the Middle East.
Witness the sunset at the Dead Sea. Photo by @aman.shai.xox
You can fly internationally to Amman – the capital of Jordan from anywhere in the world. A more practical option is to fly to Israel and cross the border near Eilat. If flying directly to Amman, you can obtain a Jordanian visa at the airport, while travelers crossing the border from Israel may need to acquire a visa beforehand at the embassy.
Arabic is the primary language in Jordan. English is also widely used in major towns and tourist spots.
For travelers visiting Jordan, it's advisable to be cautious in clothing choices. Pack lightweight, breathable clothes to cover legs and arms. Unlike some other Middle Eastern countries, Jordan can be cold in winter, so a warm jacket, jeans, and closed shoes are suitable.
Experience the enchanting evening Ramadan ceremonies, a cultural spectacle in Jordan. Captured by @ShareYourJordan
The Jordanian Dinar is locked at 0.708 USD with the USD, making 1 JD equal to 1.40 USD. Coins are distributed in Piastres, a fraction of the Dinar. The Dinar stands as a remarkably strong currency. Based on travel wisdom, Jordan proves to be a somewhat pricey destination.
Opt for a visit to Jordan during spring and autumn when daily temperatures are manageable, offering warm days and cool nights. Summer temperatures soar above 40°C in the desert and around the Dead Sea, posing challenges for visiting some key attractions. In winter, nights become remarkably chilly, especially at higher altitudes like Amman, often adorned with snow.
Captured by @AhmadHamran
Public transportation is readily available for most tourist destinations in Jordan. Small buses traverse between cities, connecting key points like Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra, Amman, and Jerash. However, you might need to return to Aqaba or Amman between each destination. For instance, there are no buses directly between Wadi Rum and Petra.
The capital of Jordan. Photo @TheBoulevardJo
Bus ticket prices range from 7 JD to 10 JD on the JETT bus. For those who enjoy driving, it's a fantastic and convenient option in Jordan. Renting a car in Amman will cost you between 25 to 35 USD per day.
Hotels are prevalent in popular tourist spots, including Amman, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba. The Dead Sea boasts upscale resorts, while budget guesthouses start at 10 JD in Amman and Aqaba. Wadi Rum offers Bedouin camps for around 40 JD, including a 4-hour jeep tour, dinner, and accommodation. Based on travel experience in Jordan, Petra has budget guesthouses starting from 10 JD.
Inside a desert lodge in Jordan. Photo by @toma_paul
Sleeping under a star-filled sky in Jordan. Photo by @Visit Jordan
Throughout history, Jordan has been one of the safest countries in the Middle East. However, recent years have seen a decline in tourism due to issues with neighboring countries. Jordan shares its borders to the north and east with Syria and Iraq. With the Syrian refugee crisis and ISIS terrorist attacks in the region, some may exercise caution when visiting Jordan.
Handmade goods for sale in Jordan. Photo by @Visit Jordan
According to the travel experience in Jordan, tourists are advised to utilize the Jordan Pass, a travel card covering visa fees and entry to over 40 major attractions. The Jordan Pass includes Petra, Little Petra, Wadi Rum, Wadi Dana, Jerash, Amman Citadel, Ajloun Castle, Kerak Castle, and many other points of interest.
Exploring Jordanian cuisine
Stretching from the Syrian border to the shores of the Red Sea, the Kingdom of Jordan has long been a crossroads of culture and tourism. Ancient sites narrate tales of Roman emperors and Nabatean kings, alongside hilltop fortresses of the Crusaders strategically positioned.
Jordanian cuisine. Photo @Visit Jordan
Amidst the bustling streets of the earth-toned capital city, Bedouin tribes of the nation take immense pride in their nomadic traditions and desert heritage. Throughout the country, Jordanian cuisine seamlessly melds into the diverse heritage, a vibrant fusion of Bedouin flavors and local essences in iconic Levantine dishes. Whether indulging in sweet tea at Petra or seeking the finest falafel in Amman, gastronomy is an essential part of the journey to explore Jordan.
Honored as Jordan's national dish, mansaf has deep roots in the Bedouin kitchen and resonates with nomadic tribes in the Levant.
Mansaf dish. Photo @Razan Masri
Crunchy falafel balls crafted from ground chickpeas, seasoned to perfection, stand as a staple street food across the Levant region.
Falafel dish. Photo @Booking Jordan Tours
Nestled deep within a desert valley, the ancient city of Petra by the Nabateans remained unknown to Europeans from the Crusades until the early 19th century. Yet, Bedouin tents line the steepest, winding paths, and long-distance walkers are invited to small glasses of sweet tea, often infused with fragrant sage.
Bedouin tea and coffee. Photo: Culture Trip
Tourist destinations in Jordan
The capital of Jordan
Jordan's capital, Amman, boasts a population of 4 million and serves as the economic, political, and cultural hub of the country. It is a major tourist destination, especially for those from Arab and European nations. Amman features a range of stunning historical landmarks with the Ancient Citadel and the Roman Amphitheater.
Capital of Jordan. Photo @sherazade-travel
There are fantastic cultural activities to experience in Amman. Begin with a visit to the Abu Al Darwish Mosque, one of the unique and intricately designed mosques in the Middle East. Stroll around Rainbow Street and Souk Jara...
Amman by night. Photo @sherazade-travel
Wadi Rum
Situated in southern Jordan, just a 45-minute drive from Aqaba, Wadi Rum is a protected area, and its desert landscape is one of the most beautiful in the world. Towering mountains, reaching 1,500 meters, surround this stunning orange-hued desert.
Wadi Rum desert. Photo @mari_happytravel
Astrologers believe Wadi Rum is one of the best places for stargazing worldwide. The area is often explored through off-road jeep tours or camel treks. Jeep tours can be arranged with Bedouin camps and typically last four hours. Tours often uncover narrow mountain canyons, sandy dunes, natural springs, and ancient rock art.
Stargazing in Wadi Rum. Photo @jordantravel2020
Photo @@agnieszka_szudobaj
Petra
Unlike anywhere else on the planet, the breathtaking Nabataean rock city of Petra is a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site. According to the travel experience in Jordan, Petra stands out as a must-visit destination in any journey. Located near the village of Wadi Musa, the Ancient City of Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Petra is a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site. Photo @sherazade-travel
The Treasury and the Monastery are two main attractions not to be missed. With hundreds of tombs and an impressive temple complex, Petra warrants a full-day or two-day visit.
Experience the hike up to the Treasury viewpoint, starting from behind the Royal Tombs. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Petra by Night illuminates the pedestrian path through the entire Siq to the Treasury.
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is an intensely salty lake bordered by Jordan and Israel. It's known as one of the saltiest bodies of water globally, situated at the world's lowest elevation of 430 meters below sea level. With salinity nearly 10 times that of the ocean, swimming in the Dead Sea is akin to floating on the surface.
Swimming in the Dead Sea. Photo: @VisitJordan
The Dead Sea is famed for its spas and luxurious resorts, where salt and minerals are widely extracted for therapeutic use. In Jordan, the Dead Sea is relatively secluded, unlike the more populous Israeli side. Most accommodations and beaches are situated to the north, providing a serene environment.
Wadi Mujib
The Mujib Biosphere Reserve is the world's lowest nature reserve, featuring stunning landscapes near the eastern shores of the Dead Sea. Wadi Mujib, a captivating canyon along the Mujib River, stretches for 70 km. The Mujib River in Jordan flows into the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Numerous adventurous hikes allow visitors to trek through water, beneath towering narrow canyons, and into the Dead Sea itself. Parts of Wadi Mujib also encompass the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the habitat of some rare and endangered wildlife.
Wadi Mujib. Photo @thetravelblog
Wadi Dana Biosphere Reserve
As the largest nature reserve in Jordan, Wadi Dana is becoming increasingly popular each year for tourism. This area is a convergence of wildlife originating from Africa, Asia, and Europe. There are over 1,250 species within the reserve, with up to 25 of them considered at risk of extinction.
Wadi Dana Biosphere Reserve. Photo @The Washington Post
According to the travel experience in Jordan, the best way to explore Wadi Dana is by hiking on one of the renowned trails. Some of the best long hikes include the White Dome trail, Wadi Dana trail, Wadi Dathneh trail, and Wadi Ghwair trail.
Hiking the trails in the Wadi Dana Biosphere Reserve. Photo @Visit Jordan
Ruins of Jerash
Located in Northern Jordan, Jerash is a mere 45-minute drive from Amman. While this modern city stands as one of the largest in Jordan, the primary attraction lies in the ancient ruins of Jerash. This Greco-Roman city was first constructed around 300 BCE by the Greeks.
After the Roman conquest in 63 BCE, the Romans continued building a thriving city that endured for centuries. This site preserves some of the best-preserved Roman ruins and stands as one of the most famous tourist attractions in Jordan.
Ruins of Jerash. Photo @helenabradbury
Kerak Castle
Perched atop a sizable hill, Kerak Castle was constructed by the Crusaders in the 12th century. From the 13th to the 16th century, the Mamluks controlled the area and added several new towers and fortifications to the castle.
The castle showcases a splendid blend of Roman design with influences from European, Byzantine, and Arabic architecture. Large enough to explore within a few hours, according to the travel experience in Jordan, Kerak Castle is an ideal stop after the Dead Sea, although caution is advised due to a past incident in 2016.
Kerak Castle. Photo: @VisitJordan
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Keywords: Comprehensive insights into Jordan travel in the Middle East region
