Jordan is one of the most timeless and enchanting places I have ever visited. Located in the center of the Middle East, Jordan feels like the beating heart of the region. Balancing its identity with the cosmopolitan spirit of the Levant and traditional Bedouin lifestyle, the cultural tapestry of Jordan is extraordinary. Jordan is the place of dreams and imagination. Intricate stone-cut cities and imposing rose-colored canyons seem to whisper a thousand stories.

One of the most stable and succesful countries in the region, Jordan has a rich history that prevails everywhere you go. Jordan has long served as a crossroads between different peoples, cultures, religions, and ideas. While merchants and armies converged on arid settlements and thriving desert cities, the Jordanian people have flourished at the meeting point of many worlds. Despite hardships, the Jordanians have a warm and hospitable nature and are generally curious about the outside world. Below is my comprehensive 5 day guide to Jordan which I carefully designed to help you plan your journey and maximize your time exploring this breathtaking country. If you have any questions while planning your journey to Jordan, leave a comment and I will get back to you.

A Legendary 5 DAY Journey TO JORDAN

I visited Jordan for 5 days while on a larger trip in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Besides the unforgettable historical treasures, natural wonders, and otherworldly desert landscapes just being in Jordan was a culturally immersive experience. 5 days is enough time for motivated travelers to see the most extraordinary sights while getting a taste for the rich Jordanian scenery, cuisine, and culture. My itinerary was compact and action-packed but I never felt rushed, which is why I believe 5 days is enough time to have a memorable experience in Jordan.  This guide is flexible and can be customized to your own travel pace and goals. I hope you enjoy my conclusive 5 day Guide to Jordan. If you find this blog helpful, check out my other Jordan blogs and guides.

Is 5 Days in Jordan enough?

While you can spend months or even years slow traveling and discovering the hidden treasures of the Hashemite kingdom, for most of us, only a shorter stay is possible. 5 days in Jordan is sufficient time to get a taste for this beautiful country and explore the exceptional historical, cultural, and natural wonders. 5 days will allow you time to enjoy the lively city of Amman as well as explore the ancient city of Petra, the moonlike desert of Wadi Rum, and many other fascinating destinations.

Any shorter than 5 days would cannibalize your time at some of the most important sights in your itinerary. You can also run into the problem of feeling like you’re spending the majority of your time traveling from place to place and not actually enjoying or experiencing anything Jordan has to offer.

A Brief History of Jordan

The history of Jordan is extensive and goes as far back as the development of civilization. Jordan has been inhabited since ancient times and is mentioned throughout the Bible and the Quran. The Nabatean Kingdom was a thriving civilization of Arab origins that established its capital at the ancient city of Petra. The city was intricately cut into the red canyons and served as a focal point of commerce and cultures. The Greeks conquered the region followed by the Romans, bringing a period of prosperity and establishing flourishing cities like Jerash North of Amman.

When the Roman Empire split in half, Jordan fell under Byzantine rule. Christianity developed extensively during this time and great importance was given to sacred places like Bethany at the Jordan River. Known as Al-Maghtas in Arabic, this is believed to be the spot where Jesus was baptized. In the 7th century, Jordan became part of the Islamic caliphate beginning over a millennia of Muslim rule in Jordan including the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Fatimid Caliphates. The Ottoman Empire governed Jordan from 1516-1918. The country remained rather underdeveloped throughout Turkish rule.

MODERN DEVELOPMENT AND INDEPENDENCE

After WWI and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the British Mandate of the Transjordan was created. Abdullah I, a 38th direct descendant of Muhammad, was named Emir as part of the Hashemite dynasty. Jordan gained independence in 1946, finally becoming a sovereign nation.

The coming years saw violence and conflict with Jordan’s new neighbor Israel. War erupted between Jordan and Israel during the Arab-Israeli war in 1948, with Jordan taking control over the West Bank and Jerusalem. The Kingdom of Jordan lost these territories in 1967 during the 6-day war. Jordan and Israel finally made peace in 1994 which has lasted ever since. Under the rule of King Abdullah II, the country has continued to modernize and serves as a symbol of stability and progress in the region.

Why You Should Visit Jordan

I think that Jordan is one of the most fascinating countries in the Middle East. With a legendary history stretching back thousands of years, Jordan is one of the oldest countries on earth! It has a vibrant culture, warm hospitality and stunning historical sights and natural wonders. It also has one of the tastiest cuisines in the world. Additionally, it is one of the safest countries in the region and is an excellent choice if you are looking to immerse yourself in Middle Eastern culture. 

Is Jordan Safe to Visit Right Now

A common question people ask me is if it’s safe to visit Jordan. I personally got several questions from my friends and family asking me if it was safe for me to visit. Due to the conflict in Gaza and the heightened tension in the region, it was a valid concern. Despite the conflict in Palestine, Jordan is a completely safe and stable country to visit. I felt totally comfortable exploring Jordan as a solo traveler. I also rented a car and found navigating the Jordanian highways easy and straightforward. Everywhere in my 5 day guide to Jordan is safe to travel to.

However, if you are planning to visit Jordan, I recommend checking Middle Eastern news frequently throughout the day. While most of Jordan is overall safe to visit, the region as a whole is still volatile. Things can escalate rapidly and change on a dime’s notice. Jordanian airspace was briefly closed in April of 2024 after Iran shot rockets towards Israel. Flights returned to normal shortly after when it was deemed safe to do so. Being informed of events will keep you aware and at ease to fully enjoy your time in Jordan.

When should you visit Jordan

Jordan is a desert country. Naturally, it can get pretty hot. The best time to visit Jordan is between March and May or September and October. Exploring Wadi Rum and Petra will be more enjoyable thanks to favorable weather. May is usually the busiest month. It was one of the slowest years in memory when I visited due to the conflict in Gaza.

Surprisingly, Jordan also has a wet season and can get cold. The rainy season lasts from November to March. It occasionally even snows at Petra!

Travelers who visited during Ramadan have shared positive experiences with locals inviting them to break the fast and participate in public festivities at Eid. Sights and restaurants remain open as usual (it’s best to avoid eating in public to respect those observing the fast). Ramadan is also a quieter time to visit Jordan. 

Transportation in Jordan

The majority of people will arrive by Air at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. There are extensive flight routes connecting Amman to major cities across the world. It’s also possible to drive to Jordan from Palestine and the Iraqi, Syrian, and Saudi Arabian border crossings. Ferrying to Jordan from Egypt is possible at the port city of Aqaba.

Once you have arrived, there are a couple of ways to get around Jordan:

Taxis

One of the best ways to get around Jordan is by taxi. Jordan is a country heavily dependent on taxi’s. However, some of the taxi drivers do try to scam tourists. These are mainly the yellow taxis. Many of them will often hang around major tourist sights in Amman and will wave down tourists aggressively asking if they need a taxi. I do not recommend using these taxis as they often try to overcharge foreigners and locals alike.

The best way to find a taxi driver is through a designated taxi agency. Many taxi agencies can be found at the Amman airport. If you are happy with your driver’s service, ask for their whats app number and set up times you need transportation throughout your trip. This will help you avoid the stress of being overcharged. Unless a price is agreed upon before the ride, the cab driver should start the meter.

Ride Share Apps:

An alternative to taxis are rideshare apps. The most common rideshare apps in Jordan are Uber and Careem. You can also schedule rides to Petra and Wadi Rum using ride shares in Jordan.

Public Transportation in Jordan 

Jordan offers some public transportation options. Public buses known as JETT connect major cities and tourist attractions in Jordan. Each route has several daily trips. I read mixed reviews about the JETT buses. I recommend showing up early before the bus departs and expect possible delays.

There are also smaller unofficial minibuses throughout the country. I wouldn’t recommend using these as they are more crowded and many run without air conditioning. They also seem a little sketchy.

Driving in Jordan

Driving is one of the best ways to get around Jordan. Having my own car allowed me the most flexibility to see the country on my own timeframe. 

Jordan is one of the most affordable countries I have rented a car in. Rentals start at $20 to $25 a day. To drive in Jordan, you need to be 18 years old and have a driver’s license. Technically, you should have an international driver’s license when driving in Jordan. The rental company did not ask for an international driver’s license and the police didn’t request one at highway checkpoints. To play it safe, you can obtain an international driver’s license in the United States for around $20. I also added some additional insurance with the car rental company before starting my Jordanian road trip and took pictures of all sides of the car.

Road conditions vary greatly in Jordan. The main highways in Jordan are well paved and maintained while smaller roads can be rugged and treacherous. Luckily, all of the main sights are along highways and larger roads. Road signs are in both Arabic and English and Google Maps and Waze are very reliable. 

Speed Bumps

Pay Attention for Speed Bumps. One thing unusual about Jordanian roads is the amount of speed bumps present. They are everywhere. You really have to pay attention or you can seriously damage your car or hurt yourself. On highways, speed bumps can be found every couple of miles.

Traffic and Driving in Amman:

Driving in Jordan’s major cities and capital, Amman, is complete chaos. A swarm of cars cutting each other off at the last minute and an unending sound of car horns make driving a total nightmare. I considered driving in Amman, but every travel source I came across advised against it. I highly discourage driving in Amman unless you are familiar with these types of disorganized driving conditions.

During my first three days in my 5 day guide to Jordan, I used a taxi to get around Amman, Jerash, Madaba, and the Jordan Valley and then rented a vehicle at the airport to drive south to Petra and Wadi Rum before departing the country. This made it very easy to return my car before continuing my travels in the Middle East.

5 Day Jordan Itinerary 

Day 1: Step Back in Time at the Amman Citadel and Discover Downtown Amman

In my view, Amman is the best place to start your journey in Jordan. Amman surprised me and it quickly became on of my favorite cities I have visited. It has an unpretentious yet charming atmosphere and boasts an up-and-coming art scene. Amman gave me an authentic introduction to what life in Jordan is like. I would recommend staying in the Jabal Al-Weibdeh neighborhood of Amman. The quaint, winding streets have coffee shops, vivid wall murals, and several art galleries. In the evening young people come to smoke shisha and sip chai on the hilltops overlooking the hazy city lights of Amman.

I stayed at the BulBul Bed and Breakfast and had an amazing stay. It was in a very safe and centrally located part of Jabal Al-Webdeh and was in close proximity to the cities most important sights and the bustling streets of Downtown Amman. The room furnishings were a blend of traditional Jordanian and modern elements, creating a cozy retreat from the commotion of the city. The views of the densely urbanized and layered hills of Amman was also stunning .

walk to the top of the amman citadel

I started my first day in Jordan’s capital by walking up to the Citadel of Amman. This is best place to get panoramic views of the entire city. I enjoyed walking up to the citadel rather than driving. Walking allowed me to discover the city on foot and was mentally rewarding once I reach the top. It is a hilly walk and felt like a light workout. The Citadel of Amman became my favorite place in the city. The citadel contains Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins. Friday and Saturday is the weekend in Jordan, so the Citadel is usually packed with travelers and locals alike.

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF DOWNTOWN AMMAN

After catching one of the most spectacular sunsets of my life and hearing the call to prayer over the cities countless pencil thin minerets, I began walking down hill towards the lively commotion of Downtown Amman. The streets of Downtown Amman come to life at night. Bakhoor incense, Arabian oud, Middle Eastern antiques, and mouth-watering shawarma ignite the senses. I got lost in the maze of shops and the bright lights of the most bustling neighborhood in Amman. The price of local produce, spices, and meats are aggressively haggled over in Downtown’s many souks. I ended my first day by indulging in the best of Jordanian cuisine at Hashem Restaurant Downtown. Even King Abdullah II and his family have eaten here!

Day 2: Day Trip to Jerash and More of Amman 

DAY TRIP TO THE ROMAN RUINS OF JERASH

I set my alarm early and headed out for a day trip to the fascinating archaeological city of Jerash. Just under an hour away from Amman, Jerash contains one of the best preserved Roman city ruins in the entire world. I connected with my taxi driver I met at the airport to transport me to Jerash from Amman.

The ancient city of Jerash is a fascinating place. It rivals any of the ruins I have seen in Greece or Rome itself. Jerash was once a powerful epicenter of trade and the stopping point for caravan journeys in the Eastern Mediterranean. First built by the Greeks, the Romans completely enhanced the face of Jerash. They built broad roads, impressive temples, a large amphitheater, and an arena for chariot racing. There are also ruins of Christian churches from the Byzantine period. I would recommend dedicating 2 or 3 hours to completely explore the archaeological site of Jerash. 

Note: I arrived as soon as the gates opened. This gave me the opportunity to explore without any other tourists and get the best pictures. Jerash can get busy due to school field trips and other tourist groups. Check the opening time here, as opening and closing hours vary throughout the year.

ROMAN AMPHITHEATER OF AMMAN AND EXPLORE MORE OF THE CITY

The rest of the afternoon I dedicated to discovering more of Amman. I visited the King Abdullah I Mosque with its grand blue dome and modern Islamic architecture. The interior is grand with a giant chandelier and traditional Islamic designs. It is one of the only mosques in Jordan open to non-muslim visitors. Right across the street, I visited the Coptic Patriarchate and Greek Orthodox Church to learn about the contributions of the Christian minorities in Amman and the religious diversity of the city.

Next, I headed over to the Roman Amphitheater of Amman. Protruding out of the hills and blending in to the densely packed, earth-tone apartments, the Amphitheater of Amman is one of the most lively places in the city. Climb to the top of the Amphitheater to soak up the views of the city from up high. In front of the Amphitheater, there are usually local kids playing soccer and regular family gatherings. I finished the day by exploring more of the markets and bustling streets of Downtown Amman. Check out the Ajwa Al Balad Restaurant which serves Middle Eastern food and shisha. The restaurant has a large wooden balcony that overlooks the hustle and commotion of the city below.

//Definitive Travelers Guide to Amman (COMING SOON)

Day 3: Experience the Spiritual and natural treasures of the jordan valley

Al-maghtas: The Sight of Jesus Baptism

Day 3 of my 5 day journey to Jordan started with another early morning. I started my day visiting Al-Maghtas , the Baptism Sight of Jesus. It is around 1 hr and 15 minute drive from Amman. I arrived at the visitor center and was greeted by a representative of the Baptism sight. I payed 12 Jordanian Dinar to enter (the equivalent of 17 US Dollars). The ticket is not included in the Jordan Pass.

Our guide drove us to the baptismal site on a small bus. The first stop was the historical spot where Jesus was baptized, marked by a small cross pool. This is also known as the well of John the Baptist. Although the direction of the Jordan River has changed over the years, an underground stream always runs at this spot and the location has never dried up. The validity of the location is agreed upon by the majority of Christian denominations.

There are many churches around the area including a Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, and Lutheran churches. we visited the Greek Orthodox Church of John the Baptist, a charming gold-domed chapel with beautiful icon frescos. Afterwards, I changed into a white robe to enter the Jordan River.

I then had the opportunity to enter and bathe in the waters of the Jordan River, the same waters Jesus was baptized in. It was a very spiritual experience. The Jordan River is not very wide at all and is divided by buoys to signify the Jordan and Israeli riverbanks. Guards occupy both sides of the river.

//Everything you need to know before visiting the Jordan Valley (COMING SOON)

The Dead Sea: The Lowest Place on Earth

After being enlightened by my visit to the Jordan River, my taxi driver who guided me around his incredible country for the last 3 days took me to one of the most unique natural wonders on earth, the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. No animals live in its waters. It is basically a ginormous saltwater lake. When I entered the waters of the Dead Sea, I immediately begin to float on my back. It is impossible to sink in the Dead Sea.

Treat the waters of the Dead Sea with caution though, as the salt water can burn your eyes and there have been accounts of people suffocating due to flipping on their stomach. One shoreline of the Dead Sea is in Jordan and the other side sits in Israel. The Dead Sea also has mud with special minerals which is very good for your skin. You can get public access to the shoreline at multiple locations. 

Note: It is advised to only stay in the water for around 15 minutes at a time. Any longer in the extremely salty water could irritate your skin. Rinse off in one of the natural springs or freshwater showers set up by locals along the Dead Sea highway. I would bring a large bottle of water to rinse off your skin just in case. Don’t forget a towel.

Mt Nebo: Overlooking the Promised Land

After the unforgettable experience of floating in the Dead Sea, I headed up to nearby Mt. Nebo, standing over 2,000 feet tall. On a clear day you can see the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, the West Bank, and even Jerusalem. According to the Hebrew Bible, this is the spot where Moses stood and overlooked the promised land.

There is a church with many mosaics inside that date back thousands of years. There is also a large bronze serpent statue that represents a snake Moses warded off from attacking the Israelites. My cab driver told me he helped repair the mosaics and welded the snake sculpture during the massive 25 year restoration of Mt. Nebo. His ten sons still work on the mosaics. If you have some extra time, grab a quick bite to eat in the nearby town of Madaba, and see the incredible mosaics of St. George Greek Orthodox church, showing a Byzantine mosaic map of Jordan and Palestine.

For a complete itinerary and guide to visiting the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, and Mt. Nebo, check out. my blog on making the most of a day trip to the Jordan Valley (COMING SOON).

Rental car pickup and drive to petra

I said goodbye to my taxi driver and new friend and picked up my rental car to drive to the ancient city of Petra, which is located south in the modern town of Wadi Musa (the valley of Moses). I picked up my rental car at the Amman airport for an easy return upon departing Jordan. The drive from the airport to Wadi Musa took me between 3 hr and 30 minutes to 4 hrs. This included a gas refill and many stops along the highway to pickup a cup of Arabic coffee from a makeshift road-side shack.

I recommend allotting 4 hours to get to Wadi Musa before sunset. You don’t want to be driving in the dark as most of the final roads are completely unlight and there is the possibility of hitting an unexpected pothole or camel.The most common route is via the desert highway. After this, follow the big brown signs marking the direction to the Archaeological site of Petra. Google Maps or Waze work great and prevented me from getting lost.

After arriving in Petra, I had dinner at one of the local restaurants. Petra Night serves great Middle Eastern and local Jordanian dishes. It was a great place to refuel and relax after the drive and full day.

Day 4: Discover The Ancient City of Petra: One of the Wonders of the World.

Exploring the ancient city of Petra was one of the most remarkable and exciting things I did in Jordan. With Intricate rock-cut buildings adorned with beautiful columns, porches, and designs, Petra transported me back in time to the mighty Nabatean civilization. Once the epicenter of global trade networks that inspired the movement of goods and ideas, visiting Petra opened my imagination. This grand and dignified rose-red city in the desert includes many homes, temples, and tombs. The city was influenced by various societies, taking inspiration from the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Arabs, yet creating something completely distinct.

The decline of Petra began as trade routes shifted away from the Arabian desert and a massive earthquake heavily damaged infrastructure and many buildings. Forgotten for centuries, Petra was rediscovered by a Swiss adventurer in the 19th century and gained global attention when it was named one of the seven wonders of the modern world and protected UNESCO World Heritage Sight.

MAJOR SIGHTS IN THE ANCIENT CITY OF PETRA

The most famous building in Petra is the Treasury of Petra (Al Khazna). Carved into a cliff, this two-story masterpiece is the most iconic symbol of Petra. The Treasury is best known for its intricate facade and its pristine architectural details carved into the protruding rose colored canyon. Continue walking on the path to the right to discover many of the countless other “petras” that line the canyon and trails that venture off the main road. There are too many to see in one day, so pick a path, spread out, and enjoy exploring the city.

The Monastery of Petra

It’s worth the trek to the Monastery of Petra. This is the most impressive structure in Petra. It is a lot larger and wider than the Treasury. The path up to the Monastery is several miles and takes around 45 minutes to walk. It includes nearly a thousand sandstone steps. I decided to take a donkey up to the top of the Monastery. It was a fun way to see the city and the surrounding canyons.

A full day is sufficient time to explore Petra. I was able to marvel at the most impressive buildings while getting to venture off on many paths to discover hidden corners of the legendary and iconic city. Start your day when the gates open at 6 a.m. to avoid the worst of the heat and the crowds.

After leaving Petra, I took a road to the top of Wadi Musa to watch the sunset and hear the call to prayer drift through the valley. On Fridays and Saturdays (the weekend in Jordan), there are sometimes bedouin barbecues on the hills. I was invited to enjoy a chicken BBQ over a homemade fire.

//Everything you need to know before visiting the ancient city of Petra

Day 5: Day Trip to wadi rum protected area

I checked out of my hotel in Wadi Musa early and drove south to the Wadi Rum Protected Area. It tooked me around an hour and a half to get to Wadi Rum. I went south on the King’s Highway and the Desert Highway before getting off on smaller roads that lead to the entrance of the Wadi Rum. Lookout for groups of wild camels as you approach Wadi Rum. You will first need to stop at the entrance to purchase or validate your ticket. Tickets are included in the Jordan Pass.

Once I entered the Wadi Rum preserve, I meet my guide who showed me the wonders of the desert. I booked with Wadi Rum Bedouin Guide. My guide Feras was fantastic. Depending on how much time you have before your flight will dictate how long you have to explore the desert.

Wadi Rum Desert Tours

Wadi Rum is a desert park comprising almost 300 miles of majestic sandstone mountains, unique rock formations, and open desert expanses. I sat in the back of a covered pickup truck and enjoyed the breathtaking views. It was a little bit of a bumpy ride, but in my opinion it added to the experience. It truly felt like I had been teleported to Mars. Along the way, my driver stoped at the best places to sightsee and take photos. My tour lasted four hours, and I thought it was enough time to fully experience and enjoy the Wadi Rum desert.

After my tour of Wadi Rum, I grabbed an chicken shawarma sandwich at one of the two local cafes and drove 3 hrs and 30 minutes back to the Amman airport to return my rental car. I had a sad feeling leaving Jordan, it was one of the most authentic and inspiring places I had visited. A glimmer of happiness dawned at the thought of returning someday, Inshallah.