Petra
Carved directly into vibrant rose-red sandstone cliffs, this ancient Nabataean capital is Jordan's world-famous archaeological wonder.
Jordan
Middle East · Ancient rose-red cities, otherworldly deserts, and unforgettable Middle Eastern hospitality.
Best timeMarch–May, September–November
Mid-range budget$140 / day
City guides1
RegionMiddle East
Why visit Jordan
Jordan bridges ancient history and striking desert landscapes with extraordinary warmth and safety. Visitors can wander through thousands of years of civilization, float in saline waters, and camp beneath starlit dunes. It is ideal for adventure seekers, history enthusiasts, and culturally curious road-trippers.
CurrencyJordanian Dinar (JOD); cards work in major cities, but cash is vital for markets and rural areas.
LanguageArabic is official, with English widely spoken across tourist sights, hotels, and urban restaurants.
VisaMost nationalities obtain visas upon arrival; buying a Jordan Pass waives the standard entry visa fee.
PlugsTypes C, D, F, G, and J; standard 230V, so packing a universal adapter is recommended.
TippingTipping around ten percent at sit-down eateries and small gratuities for drivers and guides is customary.
SafetyJordan remains exceptionally peaceful and welcoming to international visitors, featuring low violent crime rates.
When to go
March to May and September to November offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and sightseeing. Summer brings intense desert heat, while winter nights can be surprisingly chilly.
Spring (Mar-May)18-28°C, sunny and mild
Peak tourist season with blooming desert flora, lively historic sites, and higher accommodation rates.
Summer (Jun-Aug)32-40°C, hot and dry
Low season with intense sun, great hotel discounts, and best explored during early morning hours.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)20-30°C, warm and pleasant
Ideal conditions for desert excursions and Red Sea diving, with popular attractions seeing steady crowds.
Winter (Dec-Feb)8-15°C, cool and crisp
Quiet low season with occasional rainfall or mountain snow, requiring warm layers for chilly nights.
City guides for Jordan
Best places to visit in Jordan
Wadi Rum
A protected desert wilderness filled with dramatic sandstone mountains, prehistoric petroglyphs, and immersive Bedouin glamping.
The Dead Sea
The lowest point on Earth, celebrated for mineral-rich mud and hyper-saline waters that provide effortless floating.
Jerash
One of the best-preserved Greco-Roman provincial cities anywhere, showcasing towering colonnades, grand plazas, and theaters.
Amman Citadel
A historic hilltop perch in Jordan's capital offering panoramic city vistas alongside Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins.
Dana Biosphere Reserve
A rugged nature reserve featuring spectacular hiking trails through dramatically shifting geological and ecological landscapes.
Classic Jordan routes
Classic Highlights
7 days- Amman
- Jerash
- Dead Sea
- Petra
- Wadi Rum
Rent a car or hire a driver to travel smoothly along modern highways from northern ruins to southern deserts.
Plan this routeThe Grand Explorer
10 days- Amman
- Jerash
- Madaba
- Dana
- Petra
- Wadi Rum
- Aqaba
Follow the scenic King's Highway south by car, capping off rugged desert hikes with coastal relaxation by the Red Sea.
Plan this routeShort Desert & Wonder Break
5 days- Amman
- Petra
- Wadi Rum
Ideal for brief getaways, connected easily via daily tourist shuttle buses or private highway transfers.
Plan this routeHow much does Jordan cost?
Budget$55per person / day
Mid-range$140per person / day
Luxury$320per person / day
Purchase the Jordan Pass online before your arrival to bundle entry fees and save on tourist visa costs.
What to eat in Jordan
Mansaf
Jordan's national dish consisting of tender lamb cooked in dried fermented yogurt sauce, served over turmeric rice and flatbread.
Maqluba
A traditional layered pot of spiced rice, vegetables, and chicken or lamb flipped upside down onto a serving platter.
Falafel
Crisp, deep-fried ground chickpea patties seasoned with herbs and commonly tucked into fresh pita with tahini.
Knafeh
A warm, decadent pastry dessert layered with stretchy white cheese, crunchy spun dough, and scented sugar syrup.
Bedouin Tea
Sweet black tea brewed over open embers and infused with fragrant desert sage or aromatic wild thyme.
Getting around
Renting a car offers the greatest freedom for navigating Jordan's scenic King's Highway and Desert Highway. Reliable JETT tourist coach buses operate scheduled daily routes between Amman, Petra, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea. Taxis and hired private drivers are affordable and practical choices for city day tours.
Travel tips
- Purchase the Jordan Pass online prior to your flight to waive the standard single-entry visa fee.
- Dress conservatively by covering shoulders and knees when exploring local markets, villages, and religious spaces.
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes to handle the extensive walking trails and uneven cobblestones at Petra.
- Keep sufficient Jordanian Dinar banknotes handy for souvenirs, desert tea stops, and rural roadside stalls.
- Stay well hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly, even during the breezy, milder days of spring and autumn.
- Book desert camp stays in Wadi Rum ahead of time, especially during peak spring and autumn travel seasons.
Jordan travel FAQ
Is Jordan safe for international travelers?
Yes, Jordan is widely recognized as one of the safest and most stable countries in the region. Locals are remarkably hospitable and supportive toward foreign guests, with tourism police visible at all major sites.
Is the Jordan Pass worth purchasing?
The Jordan Pass is highly recommended for almost every visitor spending at least three consecutive nights. It covers entry to over forty historic attractions, including Petra, and waives the entry visa fee.
How much time do I need to explore Petra?
While a single full day allows you to see the Treasury and the Monastery, two days are ideal to explore comfortably. Spending two days allows you to hike side trails and appreciate the site at a relaxed pace.
Can solo female travelers visit Jordan comfortably?
Jordan is considered very safe for solo women travelers, who regularly visit without significant issues. Dressing respectfully and utilizing reputable transport or guided tours will ensure a smooth, welcoming experience.
What should I pack for Wadi Rum?
Pack lightweight, breathable garments for warm sunny days alongside warm fleece layers or a jacket for freezing desert nights. Sturdy footwear and sunglasses with strong UV protection are also essential.
Ready for Jordan?
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Start planningAI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-08. Check visa rules, prices and opening times before you go. Photos: dimitrisvetsikas1969 on Pixabay.