Why You Must Visit Jordan At Least Once in Your Life + Full Guide
The Lost City of Petra and one of the most-visited wonders of the world right in JORDAN! Located among the rigid desert canyons and the mountains of Jordan, this half built, half carved rock is riddled with gorges and passages that are dying to be explored. In this blog, you will get a full guide for your next trip to Jordan. Thankfully I was accompanied by a very knowledgable, local guide Jordanality, who was certain to make sure we saw it ALL and then some. Check out why Jordan was one of my favorite trips ever.
safety in Jordan
If you are wondering about safety, I felt super safe in Jordan the entire time. It was very beneficial having a guide and private driver, however the next time I visit Jordan I would even consider renting a car.
Current Entry requirements:
Travelers from the United States can enter Jordan without proof of full Covid-19 vaccination. Travelers must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR test. The test must be taken a maximum of 72 hours before departure from the first flight to Jordan.
To visit Jordan for Business or Tourism, you require a visa. A visa on arrival is obtained at the port of entry before reaching immigration. When you arrive in Jordan, you can purchase a visa on arrival at the airport. For all other visas, visit the government site.
jordan itinerary
part I :
Visiting Amman, Jordan
Amman is the capital city of Jordan, with nearly 4.5 million residents. Most likely when visiting Jordan, you will be flying into the Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) Jordan’s largest airport. The modern city of Amman is surrounded by ancient Roman ruins and is a city of hustle and bustle. This is a great place for a pit stop before heading to Petra.
Things to do in Amman
Explore the ancient Roman ruins & Roman Theater
Gaze the mountaintop from the Citadel (Admission included in the Jordan Pass, an online pass that gives access to more than 40 sites, costing 70-80 dinars)
Visit Rainbow Street
Enjoy a vibrant coffee shop or cafe
Eat Falafel and try fresh Lebnah
Where To Stay in Amman
St. Regis
Four Seasons Hotel Amman
InterContinental Jordan
Centro Mada Amman
W Amman
Where to eat in Amman
Al Osrah (great falafel and liver)
Hashem Restaurant (very popular and vegetarian)
Falafel Al-Quds (serves only falafel sandwiches)
Salaheddin Bakery (one of the oldest bakeries and great sesame seed rolls)
Shawarma Reem (great shwarma)
Tawaheen Al Tawa (one of the largest restaurants, great kebabs and mansaf)
jordan itinerary
part II:
Visiting the Dead sea
The Dead Sea, also known as the “Salt Sea” is a lake between Israel and Jordan. The Dead Sea is the lowest elevation and body of water on Earth. You can’t visit Jordan without floating in the Dead Sea for yourself. Not to mention the mud from the sea is suppose to work wonders on the skin.
Hilton Dead Sea
Where to stay at the dead sea
The Hilton Dead Sea for incredible rooms and views overlooking the Dead Sea.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
Dead Sea Spa
Jordan itinerary
part III:
petra “the lost city”
Petra is the most well-known destination in Jordan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a huge reason why many people visit this part of the world. For me it was a bucket list dream that I had to cross off the list! In this section I will break down where to stay, tips for exploring Petra, and how to truly dive into the culture in Petra.
Treasury
where to stay in petra
Old Village Resort
Movenpick Resort Petra
Petra Guest House
Petra Moon
Petra Movenpick
what to see in petra
Treasury
The Monastery
Little Petra
Treasury Viewpoint
Cave Bar
how to properly prepare & enjoy petra
One day is not enough time to see all of Petra, however if you only have one day you will want to keep these tips in mind to maximize your experience.
Get a guide (Jordanality) for an authentic local experience that sparks a deeper understanding and connection to the people and places in Jordan
Purchase the Jordan Pass for access to Petra and many other historical sites
Have proper footwear or hiking shoes, you will be doing an insane amount of walking/hiking
Bring layers of clothing, the mornings can be chilly and it heats up midday
Get there EARLY! It is better to beat the crowds for pictures and to enjoy the picturesque beauty without people everywhere
Lighting is better in the early afternoon, as the sun shines on the reddish orange buildings
Bring snacks and water, there will be a lot of walking. However, there are stands that will be selling drinks and snacks
jordan itinerary
part IV:
The Wadi Rum Desert
In the Southern part of Jordan lies the the famous desert, the Wadi Rum. It was easily one of my favorite parts of Jordan, with Mars-like sandstone and a vast landscape that goes on for miles. It is also home to many movie scenes, like Star Wars, Aladdin, and The Martian. Be sure to get the full experience by staying in a bubble tent that provides a clear view of the insane amount of stars at night.
Bait Ali Camp in the Wadi Rum Desert
Where to stay in the Wadi Rum
Bait Ali Wadi Rum, a unique property located in the heart of the Wadi Rum desert.
Sun City Camp
Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp
Memories Aicha Luxury Camp
Rise Wadi Rum Campy
Bedouin Lifestyle Camp
What to do in the wadi rum desert
jordan itinerary
part V:
Aqaba
To round off the trip to Jordan, you must visit Aqaba- the city of the Red Sea. Here you will find beach resorts and tons of watersports like scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, etc,.
Where to stay in aqaba
Al Manara
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea
DoubleTree Hilton
Intercontinental
Movenpick Resort
Hyatt Regency
things to do in aqaba
Visit the beaches
Snorkel/dive in the Red Sea, book here
Visit Aqaba Castle
Day trip to the Wadi Rum Desert
Visit the Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque
places to eat in aqaba
Movenpick Tala Bay
Kempinski
Intercontinental
Al Manara
Lacosta
Best time to visit jordan
Jordan can range from all types of weather. It can be hot and dry, or even freezing cold in the Wadi Rum Desert. Jordan is a year-round destination, however the best time to visit is Spring.
things you should know before visiting jordan
You will need a visa to enter, however don’t stress this because they can be issued at the airport
Hiring a private driver is the best way to get around the country of Jordan
The food in Jordan is incredible, be sure to eat falafel, fresh labneh, hummus, and a famous family dish called “Mansaf” —yes, you must use your hands!
Purchase the Jordan Pass (70-80 JD) that gives you access to top sights, attractions and saves money ( entry visa is included)
Exchange your money for JD prior to coming to the country
Foods you should try in jordan
Falafel
Moutabel
Mansaf
Hummus
Labneh
Grilled
Tabbouleh
Liver
Shawarma
Zarb
and Enjoy!
