Jordan Holidays

What is Jordan famous for?

While natural features like the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum (a protected desert wilderness) offer a fascinating glimpse into the southern geology of the Middle East, it’s the cultural and historical significance of this Middle Eastern nation that makes it a must-visit destination.

Perhaps most famous of all is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra. Recognised as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, this otherworldly ancient city, dating back to 300 B.C., was built into the pink sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans.

As well as its historical treasures, Jordan boasts a culture rich in tradition, with delicious cuisine and Bedouin customs that champion music, song and dance.

Traditional food to try in Jordan

Half the charm of a trip to Jordan is the chance to try dishes totally different to what you enjoy back home. While the likes of shawarma, falafel, hummus and koftas are now well-known across the world, nothing compares to the genuine article (trust us).

Beyond that, there are lesser-known dishes which might have escaped your attention, but need to make their way onto your plate at some point during your stay:

• Mansaf. This dish sees lamb or goat meat cooked in jameed, a thick yoghurt sauce. It usually comes topped with almonds and is served with rice or bulgur wheat.
• Maqluba. Served in such a way that it gives an ‘upside down’ appearance, maqluba is a rice dish paired with powerfully spiced strips of chicken or lamb. Vegetables are also common additions.
• Zarb. It doesn’t get much more traditional than this. This Bedouin classic requires digging a pit in the sand, where meat and vegetables are cooked inside. This gives the food a smoky but not overpowering flavour.

What drinks should I try in Jordan?

There are plenty of mouth-watering drinks to try. Some of the best are:

• Limonana. A minty lemonade which is found in most corners of Jordan.
• Qahwa (Arabica coffee). Traditional Jordanian coffee is strong and black, with cardamom sometimes added for extra flavour.
• Sweet mint tea. This is usually served directly after meals to help with digestion.

While it’s legal to drink alcohol in Jordan (in private areas with a licence), it’s not very common. There are plenty of good options, such as Carakale or Petra beer, or the local spirit Arak, but remember that it’s not a big part of Jordanian culture.

What are the rules on tipping in Jordan?

Like many countries, tipping is not mandatory in Jordan, but it's expected. This usually means an average of 10-15% on top of your bill. Sometimes, a service charge will already be included in your bill.

Social etiquette in Jordan

Dress codes are often the main point of difference for western visitors. While you won’t need to completely cover up, it’s normal for men and women to hide as much skin as possible. For both style and comfort, think about packing long but loose-fitting and airy, opaque clothing. If you have longer hair, try wearing it up.

When it comes to greetings, Jordanians are incredibly friendly and open. They’ll happily chat to anyone, so don’t be too taken aback if they strike up a conversation out of the blue.

When dining, try to eat using your right hand. If you’ve been invited somewhere as a guest, bring a small gift to say thank you. Perhaps most importantly of all, be respectful of religious customs. Don’t make a scene during moments of prayer, and be sure not to show too much romantic affection to anyone in public.

When is the best time to visit Jordan?

Spring and autumn are the best months to visit Jordan for those wanting to enjoy sunny conditions without the intense heat. Local wildflowers bloom in spring, which is the prime hiking season for locals and tourists alike, while autumn is an amazing time to check out the popular historical sites and souqs without the crowds. Visiting in summer and winter is still well worth it, but just be aware that you might have to deal with colder or hotter conditions.

What is the weather like in Jordan?

Jordan is described as having a subtropical arid or semi-arid climate, meaning that it has very mild winters and incredibly hot summers. Rainfall is rare, but it can happen any time from autumn through to December. If you are caught in a shower, don’t worry – it won’t last for too long.

Where is Jordan?

Jordan is located in West Asia, in the Middle East, situated in the Southern Levant region. It shares a border with Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian territories.

How big is Jordan?

Jordan is 34,495 square miles in total. While that’s quite a large size, it’s thought that as much as 75% of the country is desert. As of the last count, just under 11.5 million people live there, making it the 112th largest country by area and the 84th for population size in the world.

What plugs are used in Jordan?

Jordan has five plug types: C (two round pins), D (three round pins in a triangular pattern), F (two round pins with grounding clips included), G (three rectangular pins in a triangle pattern) and J (three round pins in a triangle shape, with one grounding pin). It operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. To account for this variation, we recommend taking a universal adaptor with you wherever you go.

What is the capital city of Jordan?

Amman is the capital city of Jordan. It’s also the largest and most populous city in the Levant, home to just over four million people and a mix of museums, souqs and modern shopping centres. Regular day trips run from Amman to Petra, although it should be noted that this is a three-hour trip in one direction.

What language do they speak in Jordan?

The official language in Jordan is Arabic. However, many other languages are spoken here; you’ll find plenty of people who speak English, as well as French and German. The further out you get from big cities, the more you’ll find people speaking Chechen and Circassian.

What is the time difference between the UK and Jordan?

Jordan is two hours ahead of GMT in the winter and three hours ahead of GMT in the summer. Daylight saving time is not used in Jordan.

What currency does Jordan use?

The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the currency of choice in Jordan. It trades very close to the pound, so it’s easy to work out roughly how much you’re spending. Some establishments might take dollars or pounds, but it’s always smart to carry dinar with you.

Can you drink the tap water in Jordan?

That depends on where you are. In most luxury hotels, tap water is safe to drink, but in smaller souqs and stores outside of the city centre, we recommend sticking to bottled water.

When do stores open in Jordan?

Shops generally open between 8am and 9:30am and close between 6pm and 8pm. Some close between 1pm and 3:30pm, and generally shops are closed on Fridays (except souqs). During Ramadan, several shops close early (around 2pm) and reopen in the evening. Historic and tourist sites are generally open daily from 7:30am until 5pm in winter, 7:30am to 5:30pm in summer, and 7:30am to 3:30pm during Ramadan. Museums tend to be closed on Tuesdays.

How long is the flight to Jordan from the UK?

A direct flight from London to the capital city of Amman will take on average five-and-a-half hours. It might take longer from another part of the UK, or if you need to catch a connecting flight en route.

Do I need a visa to visit Jordan?

British citizens need a visa to travel to Jordan. A single-entry visa is available to buy upon arrival at all airports or at the Sheikh Hussein/North Border and Wadi Araba/South Border crossings at the Jordan/Israel border. Visas can also be purchased at the King Hussein/Allenby crossing at the Jordan/West Bank border.

An exit tax of 10JOD is payable at all border crossings (but not in the airports). Visas can be extended after your entry to Jordan up to a maximum period of six months. You'll be issued a fine if you overstay your visa.

What are the passport requirements for entering Jordan?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Jordan.

What are the vaccination requirements for Jordan?

While there are no specific or mandatory requirements for travelling to Jordan, it’s always recommended that you’re up to date on all your necessary vaccinations. It's also smart to get protected against hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies, as these are all present in some form in Jordan.