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Jordan✨ 10 best things to do in Jordan

Things to do in Jordan

1. Walk the Siq to Petra's TreasuryFollow the narrow winding canyon until the carved façade of Al-Khazneh appears in a burst of rose-pink light.
2. Climb to the MonasteryHike some 800 rock-cut steps to Ad-Deir, Petra's colossal hilltop temple, for sweeping desert views.
3. Sleep under Wadi Rum's starsSpend a night at a Bedouin camp among red dunes and towering sandstone mountains.
4. Float in the Dead SeaBob effortlessly on the salty water at the lowest point on land, then coat yourself in mineral-rich mud.
5. Explore Roman JerashWalk colonnaded streets, theatres and temples in one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy.
6. Hike Dana to FeynanTrek through the dramatic canyons of Dana Biosphere Reserve down to a desert ecolodge area.
7. Wade up Wadi MujibSplash through a narrow sandstone gorge to a hidden waterfall in summer.
8. Snorkel in AqabaDiscover coral reefs and colourful fish in the clear waters of the Red Sea.
9. See the Madaba mosaicsView the ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land in St George's Church.
10. Feast on mansafTry Jordan's national dish of lamb cooked in fermented yoghurt, served on rice and flatbread.

Jordan🗺️ Where to visit in Jordan

Where to go in Jordan

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  PetraSouth · ancient cityThe Nabataean rock city is one of the world's great archaeological wonders and deserves at least two days.
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  Wadi RumSouth · desertA protected desert of red sands and towering rock formations, ideal for jeep tours, hiking and stargazing.
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  Dead SeaJordan Valley · salt lakeFloat in hyper-salty water surrounded by desert hills, an easy trip from Amman.
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  AmmanCapital · cityA lively hilly capital with a Roman theatre, the Citadel, cafés and excellent street food.
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  JerashNorth · Roman ruinsA vast and remarkably intact Roman city with columned avenues and a hippodrome.
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  Dana Biosphere ReserveCentral south · natureJordan's largest nature reserve, with spectacular hiking and a traditional stone village.
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  AqabaRed Sea · coastJordan's only coastal city, with beaches, diving and a relaxed resort feel.
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  Madaba & Mount NeboCentral · mosaics & pilgrimageA friendly town of Byzantine mosaics and the biblical viewpoint over the Jordan Valley.

Jordan🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Jordan

Best time to visit Jordan

Jordan has a Mediterranean climate in the hills, with hot dry summers and cool, occasionally snowy winters in Amman and Petra. The Dead Sea, Jordan Valley and Aqaba are much warmer year-round.

Typical daytime highs and rain in Amman (approximate averages).

Jordan🎉 Festivals & events in Jordan

• July/August
  Jerash Festival of Culture and ArtsConcerts, folk dance and theatre performances fill the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash.
• May (25th)
  Independence DayFireworks, flags and celebrations mark Jordan's independence in 1946.
• Varies (end of Ramadan)
  Eid al-FitrFamilies celebrate the end of the fasting month with feasts, sweets and visits.
• Varies (Islamic calendar)
  Eid al-AdhaThe Festival of Sacrifice is a major holiday with family gatherings and generous meals.

Jordan🧭 Jordan itinerary ideas

How many days in Jordan?

Jordan🎒 Backpacking Jordan – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $40–60 a day

• Downtown Amman and Wadi Musa (the town by Petra) have plenty of budget hotels and hostels with rooftop views.
• Look into the government's combined tourist pass, which can cover entry to Petra and many other sites.
• Public minibuses link Amman with Petra, Aqaba and Madaba cheaply, but they leave when full and rarely reach remote sites.
• Fill up on falafel, hummus and shawarma from street stalls – Amman's downtown has legendary cheap eateries.
• Share a taxi or driver with other travellers for routes like the King's Highway and Dead Sea that lack good public transport.

Jordan🛡️ Safety & money in Jordan

Emergency: 911 all emergencies

Jordan🛬 Getting to Jordan

Most travellers fly into Queen Alia International Airport near Amman, with some flights to King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba. Ferries link Aqaba with Egypt, and land crossings with neighbouring countries exist, but check current status before travelling overland.

✈️ Cheap flights to Jordan: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Jordan💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Jordan

• The Dead Sea shore is the lowest point on dry land on Earth, more than 400 metres below sea level.
• Petra was largely unknown to the Western world until a Swiss explorer visited in 1812.
• Wadi Rum's Mars-like landscape has appeared in many films, including Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian.
• The Madaba Map is the oldest surviving original map of the Holy Land.
• Jordan's only coastline is a short stretch on the Gulf of Aqaba.

Jordan❓ Jordan travel FAQ

Jordan travel questions