Updated May 2025
Jordan is not a country you visit to just check off your travel wishlist; it’s one that draws you in. It’s a place you step into, and somehow, time slows down a little.
There’s a reason why people say Jordan has warmth that goes beyond the Sun. You feel it in every step and encounter: in the earth that cradles its ancient landscapes, in the laughter echoing in the city streets, and in meals from family recipes handed down through generations.
Once you’re here, you’ll understand why the saying holds true — Jordan’s lasting warmth stays with you, long after you’ve moved on.
Ancient marvels across millennia
Jordan’s landmarks are living stories, and the minute you stand in front of them, you realize you’re part of something bigger.
Petra: More than a wonder
You could look at a hundred photos of Petra and still not be ready for what it feels like to be there in person.
The Siq—that narrow canyon walk—winds through towering red rocks until suddenly, the grand Treasury appears at the end, catching the sunlight just right.
The deeper you wander into Petra, the more it unpacks its hidden offerings—tombs, trails, hidden altars—that lure you further into the sprawling ancient city that is so familiar to the world, yet remains enigmatic as ever.
Jerash: The city that refused to crumble
Walking through Jerash is like stepping into a time machine that transports you 2,000 years back to a Roman city.
You can still walk along colonnaded streets, step into theaters where actors once made art or imagine a marketplace bustling with people.
Umm Qais: History with a view
High up where the land folds into hills and valleys, Umm Qais brings together natural beauty and the age-old tale of men’s imprint on their surrounding land — it’s an archaeological site, a scenic viewpoint, and a reminder of everything that came before.
Stand on its old stone terraces and see the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Jordan Valley all in one sweeping view. It’s beautiful in a way few famous attractions are—quiet, vast, and layered with stories.
Wadi Rum: A silence that says everything
The famed wadi stretches out into the horizon, winding its way into towering cliffs and diving down into timeless canyons shaped by wind and time.
Take the opportunity when the weather is mild this spring to answer the call of the desert: bounce along in a jeep, climb up red sand dunes, or camp beneath a blanket of stars, brighter than you’ve ever seen.
The desert isn’t still. It’s just quiet enough that you finally notice things you usually miss, like the whisper of the wind, the soft crunch of sand underfoot, and the steady rhythm of your breath.
Culture woven with kindness
You know how in some places you feel like an outsider no matter how long you stay? Jordan is the opposite of that. From the minute you step off the plane, there’s this unspoken agreement: You’re part of the family now.
Someone offers you sweet tea or thick cardamom coffee without a second thought. A shopkeeper won’t blink if you’re short a few coins — half the time, they’ll wave it off like it’s nothing. The old Bedouin code of diyafa, the sacred duty to host and feed strangers, isn’t some ancient concept locked away in museums. It’s alive. It’s normal. It’s how people live here.
Even if you don’t speak the same language, smiles, handshakes, and invitations to sit and share a meal do most of the talking.
Flavors that speak of home
In Jordan, food is how people say, “You’re welcome,” without having to say a word.
Mansaf: A celebration on a plate
If you get invited to a mansaf feast, you say yes. This isn’t just dinner. It’s a ceremony.
Slow-cooked lamb, tender and mouth-watering, served over steaming rice soaked in jameed, a creamy yogurt sauce that tempers the richness of the dish.
In Jordan, it’s a tradition to eat with your hands, standing around a giant platter with everyone else, scooping from the center. It’s a shared thing, and it’s beautiful in its simplicity.
Street food: The taste of everyday Jordan
Any foodie will agree that there’s a certain kind of gastronomical magic found in street food. In Jordan, you’ll find that in the humble delights peddled around the corner. Take crispy falafel for one: warm and moreish, tucked into soft khubz bread with pickles and tahini, it makes for the perfect midday snack to tide you over as you go around sightseeing.
Then you have fresh-out-of-the-oven mana’eesh, a flatbread covered with za’atar and olive oil that delivers a bright, tangy warmth in every bite.
Jordanian streets do grilled kebabs really well, too. Smoky from open flames, served with piles of parsley, tomatoes, and lemon, it’s a crowd-pleaser meal for all ages. Don’t forget to pick up a shawarma! The Jordanian version is so good that it may set the bar for every shawarma after.
Sweets: A way of life
Jordanian sweets aren’t about extravagance—they’re about comfort. At many corner cafés or roadside stands, you’ll find trays of fresh sweets, served with pride. You’ll be hard-pressed to find dishes as widely beloved as Knafeh, a soft layer of cheese or cream topped with crunchy pastry, soaked in a fragrant syrup, or Baklava, with its crispy layers, nuts, and honey.
And always—coffee, thick, strong, laced with cardamom. A cup of coffee here is so much more than just a caffeine fix. It’s an excuse to sit down, breathe, and connect over something simple and good.
Weather that welcomes you
When is the best time to visit Jordan, you ask? Anytime, really!
In spring, the hills burst with wildflowers, enticing everyone to step outside and enjoy nature’s beauty. Summer stays warm and inviting—even the hottest days feel surprisingly mild. Autumn is a delight with those crisp golden days where the sun isn’t rushing you anywhere. Meanwhile, winter keeps things cool, especially down by the Dead Sea or in Aqaba, where it stays cozy even when the chill settles in over Amman.
No matter when you go, the air feels gentle, as if it’s giving you space to explore. Jordan is the kind of place where you wake up, step outside, and just feel good.
