Jordan
Jordan
What to do?
Culture?
When to go?
Practical guide?
Travel to Jordan
Why traveling to Jordan?
Food
Exceptional flavours from the Middle East and Bedouin specialities will charm you. (see more)
People
The Bedouins, the sand people, are from Jordan. These nomadic shepherds live in tribes, mostly in the mountains of Jordan. (see more)
Landscape
From the capital of Amman, with its population of over 4 million, to the absolute calm of the Wadi Rum desert, Jordan is a haven of peace where you'll find a wide variety of breathtaking landscapes. (see more)
What to do?
1. Aqaba
Located in the south of Jordan on the border with Israel, Aqaba is a small town by the sea. It is surrounded by the Red Sea and the desert. From here, you can see the coastline of Eilat in Israel. The city covers 375 square kilometers. King Hussein airport, 10km from Aqaba city center, is a small airport where it's a good idea to land when visiting Jordan (to save money!) ( (Here is why)
This seaside town will charm you with its market and its many local restaurants. You'll find several small spice and tea stores selling Jordanian specialities. The local population in the town is very welcoming, and the locals will take the time to help you sample Jordanian products. During my trip to Jordan, I was very surprised by the kindness of the locals and their generosity (the locals love to offer you food and drink, and as it's rude to refuse, you'll have to eat, so don't plan to diet in Jordan!) The city of Aqaba is not very well known for tourism, which is why I recommend a visit. I personally fell in love with this little town.
2. Wadi Rum
The Wadi Rum desert, also known as the Valley of the Moon, extends over 740 square kilometers and forms the border with Saudi Arabia. This desert is a true haven of peace. You can enjoy a wide range of activities, from 4X4 driving to hot-air ballooning. There's something for everyone! The landscapes are worthy of postcards! Temperatures are very hot in summer and very cold in winter in the Wadi Rum desert. Remember to take sunglasses and a scarf to cover your face, as the wind never sets in the desert (the sand blows your hair out and above all burns your eyes!) I recommend spending a night in the desert to watch the stars (it's breathtaking, but also freezing!) Several idyllic hotels can be found in the desert, including the famous bubble hotel. The Wadi Rum desert is clearly a must-see for your future trip to Jordan! (Only if you're equipped). https://hotellook.tp.st/iAewM1UR) can be found in the desert, including the famous Bubble Hotel. The Wadi Rum desert is clearly a must for your future trip to Jordan! (Only if you're equipped).
3. Petra
Petra is also known as the Pink City. This is due to the variations in color of the stones on the Petra site. It is Jordan's best-known tourist attraction and one of the most famous archaeological sites for its famous rock-hewn structures and well-preserved ruins. How can we talk about Jordan without mentioning the famous Petra treasure? You can see it about 30-40 minutes from the site entrance. The site is very large (264 sq. km) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's very popular, which means it's often very crowded, especially in the afternoon. I recommend that you get to Petra early (as soon as it opens for the more motivated, which is at 6 a.m.) to avoid the crowds and enjoy the site's magnificent scenery (I visited the treasure in the late afternoon and I can tell you that it doesn't look like the photos on Instagram where there's no one there! Be prepared for crowds if you come during those hours!) There are several hikes you can do, including the one up to the monastery in the upper mountains (be careful, it's cardio!). You can also see the Bedouins, a tribe who live in the mountains of Jordan with their animals (be careful not to be swindled by them, who will try various means). See here
Petra is a very large city, so I recommend you spend at least two days there to enjoy the beauty of the place.
Get your tickets for the Petra site: https://www.visitpetra.jo
4. Wadi mujib
Wadi Mujib is the lowest nature reserve in the world, located at the entrance to the Dead Sea. Here you'll be able to observe a great biodiversity and enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the region. You'll be able to take part in a variety of activities, including canyoning and hikes, some of which take you underwater. Depending on the season and rainfall, you'll also be able to enjoy natural swimming pools.
Please note that some hikes in Wadi Mujib are only accessible in summer and others only in winter, depending on weather conditions. (I was fooled! I hadn't made any enquiries and unfortunately the site was closed that day).
5. Amman
Jordan's famous capital of over 1680km squared with a population of over 4 million (2016). This large, densely populated city is certainly a tourist destination, as Queen Alia airport is located some 35km from the center of Amman.
Amman's citadel is a must-see, offering an unobstructed view of the entire city (this is where you realize just how dense it is). In the lower streets of the city, you'll find markets and souks with lots of local produce (watch out for the smells!) The locals aren't used to seeing tourists in the streets of Amman, so I advise you to cover up in order to respect the religion that is very present in Amman (as everywhere in the country). It's not a city I really enjoyed, but I'd still recommend a visit (the cultural change of scenery of Amman's markets is a must-see).
6. Jerash
The ancient city of Jerash, just 48km north of Amman, is the best-preserved Roman city in the world. The buildings are wonderfully well maintained and the city is magnificent. Jerash is home to ruins, a Roman theater, a forum, temples and much more. It's a must-see destination for lovers of architecture and history, immersing you in the past of the Roman Empire.
Dead see
Located between Jordan and Israel, the Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world (around 30% salt). This very salty water prevents all plant and fish species from thriving (no risk of encountering sharks!) It is the lowest point on the surface of the globe, with an altitude of less than 400 meters below sea level. It's essential to take a dip in the Dead Sea (you'll feel like you're floating on air!) Swimmers will be disappointed not to be able to swim in the Dead Sea (movement is limited). The waters of the Dead Sea are rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium and potassium, and are renowned for their therapeutic virtues and relaxing effects (beware, ladies and gentlemen, these salty waters will make you grow hair fast!) I recommend that you rinse off after your swim, as the very salty water is aggressive to the skin.
The Culture
Food
Jordan's food scene features a multitude of dishes from the Middle East.
Jordan's traditional dish is Mansaf, This dish is made with white rice, lamb and a goat's milk sauce called “le jameed”. (I recommend this dish if you're really hungry!)
Another dish named Maqlubawhich means “upside down”, is also very hearty. It's made with rice, vegetables and pieces of lamb. There are different ways of composing this dish by varying the vegetables, but most of the time eggplants and potatoes are used. As its name suggests, this dish is prepared in a pot, which is turned out onto a serving platter for eating. It is accompanied by plain yoghurt, to make the dish creamier.
The Zarb is a Bedouin specialty consisting of chicken or lamb (sometimes both) cooked for long hours over vegetables and rice. This typical Bedouin dish has a smoky taste.
Mansaf
Traditional Jordanian dish
Maqluba
Hearty dish
You've probably already heard about the wonderful falafels from Jordan. This dish is made from chickpeas mixed with herbs such as parsley or coriander and spices. Dumplings are formed from the dough and then fried in oil.
How can we talk about Jordan without mentioning houmous ? Also known as Mezze, this specialty is made from chickpeas mixed in a sesame paste, accompanied by several Arab spices. Hummus is eaten with pita bread or falafel.
One of Jordan's favourite dishes is the labneh. This is a white yogurt with cheese that can be eaten with bread or vegetables.
The famous shawarma is a meat or chicken sandwich found in most Arab countries. The sandwich is made with spices, gherkins, onions and sauce.
Humus
Mixed chickpeas
Labneh
White yogurt with cheese
Shawarma
Meat or chicken sandwich
Vegetarian
For vegetarians, the Warak Enab is for you. It's a vine leaf stuffed with rice, parsley and tomatoes.
The most popular Jordanian dessert is the kanafeh. This is not a classic dessert, as its main ingredient is cheese. To this we add butter, syrup and strands of dough called kadayif. The mix of all these ingredients goes very well together (honestly, when someone mentions cheese in a sweet dessert, I'm inclined to say yuck! Well, this was one of my culinary favorites of Jordan).
Warak Enab
Vine leaf stuffed with rice, parsley and tomatoes
Kanafeh
Classic Jordanian dessert
The bedouin
The Bedouin, also known as the Sand People, are shepherds who live in tribes in the mountains of Jordan.
Bedouins are nomads who have long lived in the deserts of the Middle East region, particularly in Jordan.
Bedouins live in goat-hair tents woven in the mountains of Jordan and also in the desert. They protect themselves from the cold at night by weaving large blankets from sheep's wool. Bedouins live with their animals: camels, goats and sheep. You'll have the chance to see them if you visit the Petra site and the Wadi Rum desert, where the Bedouin are very present. They are renowned for their hospitality and generosity towards visitors. They often welcome travelers with tea and Jordanian specialties.
Jordan's population is around 90% Muslim and 8% Christian. Religion is part of their way of life, and it is very important to respect it.
When to go?
Winter
In Jordan, winter runs from December to March Temperatures are cool and it can even snow! (Yes, you read that right, snow in Jordan!) Cities in the south can reach 23 degrees, but in the north of the country, such as the capital Amman or Petra, temperatures are around 5-15 degrees during the day.
Spring
Spring is from March to May, with pleasant temperatures and sunny days. In my opinion spring and autumnare the most pleasant seasons to visit Jordan. You'll enjoy pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and discovering this magnificent country!
Summer
From de juin jusqu’au mois d’août, c’est l’été en Jordanie. Les températures sont très élevées surtout dans le sud du pays. Dans la ville d’Aqaba, celles-ci peuvent atteindre les 45 degrés. Concernant le nord du pays, les températures ne dépassent jamais les 32 degrés.
Autumn
In Autumn, from September to November le climat s’adoucit et redevient plus agréable avec des températures similaires au printemps. Attention à prendre en compte les périodes de ramadan. La Jordanie étant un pays principalement musulman, lors de cette période beaucoup de changements sont à prendre en compte.
Practical guide
All you need to know about your trip to Jordan
Documents
Pour se rendre en Jordanie, vous aurez besoin d’un a valid passeport for 6 months after departure date.
Si vous arrivez à l’aéroport de Queen Alia, il vous faudra a visa pour que vous pourrez vous procurer avant le départ ou directement sur place à l’aéroport.
There are different types of visa. To visit Jordan, you will need a tourist visa, qui vous permettra de rester 30 ou 90 jours à compter de la date du jour d’entrée dans le pays. Le coût du visa est d’environ 90 JOD (environ 51 CHF).
If you arrive at King Hussein airport in the city of Aqaba, you won't need to pay for a visa - it will be given to you as soon as you enter the country, and will be free of charge. Being a Special Economic Zone (ASEZA), travelers entering from Aqaba get their visa free of charge. A great advantage if you're looking to save money.
Documents
Documents required for departure
Passport
Valid 6 months after return date
Visa
Tourist visa
Jordan Pass
What is the Jordan Pass? It's a pass that allows you to save money and time during your stay in Jordan. The pass is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
There are different Jordanian passes:
- The wanderer pass costs 70 JOD (approx. 89 CHF) and gives you access to Petra for 1 day, access to over 40 attractions and visa included in the pass.
- The 75 JOD (approx. 95 CHF) explorer pass gives you access to Petra for 2 days, access to over 40 attractions and visa included in the pass.
- The expert pass costs 80 JOD (approx. 102 CHF) and gives you access to Petra for 3 days, access to over 40 attractions and visa included in the pass.
The Jordan pass is very beneficial if you arrive from Queen Alia airport in Amman and wish to visit several sites in Jordan.
Costs
Very inexpensive hotels are less than 15 JOD a night (about 19 CHF). However, if you want to stay in a chic hotel, it will cost you around 60 to 120 JOD (approx. 76 to 153 CHF).
In restaurants, a dish per person can cost as little as 5 JOD (approx. 6 CHF) and as much as 25 JOD (approx. 32 CHF).
If you don't have a Jordan pass, you'll have to pay more for on-site activities. See here
Admission to Petra for one day is JOD 50 (approx. CHF 64), for two days JOD 55 (approx. CHF 70) and for three days JOD 60 (approx. CHF 76).
Locals, especially guides, expect tips. They are about 3 JOD (about 4 CHF) per day.
Costs
Hôtel
19 CHF – 153 CHF per night
Restaurant
6 CHF – 32 CHF
Recommended duration
I personally advise you to plan between 7 to 10 days on the spot. No more, no less. Since Jordan is a country with a lot of desert, there aren't many main places to visit. That's why a week is the ideal length of stay! You'll have plenty of time to visit each place and enjoy yourself without stress.
Currency
Money in Jordan is Jordan dinar which is around 1.27 CHF Swiss.
Airport
There are two main airports in Jordan:
- The international airport of Queen Alia is located in northern Jordan, about 35km south of the capital Amman.
- The international airport of King Hussein is located in the southern Jordan about 10km north of Aqaba.
On-site travel
I recommend renting a car to get around. Roads are in good condition and accessible. To rent a car, all you need is your national driving license. You need to be between 21 and 79 years old, with between 1 and 2 years' driving experience (depending on the agency you rent from).
Public transport is practically non-existent on the territory. If you don't have a license or don't like driving abroad, then you can get a private cab with a private driver who will take you wherever you want to go.
Vaccine
No vaccinations are required to visit Jordan, except for yellow fever for travelers from high-risk countries.
The recommended vaccines are the universal vaccines: tetanus, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis B.
Vaccines against hepatitis A and typhoid fever are highly recommended because of food-borne infections.
The vaccine against rage is essential for rural or long-term stays.
Health situation
The health situation in Jordan is good. The hospital in Amman is very satisfactory. There is therefore no risk of repatriation for health reasons.
Security
Conflicts in neighboring countries (Israel, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, Iraq, Egypt) may have certain repercussions on Jordan. There is
Public transport is practically non-existent on the territory. If you don't have a license or don't like driving abroad, then you can get a private cab with a private driver who will take you wherever you want to go.
Tips
- Rent a car to get around (the price of a full tank of gas is around 25 JOD (about 32 CHF).
- Landing at Aqaba (King Hussein airport) is more cost-effective.
- Take an adapter, as most sockets are English.
- Take shoes for bathing in the Dead Sea (the salt crystals are very sharp).
Emergency number
911
Recommended duration
7 to 10 days
Currency
Dinar Jordanien
VISA / Passport
Visa and passport mandatory
Vaccine
No vaccine mandatory
Airport
Queen Alia et King Hussein
On-site travel
Car
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