A 7-Day Itinerary for Jordan: the Best of Jordan

A 7-day itinerary in Jordan will hit the high notes and leave you in awe, but you will need a lifetime to explore this ancient land of rich cultural heritage, gracious hospitality and Habibah Sweets. Habibah Sweets is a long-established pastry shop that has been selling mouth-watering Jordanian sweets since 1951.

The best places to visit in Jordan certainly include Petra, one of the wonders of the archaeological world, but there is so much more to see and experience. Read on to learn all the marvels Jordan is famous for.

Jordan is a country full of awe-inspiring moments. From the ancient city of Umm Qais on the Syrian border to the cosmopolitan rooftops of Amman to the trendy resorts on the Gulf of Aqaba, Jordan stands out as a unique and fascinating destination.

I traveled to Jordan with Audley Travel because I wanted to maximize my trip there and see as much as possible within a short time. I had traveled with Audley in the past to New Zealand and knew my visit to Jordan would be hassle-free and cost effective.

Here is my best recommendation for a 7-day itinerary for Jordan covering the country’s highlights from north to south that would also work well for solo travel in Jordan.

My emphasis is on cultural immersion and interaction with local people, all with a heavy dose of the one thing what Jordan is most famous for, its breathtaking archaeology.  This is a fascinating country and Jordan’s attractions are among the world’s most impressive.

UMM QAIS: CAN’T MISS PLACES TO VISIT IN JORDAN

Umm Qais is an archaeological site close to the Syrian border about 2 hours northwest of Amman. It is the site of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gadara, reputed to be one of the most Hellenized cities of the ancient world.

The city was established by the Greeks in the 4th Century BCE and taken by the Romans in the 1st Century. It is truly a can’t miss Jordan landmark.

Umm Qais is a bit off the beaten track, but it is definitely worth it to add it to your Jordan itinerary. It can appear underwhelming as much of the archaeological sites are still not fully excavated, but you can easily visualize what a busy metropolis this must have been.

The big draws are the expansive views of the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. The little restaurant on site is a good place to enjoy the view while sipping a cup of the local jasmine tea or thick coffee.

Many of the locations in Jordan are featured in the bible. Umm Qais is mentioned as the location where Jesus cast out demons.

JERASH: ONE OF THE MOST DRAMATIC PLACES TO VISIT IN JORDAN

Jerash is breathtaking. The archaeology buff will not be disappointed. This is the site of the Greco-Roman settlement of Gerasa. Already settled for at least 6,500 years, the city boasts ruins as impressive as those of Ephesus in Turkey or any in the ancient world.

It is one of the best places to visit in Jordan, a remarkable Jordanian archeological site and a must to include in any 7-day itinerary for Jordan.

Jerash was an important city in Roman times with a population estimated at over 20,000 at its height. Invasions and a massive earthquake in 749 CE caused the city to be abandoned. It remained buried under sand for centuries until 1806 when it was rediscovered by a German explorer.

Excavations began and continue until present day. Looking at the well-preserved ruins of this large, ancient metropolis I can’t help wondering what that German explorer was thinking as his excavations uncovered increasingly impressive ruins.

Jerash requires several hours to appreciate. Must-see sights include Hadrian’s Arch, The Temple of Artemis and the Forum, an oval-shaped plaza surrounded by columns.

I would recommend hiring one of the multilingual guides at the visitor center. They will help you maximize your time and show you the best angles for photos.

AMMAN, JORDAN’S CAPITAL CITY

Of course, no visit to this fabled country would be complete without including its timeless capital of Amman in your 7-day Jordanian itinerary.

Amman is a city that reveals itself to you slowly. The more you walk the back alleys, taste the sweet and gooey desserts or watch a sunset from one of the many rooftop bars, the more you grow to appreciate this ancient city.

It is a teeming metropolitan area of 4 million. Some travelers use Amman merely as a transfer point on the way to the archaeological marvels of Petra and Jerash.

Although both Jerash and Petra are amazing and a must-see, it would be a big mistake to bypass Amman.

Amman merits a long leisurely visit. It needs to be savored. There are tons of fascinating things to do in Amman, Jordan in two days or more.

One of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities on earth, Amman grows on you as you peel back the layers of history going back to the Neolithic period.

Amman has soul. You see it in the graceful architecture of its mosques, temples and churches. You hear it in the melodic chants of the call to prayer.  You taste it in the nutty, honey desserts sold throughout the city, and you feel it in the smiles and hospitality of the people.

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN AMMAN IN 2 DAYS – DAY 1

VISIT THE NEW JORDAN MUSEUM

I found a wonderful museum by accident when the taxi driver misunderstood me and dropped me off at the Museum of Jordan instead of the Archaeological Museum.

This beautifully curated museum in downtown Amman offers multimedia exhibits presenting Jordanian culture in an engaging way. Artifacts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, date from pre-history to the modern age.

 A visit to the Jordan Museum will give you a good understanding of Jordanian culture so you can better appreciate Jordan’s archaeological treasures. This is one of the best things to do in Amman, Jordan.

I can’t understand why the Museum of Jordan doesn’t get more press. Maybe because it’s new?  It is a little gem of a place.

SAVOR THE STREETS OF AMMAN, JORDAN

What really distinguishes Amman is its streets. The walk from the Museum of Jordan to the Roman Theater takes you through a series of streets and alleys where Amman truly lives. Here is where you find the souks, restaurants, mosques, shops and wholesale markets frequented by the locals.

You won’t see many tourists here. What you will see are large bustling markets, ancient winding streets, mosques and little alleys that end in restaurants serving steaming slabs of lamb and fresh baked bread.

THE ROMAN AMPHITHEATER

Next, head to the Roman Amphitheater, but go there on foot either via King Talal Street or Queaish Street. Both will take you to the Amphitheater. 

The walk takes some time, about one to two hours depending on how long you linger, but it will take you through some of the more interesting parts of Amman where the locals shop and eat.  Strolling the streets of this ancient city is one of the most interesting things to do in Amman.

DOWNTOWN AMMAN, JORDAN

To continue with your heavy dose of authentic Amman, head to the heart of downtown Amman via Hashem Al-Amir Mohammad Street.

A can’t-miss sight in this area is the gold souk (market) where store windows dazzle and blaze with flashing displays of gold jewelry, and gold is sold by its weight.   Even if you don’t buy anything, it is an interesting sight.

When you get hungry, have a meal at Hashem Restaurant. This is an open-air restaurant on a busy street. They only serve appetizers or “mezze” a selection of Middle Eastern specialties like hummus, babaganoush (an eggplant and spices spread) and tabbouleh (a combination of cracked wheat, vegetables and spices) in large platters.

All this is served with freshly baked bread that is still hot when served. The bill will come to about 8USD rendering this meal one of life’s best bargains.

Leave room for dessert. A few doors down the street is Habibah Sweets, a local institution since 1951 serving kunafah, a traditional gooey, sweet, dessert masterpiece.  Seriously, you’ve got to try this.

Amman is a wonderland of fabulous foods.  It is one of the most exciting cities for local cuisine. For more tips of where to eat in Amman check out Best Breakfast in Amman. 

Out of all the things to do in Amman, Jordan, I found sampling the city’s food to be among the best.

You could easily spend the evening wandering around downtown exploring the coffee shops and restaurants.

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN AMMAN IN 2 DAYS – DAY 2

Where to stay in Amman

THE CITADEL

Besides the Roman Amphitheater, the Citadel of Amman is the other must-see attraction in your two-day itinerary in Amman.

The Amman Citadel is an archaeological site situated atop one of Amman’s seven hills in the downtown area.

The site is considered to be among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places with ruins from the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad, a Muslim dynasty from the 8th to 11th Centuries.

There is a little Archaeological Museum at the Citadel which explains the history of the area and displays artifacts dating from the Neolithic period. The major ruins at the site are a Byzantine church and the Temple of Hercules.

Despite this wealth of archaeological richness, the big draw at The Citadel of Amman is the view of the city. If you can experience this view during the soulful chants of the call to prayer, the moment is magical.

KING ABDULLAH MOSQUE

To appreciate yet another aspect of Amman, head to the King Abdullah Mosque.

This blue-domed landmark was built in 1989 and can house up to 7000 worshipers. The exquisitely decorated mosque is the only one in Amman that welcomes non-Muslim visitors.

The inside of the mosque is very beautiful with symmetrical designs and large open spaces for prayer. It is worth visiting to appreciate the artistry.

If you are a non-Muslim female and wish to visit the mosque, you’ll need to dress in a dark, all covering cloak known as a burqa. This can be borrowed from the on-site gift shop.

This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and get off the tourist track. 

You will admire the artistry and architecture of this and other mosques.  I find that visiting the city’s mosques is one of the most interesting things to do in Amman.

END YOUR 2 DAY AMMAN ITINERARY IN RAINBOW STREET

Having completed your Amman archeological and cultural sightseeing in the morning, it’s time to experience the chic side of the city. Head to Rainbow Street.

Rainbow Street is in a trendy part of town high in the Amman hills.

It is a wonderful neighborhood to wander and explore the quirky little shops and boutiques. 

As this street is so high on Amman’s hills, there are several lookout points that offer breathtaking views of the city below, especially of the Citadel.

This street is also a great option for lunch or dinner. If you want to sample a wide variety of local cuisines, take a self-guided food tour and enjoy the local foods; shawarma, waffles, curries, kebabs and sugar cane juice.

One specialty you cannot miss is the smoothies found throughout the city.

These are made with the freshest fruits and vegetables right in front of you; unusual concoctions involving pomegranates, pineapples, avocados, papaya, guava and kiwi that combine to be delicious and refreshing. Just point to what you want.

If you are in the mood to experience a more formal meal, head to Sufra Jordan, on Rainbow Street, specializing in traditional Jordanian food.

Another interesting location is Wild Jordan Center around the corner and down the street from Sufra.

This organization offers tours of the country and provides information on the activities of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). 

They also have a really cool gift shop selling organic products like soaps, toiletries, artworks and bags. They really have beautiful things and if you are looking for unique Jordanian souvenirs rather than mass-produced trinkets, this place is for you.

Wild Jordan Center also has a cozy café offering an organic menu. The views of the city from this angle are just amazing.

EXPERIENCE THE ROOFTOP VIEWS OF AMMAN, JORDAN

One more exceptional location of Rainbow Street is Cantaloupe Gastro Pub, on the corner of #10 Rainbow Street.  This is an elegantly appointed restaurant and bar with surprisingly reasonable prices. 

It looks and feels like the kind of place that would become your go-to favorite bar if you lived in Amman.

I had read that Cantaloupe Gastro Pub had a nice rooftop bar with spectacular views.  I love rooftop bars and wanted to catch the sunset there but I arrived off hours and the rooftop was closed!

Not only did the waiter let me in anyway, he prepared a little space for me where I could see the sunset.

He then made me a meal, served me a drink, put a heat lamp close to me because it was a little chilly. And he put the nicest music on the loudspeaker. All this even though the place wasn’t even open yet!

The waiter could have said “Sorry, we’re closed,” which is what I expected.

Instead, he created a perfect environment for a total stranger, and a pretty shabby stranger at that, as I had been on the road for some time.  I wish I had gotten the waiter’s name so I could tell his boss about his exceptional customer service.

I sat there happily sipping the local beer watching the sunset over a timeless view in an ancient city, when suddenly the soulful, melodic call to prayer erupted over the city. 

It was a perfect travel moment.  Moments like this are the reason you travel. It helped make this the perfect 2-day itinerary in Amman, Jordan.

Do your best to indulge in one of the top things to do in Amman, a rooftop experience.  It is truly memorable.

Let’s face it, you could spend your entire 7-day itinerary for Jordan just wandering around Amman. But there are still so many more Jordanian tourist attractions and archeological sites on the way. Say goodbye to this capital city and head south from Amman to Petra.

GOING FROM AMMAN TO PETRA

As a trip to Petra was part of the itinerary that I had scheduled with Audley Travel, I was very glad to be picked up early and promptly from my hotel and travel comfortably to Petra by car.

And a special call out to my driver, Hassan, who was always prompt and pleasant.

Click on the red waypoints on the map below to see details of the destination.

The best way to travel from Amman to Petra is south via the Kings Highway, a road that traverses soaring mountain and vast barren desert vistas.

This route is also dotted with interesting historical stops including Madaba, best known for its Byzantine era mosaics and another one of very interesting places to visit in Jordan.

Further south is Mount Nebo reputed to be the location where Moses was granted a view of the Holy Land before he died.

Mount Nebo is about 2,300 feet above sea level. On a clear day you can see the River Jordan, Jericho and even as far as Jerusalem. 

Atop the mountain is a small church built to commemorate Moses. The church also houses some beautiful mosaics from different periods. If you can’t get enough of mosaics, you need to see these.

They are similar in style to the mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale near Agrigento in Sicily.

The next notable town going south on the Kings Highway is Kerak with its brooding crusader castle dating from the 1100s.

It is a massive structure with multiple floors, remnants of large kitchens and dining rooms and stables on the lower floors. Don’t miss the tunnels crisscrossing the entire structure, used to transport people and goods during sieges.

With a little imagination you can envision crusaders, servants and camp followers going about their business one thousand years ago.

There is a lot to see on the King’s Highway from Amman to Petra.

Not only is the area home to wonderful archeological sites, but the road is dotted with little restaurants and souvenir shops. You may want to reserve one full day of your 7-day itinerary to Jordan just for this journey.

PETRA, THE MOTHER OF ALL PLACES TO VISIT IN JORDAN

For years I had always imagined what it would be like to see Petra for the first time.

I visualized walking between the massive walls of the Siq, the narrow, kilometer-long path that leads to the entrance of Petra, until, just after turning a corner I would see the Treasury, the iconic symbol of Petra shining like pink gold blazing between the brooding walls of the Siq.

It was as impressive as I imagined it would be. It is one of those travel moments that just overwhelms. 

Few experiences anywhere compare with that first view of Petra. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Jordan and what Jordan is famous for!

You can purchase a Petra ticket at the visitor center. A one-day visitor pass is about 70USD, less expensive if you purchase a multi-day stay. It is worth hiring a guide at the visitor center to maximize your trip. A reasonable tip for your guide is 5 to 10USD.

Petra, also called the pink city due to the color of the stone, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an archaeological wonder in southern Jordan. It is believed to have been inhabited since around 9,000 BCE. Can you imagine!

The city was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. The Nabataeans were a group of nomadic Arabs who capitalized on Petra’s proximity to trade routes by establishing the city as the major trade waystation in the area. 

It’s interesting to see the remnants of ancient writing and statues that appear to be advertising Petra as a location to exchange goods and accommodate travelers and their pack animals.

In its heyday, Petra had a population of over 20,000. Its strategic location, buried deep in the mountains, made it virtually impregnable and easy to defend. The Nabateans were also adept at collecting rainwater, the most valuable element in the desert.

The city prospered but fell to the Romans in the first Century CE. As sea trade routes became more important, Petra’s strategic value declined. A major earthquake in the 4th Century further damaged the city and by the Islamic era it was essentially abandoned.

Slowly but inexorably the desert sands covered the once majestic structures. Vandals defaced the monuments in search of treasure.

The soaring columns toppled onto the broad avenues and the once splendid city was forgotten. In 1812 a Swiss geographer, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered Petra after hearing rumors of a “marvelous city” in the Jordanian desert.

Where to stay in Petra

WHAT TO SEE IN PETRA

It is highly recommended that you hire a guide at the visitor’s center before you start the long walk into the city of Petra which requires at least one full day to see. Some visitors prefer to spend two full days.

There is that much to see and 20 essential things to know about Petra before you go.

If your time is limited and one full day is all you can spare, you should do your best to walk through the Siq, a one-kilometer walk, in order to catch that first, unforgettable view of the Treasury peeking out from the massive mountains. 

Next, you can enjoy the vast open space which houses the royal tombs, Roman theater and temple ruins.  

If your time is limited, you may have to chose between visiting the Monastery or the Place of Sacrifice.  Choose the Monastery, hands down. It’s about an hour walk up a pretty strenuous path with 850 steps carved out of stone with precipitous gorges on either side.

This route may not sound like an inviting prospect, but once you arrive, it is so worth it!  The Monastery is just as impressive as the Treasury! 

There is a little snack stand in front of the Monastery where you can rest, purchase refreshing fruit juices and feast your eyes.

The sheer size of the Monastery is astounding. Look at the people in front of it to get an idea of the structure’s scale.

Petra is a large site expanding for over 264 square kilometers 102 sq. miles).  The distances between the main attractions are large and frequently strenuous to get to. There are horse-drawn carriages to transfer visitors, donkeys to climb to the Monastery and camels throughout the complex.

Many of these animals look overworked. You may want to think twice before you hire them, especially the donkeys.

If you stay the night at Petra, you may want to explore the little adjacent town of Wadi Musa.

Here you can use an ATM, find a restaurant that sells liquor (convenient access to liquor is not a given in most Muslin countries) and shop for souvenirs- don’t forget to bargain!

PETRA KITCHEN

If you are looking for a different and authentic experience, you must try Petra Kitchen.

This spotless establishment offers nightly Jordanian cooking classes, and it is a total blast!  Definitely one of the coolest things to do in Jordan. Here’s another advantage of traveling with Audley, their local knowledge. 

I would not have known about Petra Kitchen if Audley Travel hadn’t recommended it. It would have been a shame to miss this unique experience.

For an admission fee of 50USD you and other travelers get 2 soft drinks and about an hour and a half of cooking instructions in an ample, state-of-the-art kitchen presided over by professional chefs.

It is fun to follow the chef’s instructions until the 6 or 7 dishes are completed. Then everybody eats together. The meals are delicious. The best part is that you are given the recipes when you leave so you can prepare them at home! Yummy!

LITTLE PETRA

Five miles (8 kilometers) north of Petra is Little Petra. As the name implies, it is a smaller version of Petra consisting of three open areas connected by a Siq-like canyon.

The tombs are especially interesting as are the huge rock formations. The Bedouins have set up stalls selling the usual souvenirs as well as cute little homemade dolls. 

It is definitely worth a stop. The entrance fee to Little Petra is included when you purchase Petra’s entrance fee so hold on to your ticket.

Check out this comprehensive guide to Petra for first timers.

HOW TO VISIT WADI RUM DESERT CAMP, JORDAN

About 4 hours south of Amman in southern Jordan, is the desert of Wadi Rum.

The area is a protected national park, a wilderness of dramatic mountains and vast, empty, silent landscapes.

Whoever first wrote the words “deafening silence” must have been referring to Wadi Rum. Stand in the desert and listen. There is a total absence of sound, absolute silence.

Wadi Rum. Ethereal, timeless and mystical. A red desert with landscapes so otherworldly it is where the movies Mars and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. Wadi means valley and Rum is believed to mean “high” or “elevated” so, high valley.

A stay at Wadi Rum camp is a unique experience.

Most visitors to Wadi Rum go there to experience the Bedouin desert culture.

We stayed at a desert camp where the local Bedouins took us on a desert tour and to watch the sunset blazing red over the large rock formations.

Sleeping under the stars at night in a desert compound is among the most unique things to do in Jordan. You’ve never seen a clearer, more radiant, star-filled night sky.

I booked a desert stay at the Wadi Rum night camp, although there are several camps in the national park, all run by Bedouins. The meals were typical Middle Eastern and tasty. They make the flat bread in front of you and give it to you hot off the griddle.

As many restaurants and hotels in the Middle East are dry i.e., no liquor is served, the Wadi Rum camp offers local non-alcoholic beer.

I’d have to say that throughout my entire visit to Jordan, non-alcoholic beer is the only thing I found wanting. But everything else more than made up for this.

After dinner the staff prepares a fire in the middle of the desert where the guests can warm themselves while the Bedouin staff serve their amazing jasmine tea. This is an experience you want to have in Jordan.

TOUCHING THE DESERT STARS

There are two types of sleeping accommodations; the pods, which are little bubble shaped rooms with plexiglass ceilings, so you can see the stars all night, and the traditional tents.

You will be surprised to see how much a desert tent can be made to look like a standard hotel complete with shower!

Sleeping in the desert under the stars is an unforgettable Jordanian experience.

No matter how clearly you think you’ve seen the stars in the night sky, only in Wadi Rum can you feel like you can touch them.

Despite its barren appearance the desert is teeming with life; wolves, Ibex, foxes, hares and more. At night you can hear the soulful howls of wolves in the far, thankfully VERY far, distance.

EXPLORE THE DESERT FROM A CAMEL

Exploring the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum by 4X4 is a unique experience. The camp offers 2- and 4-hour tours which can include a camel caravan.

THE DESERT BEDOUINS OF WADI RUM

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Wadi Rum is the gracious hospitality of the Bedouin inhabitants. 

At every step people were friendly and humorous.  It was easy to understand where the legend of Arab hospitality came from.

THE GULF OF AQABA

Aqaba is a resort town on the Gulf of Aquaba made famous by the Lawrence of Arabia movie. If you enjoy resort towns with large hotels, you may want to book a day here just to chill on your 7-day itinerary for Jordan.

Otherwise just use Aqaba as a connecting point from Wadi Rum to get on the main highway going north to The Dead Sea, about two and a half hours away.

THE DEAD SEA

At its surface the Dead Sea is 1,412 feet (430,5 meters) below sea level and 1000 feet (304 meters) deep making it the lowest point on earth, the deepest saline lake in the world and one of the most interesting places to visit in Jordan.

Make time in your 7-day itinerary for Jordan to see this natural wonder. If only for a few hours.

With almost 34% salinity, nothing but some bacteria can live in this sea.

This salinity is also what causes people to float, so much so, that you can almost read a newspaper while floating on your back – a feat many tourists comically attempt. It’s really a very strange sensation. It feels like you have a life vest on.

The big draw in the Dead Sea is the salt-infused mud reputed to have  moisturizing and detoxifying properties.

You’ll see tourists slathered in black mud wandering the beaches. The lifeguards will caution you to not stay in the water beyond 20 minutes as the water’s effects are dehydrating.

Bobbing underwater is also not a good idea. You don’t want salty water in your eyes!

Where to stay in the Dead Sea area

From the Dead Sea it is a short hour drive to the airport and Amman. You can visit the Dead Sea on your way south to visit Petra or Wadi Rum, on your way back north as I did, or as a day trip from Amman. But definitely include it in your 7-day itinerary for Amman.

Make sure to bring reference materials with you on your 7-day itinerary to Jordan to supplement your trip. Here are some suggestions.

Which of the many places to visit in Jordan appeals to you the most? What would you add in this 7-day itinerary for Jordan?

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