Jordan Tourism
Region: Middle East , Western Asia
View 3 places to visit
Ideal duration: 7 - 10 days
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Best time: March-May and Mid-September to Mid-November (Read More)
Budget: Moderate
"The Land of Mesmerizing Beauty"
Also known as the 'Lawrence of Arabia', Jordan is a spectacle of a destination. Jordan is packed with grand structures and hints of old civilisations. Petra, a city in Jordan, is said to be over 2000 years old. Apart from the old civilisations, another important aspect is the biblical evolution of the society that is evident in some of its structures. Hospitality is a very important part of the culture and thus, everywhere you go, you will receive a very warm welcome.
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Tourist Places In Jordan
Regions in Jordan
Jordan is divided into four regions: Northern Jordan, King's Highway, Eastern Desert and Southern Desert. As the names suggest, Northern Jordan marks the Northern region of the country and Eastern and Southern Desert regions mark the respective regions of the Wadi Rum. King's Highway is the region that extends from Madaba to Petra. It has been named so after an ancient trade route that followed the same path.
Best time to visit Jordan
March-May and Mid-September to Mid-November is the best time to visit Jordan
The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring season (March to May) which is also the peak season and is considered ideal for visiting this Arab country. The spring season is the best time to view the nature of this desert country. The maximum high temperature at this time is around 20 degrees Celsius. It does rain in March, so enough moisture is added to the air. The spring also brings colour to the land. Due to the pleasant weather, tourists can visit sites like Petra and Amman, which get extremely hot during the summer months. Another great time to visit Jordan will be during the Shoulder season of the Autumn months, which lasts from mid-September to mid-November. Many people also like to visit Jordan during the summer months, which lasts from June to August. But it gets excruciatingly hot at this time. If you want to visit a nearly empty Jordan, then you can target the start of December when the winter isn't full blown. The Winter months are Offseason in Jordan, and not many activities are possible for the visitors. People who are looking forward to visiting the coastal town of Aqaba can do so throughout the year and enjoy by the sea.
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Picturesque locations. Great hospitality. Amazing architecture.
The threat of terrorist attacks. Strict law enforcement. Not very safe to visit obscure areas in cities.
History buffs. Architecture enthusiasts. People with a keen interest in cultural history.
Stay options in Jordan
There are a variety of stay options available depending on your budget, ranging from rooftop cottages to luxurious hotels. Hospitality is a key feature of the culture in Jordan and thus, be assured of a good treatment wherever you go. Another great way to experience Jordan is in camps. The camps are of Bedouin style and are a great alternative to the conventional hotel stays. You can also rent private apartments for the duration of the stay.
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Currency of Jordan
Notes are in denominations of JD 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of JD 1, 1/2 and 1/4; 10, 5, 2 and 1/2 piastres; and 1 and 1/2 qirsh. The dinar is also known as the Leerah in the local language. All foreign currencies can easily be exchanged in Jordan.
Exchanging Money in Jordan
One Dinar is equal to 100 piastres or qirsh. ATMs can be found in most places. Essentially Jordan is a cash society. However, the more high-end hotels do accept cards. Traveller's cheques issued by UK banks in Sterling, Euros or US dollars are accepted by licensed banks and bureaux de change and can be exchanged for the Dinar. Otherwise, foreign currency is generally not accepted as legal tender.
Nightlife in Jordan
Nightlife culture in Jordan is not that popular except in Amman, where you can find many nightclubs, bars and pubs. In smaller places, coffee shops are often a social hub after dark; men, or couples, may feel more comfortable here than solo women.
Shopping in Jordan
Most towns have a market selling everything from meat and liveÊchicken to clothes and jewelry. The local handicraft items, JewelryÊand gold ornaments are a must buy. A unique and wonderful local handicraft item is the ostrich egg painting: the paint is applied with needle pricks, and designs can take weeks to complete.
Festivals of Jordan
There are numerous festivals that are celebrated in Jordan. Locals celebrate Muharram (marking the beginning of the Muslim New Year), King Abdullah II's Birthday, Azraq Festival, Amman International Theatre Festival, Jordan Independence day, Jordan Rally, Army Day, Ramadan, Eid, King Hussein Day and many other small festivals.
History of Jordan
Jordan has a very interesting history. Before the 20th century, Jordan was seen as part of the Syrian region. It is one of those places where the Stone-Age hunters gathered and settled for the first time. During the Iron Age, Jordan fought against Israel, Syria, Babylon and Persia before finally being occupied by the Greek. In 106 AD the Romans absorbed the Nabatean kingdom, building new roads across Jordan, beautifying cities and fortifying the desert frontier. After the Ottoman Turks were defeated during the Great Arab Revolt of 1916-17, Jordan won independence, first as a British colony in 1923 under Abdullah I and then in 1946 as an independent kingdom.
Hygiene in Jordan
Jordan has excellent hospitals in large towns and cities. The standard of healthcare is very high and it is one of the primary healthcare cities in the Middle East. For tourists, special precautions need to be taken for Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Rabies. The tap water and local food is safe to consume.
Customs of Jordan
Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Jordanians are proud of their Arab culture. Arabic coffee will often be served continuously during social occasions. To signal that no more is wanted, slightly tilt the cup when handing it back, otherwise it will be refilled. If invited for dinner, a small gift is customary to give to the host. Women are expected to dress modestly and beachwear must only be worn at private beaches or poolside and not in public beaches. They must always keep their shoulders and knees covered, to honor and respect the traditions and culture in Jordan.
Tips for visiting Jordan
You should be cautious at all times and keep updated on the situation in the country through news and reports so that you do not fall prey to or are caught as a hostage in a situation of a terror attack. Law enforcement is strict, therefore always cooperate with the police and officials. Do not roam around in small groups in obscure or disconnected areas.
Culture of Jordan
Islam is the majority religion in Jordan with over 92% Sunni Muslim, about 2% Shi'a and Druze Muslim population along with a Greek Orthodox Christian minority of 6% of the population. The official language is Arabic. Other languages spoken include English, French, ItalianÊGerman,Êand Spanish. The culture in Jordan does not impose Islam on the residents. The people are open-minded and tolerant of other religions. They are generally very helpful and act as great hosts and guides since Hospitality is a very important part of their culture.
Food of Jordan
Jordan has some of the best falafels in the entire world. Falafel is a patty made from ground chickpeas and fava beans. One can savour the entire mezze meal which includes tabbouleh, pickled vegetables, falafel, olives, labneh, hummus, fattoush and pita bread.
The other dishes that you must try include: Moutabel (an eggplant dip)
Garlic, onion, herbs tomato sauce and lemon are main flavours of Jordanian dishes. The dishes are cooked in Olive Oil. Warak enab, (stuffed grape leaves) and kousa mahshi (stuffed zucchini), are other popular dishes of the country.
Baklava, halva, knafeh and qatayeh are other popular desserts majorly prepared as a part of celebrations.
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