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

🚕 Day 1: Arriving in Amman & Exploring the Capital

Your Jordan adventure kicks off in Amman, the country’s sprawling capital. If you’re landing at Queen Alia International Airport, getting to the city center is fairly straightforward. Uber is the easiest and fastest option (around 30 JOD), while a bus + taxi combo is significantly cheaper at around 3-4 JOD but much slower since buses wait to fill up before departing. Keep in mind that Amman is huge—with over 4 million residents, and only downtown is walkable.

🏛️ What 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).

🚶‍♂️ Exploring Amman on Foot

One of the best ways to get a feel for the city is by joining a walking tour. We highly recommend The Magic Walking Tour which takes you through Downtown Amman while introducing you to local flavors. It’s a food-heavy experience, so take our advice—don’t eat a big meal beforehand!

🚗 Do You Need a Car in Amman?

Short answer: Nope! Most of Amman’s attractions are downtown, and Uber is both cheap and reliable. Driving in the city can be chaotic, with heavy traffic and limited parking, so unless you’re a pro at navigating unpredictable city roads, it’s best to leave the car for later in the trip.

🏛️ Day 2: Exploring Jerash – Jordan’s Best-Kept Roman Secret

While Petra might be Jordan’s most famous historical site, Jerash remains a hidden gem, often overlooked by travelers. But trust me—this place is nothing short of spectacular. One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, Jerash feels like an open-air time capsule, complete with towering columns, grand temples, and sweeping amphitheaters. If you’ve ever been to Rome, you might even find Jerash more impressive—I certainly did!

Walking through its vast ruins, it’s easy to imagine chariots rolling down the Colonnaded Street, merchants trading in the Oval Forum, and lively performances taking place in the Roman Theater. Give yourself at least two hours to explore—it’s a massive site, and every corner holds something awe-inspiring. And the best part? If you have a Jordan Pass, entry is completely free.

🚗 Getting to Jerash

If you haven’t already picked up your rental car, today is a great time to do so. We booked ours through DiscoverCars.com, but there are plenty of rental agencies in Amman to choose from. Jerash is only 50 km north of Amman, and the drive is smooth and straightforward. You’ll find parking available right at the archaeological site.

For those who prefer a guided tour, there are plenty of options starting at around 30 JOD. A guide can definitely enhance the experience by providing historical context and pointing out hidden details you might otherwise miss.

🏛️ Must-See Highlights of Jerash

Walking into Jerash Archaeological Site is like stepping into a Roman city frozen in time. Here are the top spots you shouldn’t miss:

📍 Oval Forum

This stunning elliptical plaza, framed by towering columns, was once the beating heart of Jerash. It served as a central space for civic gatherings, commerce, and social life. Standing here, surrounded by grand ruins, you can almost hear the echoes of ancient markets and public speeches.

🏛️ Temple of Zeus

Located at the highest point of Jerash, this grand temple overlooks the Oval Plaza. Climbing up to its ruins offers breathtaking views over the entire city. Built in the 2nd century AD, it’s a perfect example of the grandeur of Hellenistic architecture.

🎭 The Roman Theater

This massive amphitheater is carved into the hillside and can hold over 3,000 spectators. The acoustics are so good that performers often test them out—don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a mini impromptu concert by a local musician (with a tip box, of course!). Climb to the top rows for an epic panoramic view.

🏛️ Colonnaded Street (Cardo Maximus)

This is the main road of ancient Jerash, lined with impressive columns and remnants of old shops and houses. As you stroll along, take a look at the ancient underground sewage system—an engineering marvel of its time!

🏹 Temple of Artemis

Set at the far end of the site, this majestic temple was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of hunting and nature. Its massive columns still stand, offering one of the most photogenic spots in Jerash. Even if you visit in the heat of the day, it’s worth the walk—the towering ruins make for a jaw-dropping backdrop.

🚙 Onward to Wadi Musa (Petra’s Gateway)

After soaking in the wonders of Jerash, it’s time to hit the road towards Wadi Musa, the small town that serves as the gateway to Petra. The drive takes around 4 hours, so it’s best to leave in the afternoon. Arriving the night before your Petra visit has a huge advantage—you can wake up early and enter Petra before the crowds and the heat kick in.

🚌 Alternative: Getting to Petra by Public Transport

If you’re not self-driving, you still have options:

• From Amman: Buses to Petra run regularly, but the earliest one arrives around 10:30 AM, so be prepared for a crowded experience, as you will be arriving together with other tourists and tour buses. More info on bus schedules.  If you want a more comfortable experience, consider a guided tour from Amman that includes transport.

• From Jerash: There are no direct buses from Jerash to Petra, so you’ll need to return to Amman first, then transfer to a Petra-bound bus.

🌿 Optional Stop: Dana Biosphere Reserve

If you have extra time (or hit the road early), consider a 30-minute detour to Dana Biosphere Reserve before Petra. You can visit Dana Village, a scenic cliffside town, or tackle a short hike.

We did the 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: Exploring Petra – Jordan’s Rose-Red Wonder

How much time do you need?

Petra, Jordan’s most famous historical treasure, is a must-see. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage site is far more than just the iconic Treasury. A two-day visit is ideal, allowing you to explore at a leisurely pace and avoid the midday heat, especialy in the summer months. Trust me, two days will let you truly appreciate Petra’s vast beauty and its many monuments beyond the Treasury. If you’re pressed for time, however, you can still see the main sights—like the Treasury and Monastery—in just one day.

⏰ Practical Tips for Visiting Petra

• Entrance: Petra 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!

🏛️ Must-See Highlights of Petra

Petra is huge, so here are the absolute highlights you can’t miss:

📍 The Siq
Your journey into Petra begins with the Siq, a narrow, winding gorge flanked by towering cliffs that reach up to 80 meters. The stunning walk through this natural passage will lead you straight to the Treasury.

🏛️ The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
The Treasury is Petra’s crown jewel, carved into the sandstone cliffs. This monumental structure was originally a tomb for Nabatean royalty, but the name “Treasury” comes from a local legend about an Egyptian pharaoh hiding treasure here. Stand at its entrance and marvel at its scale and intricate carvings.

🎭 The Roman Theatre
This massive, rock-hewn amphitheater holds up to 3,000 people and showcases Petra’s Roman influence. The acoustics here are amazing, so don’t be surprised if you hear an impromptu performance by a local musician!

🏛️ The Monastery (Ad Deir)
To reach the Monastery, you’ll need to hike up 800 steps—it’s steep, but totally worth it! This structure is even larger and more imposing than the Treasury, and its isolated location makes it feel extra special. The Monastery wasn’t actually a monastery, but a tomb, and it earned its name from Byzantine Christian crosses etched in its walls.

🥾 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.

Keep up to date with the open trails in Petra in the offical website Official Petra Website  , as many trails described in other blogs were closed during the time we were visiting.

🏜️ Days 5 & 6: Wadi Rum – Jordan’s Desert Wonderland

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 for Wadi Rum

• Registration: Before entering Wadi Rum, make sure to register at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center (your Jordan Pass covers the entry fee) and also check in at the adjacent police station.

• Guided Tours: While independent travelers might attempt to explore the desert on their own, you’ll miss the chance to really connect with the Bedouin culture and explore the deeper, more remote areas of the desert. 

• What to Bring: Most tours will provide water and food, but it’s always a good idea to pack extra snacks just in case. 

⏰ How Much Time in Wadi Rum?

You could explore Wadi Rum in a single day, but I strongly recommend extending your stay with an overnight tour (1D1N) to experience the magical desert sunset and the starry night sky. For stargazing enthusiasts or anyone keen on night photography, an overnight stay is the way to go. If you’re a hiker or prefer a slower pace, an extra day (2D1N) will allow you to explore on foot and take in the peaceful desert vibes, or even relax in one of the trendy “bubble hotels” in the desert.

We chose a 2D1N tour with Wadi Rum Magic Tours, which covered all the major desert highlights on day one, followed by the iconic Burdah Rock Bridge hike on day two. Keep in mind, the first day’s itinerary is generally the same across all tour companies, so it’s the second day where the real adventure happens!

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 1 Tour Highlights

• Lawrence Spring: A natural spring nestled in a large rock formation, Lawrence Spring is named after T.E. Lawrence (famous for his role in the Arab Revolt during WWI). You can scramble up to the spring for sweeping views of the desert below.

• Lawrence’s House: This ruin is believed to be a resting spot for Lawrence and his forces. A great spot to pause and take in the history of the area.

• Khazali Canyon: A narrow gorge, home to ancient rock inscriptions and petroglyphs that give you a glimpse into Wadi Rum’s long history.

• Abu Khashaba Canyon: A beautiful, narrow canyon perfect for a scenic hike through the desert.

• The Little Bridge & Um Frouth Rock Bridge: Natural rock arches with breathtaking views from the top.

• Red Sand Dune: This massive red sand dune offers the perfect opportunity to climb and snap some epic photos. It’s a striking contrast against the surrounding rocky landscape.

• Mushroom Rock: A rock formation sculpted by wind and time into a, you guessed it, mushroom—a fun photo op!

Expect some scrambling up the rocks for the best views!  

Each stop is accompanied by plenty of Bedouin tea, so you can relax and take in the beauty around you. 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 took on the Burdah Rock Bridge hike, one of the tallest natural arches in the world. This 3-4 hour hike includes some challenging scrambles, where you’ll need to use your hands and feet. It’s more of a climb than a traditional hike, so be prepared for exposed stretches and steep climbs. Good hiking shoes and a head for heights are essential for this adventure.

Don’t worry, your guide will be there to assist you every step of the way, and ropes may be used for safety on some sections. The views from the top are worth every step, and once you’re at the summit, you’ll have time for a tea break before descending.

🌊 Day 7: The Dead Sea – Floating in the Salty Wonder

After the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, we made our way to the Dead Sea, which is about a 4.5-hour drive from the desert. But if you're coming from Amman, the trip is much shorter—around 1 hour. It’s also super easy to take a public bus or join a guided tour for a day trip to the Dead Sea, which is a great option for those based in Amman.  more info here.

We arrived at the Dead Sea in the afternoon, and were a bit disappointed to find that many of the beaches are privately owned, with an entrance fee to access the shores. The Dead Sea is split between Jordan and Israel, so we were also a bit caught off guard when our GPS stopped working due to being too close to the Israeli border. Instead of stressing over finding a public beach, we opted to pay the 20 JOD entrance fee to O Beach Dead Sea Resort. The resort had direct access to the Dead Sea, plus a pool, showers, and changing rooms—definitely a nice place to unwind after a day on the road.

🏖️ Tips for Floating in the Dead Sea

Before you head into the Dead Sea, there are a few important precautions to keep in mind for the best experience:

• Avoid Water in Your Eyes or Mouth: The Dead Sea’s high salt concentration can burn like crazy if it gets in your eyes or mouth. If this happens, rinse with fresh water immediately to relieve the sting.

• Don’t Submerge Your Head: The water’s density makes it hard to balance, and trying to dip your head underwater could result in accidental water ingestion or irritation to your eyes.

• Avoid Shaving or Swimming with Open Wounds: If you’ve shaved or waxed recently, your skin will be extra sensitive, and the salt will sting any cuts or freshly shaved spots.

• Float, Don’t Swim: Traditional swimming is pretty much impossible in the Dead Sea, so the best way to enjoy it is to float on your back. Trust me, the buoyancy is unreal!

• Leave Your Jewelry Behind: The salt concentration can tarnish jewelry, so it’s best to go in without any metal on your body.

Following these simple tips will make your Dead Sea float much more enjoyable!

🚗 Wrapping Up the Trip

Once you’ve had your fill of floating and soaking up the unique experience, it’s just a short drive to either Amman or the airport for the perfect end to your adventure. And of course, no trip to Jordan would be complete without a little knafeh—this sweet, cheesy dessert is the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable journey!