As a Jordanian myself, it makes me super proud to see that Jordan is starting to become a common bucket list travel destination for travelers around the world. From the world wonder Petra to the Wadi Rum desert, Jordan has so much to offer visitors of all age groups.
If you are planning on visiting Jordan, I believe that 7 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in the country, and this is exactly how I’d spend a week to have the best possible trip! If you do plan on visiting, I recommend visiting in the spring or fall for the best weather, as the summer months can be really hot and dry (especially in the south).
Day 1: Amman
In Amman, Uber will be your best friend, as the public transport system is not the best. There are a ton of fun activities to do in Amman, but given that you will only be spending a couple of days in the capital, this is what I would recommend doing.
Given that you won’t be spending too much time in Amman, I would start by visiting Rainbow Street. The street is filled with local boutiques and souvenir shops, and some cool art galleries as well. Another reason why I would do Rainbow Street is that two of the best Jordanian restaurants are located there, so make sure to grab a bite at Sufra or Shams El Balad to get a taste of the local cuisine. If you want a quick bite instead of a sit-down restaurant, then go to Al Quds Falafel or Shawerma Reem for some of the best falafel and shawarma in town.
After that, take an Uber and head to the Amman Citadel for panoramic views of the city and ancient ruins (Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace). Another alternative is to stroll through Downtown Amman to explore souks, spice shops, and eat kanafeh (a must-try dessert) at Habibah.
Day 2: Madaba or Jerash (Day Trips from Amman)
On the second day of the trip, I would recommend doing a day trip to one of these two cities: Madaba or Jerash.
If you choose to go to Madaba, make sure to visit the Church of St. George and its famous Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land. I would also stop by Mount Nebo, which is where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land. For food, have lunch at a restaurant called Haret Jdoudna, an amazing Levantine restaurant in the area.
The other alternative is to visit Jerash, which is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities outside Italy. While in Jerash, be sure to check out the Oval Plaza, the Hippodrome, the Temple of Artemis, and Hadrian’s Arch.
Whatever choice you make, I’d head back to Amman at around sunset time and sleep early as I would recommend waking up early the next morning to visit Petra.
Day 3: Petra + Wadi Rum
Leave Amman at 7 or 8 AM to arrive in Petra around lunchtime. Grab some food and put on some sunscreen because you will be doing some walking. I recommend spending 4-5 hours exploring Petra, but if you are only looking to do the bare minimum and check out the Treasury, then you’ll only need around 2 or 3 hours for that. A few other landmarks to visit include the Royal Tombs, Street of Facades, and the Monastery (Ad-Deir) if you can hike up.
At around 5 or 6 PM, I would recommend leaving Petra and heading towards Wadi Rum. The reason for this is that I feel like one night and one morning is ample time to spend in Wadi Rum, especially since the nice bubble hotels are a little bit expensive.
Once you check into your hotel, you will most likely have the traditional Bedouin zarb for dinner, which is a barbecue meal that is cooked underneath the sand all day long. The lamb will be so tender that it will melt in your mouth.
Wadi Rum is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. You’ll see thousands of stars, and on clear nights, even the Milky Way. Some camps provide telescopes or guided astronomy sessions where guides will explain the constellations. The desert is completely still at night, and the peace is unlike anywhere else on Earth. This is a great time for some quiet reflection or meditation. Some of the bubble hotels even have hot tubs in each bubble, so make sure to take advantage of that if you have the luxury.
Now I know that some people might want to spend the night in Petra and go to Wadi Rum the next day instead, and that is definitely not a bad option. However, if you want to try to save some money, I recommend doing it this way so that you can spend a day in Petra without having to pay for a hotel, and this way you’ll only need to pay for one night in Wadi Rum.
Day 4: Wadi Rum + Aqaba
The next morning, I would wake up early for a sunrise jeep tour through the Wadi Rum desert. You’ll get to pass by a few landmarks, including Lawrence’s Spring, the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and natural rock bridges. A few other activities that you can do are camel riding, sandboarding, or even a hot air balloon ride.
After lunch, head to Aqaba, a beach town in the south (about 90 minutes away). Check into a resort and relax by the Red Sea. If you have a scuba diving license, then you’re in luck because Aqaba’s Red Sea waters are warm, clear, and calm, with visibility often over 30 meters. For dinner at night, I recommend having Sayadiyeh, a local seafood dish, if you eat fish.
Day 5: Aqaba + Dead Sea
The choice is yours to decide if you want to spend the day in Aqaba and head back up north to the Dead Sea at night, or leave in the morning to get an extra afternoon to spend in the Dead Sea. Just bear in mind that it will take around 3 or 4 hours to get to your resort in the Dead Sea.
Another reason why I recommend this itinerary is that the most adventurous and tiring part of the trip is in the middle, so that you can enjoy a couple of restful days in Aqaba and the Dead Sea at the end.
Day 6: Dead Sea
After a couple of days of adventure visiting Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba, I recommend visiting the Spa at the Marriott Hotel and getting a relaxing massage. While in the Dead Sea (one of the lowest points on Earth), you definitely need to experience floating in the saltiest body of water in the world. Make sure to cover yourself in Dead Sea mud for a natural spa experience as well. Enjoy pool time at one of the resorts and catch a beautiful sunset over the sea.
Day 7: Departure
By the end of this week, you’ll have wandered the vibrant streets of Amman, marveled at the timeless ruins of Petra and Jerash or Madaba, felt the thrill of Wadi Rum’s vast desert landscapes, and unwound by the sparkling waters of the Dead Sea and Aqaba. In just seven days, you’ll truly get a taste of everything that makes Jordan unforgettable. To top it all off, the Dead Sea is quite close to the airport, so if you’re flight is later in the day, you’ll be able to spend more time by the pool before leaving.