Travel to Jordan

Jordan, a jewel in the Middle East, offers a captivating blend of ancient history and breathtaking desert landscapes. It's a country where you can float in the lowest point on Earth one day and wander through Roman ruins the next. The pace of travel here is often dictated by the distances between its iconic sites, making a road trip the most rewarding way to experience its diversity. From the bustling capital of Amman to the otherworldly desert of Wadi Rum and the archaeological marvel of Petra, Jordan provides incredible value for travellers seeking authentic experiences. The cultural warmth of its people, coupled with a well-developed tourist infrastructure, makes it an accessible yet profoundly rewarding destination.

Cities to explore in Jordan

Pively covers multiple cities in Jordan. Click a card for the full guide — flights, hotels, budget and multi-destination itineraries.

Which city to pick

For first-timers, Amman is the undeniable starting point. As the capital and a Pively-covered city, it offers a fantastic introduction to Jordanian culture, history, and cuisine, with the Citadel and Roman Theatre being must-sees. If your heart beats for ancient history and jaw-dropping archaeological sites, Petra (nearby Wadi Musa) is paramount, though not a Pively city itself. For a unique desert experience, Wadi Rum provides unparalleled stargazing and Bedouin hospitality. If relaxation and aquatic adventures beckon, Aqaba on the Red Sea is your best bet for world-class diving and snorkelling. Amman also serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby historical sites like Jerash.

Regions to know

Northern Jordan

This region is rich in history, boasting Roman ruins like Jerash, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. It's also home to Ajloun Castle and offers rolling hills and fertile valleys. Amman, Jordan's capital and a Pively-featured city, acts as the primary gateway. Recommended duration: 2-3 days if focusing on specific sites, or longer if using Amman as a base for day trips.

Central Jordan

Dominated by the capital city, Amman, this area is the modern heart of Jordan. Amman offers a fascinating mix of ancient Citadel ruins, Roman Theatre, and vibrant souks alongside contemporary art galleries and trendy cafes. It's the perfect place to acclimatize and explore Jordanian urban life. Recommended duration: 3-4 days to explore the city and its immediate surroundings.

Southern Jordan

This is where Jordan's most iconic landscapes unfold. Home to the rose-red city of Petra, the vast desert wilderness of Wadi Rum, and the stunning Dana Biosphere Reserve. The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, also borders this region. A road trip is essential to cover these highlights. Recommended duration: 4-6 days to fully appreciate Petra, Wadi Rum, and potentially the Dead Sea.

Aqaba & Red Sea Coast

Located at the southern tip, Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city. It offers a gateway to the Red Sea's vibrant coral reefs, ideal for diving and snorkelling. The city itself has a more relaxed, resort-like atmosphere compared to the interior. Recommended duration: 2-3 days for relaxation and water activities.

Suggested itineraries

5j — Jordan Highlights: Petra & Amman

A whirlwind introduction focusing on the country's most famous sites. Fly into Amman (AMM), spend 2 days exploring the capital's Citadel and Roman Theatre. Drive south (approx. 3 hours) to Wadi Musa for 2 full days dedicated to Petra's ancient wonders. Return to Amman for departure.

10j — Classic Jordan: North to South

Experience the breadth of Jordan. Start in Amman (3 days), including a day trip to Jerash. Drive to Petra (3 days) via the King's Highway, stopping at Kerak Castle. Continue to Wadi Rum (2 days) for desert adventures. Finish with 2 days at the Dead Sea for relaxation before returning to Amman. This route covers historical sites, desert landscapes, and the unique Dead Sea experience.

14j — Deep Dive Jordan: Culture & Wilderness

A comprehensive journey. Begin in Amman (4 days), exploring the city and nearby Jerash. Travel south along the King's Highway (3 days), visiting Madaba, Mount Nebo, Kerak, and Dana Biosphere Reserve. Dedicate 3 days to Petra, followed by 2 days in Wadi Rum for desert immersion. Conclude with 2 days in Aqaba for Red Sea activities before flying out from AQJ or returning to AMM.

Best time to go

The shoulder seasons, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), offer the most pleasant weather across Jordan. Expect warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for exploring both the historical sites and the desert. March and April are particularly beautiful with wildflowers blooming in the north. Summer (June to August) can be intensely hot, especially in Petra and Wadi Rum, with temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C (95°F). Winter (December to February) is cooler, with potential for rain and even snow in the higher elevations, though prices are lower and crowds thinner. The Dead Sea region remains warm year-round. Major events like Ramadan follow the lunar calendar and impact opening hours and dining options.

Practical tips

Visa: Most EU, UK, and US passport holders can enter Jordan visa-free for stays up to 30 days, often upon arrival. Other nationalities should verify requirements with their nearest Jordanian embassy or consulate well in advance.
Currency: The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the official currency. Expect roughly 1 EUR to be around 0.75-0.80 JOD. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in Amman, but carry cash for smaller vendors, taxis, and rural areas. ATMs are common in cities.
Language: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger generations, especially in Amman. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases like 'Shukran' (Thank you) is appreciated.
Transport: For independent travel, renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility, especially for longer distances. JETT buses offer a reliable and affordable option between major cities. Taxis are plentiful in Amman; agree on a fare beforehand or ensure the meter is used. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem operate in Amman. Domestic flights are limited, mainly between Amman and Aqaba.
SIM / eSIM: Purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival or using an eSIM service like Airalo is recommended for affordable data. Major operators include Zain, Orange, and STC. A 10-20 GB data package typically costs between $10-$20 USD.

Culture & etiquette

Tipping is customary. For restaurants, 10% is standard, often included as a service charge; if not, add it. For hotel staff and drivers, a few Dinars are appreciated. When visiting religious sites like mosques, women should cover their hair, shoulders, and knees; men should wear long trousers. It's polite to accept offers of tea or coffee. Always ask permission before taking photos of people. Public displays of affection should be discreet. Avoid discussing sensitive political topics. Jordanians are incredibly hospitable; reciprocating kindness is important.

Daily budget

Jordan offers good value, especially outside luxury hotels. **Frugal:** Aim for $40-60 USD per person per day. This covers basic guesthouses or budget hotels, street food or simple local eateries (like falafel or shawarma), local bus transport, and entry fees to less expensive sites. **Standard:** Budget $70-100 USD per person per day. This allows for comfortable mid-range hotels (3-4 star), meals in decent restaurants, a rental car or frequent taxis, and entrance fees to major attractions like Petra and Wadi Rum tours. **Comfort:** Plan for $120+ USD per person per day. This includes higher-end hotels, fine dining, private drivers or premium tours, and potentially more exclusive experiences. Entrance fees to major sites like Petra (around 50 JOD for a 2-day pass) and Wadi Rum jeep tours can add up significantly.