7-Day Jordan Itinerary: Exploring Jordan's Sights and Culture

Day 1: Amman

Transport: Most travelers arrive at Queen Alia International Airport, about 50 minutes from Amman’s city center. You can reach the city by Uber (around 30 JOD) or a bus to the city (about 3-4 JOD) and then taxi to your hotel. While the bus and taxi combination is considerably cheaper, Uber is much faster, as buses wait to fill up and make multiple stops. Also, do not underestimate the size of Amman. It's a sprawling city of 4 mil people and chances are you cannot just walk from city center to your hotel.

Things to do in Amman:

• Amman Citadel: It is a bit of a walk to the citadel, as it is located atop a hill, however it offers panoramic city views and ancient ruins like the Temple of Hercules (beautiful photo op featuring majestic pillars) and a Byzantine church. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world, it recalls Roman and Byzantine history.
• Roman Theater: This impressive 2nd-century theater seats up to 6,000 people and remains an active cultural venue to this day. We were lucky enough to witness a marathon award ceremony here!
• The Jordan Museum: A very reasonably priced (5 JOD) museum showcasing Jordan's cultural heritage and history from prehistory to modern times. Museum is modern, very interactive and as well features special temporary exhibitions on the 2nd floor (the theme was Arabian scientists when we visited).
• Rainbow Street: A vibrant area with cafes, shops and galleries, decorated with beautiful multi-colored lanterns and best enjoyed after dark.
• Al Balad (Downtown Amman): the city's bustling heart know for its local shops where you can by anything from spices and Arabian sweets to gold and perfume and get your suit tailored while you're at it. This area is most alive at night with multiple streets vendors and locals enjoying a night out and a bite. This is the place to try Jordanian cuisine, with popular spots like Shahrazad, AlQuds, and Hashem Restaurant recommended by locals.
• Blue Mosque (King Abdullah I Mosque): A beautiful mosque with a blue dome and intricate mosaics, it’s one of Jordan’s largest and open to non-Muslim visitors.  Remember moderate clothing covering arms and legs (as well as head for women).

As always, a good way to get the bearings in a new city is a walking tour. We did The Magic Walking Tour which focuses on Downtown Amman and includes delicious samples of local food. (you may one not to have a big meal before starting this tour!) Link to Magic Walking Tour

For the day in Amman you won't need a car as most attractions are located downtown and uber inside the city is cheap and reliable. Additionally, after spending a few minutes in Amman it will become quite clear why you wouldn't want to drive (and especially park!) there unless you really had no choice.

Day 2: Jerash

While almost every traveller has heard of Petra, Jerash remains relatively under the radar, which is quite surprising  given how extensive and well maintained the site is. It is one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world, and to me personally it was more impressive than Roman ruins you can see in e.g. Rome itself. It was a thriving city during the Greco-Roman period, featuring grand architecture, forums, theaters and temples most of which are still in a very good condition! Budget at least two hours as the site is extensive AND truly magnificent. To top that off, entrance fee is included with Jordan pass.

Transport: This is a good day to pick up your rental car if you’re self-driving. We used DiscoverCars.com for competitive prices in Amman, but feel free to explore other options. Jerash is around 50 km north of Amman, and the drive is straightforward. You’ll find parking both at the archaelogical site and in the city. Guided tours are available for around 30 JOD if you’d like a more in-depth look.

Main sights in Jerash archaeological site are the following:

• The Oval Forum: Elliptical plaza surrounded by columns and considered to be the heart of this ancient city. It served as a central gathering place for civic activities and commerce.
• The Zeus Temple: You'll find the temple close to the entrance and overlooking the Oval Plaza. It is located at the highest point of Jerash and showcases the grandeur of Hellenistic architecture.
• The Roman Theatre: Carved into a hillside, this theatre can seat over 3,000 spectators and visitors are free to climb to the top rows for a magnificent view. It is renowned for its exceptional acoustics so you'll likely witness a local "concert" involving a tip box .
• Colonnaded Street: The main through route of Jerash lined with impressive columns creating a magnificent colonnade. Visitors can walk along this street, admire the well-preserved ruins and witness a full length underground sewage system which was an engineering marvel of the time.
• The Temple of Artemis: It is situated at the very back of the complex but definitely worth a walk even in a scorching heat. It was dedicated to the goddess of hunting and nature and the remains of its grand columns offer really beautiful photo opportunities.

After visiting Jerash head to Wadi Musa village where you will be staying before visiting Petra. I would recommend arriving to the village the night before your visit, as that means you can visit Petra early next morning beating both the crowds and the heat. The drive takes around 4h.

Alternative: getting to Petra by public transport

• From Amman: you can take a bus to Petra, however note that you would arrive around 10.30 if you take the earliest one, so be prepared for a crowded experience, as you will be arriving together with other tourists and tour buses. More info on bus schedules. Another option is Petra guided tours from Amman that also take care of the transport.
• From Jerash: No direct buses run between Jerash and Petra, so you’ll need to take a bus to Amman first, then transfer to a Petra-bound bus.

Optional hike: Dana Natural Reserve

If you have more days in the itinerary (or started the drive super early and still have time before dark), you can opt to visit Dana Natural Reserve on the way to Petra. After 30 mins detour, you can visit Dana village  (perched on a cliffside and a gateway to multiple trails) or do a short hike in Dana Natural Reserve.

We did shaq-al-reesh-trail, which is more spectacular than pictures do it justice for. Make sure to download the map before the hike as there is no connection in the reserve, and the path is unmarked and not always obvious, so GPS is a must. Note, that the trail involves some more challenging bits where scrambling up or down the rocks is needed. We did the hike without a guide, but later were informed by another tourist group, that normally a registration at Dana Natural reserve would be required for tourists' safety. 

Days 3 & 4: Petra

How Much Time Do You Need in Petra?

To fully appreciate Petra, two days is ideal. This extensive archaeological site includes far more than the famous Treasury. Additionally, unless you're visiting in winter, chances are the weather will be very hot with little shade and you'll want to pause your exploration during the midday heat.  Two mornings and two afternoons provide ample time to experience this breathtaking UNESCO site at a comfortable pace. If time is tight, however, you can still visit the highlights—the Treasury and Monastery—in one day.

Practical Info

• Entrance: Petra admission is covered by the Jordan Pass, so make sure to have it with you.
• Location: Petra is close to Wadi Musa village and often within walking distance of local accommodations. Be mindful, though, that Petra is situated downhill from most hotels; after a full day of exploring, walking back uphill can be challenging. If your hotel is higher up, consider driving down to the site (don't worry, Petra is so massive that you'll definitely reach your daily step target!)
• Opening Hours: Petra opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm in summer (5:30 pm in winter).
  • Early Visit: If you value seeing historical sights with little to no people, you might want to bite the bullet and be there when it opens. It is indeed a magical feeling to have this place almost all to yourself during the first hour of dawn.
• Walking: Be ready for lots of walking - it's 30 mins of brisk pace from the entrance until Treasury, and that's only the first "main" sight. The route leads through a stunning gorge so time will fly by!
  • Cart Ride Option: If you’d like to conserve energy, carts run from the visitor center to the Treasury for 15 JOD (or 25 JOD round-trip).
  • Animal Rides: While horse rides are “included” in the entry fee, a tip is expected, and unfortunately, the animals are often poorly treated. Thus, it's best to either walk or splurge on a cart ride.
  • To the Monastery: Reaching the Monastery requires hiking up 800 steps. Donkeys are also available, but for animal welfare reasons, I would not recommend this option.
• Treasury Viewpoint: The trail leading to the iconic Treasury from above viewpoint  (that you've likely seen in multiple pictures) was closed in fall 2024 due to safety concerns.
• Amenities: There are multiple options for food (from Bedouin stalls to more western style restaurants), souvenirs, and western-style restrooms within Petra.
• Payments: Carry cash for souvenirs and food, however you'll likely see that some souvenir sellers accept card payments as well!

Main sights:

• The Siq: On the way from visitor center to the Treasury you will be passing a dramatic narrow gorge with walls that soar up to 80 meters.
• The Treasury: Right at the end of the Siq, you'll emerge in front of this iconic façade carved into sandstone. It was originally a mausoleum for Nabatean royalty and the “Treasury” name arose from a local legend that an Egyptian pharaoh hid treasure here.
• The Royal Tombs: All along the main "street" in Petra you'll witness a series of elaborate tombs carved into the cliff face, showcasing intricate facades. You can get close to, and in some cases enter, these ancient chambers.
• The Roman-style Theatre: This impressive amphitheater, cut directly into the rock, could seat around 3,000 people. It will remind you of the one in Jerash archaeoligical site, again showcasing the influence of Roman architectural influence in Jordan.
• The Monastery (Ad Deir): Located at the far end of the ancient city, it is a bit of a hike to get to via steep and numerous stairs, however this structure is even larger and more majestic than the Treasury. Monastery, which is again, not actually a Monastery but a tomb, earned its name due to Christian crosses etched in its walls during Byzantine times.

Petra Hiking Trails

Petra also offers a variety of hiking trails and we hiked to the High Place of Sacrifice (Wadi al Farasa trail). a steep, well-marked route with outstanding views of the surrounding area, which took about 1-1.5 hours to complete. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/jordan/ma-an--2/petra-high-place-of-sacrifice-wadi-al-farasa-trail

Keep up to date with the open trails in Petra in the offical website https://www.visitpetra.jo/en/Trails , as many trails described in other blogs were closed during the time we were visiting.

Day 5 & 6: Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a captivating desert wilderness in southern Jordan, about two hours from Petra. You can self drive or take an early morning bus.

Beyond its natural beauty, Wadi Rum holds historical significance with ancient petroglyphs and remnants of Nabatean culture. What is most fascinating for me, as that what is now desert was once ocean! Over time, the water receded, and the forces of erosion shaped the stunning desert landscape we see today. All over the desert, you can see sedimentary rock layers serving as evidence of its ancient oceanic past.

Wadi Rum’s unique landscape has also served as the set for multiple space-themed filmssuch as  "The Martian," , "The Last Days on Mars", "Mission to Mars", "Red Planet" etc. The Bedouin community, who have long called this area home, add to its charm by offering tours and insights into their rich culture.

Practical Information

• Registration: Before going to Wadi Rum you need to register at  Wadi Rum Visitor Center (entry fee covered by the Jordan Pass) and at the adjacent police station.
• Guided Tours: While experienced travellers can  choose to explore Wadi Rum on their own, it would not be easy to find the main sights that are deeper in the desert and you would miss connection with the Bedouin culture through local Bedouin guides.
• What to Bring: Though tours typically include water and food, it’s wise to carry extra snacks.

How Much Time in Wadi Rum?

One day is enough for the main sights, but an overnight tour (1D1N) is highly recommended for the sunset and Wadi Rum’s magical, star-filled night sky. If you love stargazing or night photography, an overnight stay is ideal. Hikers or those wanting a slower pace may want to stay an extra day to explore on foot or just enjoy the peaceful views at one of the popular “bubble” hotels in the desert.

We opted for a 2D1N tour with Wadi Rum Magic Tours, which covered main desert sights on day one and the Burdah Rock Bridge hike on day two. Note, that the itinerary of the first day (and one day tours) is normally the same across all agencies.

Day 1 Tour Highlights

• Lawrence Spring: A natural spring located within a large rock formation, named after T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia -british military officer, famous for his role in Arab revolt), who is said to have used it during his time in Wadi Rum. You can scramble up to the spring for picturesque desert views.  
• Lawrence’s House: A ruin believed to be a resting place for Lawrence and his forces.
• Khazali Canyon: A narrow gorge known for ancient rock inscriptions and petroglyphs.
• Abu Khashaba Canyon: A scenic, narrow canyon that you can hike through.
• The Little Bridge & Um Frouth Rock Bridge: Natural stone arches with great views from the top.
• Red Sand Dune: A massive dune of fine red sand, strikingly contrasted against the surrounding rocks—ideal for climbing and taking photos.
• Mushroom Rock: A rock formation sculpted by wind and time into...  You guessed it, a mushroom.

Expect some scrambling up the rocks for the best views! After each stop you will be offered lots of tea by Bedouin hosts. After witnessing sunset in the desert, you’ll head to a campsite with hot showers and a traditional BBQ dinner.

Day 2: Burdah Rock Bridge Hike

On day two, we tackled the Burdah Rock Bridge hike, one of the tallest natural arches worldwide. The hike takes around 3-4 hours in total, including some time on the top admiring the views and tea break. However, while this is marketed as a hike, it is much more of a scramble / climb, where you need to use your hands and feet. Shoes with good grip and no fear of hights are obligatory for this adventure, as there are multiple exposed stretches. Guides help you all the way though, and at some stretches the rope might be used for safety as well.

Day 7: Dead Sea

Dead Sea is located near Amman, so if you're traveling from Wadi Rum, that will be a solid 4,5 hour drive.

Another alternative is to go to Dead Sea as a day trip Amman, the drive is much shorter (about 1 h), public buses and tours are as well easy alternatives  more info here.

We arrived from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea in the afternoon and were quite disappointed to sea that many of the beaches at the Dead Sea are privately owned and charge an entrance fee. Additionally, we were visiting during the time of Israel with Palestine, and due to us being too close to Israeli border (Dead Sea is split by both countries) our GPS stopped working. It seemed too much of a hassle to look for a public beach without a GPS, so we just payed 20 JOD entrance fee for O Beach Dead Sea resorts. The resort was decent, with access to both the Dead Sea and a pool, naturally with showers and changing rooms.

Before you take a well deserved dip in the Dead Sea, keep in mind several precautions:

• Avoid Water in Your Eyes or Mouth: The Dead Sea's high salt concentration can cause a painful burning sensation if it gets into your eyes or mouth. If water does get in your eyes, rinse with fresh water immediately.
• Don’t Submerge Your Head: The dense, salty water is hard to balance in, and dipping your head can lead to accidental water ingestion or eye irritation.
• Avoid Shaving Beforehand /Swimming with Open Wounds: Shaving or waxing right before swimming can make your skin more sensitive, and the salt will sting any cuts or freshly shaved areas.
• Float, Don't Swim: Instead of traditional swimming, float on your back to fully enjoy the buoyancy safely. Trying to swim normally is difficult as you don't really have control.
• Avoid Wearing Jewelry: The high salt concentration can tarnish metals, so it’s best to leave jewelry behind

Following these tips will help you have a more pleasant experience floating in the Dead Sea!

From there on , it's just a short drive to the airport or Amman city for a sweet end to the trip with one last knafeh!