PLAN YOUR ONE WEEK IN JORDAN ITINERARY
Are you planning your 7-day Jordan itinerary and wondering how to spend one week in Jordan? Then this post will help you – it is all about your trip to Jordan.
This Middle Eastern gem, home to the ancient city of Petra, the vast desert of Wadi Rum, and the restorative waters of the Dead Sea offers an unforgettable journey. Jordan has become one of my favorite travel destinations.
I had a blast in Jordan. So, here I share tips on how to spend 7 days in Jordan along with many travel tips for your itinerary for Jordan – including tips on where to stay, how to get around, and more.
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ITINERARY: BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN JORDAN IN ONE WEEK
I recommend this itinerary and further below you will find out why:
- AMMAN – 1 DAY
- JERASH – 0,5 DAY
- DEAD SEA – 1 DAY
- WADI MUJIB – 0,5 DAY
- DANA NATURE RESERVE – 1 DAY
- PETRA & LITTLE PETRA – 1-2 DAYS
- WADI RUM – 1-2 DAYS
Let´s start with your Jorda itinerary for 7 days.
1 DAY – AMMAN
You most likely will fly into Amman – Queen Alia International Airport. I suggest spending at least one full day in Amman – whether as the first or last stop of your trip.
Jordan’s capital presents a captivating mix of the ancient and the contemporary, nestled amidst hills. This city, where history meets modernity, boasts a bustling commercial center characterized by sleek skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, trendy restaurants, chic art galleries, and fashionable boutiques.
The city’s neighborhoods are as varied as they are rich in cultural and historical significance, ranging from the vibrant downtown markets to the artistic hub of Jabal Al Lweibdeh and the upscale shopping areas of Abdali.
Half of Jordan’s population lives in the Amman area, making it a busy place. It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Downtown Amman, in particular, has quite a few ancient attractions. But you’ll also find modern buildings, and it is an interesting city full of contrasts.
Amman is a fun and busy place and should not be missed on your itinerary. I spent about 3 days or so in Amman and enjoyed this city a lot, but with only one week in Jordan, one full day (including an evening), should be enough.
THINGS TO DO IN AMMAN
- A few must-see places in Amman include the Roman Amphitheatre located in the eastern part of the city which dates back to the 2nd century.
- Another must-see is the Citadel. The L-shaped hill is one of the seven hills that originally made up Amman. You have great views from there – it is really beautiful. My tip is to watch the sunset from here but getting up there is a bit of a workout.
- Check out the shops and souks in Downtown that sell all kinds of products and all kinds of restaurants.
- Amman is also known for its good nightlife, though I have not experienced it firsthand.
- End your day in one of the numerous cafes and restaurants on Rainbow Street.
- Amman also boasts museums, and you do not have to pay an entry fee if you have a Jordan Pass.
- Check out my Amman guide with more detailed tips here.
WHERE TO STAY IN AMMAN
Amman offers accommodations for all kinds of travelers – you will find everything from luxury hotels to hostels and Airbnb.
LUXURY: For a luxury hotel, try The House Boutique Suites, which is also near Rainbow Street (which is probably one of the best places to stay) and offers lots of amenities. ➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE HOUSE BOUTIQUE SUITES HERE.
MID-RANGE: For a mid-range hotel option, I suggest Albasem Hotel, which is well-rated and centrally located. ➡️ CHECK OUT RATES FOR ALBASEM HOTEL HERE.
BUDGET: I stayed in Nomads Hostel Hotel (and another place that isn’t worth mentioning). It was very conveniently located near Rainbow Street and made it easy for me to connect with other female travelers. The hostel is fun, modern, and clean, with a great location. ➡️ FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS GREAT BUDGET HOSTEL.
FROM AMMAN TO JERASH
From Amman to Jerash, your next destination, it takes about 1 hour (30 miles/50 km).
0,5 DAY – JERASH
Jerash, located north of Amman, is an ancient city that dates back more than 6,500 years. It had its golden age during Roman rule and it is still impressive. After all, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns and also one of the biggest.
I did not visit Jerash with a guide, and in hindsight, I regret it. Some more background information – given during a tour – would have been nice. It would have been great to learn more about the places and also understand ancient life better – I am sure I would have appreciated Jerash even more with a guide.
HOW TO GET TO JERASH WITHOUT A CAR
I went to Jerash by taxi/minibus. If you leave Amman and do not plan to get back, I suggest picking up your rental car and driving to Jerash yourself. In case you have other plans, you can also get there without your own car. I got to Jerash by minibus/taxi and picked my rental car up once I left Amman and headed south.
- I took a minibus to get to Jerash with a direct connection from the North Station in Amman. A ticket is around $1.50 one-way.
- You can also easily get there by taxi (look out for a shared taxi to save money).
- It is a lovely, scenic drive.
For the whole trip, ideally plan in half a day or a full day.
FROM JERASH TO AMMAN
- From Jerash to the Dead Sea, your next destination, it takes about 90 minutes (60 miles/95 km).
1 DAY – DEAD SEA
With 7 days in Jordan, you should visit the Dead Sea, where you’ll be at the lowest point on Earth – which is more than 400 meters below sea level.
You cannot really swim in the Dead Sea, but should still get into the water. It is more like floating in extremely salty water that makes every pore of your body itch.
Yes, the water contains a lot of salt, magnesium, sodium, and oozier chlorides, which you might not enjoy much (at first). And yes, it is true: putting mud – with all the minerals – from the Dead Sea all over your body will give you extremely soft skin. The results are worth it. I felt my skin really benefitted from the water and all the minerals.
TIPS FOR DEAD SEA
- Do not shave shortly before your trip to the Dead Sea. The minerals in the water will cause some pain. If you have or have open wounds, it will be even worse.
- Even with only 7 days in Jordan, you should stop by the Dead Sea for at least a short time. Most beach sections belong to luxury resorts. There is a beach section open to the public.
- Since accommodations here are quite pricey, spending a few hours at the Dead Sea is fine, too.
WHERE TO STAY AT THE DEAD SEA
The region is home to several luxury hotels.
LUXURY: I stayed at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa. My room was nice but a little outdated, especially in the bathroom, but the bed was comfortable. The hotel was done in the Arabic style which was lovely. Breakfast and dinner were included but you can also book it without any dinner/breakfast/lunch. ➡️ Check out rates here
LUXURY: The Ma’in Hot Springs Resort & Spa is also a good place to stay, situated among beautiful mountain landscapes and offering relaxing spa amenities. It is a bit more expensive than the Mövenpick Hotel. ➡️ Find out more about this luxury hotel here
MID-RANGE: For a budget option, try the Dead Sea Spa Hotel, a well-rated 4-star hotel with great amenities and private beach access. ➡️ Find the rates here
FROM THE DEAD SEA TO WADI MUJIB
From the Dead Sea to Wadi Mujib, your next destination, it takes about 30 minutes (18 miles/25 km). While Wadi Mujib is at the Dead Sea, this estimation is based on the premise you are staying at/near Mövenpick Hotel.
0,5 DAY – WADI MUJIB
Leave the Dead Sea after your breakfast and head to Wadi Mujib. This place is often overlooked though it is so much fun. Wadi Mujib was actually one of the highlights of my 7-day Jordan trip. I am not overly sporty or adventurous, but that 3-hour trip was exciting.
I enjoy physical activities, but especially when it comes to water activities, I am sometimes a bit scared. But with the help of my guide, I waddled like a penguin through the gorge, climbed stairs under waterfalls, floated in between the gorge, and just had an amazing time overall.
TIPS FOR WADI MUJIB GORGE
- The starting point of all the adventures and activities (except the Al Hidan trail) is at Mujib Adventure Center. There are free parking slots and toilets.
- You need to pay for tickets, which are around $27 (only cash accepted). I was not sure whether I could get through the gorge without any guidance, so I booked a guide for a total of $50 (including entry fees), and it was worth it.
- There are several trails you can choose from. I chose the shortest (but as my guide emphasized, it does not translate to be the easiest). It took several hours in total (with getting changed, organizing my tour, etc., it probably took a bit more than 3 hours).
- Wear shorts (or a swimsuit), a life vest is a must, and you can rent special “water shoes” there for a few dollars. Don’t wear sunglasses (you are in the shade the whole time), and if you take a GoPro, etc., be careful, as my guide found 2 sunglasses and 1 GoPro in the water in the 2,5 hours we were together. You can also rent a waterproof bag if needed.
- Unfortunately, Wadi Mujib is closed in the winter. The exact date is not fixed, but normally, the winter season is from mid/end of October, so double-check their opening hours and email them if you visit in the winter months.
If you are under the big waterfall, take your time and sit down. There are many little fish that give you a great pedicure. I am terribly scared of fish but overcame my fear and let them nibble my dead skin, and I must say- my feet still feel great. Even weeks after that “pedicure”.
FROM WADI MUJIB TO DANA NATURE RESERVE
From Wadi Mujib to Dana Natur Reserve, your next destination, it takes about 2 hours (72 miles/116 km).
1 DAY – DANA NATURE RESERVE
Dana is a lesser-known destination but a stunning place that you should add to your Jordan itinerary – especially hikers (and sunset lovers) and people looking for off-the-beaten-path places in Jordan will love it here. This is the tranquil place you probably will need before visiting Petra.
It covers more than 300 square km in and around Dana village and Wadi Dana. The native inhabitants, the Al Atata tribe, have been living there for more than 6000 years. Nowadays, there are also a few guesthouses that host visitors from all around the world.
I spontaneously booked my accommodations and planned to go on a short hike the next day. I am not going to lie – I did not do well with the hike. It was hot, and I was exhausted from my Wadi Mujib trip the day before. However, it is a beautiful place to hike.
TIPS FOR DANA
- I recommend staying here overnight and enjoying one of the many hiking trails.
- Normally, the guesthouses offer guided hiking tours (guided tours surely make sense here), and you can book them on the spot once you arrive.
WHERE TO STAY IN DANA
As far as I can judge, the accommodations here are very basic. Dana is not about luxury but more about authentic Jordanian life.
BUDGET: I stayed at Al Nawatef Bedouin Camp – an elementary camp. You have shared toilets, and the mattresses were not great. However, I still recommend it because the views are great (and the sunset from here is top!), and the food was great. They also offer guided hiking tours (from a few hours to a 2-day hiking trip). So, I definitely recommend staying here (plus it is very budget-friendly). ➡️ Check out their rates here.
MID-RANGE/BUDGET: If you are looking for a bit more comfort, you will probably find it at Mount Dana Hotel. ➡️ Check out their rates and amenities.
FROM DANA TO PETRA
From Dana to Petra, your next destination, it takes about 60 minutes (34 miles/55 km).
1-2 DAYS – PETRA
Petra, also known as the rose-red city, is THE main tourist attraction in Jordan.
Though it is not known when exactly the city was built, it began to prosper as the capital of the Nabataean Empire after the 1st century BC. It was later annexed by the Roman Empire and flourished until it was destroyed largely by an earthquake in the 4th century AD.
Bedouins inhabited it after that, but in the 19th century, it was “rediscovered“ by a Swiss explorer and has since become a more famous ancient city. With the Indiana Jones movie, Petra has gained popularity, so now it is often crowded – but believe me, it is still worth it.
When you get a Jordan Pass, you need to decide how many days you want to spend in Petra and buy the exact Jordan Pass you need (if you do not want to pay extra if you want to stay longer). I bought a 3-day pass for Petra, but with only 7 days in Jordan, 2 days in Petra is probably a good amount to spend there.
TIPS FOR PETRA
- Some of the top things to see in Petra are The Siq, the Theater, the Treasury (Al Khazna), the Monastery (Ad Deir), the Colonnaded Street, and the Royal Tombs.
- PLEASE, do NOT USE any donkeys when you get around in Petra. The Bedouins were very friendly to us visitors, but animals used for visitors were maltreated. Please use your feet to get around – even though Petra is big and you are tempted to be carried around. I saw some electric carriages – if you are not fit, rather use them instead of riding donkeys.
WHERE TO STAY IN PETRA
I stayed in Petra for three nights in total and stayed in 2 different properties.
LUXURY: A beautiful place to stay near Petra is the Hayat Zaman Hotel And Resort Petra. It is a beautiful luxury hotel about 15 15-minute drive from Petra. It was my favorite place to stay in Jordan. It is a great choice if you don’t have to watch your budget closely. ➡️ Check out the hotel here.
MID-RANGE: You can stay in Wadi Musa at the Cleopatra Hotel for a cheaper option, which is only 2 km away from Petra. It is a simple place to stay but was fine for the 2 nights I stayed there as it is close to the main attractions ➡️ Find out more about the hotel here.
3 HOURS – PETRA BY NIGHT
Three times a week, Petra By Night takes place (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays). The Siq gets illuminated by candles, and in front of the Treasury, you’ll hear the sound of a Bedouin shepherd´s flute.
I read mixed reviews, but as a blogger, I felt I needed to see it with my own eyes to make a real judgment and tell you about it. I planned my whole Jordan trip around Petra by Night – but honestly, it was a bit of a disappointment and I wasted around $24 (this ticket is not included in the Jordan Pass).
- It was crowded and people were loud in the Siq (which totally killed the mood – seriously guys, sometimes you need to shut up!)
- And it ended by 9:15 pm already, and people yelled, “Finish, finish.“
Petra by Night was the biggest and only disappointment in Jordan. But of course, it is up to you if you want to experience it yourself.
You can book your tickets at the Petra Visitor Centre. It starts at 8:30 pm and costs about $24.
2-3 HOURS – LITTLE PETRA
Little Petra – known as Siq al Barid – is another place to add to your one-week in Jordan itinerary. It is located close to Petra and is also a Nabataean site, with sites built around the same time Petra was built.
It is less busy, and hikes are less demanding, but it is worth visiting. I did not visit in the daytime – and I regret it. I visited by night, and it was magical. I did not visit the town center, but some Bedouin campsites are so lovely to visit once it gets dark.
You can have tea at one of the places or even book accommodation – the caves were illuminated, and they looked stunning. It is a great place to visit at night – definitely more magical than Petra by night.
➡️ To check out the Seven Bedouin Camp by night, click here (and my tip: stay there a night, too).
FROM PETRA TO WADI RUM
From Petra to Wadi Rum, your next destination takes about 90 minutes (65 miles/105 km).
1-2 DAYS – WADI RUM
Wadi Rum is another fantastic highlight in Jordan. Wadi Rum is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – in the natural and cultural significance categories.
As Petra, Wadi Rum was inhabited by the Nabataeans in prehistoric times – and now it is one of the best places to visit in Jordan in one week. Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here, and some other famous movies – and the scenery is unique. Do a desert safari, enjoy the sunset, and admire the interesting landscape you have here.
TIPS FOR VISITING WADI RUM
- You need to sign up at the Visitor´s Center – if you have a Jordan Pass, you will not need to pay the entry fee.
- I recommend arriving there around 4 or 5 pm, so you can still watch the sunset, enjoy dinner at the camp under the night sky, and book your desert tour for the next day. I seriously suggest doing a full-day trip, not just a trip for 4-5 hours. Then you have the chance to see more of the vast desert before enjoying another sunset and having your dinner.
- Leave early the next day after breakfast and head back towards Amman.
WHERE TO STAY IN WADI RUM
I recommend staying directly in Wadi Rum and not outside of it. If your accommodation is in Wadi Rum directly (and not in Wadi Rum Village), you most likely will be picked up from the village and then driven to your camp. Your car will most likely stay in the Wadi Rum village, but safety should normally not be a big issue.
I stayed in an excellent camp, but it seems the owner has some troubles with the police and it was closed?! I am not sure, but you cannot book it anymore, and the last review looked like this. Anyhow, you should not worry, there are plenty of other accommodations that look great.
➡️ Make sure that you ask about the tours once you have your accommodation booked. This camp looks pretty similar to the camp I stayed at, and they also offer tours, so once you have your night booked, email them and ask about tours.
➡️ Check out this luxury camp that offers beautiful rooms with great views.
FROM THE DEAD SEA TO WADI MUJIB
From Wadi Rum back to Amman takes about 4-5 hours (200 miles/310 km).
TRAVEL TIPS FOR 7 DAYS IN JORDAN
Here are some essential travel tips, so you know what to expect for your one week-trip to Jordan.
Best Time to Visit
Weather-wise, spring or fall are the best times to visit Jordan.
March until May is the busiest time in Jordan. Visitors from all around the world flock to Jordan to experience an amazing time. The weather is quite moderate and warm (it can get quite hot in the summer months and chilly in the winter). Accommodation prices normally increase during this time, though.
I visited in mid-October, which is also a good time. The weather was pleasant most of the time (despite a heatwave at the Dead Sea), and there was little rain. All activities I planned were still available. Also, accommodation prices were not at a peak.
However, if you prefer a less busy month, then November, December, January, or February could be a good time to visit. However, it can be quite chilly – not only at night but also during the day.
The summer months, from June to September can be quite hot and less ideal for physical activities.
How to Get to Jordan
Most likely, you will arrive in Amman. From Amman Airport, you have several options.
- You can take an airport taxi. Prices are fixed (about $30 to downtown Amman). You pay at a cashier outside the terminal and then get a receipt/voucher for the taxi ride (which is quite pleasant as a guest because you do not have to worry about haggling or being ripped off.
- There is also a bus running once or twice an hour that costs about $4 (buy tickets at the ticket office outside the terminal). You can get off the North Station and then either take a cab or an Uber (I had free wifi at the station and got my Uber, but many taxis are waiting). From there, it is about $2-3 to get to your hotel in/near downtown.
- Uber works in Amman, but apparently, they are not allowed to pick you up from the airport. You have free wifi in the airport and can try ordering an Uber, but rides will normally be canceled.
- You can also pick up your rental car from the airport. There are several companies, and getting from the airport to the other parts of Jordan is quite easy.
Getting Around Jordan
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation in Jordan can be a mixed experience, with some options being more reliable and efficient than others. Jordan has a public bus system that runs between cities and towns.
In larger cities like Amman, there is a rather extensive public transportation network that includes buses, and minibusses. This makes it relatively easy to get around the city without a car; however, it’s worth noting that these options can be unreliable, and crowded, especially during peak travel times.
Outside of the major cities, public transportation options can be limited, with buses operating less frequently and covering shorter distances. In some rural areas, shared taxis or minibusses are available, but they may not be as reliable or comfortable as other transportation options.
While public transportation options in Jordan may not be as extensive or reliable as in some other countries, it is still possible to navigate the country using these modes of transportation. However, for a tour to the desert, you will need a car or have to book a guided tour/pick-up service from your accommodation.
Given all this, I decided to get a rental car.
ROAD TRIP / RENTING A CAR IN JORDAN
Renting a car in Jordan can be a good idea if you are comfortable navigating unfamiliar roads and have a valid international driver’s license. A rental car can provide the flexibility and convenience of being able to explore different parts of the country at your own pace.
However, driving in Jordan comes with its own unique set of challenges. Road signs can be confusing, driving conditions may not always be ideal, and traffic laws are seldom followed. Additionally, parking can be difficult to find in many of the larger cities.
Be sure to do some research beforehand, familiarize yourself with local road rules and regulations, and ensure you know exactly what your insurance covers.
My own experience was only positive. Driving in Jordan was very pleasant, and I cannot think of many places in the Middle East that make it so easy for foreign drivers to love it – my Jordan road trip was one of my favorite trips I have taken in the last few years!
In Amman and Jerash, you can easily get around by buses, shared or regular taxis, Uber, or guided tours/personal drivers.
I am happy I did not get a rental car for my time in Amman as it can be busy. Driving in an Arabic capital can often feel crazy – and so it does in Amman.
However, outside of Amman, driving was quite easy. Even if not all the streets were in top condition, it was fun to drive because there were not many cars. Window views were often great as the scenery was frequently stunning.
How to Rent a Car in Jordan
Well, most of us visitors probably need to rent a car. In this case, I recommend DiscoverCars. They compare prices of the main rental companies and find you the best deal! It is so easy! Just make sure (at least I do when I rent a car), it has full insurance in case anything happens.
To me, it is worth it to be a bit more but then I feel more relaxed and peaceful.
I rented the smallest car possible – in hindsight, not the best idea as the car was not really powerful enough to drive up the mountains fast enough. It got me up, and I am thankful for that, but a car one size bigger might have been the better choice for me.
CHECK OUT PRICES FOR A RENTAL CAR HERE
Regardless, I still felt safe and never worried about my safety. Just ignore the taxi drivers who can be pushy at times. For more general solo travel tips, click here but make sure to check out my solo travel guide for Jordan, too.
Jordan Pass
You most likely will have to pay for your visa. For a visitor from the EU (Germany), the visa cost is about $56. If you stay for at least 3 nights in Jordan, you can buy the Jordan Pass (online or on arrival). The price for a Jordan Pass is around $100-113.
With the Jordan Pass, you will get entry to over 40 attractions in Jordan – including Petra, Jerash, and more. However, you must decide whether you want a 1, 2, or 3-day Pass for Petra and can’t change that later.
- Since Petra is quite expensive, a Jordan Pass almost always makes sense. Check out prices here.
I only had to pay extra entry fees at Wadi Mujib and Petra by Night- everything else was covered with the Jordan Pass.
- Here are more Jordan travel tips.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON 7 DAYS ITINERARY FOR JORDAN
Jordan has become one of my favorite travel destinations of all time. It is such a magical place, and even though places like Petra or the Dead Sea have become quite popular, it does not feel like Jordan is overrun by visitors.
Driving in Jordan felt amazing – with all the empty streets – and the sights and people made the trip perfect. So, whenever you plan your one week in Jordan, I hope you will have as much fun as I had, and this 7-day itinerary helps you plan your trip!
Stay safe.