Table of Contents
Introduction
I have always wanted to visit more of the Middle East, so I secured my spot when GoJolley announced it was going in August 2020! However, I couldn’t go in August due to, you know, the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, the UK had some strict guidelines during the pandemic for Jordan. The trip was moved a few times, and then finally, in March 2022, I finally got to go and explore for 1 week in Jordan, such a beautiful country!
Many people have asked if Jordan is safe. And I have to say the Jordanians were the most hospitable people I have met in my life. So is Jordan safe? Completely and I would highly recommend going with friends, or even solo, to Jordan. Here is your detailed Jordan travel guide on things to do in Amman, Petra and beyond- enjoy!
Related post: Where to Stay in Jordan: My 3 Hotel Picks for Jordan
Entry Requirements
Before planning your trip, if you are considering travelling to Jordan, check the ‘Entry Requirements’ section for Jordan’s current entry restrictions and requirements. By the time I travelled to Jordan, the UK had started to relax its laws on COVID-19 tests, but I know that US and Canadian citizens had to get a test before flying back home.
If you’re from the US, UK, or Canada, you qualify for a visa on arrival. It is worth a quick Google search for ‘does my passport ‘country’ need a visa’.
About Jordan
Jordan is a beautiful Middle Eastern country known for its ancient history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people. It is considered a young state occupying an ancient land that bears the traces of many civilisations. Separated from ancient Palestine by the Jordan River.
The Jordanian dinar is the currency of Jordan and is the same as the pound. 1 pound is 1.12 dinar. I had anticipated living lavishly in Jordan, but was surprised that the currency was nearly 1 to 1, so I certainly was mindful of how much I spent.
Jordanian Food
Jordanian cuisine is delicious and varied, with delicious infused dishes like mansaf (a traditional lamb and rice dish), falafel, hummus, and shawarma. We have done A Taste of Jordan live on Instagram, where we made falafel, hummus and shwarma from scratch. You can learn and cook it from here.
Getting to Jordan
I flew with Ryanair, which was the cheapest! Then there was a 17-hour stop in Germany, so I got a hotel near the airport. I remember the flight being less than £250! Flying with them because British Airways only has evening flights, which would have delayed me on the trip. I flew back with British Airways, as it was a morning flight.
Preparing for your visit to Jordan
You should get a Jordan pass for your visit to Jordan. GoJolley did this for us again, another seamless part of the trip. The Jordan Pass allows you into 40 of Jordan’s tourist attractions, including Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, and much more. Once you have purchased the pass, you can download digital brochures covering all of Jordan’s tourist attractions.
The Jordan Pass comes in three categories to suit all kinds of visits. The package you choose depends on the days you wish to explore. We got the Jordan Explorer pass for 75 JOD (about £84 or 105 USD). It is worth it if you are trying to save some money. You can get the Jordan Pass here.
Getting around Jordan
Everything was seamless on this trip. GoJolley had everything ready for us, which was great for someone like me with a full-time job and part-time studying. One thing good about travel groups is that when they are good, they are perfect, and I will always suggest GoJolley for its seamlessness for your trips. They had also sorted all the things do in Jordan which was super helpful.
Jordan Travel Itinerary
Below is everything I did in just 1 week in Jordan, it includes all the things to do in Jordan and more. Check out what I did and jow I split my week.
Two Days in Amman
We ended up spending our first two days in Amman. There are many things to do in Amman. The first day was a foodie adventure planned for us on our first day in Amman, Jordan’s capital city. Amman is the capital city of Jordan and is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a rich history, culture and plenty of things to see and do. Things to do in Amman, Jordan:
- Visited the Citadel: A historic site on a hilltop in Amman, home to the ruins of an ancient temple, palace, and theatre. I enjoyed the stunning views of the city, and it is a must-see attraction. Book a tour here.
- Explored the Roman Amphitheatre: The Roman Amphitheatre is another famous landmark in Amman and is a well-preserved amphitheatre that dates back to the 2nd century AD. It’s a great place to take a walk and soak up the city’s essence.
- Try Jordanian cuisine: Amman is known for its delicious food, and I was fond of the local specialities like mansaf (a traditional lamb and rice dish), falafel, hummus, and shawarma. We cooked this on A Taste of Jordan. Book your tour here.
- Explore Rainbow Street: Rainbow Street is a trendy street in Amman lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. I have some fantastic hot chocolate at Chocoholic Cafe. It’s a great place to walk around and soak up the local atmosphere.
Other things to do in Amman:
- Shop at the Souq
- The Jordan Museum and the Royal Automobile Museum
- A day trip to Jerash
- The King Abdullah Mosque
Where to stay in Amman
We stayed at Four Seasons Amman, a beautiful hotel, to start the adventures of Jordan. If you are spending a few days in Amman I would highly recommend staying at the Four Seasons as it is a beautiful hotel, and I was already impressed with the accommodations GoJolley picked for us. I recommend this Travel Group for those who love the luxuries of a lovely, peaceful stay after a long day of activities.
Two Days in Petra
After Amman, next up was the World Wonder Petra! I have often seen this site in movies, but I never imagined a small farm girl like me could go to Petra! I had to keep pinching myself because I was there and did experience it all. It was a three-hour journey issh from Amman to Petra.
Petra is an ancient city in southern Jordan, carved into red rock over 2,000 years ago. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see attraction in Jordan.
We used our Jordan passes for this, so don’t lose them. Getting a guided tour of Petra is a great way to learn about the history and culture of the area. They will also show you how to get around the site, which is pretty big! You can hire a guide or join a group tour to get the most out of your visit. I suggest booking with Viator.
Things you must see while at Petra, and you can easily do.
- Explore the Siq: The Siq is a narrow canyon that leads into Petra and is an impressive sight. You can walk through the Siq and see the stunning rock formations and carvings on the walls.
- Visit the Treasury: The Treasury is one of the most famous buildings in Petra, and it’s a spectacular sight to behold. It’s a large building carved into the rock, and it’s believed to have been a tomb for a Nabataean king.
- Climb to the Monastery: The Monastery is another impressive building in Petra, located at the top of a hill. You can climb to the Monastery and enjoy stunning views of Petra and the surrounding area. Please have a tour guide with you, as it is a complex route to the top.
- Get yourself a Mule: A mule is a half donkey, half horse – you will need this as you will walk all day.
- Remember to buy some souvenirs: take pictures and tip nicely. Book your tour of Petra here.
Where to stay in Petra
The hotel we booked was called Movenpick Petra, which was perfect as it was directly outside the entrance to Petra. Suppose you are adding Petra to your itinerary for Jordan. In that case, I recommend staying overnight at the Mövenpick Petra, as it is very convenient and will make your Petra adventures much more accessible. You can also book your hotel stays here.
Two Days in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is a desert valley in southern Jordan known for its stunning landscapes and rock formations. It was about two hours from Petra to Wadi Rum. It was my first time staying overnight in a desert, so I was very anxious and excited about staying there. GoJolley had a Jeep booked for us. It’s the best way to explore the vast expanse of Wadi Rum. You can hire a local guide and ride in a 4×4 vehicle to see the stunning rock formations, red sand dunes, and canyons. Book the tour here.
Please note that it can get freezing at night in the desert, so please pack thermals or a coat to keep yourself warm.
The hotel’s food was unique, and the hospitality was A*. We had roasted chicken with rice. I also tried Maqulba for the first time, which I have spoken about here. While in Wadi Rum, you should try some Bedouin tea and learn about the Bedouin way of life by visiting a local Bedouin camp. We also had music played to us, and we were allowed to buy items along our tour.
Where to stay in Wadi Rum
stayed at The Bubble Luxotel Hotel, which I would highly recommend. The Bubble comes with keys and features two doors. You must ensure the first door is fully closed before opening the second; otherwise, the Bubble will collapse. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t cause any mishaps with my clumsy self! Additionally, the Bubble includes a hammock, a hot tub, and offers incredible views of Wadi Rum.
One day at the Dead Sea
Our Jordan travel itineary also included a day at the dead sea which was an excellent time to say goodbye to Wadi Rum and head back to Amman, where we stayed at the Sofitel Hotel for our final stay. The final activity was the Dead Sea before going home; this was roughly a 4-hour journey and went quicker than expected. Book your private tour here.
The Dead Sea is a salt lake located between Jordan and Israel. It is around 430 meters below sea level and is known for its high salt concentration. The Dead Sea is for you if you can’t swim, as no one can sink.
The most popular activity in the Dead Sea is floating in the salty waters. You can easily float on the surface due to the high salt concentration. It is a truly unique and relaxing experience. While you are there, I suggest getting clay/mud rubbed on your bodies, which is known to have healing properties. Remember to rinse the mud off properly in the water.
The Dead Sea is also known to be a Baptism Site. This is because it is a historical and religious site on the Jordan River’s Jordanian side. It’s believed to be where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist, and it’s a popular pilgrimage site.
Final Views on Jordan Travel Guide
So as you can see there are so many things to do in Jordan. Spending 1 week in Jordan was just a treat. I very much enjoyed Jordan. It was a trip filled with excellent food, hospitality and adventure. I loved every minute of Jordan. Before then, I was not even on social media, but going to Jordan reminded me of my passion and love for travel and food. If you ask me, Jordan is a place you must add to your trip.
I hope you do go and enjoy Jordan as much as I did.
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Speak soon.
Adebola MBV xx
