This country is a magical place where every corner has a story to tell about ancient civilizations or battles won and lost. Come to Jordan to witness attractions like the historic city of Petra or float around on the Dead Sea.
This country is a magical place where every corner has a story to tell about ancient civilizations or battles won and lost. Come to Jordan to witness attractions like the historic city of Petra or float around on the Dead Sea.
Besides its heritage sites, there are delicious cuisines worth trying and thrills you can't experience anywhere else. We offer Jordan tour packages from Dubai so if you plan on visiting, keep reading to learn about the attractions, stays, weather, and much more.
Good news if you are a UAE citizen, you can enter Jordan visa free! So don't fret about getting any permits, all you need is a valid passport. As for Dubai residents, some of you can get visa-on-arrival depending on your nationality.
Even if a visa is needed, the process is relatively smooth but if you need assistance don't hesitate to contact a trusted travel agency like Arooha. Always make sure to double check the latest travel regulations or contact the Jordanian embassy before you go to prevent last minute issues.
The most ideal time is when the weather is mild, especially during the transitional seasons. Spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) provide the best climate to explore sites like Petra or Wadi Rum without sweating buckets.
But if you are the type of traveler who wants to experience something unique, winter is another great season as you can see another side to the Dead Sea or have fun snow filled adventures in Amman.
Jordan has accommodation to suit any kind of traveler from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and even desert camps. If you are here to explore ancient wonders or a first timer, one of the best places to stay is Wadi Musa. For those who seek an opulent getaway there are numerous 5 star hotels such as the Mövenpick and Petra Marriott Hotel.
Adventure seekers looking for stays with desert vibes should try the luxury camps in Wadi Rum. City lovers have a plethora of options in Amman such as the InterContinental, Grand Hyatt and Four Seasons Hotel. If you want some relaxing check into the resorts near the dead sea.
There are plenty of transportation options in Jordan such as taxis, car rentals and buses. For budget travellers, taking the bus is a reliable choice as they can connect you to major cities. Besides the well maintained roads, the locals are very friendly and helpful so don't be afraid to ask for directions.
Get a glimpse of the country’s charm and diversity by exploring the cities. Start at the capital, Amman where you can visit the market places, Roman theater and much more.
Travelers who want to relax and have more of a laid-back experience should visit the city of Aqaba. There are so many activities to do from diving into the Red Sea to enjoying seafood by the shore. Smaller cities like Irbid and Madaba are the best sources of cultural experiences, so be sure to visit them.
Take a guided tour that includes stops in many cities if you can as this is the best way to discover delicious street food and get to know the people and stories behind each region.
There are so many UNESCO World Heritage Sites waiting to be explored but the crown jewel of them all is Petra. This ancient city which has been carved into a red rock has been mesmerizing visitors for centuries.
Not too far is Wadi Rum protected area which is a desert region known for its sandstone rocks. You can also learn more about the Bedouin culture here.
One site to add your bucket list is the Baptism Site of Jesus at Bethany Beyond the Jordan travel which holds deep religious significance. Don’t forget to visit the Qasr Amra too, an early Islamic desert castle with vibrant frescoes.
Don't worry if you can't swim, no skills needed here! Since the salt content is high in Dead Sea, you can effortlessly float on the surface of the waters. This is a surreal experience for many who travel here, especially watching the sunset over the water. It is the ideal spot for relaxation and with many luxury resorts along the shore, try their spa treatments and get access to private beaches.
The sites in northern Jordan stand out among the many historic wonders that await exploration in this country. Visit Jerash, a Roman city that has been maintained and features a huge theatre, temples, and arches.
The adventure doesn't stop here, take a short drive to the Ajloun Castle. You can witness breathtaking views of the area from the palace walls and learn more about the nation's military past.
There are so many Greco-Roman remains worth exploring in this country such as the Umm Qais. This place is less crowded and offers vistas of the Sea of Galilee. Travelling to these attractions is like going back in time from the Roman to the Islamic era.
Being invited for a homemade meal by the locals or sharing a cup of Arabic coffee with them are just two examples of Jordanian hospitality and tradition. Their culture is warm and vibrant which you can witness by strolling along the marketplaces or by hearing traditional music on the streets.
Don't miss out on traditional dance performances such as Dabke or buying interesting trinkets to take home from the local markets. The best way to get a glimpse of their heritage is by taking part in cultural events and getting to know the daily life of a Jordanian by having a chat with them.
To describe the Jordanian cuisine in two words, it would be delicious and full of flavour! Don’t miss classics like mansaf (a traditional lamb dish), falafel, mezze spreads and drinks such as mint tea. Street food here is tasty and affordable with meals available for both meat lovers and vegetarians.
If you want to taste traditional Jordanian cuisine, look no further than Mansaf. This is also their national dish which is served on a big plate of rice topped with almonds, herbs and tender lamb. The meat is usually slow cooked in a yoghurt sauce called jameed.
Since it is served from a huge plate, it is one of those foods that is usually eaten during family get-togethers. If you are travelling to Jordan, you must try this flavourful meal at a restaurant or a festival.
Where to try: Da7berha restaurant, Amman
This is one meal you must experience as it is a feast for all your senses. Zarb is a Bedouin dish that is made underground by slow-cooking meat with rice, potatoes, and vegetables in a sealed pit.
This method brings out the smoky flavour and makes the process an exciting one to watch for many tourists, especially when it is uncovered from the sand. You’ll find this meal served at Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum which you can eat under the stars.
Meaning “upside down” in Arabic, this is a flavorful dish that is really fun to serve as it is to eat. In a nutshell it is a pot layered with rice, meat, and fried vegetables flipped upside down onto a serving platter to reveal a cake-like savory dish.
Every bite offers a mix of spices, textures, and is a favorite home cooked meal across Jordan, especially at gatherings or special events. If you want to try Maqluba, visit traditional restaurants that serve it.
The best part about sweets in Jordan is that their treats can be a great way to end a meal or even start one! One famous dessert here that tourists love is knafeh. You might have heard of it as a stuffing for the viral Dubai chocolates. Get a taste of the real thing that is made up of cheese, a crispy pastry, and syrup topped with pistachios.
Qatayef is another must-try on the list that can be found during Ramadan. It is a stuffed pancake filled with nuts or cream that looks like a savory patty at glance. Other desserts to sample are baklava and ma’amoul cookies that go together with coffee or mint tea.
Where to try: Zalatimo Brothers for Sweets Boulevard, Amman