Many of the world’s greatest civilizations have left their mark on Jordan, a country located at the crossroads of Africa and Asia. From the Nabataeans, who built Petra (one of the Wonders of the World), to the Romans, who paved the King’s Highway (one of the oldest roads in the world), Jordan is full of stunning ancient sites. It’s a history lover’s dream.
Beyond its incredible history, the nation boasts welcoming people whose hospitality is deeply rooted in their rich culture. Traveling through Jordan means drinking sweet tea with Bedouins and learning how their way of life has thrived in the desert for centuries, all while staring up into the starry desert sky.
Because that’s another important thing to know about Jordan: the landscapes here are otherworldly (so much so, in fact, that they’ve been used as filming locations for Dune, multiple Star Wars films, The Martian, Moon Knight, and much more). Hiking to sweeping desert overlooks, effortlessly floating in the salty Dead Sea, and making your way through dramatic canyons are just a few ways that travelers can experience the wonders of Jordan’s diverse environment.
Though it’s a relatively small country, there’s a lot to do here. Don’t rush your visit.
This travel guide to Jordan can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this beautiful destination!
Table of Contents
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Jordan
1. See Petra
Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is an incredible sight to behold. Known as “the Rose City” due to the color of the sandstone, it was the capital of the ancient Nabataean kingdom from about the 4th century BCE to the 1st century CE, when it fell under Roman control. It quickly began to decline as other trade routes were established, and remained mostly abandoned for centuries. In the early 19th century, a Swiss explorer stumbled upon it, ushering in a new identity for Petra as a must-see destination for many.
Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site means exploring surreal gorges and the famous Treasury and Royal Tombs, standing in awe under towering temples, and hiking to the hilltop Monastery. Provided you stay at least one night in Jordan, a one-day admission ticket to Petra is 50 JOD, while a ticket that allows you admission for three days is 60 JOD. The magical “Petra by Night,” when the site is lit up with over 1,500 candles, is a separate 17 JOD fee (and it only runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, so plan accordingly).
2. Explore Amman
Home to around four million people, Amman is Jordan’s capital and largest city. Thanks to its millennia-spanning history, its seven hills are brimming with ancient ruins and archaeological sites. In recent years, Amman has become a thriving mix of traditional and contemporary. Most visitors to Jordan breeze past on their way to other sites in the country, but Amman has a lot to offer, including the Jordan Museum, Amman Citadel (which includes the Temple of Hercules and Hand of Hercules), Blue Mosque, trendy Rainbow Street, and much more. Spend a few days if you can.
3. Float in the Dead Sea
Floating in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, is a bucket-list dream for many. Almost ten times saltier than the ocean, this huge lake is such a harsh environment that nothing but bacteria can live here (hence the name). But all that salt also means that those azure blue waters are incredibly buoyant, giving you the unreal feeling of weightlessness as you float. The Dead Sea is also purported to have many healing properties, and people have been flocking here for centuries to cure their ailments.
If you want to learn more about the area, stop in at the Dead Sea Panorama Complex (3 JOD), the region’s history museum, which details the lake’s history and formation, civilizations that have lived near here, and conservation efforts for the future. There’s also a stunning panoramic viewpoint and a short hiking trail that leaves from here as well.
4. Sleep in the desert in Wadi Rum
Also known as the Valley of the Moon for its otherworldly landscapes, Wadi Rum is the largest wadi (valley) in Jordan and a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inhabited since prehistory (with petroglyphs to prove it), it is now home to just a few Bedouin tribes, most of whom are involved in guiding tourists through the inhospitable yet alluring terrain. The area gained international attention when it was used as a filming location for the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia.
Popular activities to do here include taking a 4×4 tour or camel ride, hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. Organized tours are incredibly popular, as you cannot visit the desert independently (private vehicles aren’t allowed past Wadi Rum Village). I highly recommend staying overnight in one of the Bedouin camps, as there’s not anything quite like sleeping in the desert under the vast open sky.
5. Shop at the souks
Souks, or markets, are an integral part of life in the Middle East. Spend some time perusing the many stalls and examining the colorful displays of fresh produce, spices, and local handiwork. Various souks often specialize in a certain type of product, so it’s worth checking out a few. In Amman, some of the most popular markets include Souk Mango (the oldest), Souk el Khodra (vegetables and spices), Souk Jara (handicraft market near Rainbow Street, summers only), and Souk al Joumea (a flea market with secondhand goods).
Other Things to See and Do in Jordan
1. Visit Jerash
The largest Roman city outside of Italy and one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Jordan, Jerash is often called “the Pompeii of the Middle East.” Though the area has been inhabited since at least 7500 BCE, it was when the Romans arrived in 63 BCE that Jerash started to flourish, remaining an important center through the Byzantine and Umayyad periods.
Walking around the expansive ruins (many of which don’t even seem like ruins at all, they’re so intact) is truly transporting. And the site is huge, so allow yourself time to wander. The main sights include Hadrian’s Arch, built for when the emperor visited in the first century CE; the Hippodrome, a racing stadium that could seat up to 15,000 spectators; and the Oval Forum, unique in its layout (as most forums were rectangular). Admission is 10 JOD, which includes the archaeological site, Jerash Archaeological Museum, and the Jerash Visitor Center (which contains many exhibitions and artifacts as well).
2. Marvel at the Madaba mosaics
Located just 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Amman, this ancient Bronze Age site is known as “the city of mosaics” thanks to its incredibly well-preserved Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, which continue to be found inside churches and homes, and underneath the streets. The most significant is the sixth-century Madaba Map, which is the oldest known map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. It’s located in St. George’s Church (1 JOD admission). Admission to the Madaba Archaeological Park and Museum is 3 JOD.
3. Learn about Bedouin culture
You can’t go to Jordan without learning more about Bedouin culture and their nomadic, desert-dwelling way of life. The word Bedouin comes from the Arabic word bedu, meaning “desert inhabitants,” and they have been living in harmony with this harsh environment for thousands of years. While most aren’t fully nomadic nowadays, there are an estimated 1.3-4 million Bedouin living throughout Jordan today. Hospitality is an integral part of their culture, and many Bedouin are continuing that tradition by welcoming travelers from around the world into their homes. The best way to get to know them is over cups of (very sweet) tea while staying a night — or a few — with them in a desert camp. It’s easiest and most popular to do so at Wadi Rum.
4. Enjoy Little Petra
Siq al-Barid, also known as Little Petra, is a first-century Nabatean site about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Petra itself. Likely a suburb and lodging area for traders traveling on the Silk Road, Little Petra is similar to Petra in many ways. Because of this, most people skip over Little Petra, assuming they’ve seen it all by visiting Petra itself. But it offers some unique sights of its own, like recently uncovered 2,000-year-old restored frescoes in the aptly named Painted House — and all without the crowds of the better-known Petra. Best of all, it’s free to visit.
5. Relax in the Ma’in Hot Springs
People have been coming to these mineral-rich hot springs for their healing properties for millennia (the area and its springs are even mentioned in the Bible). Located just a short drive from the Dead Sea, this lush oasis is home to 63 springs of varying temperatures, though the hottest can get up to 45–60°C (113–140°F). The potassium, magnesium, and calcium in the water are said to relieve sore muscles, so come here to wind down and relax after your desert adventures. You can either stay at the Ma’in Hot Springs Resort and Spa, which now occupies the area, pay for a resort day pass (10 JOD) to access the springs, or visit the public area for free.
6. Go hiking at Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan’s most biodiverse area and largest nature reserve, the Dana Biosphere Reserve covers over 308 square kilometers (119 square miles) and contains no less than four different types of environments, from sandy desert to forested mountaintops. Hundreds of species of plants, birds, and mammals call the area home, so keep your eyes peeled while hiking the trails for a chance to spot some of the rarer creatures, like the adorable sand cat (a small wild cat).
This is not a regular stop on the typical Jordan tourist trail, meaning you’ll come across more adventurous and outdoorsy travelers here. The 16-kilometer (10-mile) Wadi Dana Trail is one of the most popular in the reserve, as you can hike it independently, unlike many others in the country that require a mandatory guide. It’s a beautiful, relatively easy walk, with stunning views; it starts in Dana Village and ends at Feynan Eco-Lodge, which was named one of the best eco-lodges in the world by National Geographic. It costs 10 JOD to visit the reserve.
7. Dive in Aqaba
The Gulf of Aqaba at the northern tip of the Red Sea is Jordan’s only access to the open water. While most people think of more tropical locations, the Red Sea is actually one of the best places in the world to scuba dive. The rich diversity of the coral reefs filled with colorful fish, the sunken shipwrecks, the ease of access (you can often dive right from the shore), and the warm waters make this an ideal place to dive or snorkel. A discovery dive is 40-50 JOD, while two shore dives is 50-65 JOD. If you want to just snorkel, it’s 7-10 JOD to rent equipment, or you can go out on a full-day boat tour for 45-50 JOD.
8. Hike Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is referenced in the Bible as the spot where Moses first saw the Promised Land, and also where he died shortly thereafter. As you can probably imagine, it’s an important pilgrimage site. But whether you’re religious or not, it’s a historically significant place with panoramic views over the surrounding landscape, including the Jordan River Valley and the Dead Sea. On clear days, you can even see as far as Jerusalem! There’s also a small church here, as well as a museum, both with preserved mosaics dating back as far as the sixth century. Visiting the site doesn’t take too long (plan for about an hour), but it’s a worthwhile stop, whether you’re headed elsewhere on a road trip or coming on an outing from Madaba or Amman. Mount Nebo is just a 15-minute drive outside of Madaba; admission is 3 JOD.
9. Wander around the desert castles
Wandering around the empty, dusty red ruins of Jordan’s desert qasrs (meaning palace, castle, or fortress in Arabic) is something that most visitors don’t take the time to do — which is exactly why it’s worth doing. Despite the name, Jordan’s desert “castles” aren’t technically castles, and the jury’s still out on what exactly they were built for in the seventh century, during the Umayyad Dynasty. Most scholars believe that they were a mix of agricultural complexes, military fortresses, hunting lodges, meeting places, and caravanserai (roadside inns) for travelers on the Silk Road. But no matter their original purpose, for the modern traveler, they provide atmospheric adventures.
The most famous castles are Qusayr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with frescoes dating back over a thousand years; Qasr Kharana, potentially a meeting location between Bedouin and Umayyad caliphs; and Qasr Al-Azraq, which T.E. Lawrence (aka Lawrence of Arabia) used as a headquarters in the 20th century. You can visit them on a guided day trip from Amman. It’s just 1 JOD to visit each one.
10. Go canyoning in Wadi Mujib
Sometimes called “the Grand Canyon of Jordan,” Wadi Mujib is a deep gorge located in Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the lowest nature reserve in the world (the gorge connects to the Dead Sea). There are several trails here — though “trail” evokes a dry, dusty path, while these are mostly submerged underwater. Hiking them means wading and sometimes swimming through rust-colored slot canyons, making for an unforgettable and epic adventure.
The most popular route is the Siq Trail, as you don’t need a guide (unlike most others here). You’ll hike through the canyon on your own, hanging on to the ropes lining the walls and scrambling up the ladders as you make your way to a waterfall and natural swimming pool. The Siq Trail is 21 JOD, while the more advanced trails cost 30-45 JOD, which includes your guide.
Note that most of the trails are only open from April to the end of October, as the water levels get too high during the winter rainy season to traverse the trails safely.
11. Take a cooking class at Beit Sitti
Taking a cooking class is a great way to bring back a taste of your trip. The best place to learn how to cook Jordanian cuisine is up a winding, hilly street in one of Amman’s oldest neighborhoods. Beit Sitti, Arabic for “grandmother’s house,” is a cooking school run by three sisters out of their late grandmother’s house and created to connect with others over food, pass along their family’s traditional recipes, and empower local and refugee women by employing them as instructors and chefs. You can join a group class for 30 JOD (offered 1-2 times per week) or book a private session (100 JOD for one person, with the per-person price decreasing the bigger your party is).
12. Road-trip the King’s Highway
Thought to be one of the oldest continually used roads in existence, the ancient King’s Highway has connected Africa with the Arabian Peninsula since as far back as the eighth century BCE. Now modern Highway 35, the route was mentioned in the Old Testament and was used as an important trading and pilgrimage route. Because of this, many of Jordan’s important sites and attractions — including Wadi Musa (home to Petra), Wadi Mujib, Madaba, Amman, Jerash, Kerak Castle (one of the oldest Crusader castles in existence), and Dana Nature Reserve — are located along the road, interspersed with stunning views as you meander through Jordan’s valleys. It makes for the perfect road trip, whether you decide to drive the whole length or just a section of it. Just watch out for rogue camels and goats!
Jordan Travel Costs
Accommodation – Dorm rooms with 4-6 beds cost 10-14 JOD per night in the big cities and more touristy places like Petra, and about 8-10 JOD in smaller locations, such as Aqaba. Private rooms in hostels cost around 25-35 JOD.
Expect amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a shared kitchen, and indoor/outdoor common areas, many with terraces. Most hostels don’t have free breakfast, though many offer it for a small fee (usually around 3-5 JOD).
Wild camping is not legal in Jordan, but many nature reserves have campgrounds where you can rent a basic plot. Many places, especially in Wadi Rum, already have tents set up. It’s usually just 1-2 JOD for a basic plot (if you have your own tent) and 3-7 JOD for one that includes a tent.
A two-star hotel costs around 30-35 JOD per night for a double room in Amman, while they’re more like 40-60 JOD in more touristy areas of the country, like Wadi Musa. Expect basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, and flat-screen TVs. Many hotels, though not all, offer complimentary breakfast and have outdoor terraces with views over the surrounding landscapes.
Airbnb is not common in Jordan, and as such, costs are high, with full apartments starting at 60-70 JOD per night and private rooms starting at 40 JOD. You’ll likely get better value from hotels.
Food – Jordanian cuisine comes with a strong emphasis on hospitality, community, and shared experience. As is typical throughout the Middle East, small sharing dishes called mezze are popular, either served before or as the main meal. Common mezze include kibbeh (meat mixed with bulgur and spices, either served as deep fried balls or raw), labaneh (a tangy kind of fermented yogurt), baba ghanoush (roasted eggplant), warak enab (stuffed grape leaves), hummus, tabbouleh (a salad of minced parsley, tomatoes, garlic, and bulgur), full (like hummus but with fava beans), olives, and pickles.
Sharing tea is also an important part of Jordanian culture, and it is commonly brewed with mint or sage and copiously sweetened. Coffee is typically Turkish style, unless you’re in a Bedouin camp, in which case they use Arabic coffee beans brewed with cardamom.
Central to Jordanian cuisine is za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice mixture mainly made from thyme, oregano, roasted sesame seeds, dried sumac, salt, and pepper. Olive oil is the main cooking oil, as Jordan is one of the largest producers of olives in the world. Meat dishes generally consist of lamb or chicken, and to a lesser extent goat and camel (but never pork, which is prohibited in Islam). Common vegetables (which are roasted, stewed, or stuffed with meat and/or rice) include squash, tomato, eggplant, and okra. Rice, bulgur, and/or khubz (pita bread) are typical sides to any meal.
Traditional dishes include mansaf (yogurt-marinated lamb roasted over yellow rice and toasted almonds), shawarma (slow-roasted lamb, beef, or chicken, served in a pita pocket), falafel (chickpea fritters served in a pita pocket), and maqluba (a casserole of rice, vegetables, and meat, served upside down on a plate). Zarb, meat and vegetables cooked in an underground pit, is a popular Bedouin dish and commonly served if you stay at a Bedouin camp.
Eating out in Jordan is inexpensive if you stick to street food and where the locals eat. Amman and other cities are much cheaper than popular tourist destination towns, like Wadi Musa and Wadi Rum. It is full of street-style eateries serving up local to-go meals, like fresh falafel and shawarma, which generally cost around 1-3 JOD. A fast-food combo meal (think McDonald’s) is 5 JOD.
A meal in a casual restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 10-15 JOD. Cold mezze plates, such as tabbouleh or hummus, are around 1.50-3 JOD, while warm mezze are around 4-6 JOD each. At a casual lunch spot or café, a burger or chicken shawarma plate is 7-10 JOD, and a falafel sandwich or flatbread is 5-9 JOD. Desserts and pastries at a bakery are 0.5-2 JOD.
A tea or Turkish coffee is 1-3 JOD, and a latte or cappuccino is 3-6 JOD. Mint lemonade or fresh juices are 3-5 JOD, while liter bottles of water are as low as 0.35 in markets and up to 3 JOD at restaurants.
Even though Jordan is a Muslim country, alcohol can be found in bars and restaurants catering to expats and tourists, but because of this, prices are on the higher side. A beer is around 5-7 JOD, a glass of wine is 6-8 JOD, and cocktails are 7-12 JOD.
Some recommended places in Amman include Hashem, Books@cafe, and AlQuds Falafel.
If you cook your own food, expect to pay 25-35 JOD per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat.
Backpacking Jordan Suggested Budgets
On a backpacker budget, you can visit Jordan for around 40 JOD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to free or cheap attractions like hiking and swimming in the Dead Sea.
On a midrange budget of 110 JOD per day, you’ll be able to stay in a private room, eat out for most of your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do some paid attractions and tours, including a visit to Petra.
On an upscale budget of 190 JOD per day or more, you can basically do anything you want. You can stay at a nicer hotel, eat out at fancier restaurants, have more drinks, rent a car or take taxis everywhere, and do all the paid attractions and tours that you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!
Jordan Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Overall, Jordan is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of affordability. Accommodation and food can be cheap, while prices for popular tourist attractions, like Petra, can be high. Also, the Jordanian dinar is one of the strongest currencies in the world, and your costs can sneakily add up if you’re not mindful. But there are always ways to cut costs! Here are some:
- Get the Jordan Pass – This is the number one way to save money in Jordan, but you’ll want to make sure to get it before you arrive, as the 40 JOD visa fees are waived if you have it upon entering the country (and stay at least three nights). Additionally, you’ll get admission to 40 key attractions across the country, including Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, and more. Passes are 70-80 JOD, with the only difference being how many days you want to spend in Petra.
- Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with residents who can give you a free place to stay and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to meet locals and save money.
- Visit off-season – Spring and fall are both busy times, as this is when the weather is at its best. If you really want to keep your expenses low, try coming at the tail end of these seasons or even in the off-season.
- Pack a water bottle – While the tap water here is technically safe to drink, most locals don’t recommend it, so bring a water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your single-use plastic consumption (there also aren’t any recycling programs in Jordan). My preferred bottle is LifeStraw, as it has a built-in filter to ensure that your water is always clean and safe.
- Snack on street food – There’s a thriving street food culture here, meaning lots of cheap and delicious dishes to fill up on. Feast on cheap local street food instead of going to pricey restaurants.
- Skip the booze – Alcohol is not cheap here, so skip it if you’re on a budget.
Where to Stay in Jordan
Cheap accommodation can be easily found in Jordan, as there are plenty of hostels and budget-friendly hotels here. Here are my suggested places to stay:
- Carob Hostel (Amman)
- Battuta Hostel (Amman)
- Antika Amman Hotel (Amman)
- Mariam Hotel (Madaba)
- Nomads Hostel (Wadi Musa)
- Petra Corner Hotel (Wadi Musa)
- My Luxury Hotel (Aqaba)
- Salman Zwaidh Camp (Wadi Rum)
- Wadi Rum Fire Camp (Wadi Rum)
How to Get Around Jordan
Walk – Overall, Jordan is not known for its walkability, especially in Amman, where sidewalks are intermittent, traffic is heavy, and the steep hills are plentiful. In Amman’s older districts though, there’s a network of pedestrian staircases to get around, and while there aren’t always sidewalks, the streets are narrower, so traffic is slower. You’ll be able to easily walk around in smaller tourist destinations, however.
Public transportation – Public transportation can be hit or miss in Jordan. The bigger cities, like Amman, have public bus services, but the vehicles are old and overcrowded and the routes are hard to figure out for foreigners that don’t speak Arabic. I don’t recommend them unless you have no other option.
Taxi – Taxis are a common way to get around for locals and travelers alike. They’re relatively inexpensive, with fares starting at 0.35 JOD and going up by 0.75 JOD per kilometer. It’s usually just 3-5 JOD to get around Amman, while a taxi from the airport to the city center is around 20 JOD. Always make sure that the driver turns on the meter before starting the ride (it’s the law here).
Rideshare – Uber is available here, though you’ll mainly find it in Amman. Careem (the Middle Eastern Uber, now owned by Uber itself) is more widely available.
Bus – Informal minibusses and shared taxis service routes between cities, though they don’t usually operate by set schedules, instead setting off when the bus is full. For a more organized experience, Jordan Express Tourist Transport (JETT) is the long-distance bus operator that goes to all the major places you’ll want to visit. Distances are just a few hours at maximum, as the country is relatively small. A journey from Amman to Wadi Rum costs 20 JOD, while Petra to Aqaba or Wadi Rum is 15 JOD.
Train – There are no trains in Jordan.
Flying – As the country is so small, it doesn’t make much sense to fly within Jordan. There are few domestic flights operated by Royal Jordanian, and the ones that exist are expensive (plus you miss traversing the epic landscapes that make the country so special). The 30-minute flight from Amman in the north to Aqaba in the south is generally around 85 JOD (it’s a four-hour drive by car for comparison).
Car rental – Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around, and it can be affordable if you’re splitting the cost with travel companions. It’s best to rent a car to cover longer distances, but stick to taxis and ridesharing services for getting around town. Roads are in decent condition, and as the country is small, you won’t be driving long distances. Keep in mind that road rules are sometimes more like suggestions, and drivers can sometimes be aggressive, especially in the cities.
Multiday rentals start at 20-25 JOD per day. For the best prices, use Discover Cars.
Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Jordan is relatively uncommon, though it is possible. For tips and advice, check out Hitchwiki, the best resource on the subject.
When to Go to Jordan
Even though it’s a small country, the weather in Jordan varies greatly depending on where you are, as the elevation and climate change so drastically. Overall though, Jordan is mainly (90%) a desert country, and the weather — as in all desert climates — can be extreme.
Since so much of enjoying Jordan involves exploring the outdoors, the best time to come is when the weather is at its mildest: spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Understandably, this is also the tourist high season, so expect more crowds during this time, and book your accommodation in advance if you’re coming during this time.
In the summer (June-August), places like Amman and the Dead Sea get to 40-45°C (104-113°F), though it is dry heat, so not as unbearable as it would be in more humid locales. The summer is also when many of Jordan’s festivals are held, so if you can bear the heat, it’s an interesting cultural time to come.
In the winter (December-February), temperatures are cooler, but be aware that heavy winter rains can cause flash flooding, which can disrupt travel itineraries (hiking trails and smaller roads can sometimes be closed).
Also, before booking your trip, check to see if your dates overlap with Ramadan (the exact time frame changes every year according to the Western calendar). During this holy fasting month, Muslims do not eat or drink anything during daylight hours, breaking the fast with a large meal at sunset. Many businesses may have reduced hours to allow for rest and prayer, alcohol isn’t permitted to be sold (except at certain hotel bars), and many restaurants are closed during the day. At night though, it’s a different story: everyone comes out to break the fast, making for a very festive atmosphere. And in tourist hot spots like the Dead Sea and Petra, it’s largely business as usual.
Visiting during Ramadan can be a unique way to get an in-depth look at the culture. Since many tourists avoid visiting during this time (due to misconceptions about what it’s like), you’ll find popular tourist areas less busy than usual.
How to Stay Safe in Jordan
While people may have some trepidation about traveling in the Middle East, Jordan is an exceptionally safe country to visit, including for solo travelers of any gender. Jordanians are known for their hospitality, and people are very friendly and will go out of their way to be helpful here.
Additionally, tourism is an important industry here, and the Jordanian government puts a lot of effort and money into making visitors feel safe through high-profile security and police presence in tourist regions and in hotels. As a result, even petty crime is rare here.
Still, it’s always smart to be alert and aware of where your belongings are, especially in crowded places, such as Amman’s bustling Old Town and in busy tourist sites.
For solo female travelers, the standard precautions always apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.). Women also need to be mindful of the clothing they wear. Of course, you’ll want to ensure you are properly covered when entering religious sites, but you may also want to cover up when out exploring the country at large as well. Long pants and long-sleeve shirts will also go a long way in protecting you from the sun, helping you look less like a tourist, while also preventing unwanted attention.
There are a few travel scams here, most of them involving taxi drivers. They may sometimes “forget” to turn on the meter or take you somewhere other than where you thought you were going (the most famous example of this is where drivers take you to a fake Wadi Rum, located just a few kilometers from the real one). If you keep your wits about you, though, and remember that if it seems too good or cheap to be true, it probably is, you’ll be fine.
If you’re worried about travel scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.
The water here is technically safe to drink, though most locals will advise you not to. Many higher-end hotels will have water purification systems, but it’s a good idea to bring your own water bottle with a purifier (such as a LifeStraw) anyway, as not all do.
If you’ll be out in the sun for an extended period (such as if you’re hiking), take care to apply and reapply sunscreen at regular intervals. The sun here will scorch you!
For more specific safety tips, check out this article addressing common concerns about safety in Jordan.
If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.
And make sure to purchase good travel insurance. It will protect you against unexpected costs related to illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
Jordan Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
- Trainline – When you’re ready to book your train tickets, use this site. It streamlines the process of booking trains around Europe.
- Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
- FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
- Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
Jordan Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Jordan and continue planning your trip: