Jordan is a wonderful country in the Middle East that attracts innumerable travelers from across the world. Tourists visit the country for relaxing at beaches, relishing mouthwatering cuisine, exploring ancient Roman architecture, enjoying water sports, hiking, and much more. If you are planning to visit Jordan for your next holiday then you should read this article till the end to know more about interesting attractions, restaurants, hotels, travel tips, etc. So, here is our itinerary for you to plan an amazing holiday in Jordan.
How To Spend 4 Days In Jordan?
Day 1
King Abdullah I Mosque – Image by mage by JPRichard Shutterstock
You can spend the first day of your trip by visiting Amman, which is the capital of Jordan. It is the best place to explore ancient ruins and architecture. Begin your day by visiting Mount Nebo, which is a sacred mountain and is about 30-minute drive from Queen Alia International Airport, Amman. The views from the pinnacle of the mountain are mind-blowing as you can see The Dead Sea, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem. However, ensure that the weather is in your favor and it is a clear day so that you can click beautiful pictures.
Hashem Restaurant Down Town – Falafels
Next, you can visit the King Abdullah I Mosque, which is a huge prayer hall that can accommodate thousands of worshippers at a time. Non-Muslims can too enter the mosque, but ensure that you are appropriately dressed. If you are a car enthusiast then you should visit the Royal Automobile Museum, which displays about 70 vintage cars and bikes. The entire collection of classic vehicles and sports cars belongs to King Hussein. You can spend your evening by walking around the market area to shop local stuffs as well as relish authentic cuisine. The best places to eat are Hashem Restaurant Down Town and Levant Restaurant.
Day 2
AlKhazneh In Petra
Next day, you can plan to book for a tour so that you can discover Jordan with professional guides and other fellow travelers. It is recommended to take a two-day tour to explore the treasures of Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. Your night will be spent at Bedouin Camp, in the midst of the desert, which is certainly going to be a unique experience. It’s not cheap but also for most people it is one of the best experiences in their life!
Petra canyons
There is lot to see in Petra and a two-day trip will certainly not be enough. However, the tour will ensure that you are able to view the most popular attractions like Khazneh, The Monastery and the Altar of Sacrifice. You need to pack your essential well and wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking a lot. If you are visiting Jordan in winters then carry several layers of clothing since it gets real cold at night in the deserts.
Petra Caves
Day 3
Wadi Rum
While continuing with your tour, the third day will be spent in exploring Wadi Rum, which is a massive mountain. Next, you will be visiting the Dead Sea, which is the most popular and attractive tourist place in Jordan. There is no living fish in the Dead Sea and the concentration of salt and minerals makes it therapeutic. Travelers often visit the place for having a unique swimming experience.
Dead Sea and Mud
Day 4
Roman Theater
You can spend the last day of your tour at Amman by visiting few more attractions of the city. A famous landmark of Amman is the Roman Theater where several cultural activities are held. It is open from 10am to 8pm and has a seating capacity of 6000. Even if there isn’t any ongoing event, you should visit the place for its beautiful architecture.
You can then visit the Amman Citadel, which has been built on top of Jebel Al Qala’a hill. Some more landmarks that can be explored here are the iconic Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, and a 1700 meters long wall that was built in the Bronze Age.
Amman Citadel
The Temple Of Hercules was built by the Romans and presently the structure is in a bad state as very few parts of the shrine are remaining. Yet, the temple attracts millions of visitors each year as there is a hand of a statue existing, which is believed to be the hand of Hercules. The locals symbolize the hand to be the Roman hero’s strength.
The best-preserved structure at the Amman Citadel is the Umayyad Palace. You can visit the domed audience hall and courtyard of the palace. At the courtyard, you can see the ruins of several residential buildings as they were destroyed due to an earthquake.
The Jordan Archaeological Museum is also located within the premises of Amman Citadel. If you enjoy watching ancient artifacts then you should visit the museum as it has some items that belong to the Bronze Age. The oldest known statues of Jordan are also exhibited at the museum.
Jordan Cuisine
You can end your day by relishing authentic Jordanian food at popular restaurants like Falafel Al-Quds and Shawarma Reem. Some of the delicacies that you should try here are falafel (street food staple made up of chickpeas), maqluba (comprises of rice, potatoes, chicken, and assorted vegetables), and shawarma (sliced chicken, lamb, or beef stuffed between pita bread). You can end your meal with a yummy knafeh dessert bought from Habibah Sweets, which is a family-run sweet shop that is located in Marwan Madi Complex. Knafeh is a thin noodle-like pastry, which is soaked in sweet syrup and comprises of nuts and cream.
Places To Stay In Amman
Rafi Hotel
If you are looking for a pocket-friendly stay then Rafi Hotel would be the best choice. Each room comprises of TV, complimentary toiletries, and Wi-Fi. Also, it is located about 0.6kms away from Temple of Hercules and 0.2kms away from Roman Theatre so you will not have difficulties in exploring the entire area.
The House Boutique Suites
To have a luxurious stay in Amman, you can book your accommodation at The House Boutique Suites. Air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, private parking facility, outdoor pool, TV, in-room kettle for tea/coffee, and fitness center are some of the facilities that you can avail in this hotel. Located about 1km away from the Jordan Museum, The House Boutique Suites would be a perfect place for you to stay and enjoy your holiday.
Tips To Make Your Trip Safe In Jordan
- From my personal experience, I would suggest you to book a pre-paid taxi from airport to hotel. If you take the bus from airport to reach the centre then you will still have to hire a taxi from there to reach your hotel. So, to save money and time, it is better to hire the taxi at the airport itself.
- Always keep important belongings safely at the hotel room locker rather than carrying it with you. At crowded market areas or while using local conveyance, take care of your purse, camera, and phone.
- While shopping, ensure that you buy from reputed shops. There are several antique dealers that sell fake goods. So, it is better to buy things in which you have complete knowledge.
- Since majority of inhabitants of Jordan are Muslims, it is better to dress up modestly, especially while visiting a mosque or prayer area. Also, you should respect their culture and religion.
Spending A Couple Of Extra Days In Jordan
Aqaba
If you have an extra day or two then you can extend your trip to visit Aqaba or Eilat. Aqaba is a hidden gem of Jordan that has not been explored much by tourists. So, you will come across several secluded beaches and crystal clear waters. It is a top-destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, and kite surfing. Ensure that you go well-prepared to Aqaba by packing your snorkel gear, swimming costumes, full face snorkel mask, goggles, diving suits, and every other accessory that you think would be useful for you.
Eilat
Similar to Aqaba, Eilat is another wonderful city where you can enjoy clean beaches. The Dolphin Reef Beach is a perfect place to visit and have a swim with dolphins. To view coral and marine life, you can plan for the Underwater Observatory Park and Eilat’s Coral Beach. The Timna Park is a desert park where you can book for biking and camping tours to enjoy a unique experience of the wondrous desert area.
Conclusion
To conclude, Jordan is the finest place to visit for experiencing Arabic hospitality, authentic Jordanian food and their wonderful culture. March to May (Spring Season) and September to November (Autumn Season) are the best time to visit Jordan as the weather is pleasant to stroll around in the afternoons too. It is a safe place to visit for solo travelers, honeymoon couples, and families, so plan for a trip to Jordan now and enjoy your stay.
