Jordan🇯🇴 | best landmarksEssential 10 landmarks to Explore in Jordan

How many landmarks to visit: Five to seven is the range I recommend for a one to two week trip. Fewer than five and you pay long transfer costs for little return. More than seven and the days blur into one stretch of dust, tickets and ruins. The Jordan Pass, priced around JD 70 to 80 (US$100 to 113) depending on the version, covers entry to dozens of sites and waives the tourist visa fee if you stay at least three nights, so it pays for itself quickly if Petra is on your list.

Which kinds to prioritize: Jordan has three main types: desert and rock-cut monuments, Roman and Byzantine ruins, and religious or Crusader sites. If you want the strongest atmosphere and have limited time, the rock-cut and desert places are the most distinctive, though they cost the most in fees, guides and transport. … read more 👉

How many landmarks to visit: Five to seven is the range I recommend for a one to two week trip. Fewer than five and you pay long transfer costs for little return. More than seven and the days blur into one stretch of dust, tickets and ruins. The Jordan Pass, priced around JD 70 to 80 (US$100 to 113) depending on the version, covers entry to dozens of sites and waives the tourist visa fee if you stay at least three nights, so it pays for itself quickly if Petra is on your list.

Which kinds to prioritize: Jordan has three main types: desert and rock-cut monuments, Roman and Byzantine ruins, and religious or Crusader sites. If you want the strongest atmosphere and have limited time, the rock-cut and desert places are the most distinctive, though they cost the most in fees, guides and transport. Roman ruins in the north are cheaper, easier to reach by public transport and far less crowded, so they suit a tight budget. Religious sites and castles suit those with an interest in history, and many cost just JD 1 to 3 (US$1.50 to 4), but they often lie off bus routes and need a taxi, typically JD 15 to 30 (US$21 to 42) for a half-day hire.

What it costs: A budget backpacker can manage on US$40 to 60 a day, including a dorm bed or basic room at US$12 to 25, falafel and hummus meals at US$3 to 6, and public transport. Add US$10 to 20 a day if you take guides, who typically charge JD 50 to 70 (US$70 to 100) for a few hours at the major sites. Jeep tours of the desert run about JD 40 to 80 (US$56 to 113) per vehicle for a few hours, and overnight camps start around US$40 to 70 per person with meals. Shared costs bring this down fast, so team up at your hostel. For comfort, a mid-range room with air conditioning is the best use of extra money in summer, since the heat drains you more than any ticket price.

Safety and culture: Jordan is generally safe for independent travelers, but stay alert to scams, such as inflated horse or camel rides at popular sites and unrequested guides who ask for payment afterward. Agree prices before you move. Wear loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees, particularly at mosques and in small towns, and ask before photographing people. Keep to marked paths on cliffs, where loose stone and drops are common, and avoid narrow canyons if rain is forecast. Carry at least 2 to 3 liters of water per person, and plan around prayer times when some local services pause. Check your government’s travel advice on areas near the Syrian and Iraqi borders before you go.