Things to Do in Jordan: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Jordan packs ancient wonders and dramatic landscapes into a compact, welcoming country. The rose-red city of Petra, the Mars-like valleys of Wadi Rum, floating in the Dead Sea, the Roman ruins of Jerash, Amman's lively souks and coral reefs at Aqaba make it one of the most rewarding destinations in the Middle East.
This guide covers the best things to do in Jordan, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Jordan
Petra
Treasury and Monastery.
Wadi Rum
Desert camps.
Dead Sea
Float.
Amman Citadel
Ruins and views.
Jerash
Roman city.
Aqaba
Red Sea reefs.
Dana
Nature reserve.
Madaba
Mosaic map.
Jordan in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Amman
Explore the Amman Citadel with the Temple of Hercules and views over the city, then walk down to the Roman Theatre. Lunch on falafel and hummus at Hashem in downtown. In the afternoon browse the souks and Rainbow Street. In the evening enjoy dinner with mezze and a sunset from Jabal Amman.
2Day 2 · Jerash
Day trip to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy, with Hadrian's Arch, the oval forum and colonnaded streets. Lunch near the site. In the afternoon visit Ajloun Castle on a hilltop. Return to Amman for dinner, perhaps trying mansaf, the national dish of lamb with yogurt sauce and rice.
3Day 3 · Madaba and Dead Sea
Drive to Madaba to see the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, then Mount Nebo with views to the Jordan Valley. Lunch in Madaba. In the afternoon float in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, and cover yourself in mineral mud. Sleep at a Dead Sea resort.
Jordan in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Petra
Enter Petra early through the narrow Siq to reach the Treasury, then continue to the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs and the climb of about 800 steps to the Monastery. Lunch inside the site. In the evening, if available, attend Petra by Night with candles lighting the Treasury. A two-day Jordan Pass ticket is worth it.
5Day 5 · Little Petra and Dana
Visit Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) and then hike part of the Dana Biosphere Reserve with sandstone canyons and Bedouin villages. Lunch at the Dana guesthouse. Continue south to Wadi Rum in the late afternoon and spend the night in a desert camp under the stars with a zarb dinner cooked underground.
Jordan in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Wadi Rum
Take a 4x4 tour of Wadi Rum with red dunes, rock bridges and the inscriptions of Lawrence of Arabia's spring. Lunch with Bedouins. In the afternoon ride a camel or climb a dune for sunset. Then drive to Aqaba to snorkel on the Red Sea coral reefs and enjoy a seafood dinner by the water.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Morning snorkel or swim in Aqaba, shopping for Dead Sea cosmetics, olive oil soap and spices, and a farewell lunch. Aqaba has its own airport, and Queen Alia Airport in Amman is about four hours' drive away via the Desert Highway.
What to do in Jordan on a weekend
Things to do in Jordan on a weekend? Saturday: Petra. Sunday: Wadi Rum.
Spring flowers in March–April.
What to do in Jordan in the evening
In the evening, Petra by Night and desert camps.
Amman cafés.
Jordan for couples
For couples, a night in a Wadi Rum bubble tent, Dead Sea spa and Petra at sunrise.
Jordan with kids
With kids, Dead Sea floating, camel rides and Aqaba snorkeling.
What to eat in Jordan
Mansaf
Lamb and yogurt.
Falafel
Street food.
Maqluba
Upside-down rice.
Knafeh
Cheese dessert.
Mint tea
Everywhere.
Where to stay in Jordan: best areas
Amman
Capital.
Wadi Musa
Petra.
Wadi Rum
Desert camp.
Aqaba
Red Sea.
What to do in Jordan when it rains
Things to do in Jordan when it rains? Jordan Museum in Amman and Madaba churches; rain is rare.
How much does a trip to Jordan cost?
Expect $70–250 per night.
Practical tips for Jordan
Best time to visit
March–May and September–November.
Getting around
Rental car, private driver or JETT buses.
Our practical tips
- Buy the Jordan Pass.
- Start Petra early.
- Modest dress in towns.
- Carry water.
- Cash in dinars.
- Book a licensed Wadi Rum camp.
Mistakes to avoid
- Summer midday heat.
- Rushing Petra in one day.
- Shaving before the Dead Sea.
- Driving at night on desert roads.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Jordan?
Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea.
How many days in Petra?
Two days ideally.
Is Jordan safe for tourists?
Generally yes; check current advisories.
Best time to visit?
Spring and autumn.