Highlights
Petra
The Nabataean city carved into rose-coloured sandstone, reached through the narrow Siq gorge, which opens dramatically onto the Treasury. Climb the steps to the Monastery or hike to the High Place of Sacrifice, and allow at least two days.
Wadi Rum
A protected desert of red sand, sandstone mountains and rock arches, explored by jeep, camel or on foot with local Bedouin guides. Staying overnight in a desert camp gives clear starry skies.
The Dead Sea
The lowest point on land, where the water is so salty that you float effortlessly. Hotels and public beaches on the Jordanian shore give access, and the mineral mud is said to be good for the skin.
Jerash
One of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world, north of Amman, with a colonnaded street, an oval forum, temples, theatres and Hadrian's Arch.
Amman
The capital spreads over hills, with the Citadel and its Umayyad Palace above a Roman theatre in the old downtown, busy souks, and cafés and galleries in neighbourhoods such as Jabal al-Weibdeh.
Madaba and Mount Nebo
Madaba is famous for Byzantine mosaics, including a sixth-century map of the Holy Land. Nearby Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, looks over the Jordan Valley.
Dana Biosphere Reserve
A reserve of mountains, canyons and desert, with hiking trails from the stone village of Dana. The multi-day Jordan Trail, which crosses the whole country, passes through here on its way to Petra.
Aqaba and the Red Sea
Jordan's only coastal city has coral reefs, wrecks and warm water for diving and snorkelling year-round, plus a relaxed seafront.
Interesting facts about Jordan
- Petra was largely unknown in Europe until the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt visited it in 1812.
- The shore of the Dead Sea, shared by Jordan, is the lowest point on land on earth, roughly 430 metres below sea level.
- Wadi Rum has served as a film location for productions including Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian.
- The Madaba mosaic map is the oldest surviving original map of the Holy Land.
- Mansaf, lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yoghurt and served over rice, is Jordan's national dish and is traditionally eaten with the right hand.
Best time to visit
Spring (roughly March to May) and autumn (roughly September to November) are the best times to visit, with warm days that suit walking around Petra and Jerash and camping in Wadi Rum. Summer is very hot, especially at the Dead Sea and in Aqaba, though nights in the desert are pleasant. Winter can be cold, wet and occasionally snowy in Amman and Petra, while the Dead Sea and Aqaba stay mild. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight is best avoided, and opening hours change.
Practical information
| Capital | Amman |
|---|---|
| Currency | Jordanian dinar (JOD) |
| Languages | Arabic |
| Plugs | Type C, D, F, G, J |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Around 10 percent in restaurants if service is not included; check the bill. Tips for guides and drivers are customary. |
Getting around
Jordan is compact, and the Desert Highway and King's Highway link Amman with Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba. Hiring a car is a popular way to tour the country; roads are generally good, but watch for speed bumps and allow for local driving styles. Tourist buses run between Amman, Petra and Aqaba, and minibuses serve smaller routes, though less frequently. In Amman, ride-hailing apps and yellow taxis are the usual way to get around. A combined sightseeing pass covering Petra and many other sites is available; check what it includes for your trip.
Staying connected in Jordan
4G coverage is good in Amman, Aqaba, Madaba and other towns and along the main highways. Signal can be weak in deep canyons, in parts of Petra and Dana, and in the more remote areas of Wadi Rum, though some desert camps have coverage. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
See Jordan eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Jordan
- Careem: Ride-hailing in Amman and other cities, widely used across the Middle East.
- Uber: An alternative ride-hailing option in Amman.
- Google Maps: Driving between sites; download offline maps for Wadi Rum, Dana and Petra.
- Google Translate: Translating Arabic signs and menus; download Arabic for offline use.