Are you planning a trip to Jordan and wondering how to fit all the magic of this Middle Eastern gem into a single week? From the rose-red sandstone cliffs of Petra to the Martian-like deserts of Wadi Rum and the therapeutic, ultra-salty waters of the Dead Sea, Jordan is a dream destination.
How should I plan my perfect 7-day Jordan travel itinerary?
To get the most out of a single week, you need a smart, circular route that minimizes backtrack driving. Most international flights land at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman. A highly recommended, classic 7-day route looks like this:- Day 1: Arrive in Amman, explore the Citadel, and eat local street food.
- Day 2: Take a half-day trip north to the Roman ruins of Jerash, then drive to the Dead Sea for an afternoon float.
- Day 3: Drive south along the scenic King’s Highway, stopping at Madaba, Mount Nebo, and Karak Castle, before arriving in Wadi Musa (the gateway town to Petra).
- Day 4: Spend a full, active day exploring the ancient wonders of Petra.
- Day 5: Head further south into the Wadi Rum desert for an afternoon jeep tour and an overnight stay in a traditional Bedouin camp.
- Day 6: Travel to Aqaba on the Red Sea for snorkeling and relaxation, or return to the Dead Sea for extra downtime.
- Day 7: Head back to Amman for final souvenir shopping and your flight home.
What are the top 10 things you absolutely must see in Jordan?
If you are packing your bags for a week-long Jordanian adventure, these are the top 10 attractions that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list:1. The Lost City of Petra
No trip to Jordan is complete without walking through the Siq—a narrow, mile-long gorge of curving pink and orange rocks—until the breathtaking Treasury (Al-Khazneh) suddenly reveals itself. Carved directly into the sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, Petra is a massive archaeological park.- Local Tip: Do not stop at the Treasury. If you are in good physical shape, climb the 800 stone steps up to the Monastery (Ad-Deir). It is larger than the Treasury, far less crowded, and offers panoramic mountain views.
2. The Vast Desert of Wadi Rum
Also known as the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum is a dramatic desert landscape filled with massive sandstone mountains, red sand dunes, and ancient rock petroglyphs. It feels so much like outer space that blockbuster movies like The Martian, Dune, and Star Wars were filmed here.- Local Tip: Book a 4×4 Jeep tour guided by a local Bedouin, drink sweet sage tea over an open fire, and sleep under a blanket of stars in a desert camp.
3. The Buoyant Dead Sea
At more than 430 meters (1,410 feet) below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on dry land on Earth. Because the water is nearly ten times saltier than the ocean, you do not swim here—you float effortlessly on the surface like a cork.- Local Tip: Cover yourself in the mineral-rich black mud along the shore, let it dry in the sun, and rinse off in the water for incredibly soft skin. Just remember: do not shave the morning of your dip, and never get the water in your eyes!
4. The Roman Ruins of Jerash
Located just 45 minutes north of Amman, Jerash is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman provincial cities in the world. You can walk down the long Colonnaded Street, stand in the middle of the unique Oval Forum, and admire the massive Hadrian’s Arch.- Local Tip: There is very little shade at the site. Bring a hat, wear comfortable walking shoes, and pack plenty of drinking water.
5. The Amman Citadel and Roman Theatre
Jordan’s chaotic, hilly, and energetic capital city of Amman is rich with history. The hilltop Citadel offers spectacular 360-degree views over the city’s stone-colored buildings, along with the towering ruins of the Temple of Hercules. Down in the valley, the beautifully restored 6,000-seat Roman Theatre is still used for cultural events today.6. Mount Nebo
Mentioned in the Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land before he died, Mount Nebo offers sweeping panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and, on clear days, the spires of Jerusalem. The modern church on the summit houses incredibly well-preserved 6th-century Byzantine mosaics.7. The Mosaic City of Madaba
Just a short drive from Mount Nebo lies Madaba, an ancient market town famous for its Byzantine-era artistic heritage. Inside the modest Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, you will find the Madaba Map—the oldest surviving original map of the Holy Land, made of over two million colorful mosaic tiles.8. Dana Biosphere Reserve
For hikers and nature lovers, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan’s best-kept secret. It is a stunning, deep sandstone canyon system where four distinct bio-geographical zones meet. You can hike through dramatic valleys, spot rare wildlife, and experience traditional, eco-friendly Bedouin hospitality.9. Karak Castle
Standing proudly on a high ridge along the ancient King’s Highway, Karak is a massive Crusader fortress built in the 12th century. You can spend an hour exploring its dark, vaulted stone passageways, underground kitchens, and defensive towers, which offer endless views of the surrounding valleys.10. Aqaba and the Red Sea
If you want to end your fast-paced trip with some coastal relaxation, head to Aqaba. As Jordan’s only coastal city, it offers direct access to the warm, clear waters of the Red Sea, which are home to vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and colorful marine life. It is the perfect spot for scuba diving, snorkeling, or taking a sunset boat cruise.Is Jordan safe for solo travelers and families?
Yes, Jordan is highly regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the Middle East. It is often affectionately called “the quiet house in a noisy neighborhood.” Jordanians are famous for their genuine, warm hospitality. It is incredibly common for locals to smile, strike up a conversation, and say, “Welcome to Jordan!” Whether you are traveling alone as a solo female traveler or exploring the country with young children, you will find a safe, family-oriented environment. As with any travel destination, simply practice standard common sense, respect the local culture, and keep your valuables secure.How do I get my Jordan eVisa quickly and easily?
Most international visitors require a visa to enter Jordan. While some nationalities can purchase a Visa on Arrival at the airport, waiting in long immigration lines after a exhausting flight is the last thing you want to do. The smartest, most stress-free option is to apply for a Jordan eVisa online before you leave home. This digital visa links directly to your passport, allowing you to bypass the long airport lines, breeze through border control, and start your holiday immediately.What are the official Jordan eVisa requirements for tourists?
To secure your travel visa without any delays, you must meet a few simple requirements. Before filling out your online application, make sure you have:- A Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry into Jordan.
- A Digital Passport Photo: A recent, clear, color photograph with a white background.
- An Active Email Address: Your approved eVisa will be sent directly to your inbox.
- A Valid Payment Method: A credit or debit card to pay the processing fees online.
When is the best time of year to visit Jordan?
The absolute best times to visit Jordan are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the daytime temperatures are warm and comfortable for outdoor hiking, and the desert nights are refreshing. Summer (June to August) can bring intense, dry heat waves that make exploring open archaeological sites like Petra and Jerash physically exhausting. Winter (December to February) can be surprisingly cold, wet, and windy, with occasionally heavy rainfall and snow in elevated areas like Amman and Petra.How should I dress and what should I pack for Jordan?
Jordan is a conservative, predominantly Islamic country. While there is no official dress code for tourists, dressing modestly is highly recommended as a sign of respect. It also helps protect you from the harsh sun!- For Women: Loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders, chest, and knees is ideal. Linen pants, maxi skirts, and breathable t-shirts work perfectly. Carry a light scarf in your daypack to cover your head when visiting active religious sites.
- For Men: T-shirts and lightweight trousers are preferred. While shorts are fine in resort areas like the Dead Sea or Aqaba, long pants are more appropriate when walking through local cities and towns.
- Footwear: Bring a sturdy, broken-in pair of walking or hiking shoes. You will easily walk 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day on dusty, uneven rock surfaces.
- Weather Layers: The desert cools down incredibly fast once the sun sets. If you are sleeping in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, pack a warm fleece, jacket, and a beanie for the chilly desert night.
What is the best way to travel around the country?
Jordan is a relatively compact country, measuring just about 400 miles from north to south. You have three main transportation options:- Renting a Car: This is the most popular option for independent travelers. Driving in Jordan is straightforward outside of chaotic Amman, and having your own car gives you the ultimate freedom to stop at roadside viewpoints and travel at your own pace.
- Hiring a Private Driver: If you prefer not to drive on unfamiliar roads, hiring a local driver for the week is a comfortable, stress-free alternative.
- JETT Tourist Buses: The Jordan Express Tourist Transportation (JETT) company runs reliable, modern daily buses between main hubs like Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. It is budget-friendly but operates on fixed, once-a-day timetables.
What traditional Jordanian dishes should I try?
Food is a cornerstone of Jordanian culture, and sharing a meal is the ultimate expression of hospitality. Be sure to try:- Mansaf: The official national dish of Jordan. It consists of tender lamb cooked in a rich, tangy sauce of fermented dried yogurt (jameed), served over a huge platter of aromatic rice and topped with toasted pine nuts. Traditionally, it is eaten with your right hand.
- Maqluba: Literally meaning “upside-down,” this hearty casserole features layered chicken, rice, fried cauliflower, and eggplant. It is slow-cooked in a pot, flipped upside down onto a large serving tray right at your table, and served hot with fresh yogurt.
- Falafel and Hummus: Jordan has some of the best street-food falafel in the world—crispy on the outside, fluffy and green on the inside.
Can I drink the tap water in Jordan?
No, it is highly advised not to drink tap water in Jordan. While the water is clean enough for bathing, brushing your teeth, and washing vegetables, the minerals and treatment processes can upset a traveler’s stomach. Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and widely available at every local corner store, or bring a reusable water bottle equipped with a built-in purification filter.Is credit card widely accepted, or should I carry cash?
While modern hotels, upscale restaurants, and major shops in Amman and the Dead Sea resorts accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), Jordan remains a cash-driven society. Smaller local restaurants, street food stalls, souvenir vendors, taxi drivers, and Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum are strictly cash-only. Make sure to withdraw Jordanian Dinars (JOD) from ATMs at the airport or in major cities before you head out into rural areas or the desert, where ATMs are non-existent.How does the tipping culture work in Jordan?
Tipping (known locally as baksheesh) is a common and highly appreciated practice in Jordan, especially in the tourism and service sectors.- Restaurants: High-end restaurants often add a 10% service charge to the bill, but this rarely goes directly to your server. Leaving an extra 5% to 10% in cash on the table is standard.
- Taxis: It is common to round up the taxi fare to the nearest whole Dinar.
- Drivers and Guides: For private drivers and local tour guides who accompany you on full-day excursions, a tip of 15 to 20 JOD per day is customary for their hard work.
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