Jordan

Places in Jordan

• Ajlun

  Ajlun is famous for its castle, one of the best-preserved examples of medieval Arab-Islamic military architecture in Jordan. The surrounding hills are cooler and more forested than elsewhere in the country, making it a pleasant escape from Amman's heat.

  Atlas entry

• Amman

  Jordan’s white-stone capital has ancient roots and serves as a base for exploring the country. Its Citadel and Roman Theater add major historical sights to a busy modern city.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$59

  Best months

  Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

• Aqaba

  Jordan’s Red Sea gateway offers walkable streets, inexpensive street food, historic ruins, and access to diving, Wadi Rum, and Petra. Spend time around the fish market and waterfront, then use it as a border and desert base.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$82

  Best months

  Sep–Jun

• Dana Nature Reserve

  Dana Nature Reserve spans Jordan's four biogeographical zones, from high peaks to Wadi Araba lowlands, with deep canyons between them. Dana Village adds a car-free Ottoman-era setting, traditional guesthouses and Bedouin hospitality beside the trails.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$44

  Best months

  Mar–Nov

• Irbid

  Irbid is a practical, affordable base for northern Jordan's Roman sites, with a youthful atmosphere shaped by two major universities. University Street supplies cheap food, cafes and student energy, while Umm Qais, Pella, Jerash and Ajloun sit within reach.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$33

  Best months

  Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

• Jerash

  Jerash is a remarkably preserved Roman city with an Oval Plaza, a 600-meter Cardo and a South Theater still used for concerts. Its compact archaeological route works well as a day trip or overnight stop from Amman.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$43

  Best months

  Year-round

• Kerak

  Kerak is a hilltop city centered on a Crusader castle overlooking the King's Highway. Its old city adds biblical, Roman, Byzantine and Crusader layers to a practical stop between Amman and Petra.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$40

  Best months

  Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

• Madaba

  A compact, walkable town centers on Byzantine mosaics, Christian heritage, and an easy position between the airport, Amman, and the Dead Sea. Use it as a gentle first or last stop, with Mount Nebo and King's Highway excursions nearby.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$50

  Best months

  Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

• Pella

  Pella (Tabaqat Fahl) is one of the ten cities of the Decapolis, a league of Greco-Roman urban centers across ancient Israel, Jordan, and southern Syria. The site preserves ruins spanning Neolithic to Umayyad periods—including one of Christianity's earliest churches and Bronze Age temples—making it a compact, off-the-beaten-path alternative to busier Decapolis sites like Jerash.

  Atlas entry

• Petra

  Rose-red Nabataean architecture unfolds from a dramatic sandstone Siq to the Treasury, tombs, and the high Monastery. Bring time and stamina for steep trails, while keeping an eye on touts, tickets, and animal welfare.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$74

  Best months

  Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

• Tala Bay

  Tala Bay is a purpose-built Red Sea resort of holiday apartments, upscale hotels and a large marina south of Aqaba. It is quieter than the city and built around diving and snorkeling, but prices are geared to tourists.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$126

  Best months

  Sep–May

• Umm Qais

  Umm Qais combines Roman and Ottoman remains with broad views toward the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights. Its basalt theater, colonnaded streets, village museum and quiet hiking make it a rewarding northern Jordan stop.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$45

  Best months

  Feb–Nov

• Wadi Rum

  Wadi Rum is a UNESCO-listed mountain desert known for red sandstone cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and reddish-orange sands. Its landscape has appeared in films including Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, and Dune.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$142

  Best months

  Feb–Jun, Sep–Nov