Amman Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Amman tours and day trips, the rose-red rock city of Petra, the Martian deserts of Wadi Rum, floating in the Dead Sea, the Roman ruins of Jerash, the mosaics of Madaba and Mount Nebo, and the Citadel and Roman Theatre of Amman itself. Compare top-rated activities and plan your perfect Jordan itinerary.
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Explore Amman by interest
Whatever brings you to Amman — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Amman
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Petra
The rose-red city.
Wadi Rum
The Valley of the Moon.
Dead Sea
Float in the salt sea.
Jerash
Roman ruins.
Amman Citadel
The hilltop site.
Roman Theatre
The grand amphitheatre.
Mount Nebo
Moses’ Promised Land view.
The Treasury
Petra’s iconic façade.
Jordan from Amman in 3 days
- 1Day 1: Petra
- 2Day 2: Wadi Rum
- 3Day 3: Dead Sea & Jerash
- 4Wonders, desert & sea
3 hrs awayPetra
The rose-red city.
4 hrs awayWadi Rum
The Valley of the Moon.
1 hr awayDead Sea
Float in the salt sea.
1 hr awayJerash
Roman ruins.
1 hr awayMadaba & Nebo
Mosaics and views.
In the city awayAmman Citadel
The hilltop site.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Amman visitor asks before booking.
The sweet-spot months
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring warm, comfortable weather ideal for Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea — the prime times to visit Jordan.
Spring (Mar–May)
Warm days, wildflowers and pleasant conditions — perfect for the long walks of Petra and the desert.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Very hot, especially at Petra and in the desert; sightsee early, carry water, though the Dead Sea and altitude ease it a little.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Warm and settled, an excellent time for touring with comfortable temperatures.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cool to cold with desert nights near freezing and occasional rain or snow in Amman and Petra; quieter and atmospheric.
Desert nights
Even in warm seasons, desert and Petra evenings get cold — bring layers for Wadi Rum camps.
One day
A long day trip to Petra or the Dead Sea.
Two days
Pair Petra with Wadi Rum and a camp night.
Three days
The sweet spot: Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea.
Four to five days
Add Jerash, Madaba, Mount Nebo and the desert castles.
A week or more
Add Aqaba, Dana and a deeper exploration of Jordan.
Travelling with kids
Mix Petra, a Wadi Rum jeep and the Dead Sea gently.
Guided tours
Most visitors see Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea on guided tours from Amman, with transport and a driver-guide.
Private driver
Hiring a car with a driver is a flexible, comfortable way to tour Jordan’s spread-out sights.
Car hire
Self-drive is feasible on Jordan’s good main roads, giving freedom between sites.
On foot at sites
Petra involves several kilometres of walking; wear good shoes and bring water.
Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass bundles Petra, many sites and the visa fee — great value if you’re visiting several.
From the airport
Queen Alia International Airport is about 45 minutes from central Amman by taxi or transfer.
Get the Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass covers Petra, dozens of sites and waives the tourist visa fee if bought before arrival — excellent value.
Jordanian dinar
Jordan uses the dinar (JOD); cards are accepted in hotels and tours, but carry cash for sites, tips and small vendors.
Wear good shoes
Petra means kilometres of walking on uneven ground — sturdy footwear and water are essential.
Cover up and respect
Jordan is conservative; dress modestly, especially at religious sites and away from resorts.
Sun and heat
The sun is strong at Petra and in the desert; bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
See Petra by Night
On select evenings, Petra by Night lights the Siq and Treasury with candles — a magical add-on.
Petra tours
Day and overnight Petra tours sell out — book ahead.
Wadi Rum camps
Desert-camp stays fill up — reserve early.
Multi-day tours
Popular 2–3 day Jordan circuits book up — plan ahead.
Dead Sea resorts
Beach and resort access can be limited — book ahead.
Petra by Night
It runs on select evenings only — reserve early.
Spring & autumn
Peak seasons are busy — plan and book early.
Petra day trip
Around €80–130 for a day trip with transport and entry.
Wadi Rum
About €100–160 for a jeep tour, more with a camp overnight.
Dead Sea
Roughly €45–80 for a day trip with beach or resort access.
Jerash
Around €40–70 for a Jerash day tour, often with Ajloun.
Multi-day tours
About €250–500+ for a 2–3 day Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea tour.
How to save
Buy a Jordan Pass, join group tours, and combine sites to cut transport costs.
Amman through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Petra, desert and sea.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal weather; book ahead.
- Best for
- Early tours and the Dead Sea.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Very hot; start early.
- Best for
- Comfortable touring.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Warm and settled; book ahead.
- Best for
- Quiet, atmospheric visits.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cold nights; pack layers.