Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is an Arab country in Western Asia, on the East Bank of the Jordan River. Jordan is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north, Israel and Palestine to the west. The Dead Sea lies along its western borders and the country has a small shoreline on the Red Sea in its extreme south-west, but is otherwise landlocked. Jordan is strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe.
I have spent a week in Jordan and I will share you the top things to do and how to stay on a budget in this pretty expensive but beautiful country.
TOP 6 THINGS TO DO
EXPLORE THE STREETS OF AMMAN
Amman is the capital city of Jordan and is the country’s most populous city. On your first day, you must explore the city to meet the locals and see how they spend their daily lives. You will see lots of amazing street arts and their equally amazing and hardworking people. People never fail to say WELCOME as soon as they find out that you’re a tourist. You can also take the opportunity to get familiar with the city and to find those restaurants and shops that offer cheap prices. For those people who don’t know yet, Jordan is a pretty expensive country.
DROP BY THE ROMAN THEATRE AND THE CITADEL
Amman’s Roman Theatre is a 6,000-seat, 2nd-century Roman theatre. A famous landmark in the Jordanian capital, it dates back to the Roman period when the city was known as Philadelphia. Amman Citadel on the other hand is a historical fortress located on the highest hill in Amman, Jebel Al Qala’a. Both sites are just close to each other and in Downtown area itself so no need to take a taxi. Entrance fee to Roman Theatre is 2 JD while 3 JD to the Citadel.
BE AMAZED BY THE JERASH RUINS
Jerash is a city in Jordan, north of the capital Amman. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, it’s known for the ruins of the walled Greco-Roman settlement of Gerasa just outside the modern city. Jerash is like a movie set. It’s like one of those movie settings where Roman Gods live. The entrance fee is 10 JD. This is a must see for those who love history and archeology.
FLOAT & GET COVERED IN MUD AT THE DEAD SEA
The Dead Sea is a salt-lake and is the lowest point on earth that people can travel to. Its famously hyper saline water makes floating easy, and its mineral-rich black mud is used for therapeutic and cosmetic treatments. The Dead Sea is the saltiest and most mineral-laden body of water in the world. Never ever open your eyes when you take a dip. The entrance fee is 20 JD.
GET LOST IN PETRA
Petra is a historical and archaeological city located in southern Jordanian governorate of Ma’a. The city is also called the ‘Red Rose City’ due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved. Petra will take your breath away. You have to go through deep canyons for hours to see the amazing Treasury. Petra is really big that it will take you more than four hours to explore. When you go there, make sure you don’t miss hiking above the rocks to the best view of the Treasury. There are lots of local guides that will offer assistance for a small tip. Entrance fee for 1 day is 50 JD.
FEEL THE THRILL CANYONING WADI MUJIB
Wadi Mujib which is known in the Hebrew Bible as River Arnon, is a river in Jordan which enters the Dead Sea. This was the highlight of my trip to Jordan. Swimming and climbing through sandstone canyons seemed unreal. Wadi Mujib is said to be the world’s lowest lying nature reserve. The water is deep and the current is really strong so make sure you don’t take off your life jacket. Definitely a must-do for thrill lovers. Entrance fee was 21 JD.
WHERE TO STAY IN AMMAN
NOMADS HOTEL
This hotel is located just few steps away from the rainbow street. If you're planning to go pub hopping every night, this is the best option for you. The hotel is really clean and has very friendly staff.
AMMAN PASHA HOTEL
This hotel is located right across the Roman Theatre. There's a tourist information desk at the lobby. There's a restaurant on the rooftop where you can feed rabbits plus an amazing view of the Theatre.
ART HOTEL DOWNTOWN
This hotel is located in the middle of the downtown. Surrounded by loads of shops and restaurants. You will have easy access to everywhere from here.
BUDGET TIPS
- Make sure to download Careem app for cheaper airport pick up and drop off and to get around the city. Careem is basically the Uber for most Arabic countries.
- If you don’t mind traveling for more than 4 hours, you can do a day trip to Petra on your own. You can take JETT Bus from Amman for only 18 JD (two way). Make sure you book the ticket the day before the trip.
- Take advantage of hotels that include breakfast as part of the booking as everything is a bit pricey there.
- Pasha Hotel can arrange a shared tour for you and other travelers. It will save you a lot of money and will let you meet new friends.
- You can do Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib and Jerash all at the same day.
- If your nationality can get visa upon arrival, make sure to purchase Jordan Pass. It will waive the visa cost and you will have free access to most tourist attractions.
HELPFUL PHRASES
| ENGLISH | ARABIC |
| Hello | Salam / Marhaba |
| How are you? | Keef halak? (m) Keef halek? (f) |
| How much is this? | Bekam Hada? / Addesh Hada? |
| Yes | Na’am / Aaywa |
| No | La’a |
| Thank you | Shukran |
| Good Bye | Ma’assalama |
2 thoughts on “TOP 6 THINGS TO DO IN JORDAN, WHERE TO STAY AND SOME BUDGET TIPS”
Nice!! Your blogs are very helpful specially to the people who wants to travel alone for the first time.
Thanks Kiara!!! That’s the purpose of this blog, to help fellow travelers. ?