The capital
Almost every trip begins in Amman. Climb the Citadel for the view, sit in the Roman Theatre, eat falafel and kunafa downtown and spend an evening on Rainbow Street or in the cafés of Jabal al-Weibdeh. Give it one to two days, and use it as a base for day trips.
The rose red city
Petra is the reason many people come. Walk the Siq to the Treasury, climb to the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice, and stay in the town of Wadi Musa so you can enter early. Two days is ideal, three if you love walking.
The desert
Two hours south, Wadi Rum is a protected desert of red sand and sandstone mountains, explored by jeep, camel or on foot with local Bedouin guides. Spend at least one night in a camp under the stars.
The lowest place on Earth
An hour from Amman, the Dead Sea lets you float in water so salty you cannot sink. Pair it with the Baptism Site, Mount Nebo, Madaba's mosaics and the canyon of Wadi Mujib.
The Red Sea
At the southern tip, Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, with coral reefs a short swim from shore, easy diving and a relaxed seafront. It also has its own airport, handy for flying in or out.
The Roman north
North of the capital, Jerash and the north brings together one of the best preserved Roman cities anywhere, Ajloun's hilltop castle and forest, and the basalt ruins of Umm Qais above the Jordan Valley.
How to combine them
A classic week runs Amman and Jerash, then south along the King's Highway to Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba, finishing with a night at the Dead Sea. With less time, pick Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum. Our free trip planner can help you shape a realistic route, and the places to visit list covers food, camps and stays in each area.