Ancient cities, desert landscapes, the Dead Sea and Red Sea
Jordan Travel Guide
Jordan combines monumental archaeology, desert landscapes, historic cities, Bedouin traditions, the Dead Sea and the Red Sea coast. Travelers can move from Amman’s Roman heritage to Petra’s rock-cut monuments, Wadi Rum’s desert scenery and Aqaba’s beaches and reefs.
Explore ancient trade routes, Crusader-era fortresses, thermal springs, traditional markets, hiking trails and some of the Middle East’s most recognizable landscapes.
- Amman
- Petra
- Dead Sea
- Wadi Rum
Essential travel information
About Jordan
Practical information about Jordan’s destinations, transportation, currency, language, seasons and tipping.
Jordan FAQ
Learn what Jordan is known for, where to visit, how long to stay, transportation, currency and language.
What is Jordan known for?
Jordan is known for Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Roman ruins, desert castles, Bedouin culture, hiking trails, thermal springs and a long history shaped by regional trade and ancient civilizations.
Amman is the country’s principal urban gateway, Petra is its best-known archaeological site, Aqaba provides Red Sea beaches and diving, while Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea showcase Jordan’s dramatic natural landscapes.
What are the best places to visit in Jordan?
How many days should I spend in Jordan?
We recommend approximately 7-10 days depending on the itinerary. Travelers combining Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Aqaba should allow enough time for private transfers and overnight stays between regions.
What is the best way to get around Jordan?
What is the currency of Jordan?
The official currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD). Credit cards are widely accepted in many hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses, while cash remains useful for smaller purchases and tips.
The Jordanian dinar has been pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1995 at a central rate of 709 fils per U.S. dollar. Travelers can exchange foreign currency at banks and authorized exchange offices.
Do people speak English in Jordan?
Arabic is the official language. English is widely used in hotels, tourism businesses, restaurants and many urban service industries, especially in Amman, Petra and Aqaba.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
Compare Jordan’s cool winter, mild spring and autumn seasons with the intense summer heat.
Jordan experiences strong regional variation because of altitude and terrain. Amman and the highlands can be cool in winter, while Aqaba and the Dead Sea remain significantly warmer.
December – February
Winter
Cool to cold conditions in Amman and the highlands, with rain and occasional snow possible. Aqaba and the Dead Sea are usually milder.
March – May
Spring
One of the most comfortable periods for Petra, hiking, sightseeing and desert travel, with wildflowers and milder temperatures.
June – August
Summer
Very hot conditions across much of the country, especially around the Dead Sea, Aqaba and desert regions. Early-morning sightseeing is preferable.
September – November
Autumn
Another favorable period for outdoor travel, with cooling temperatures and good conditions for Petra, Wadi Rum and the Red Sea.
Spring can bring occasional khamsin-style desert winds with dust and sudden temperature increases, while desert nights can become cold outside summer.
Tipping in Jordan
Practical guidance for restaurants, hotels, taxis, guides and other tourism services in Jordan.
Tipping is common throughout Jordan’s tourism and service sectors. Travelers should check whether a service charge has already been included before leaving an additional gratuity.
Restaurants and Cafes
A modest percentage-based tip is common when service is good and gratuity is not already included.
Hotel Staff
Bell staff, housekeeping and concierges may be tipped for helpful or personalized service.
Taxi Drivers
Rounding up the fare is a common way to recognize helpful service.
Tour Guides & Drivers
Guides and drivers are commonly tipped when gratuity is not already included in the tour price.
Jordanian dinars are the most practical currency for gratuities. Fixed tipping amounts can become outdated, so service quality and local context are better guides than static figures.
Cities, archaeology, desert and sea
Top Cities in Jordan
Explore Jordan from Amman’s urban heritage to Petra’s archaeology, Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes and the Dead Sea and Red Sea coasts.
Featured destination
Amman
Amman combines Roman ruins, the Citadel, museums, traditional souks, Rainbow Street and contemporary Jordanian culture across its hillside neighborhoods.
- Amman Citadel
- Roman Theater
- Rainbow Street
- Jordan Museum
Southern Jordan
Petra
Jordan’s most famous archaeological destination, known for the Siq, Treasury, Monastery, Royal Tombs and monumental Nabataean architecture.
Explore Petra
Jordan Rift Valley
Dead Sea
Famous for extremely saline water, mineral-rich mud, desert scenery and resort hotels along one of the lowest land areas on Earth.
Explore Dead Sea
Red Sea
Aqaba
Jordan’s Red Sea resort city, known for beaches, snorkeling, diving, coral reefs, waterfront hotels and access to southern Jordan.
Explore Aqaba
Desert landscape
Wadi Rum
Dramatic desert valley known for sandstone cliffs, dunes, rock formations, Bedouin camps, stargazing and off-road excursions.
Explore Wadi RumWhat to expect while traveling
Middle East Travel Planning Resources
Use these practical Middle East travel resources to understand flights, hotels, sightseeing tours and transfers before planning your vacation.
01
Before departure
Air Travel
Review check-in, baggage, schedules, connections and practical preparations for international flights.
02
Accommodations
Hotels
Understand room arrangements, hotel services and practical accommodation considerations.
03
Activities and experiences
Sightseeing Tours
Review meeting points, vouchers, schedules and practical details for booked excursions.
04
Local connections
Transfers
Learn how airport and hotel transfers work and what to verify before meeting your provider.
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