Exploring Jordan: A Traveler's Guide
Jordan Visa (for some nationalities)
Regarding the visa, please check current requirements from your country as the Jordan Pass situation can change. Check with your embassy for the latest information.
Amman
Getting Around Amman
From Queen Alia International Airport, head to the main exit and take the airport bus (3 JD, departs every half hour) to 4th Circle. From there, a taxi to your downtown hotel (near 1st Circle) should cost about 2 JD. Within downtown Amman, walking or taking a taxi (around 1 JD per trip) are convenient. For longer distances, expect to pay about 2.5 JD for an 8km taxi ride. Be sure to use a meter and show the driver the destination on your map.
Where to Eat in Amman
For authentic and affordable Jordanian food, try Shahrazad Restaurant and Hashem Restaurant Downtown (expect to pay around 4-6 JD per main dish). For a taste of Knafeh, visit Habibah Sweets (be prepared to wait in line for 5-10 minutes, a quarter portion costs about 1.5 JD).
Things to Do in Amman
Take a stroll through the vibrant downtown area and visit the impressive Roman Theater.
Day Trip: Amman - Dead Sea - Wadi al Mujib - Amman
Numerous day tour options are available from Amman, ranging in price. Renting a car for a group is a good option. For solo or small groups, consider hiring a driver. I found a driver who offered a trip to Wadi al Mujib, the Dead Sea, and back to Amman for 40 JD. Keep in mind that the car didn't have air conditioning, but it was worth it for the price.
Wadi al Mujib
The drive from Amman to Wadi al Mujib takes about 2 hours. The entrance fee is 20 JD. Dry bag rentals cost 10 JD. Water shoes are 5 JD. Sandals are suitable too. Wadi al Mujib resembles a Grand Canyon with water. From the entrance, you'll hike, climb, and swim for about an hour and a half to reach the end point. The trail is moderately challenging, with some slippery stairs on rocky sections. For the best lighting, visit between 11 am and 1 pm.
Dead Sea
Many tours and hotels offer Dead Sea trips with entrance fees to resorts (around 20 JD), but you can visit the Dead Sea for free! Ask the driver to take you to Salt Beach (9GXX+7C, Sirfa). There you can float in the Dead Sea without paying resort fees. Freshwater showers are available for 1 JD per container. After enjoying the Dead Sea, head back to Amman around 5 pm.
Tip: Consider starting the tour a bit later, around 10 am, for cooler temperatures at the Dead Sea. Salt Beach doesn't have mud.
Aqaba
Aqaba is a good hub for visiting Wadi Rum. Be mindful of holidays as bus schedules may change.
Getting to Aqaba
There are two bus options from Amman to Aqaba:
- JETT Bus from 7th Circle (10 JD)
- Local bus from Amman South Bus Station (6 JD, departs at 1 pm)
Food in Aqaba
The prices in Aqaba seemed slightly higher than in Amman, and the food options were not particularly distinctive.
Things to Do in Aqaba
Visit the Japanese Garden. Diving and snorkeling are free. Don't be fooled by vendors selling entrance tickets. A taxi from the city center to this area should cost around 10 JD. You can negotiate a round trip for 15 JD.
Tip: Taxi fares within Aqaba are usually around 1 JD per trip.
Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is a desert landscape featuring both white and red desert sands. The red desert offers unique and striking scenery.
Getting to Wadi Rum
Take a taxi from Aqaba to Wadi Rum Village for 15 JD. Note that Wadi Rum Village and Wadi Rum Center (where you purchase tickets) are separate locations. Coordinate with your hostel (often run by Bedouins) to arrange a pickup point with the taxi driver.
Accommodation in Wadi Rum
Booking.com offers a range of options from budget-friendly to luxury tents. Budget accommodations primarily generate revenue through tours and dinners (around 10 JD). Confirm the pickup location and tour prices before booking (full-day tours range from 70 JD to 100 JD, half-day tours are around 50 JD). Inquire about the tour itinerary. Alternatively, you can stay at a tent (hostel) and explore nearby attractions on foot if you are budget conscious.
Food in Wadi Rum
Food quality and prices can vary depending on the hostel. Drinking water is often provided free of charge.
Tips for Wadi Rum
- Consider staying near Jebel Khazali for scenic views.
- Inquire about dinner and lunch prices when booking, as some accommodations include meals while others charge extra.
- If staying for two days, take a half-day tour on the first day to scout out the best spots.
- Check the Moon Phase before visiting Wadi Rum for Milky Way viewing.
