Jordan, in a nutshell, is a hard thing to do. I can’t convince you that I am an expert, or know more than someone else. However, I can best inform you of what I did, if you should experience it, and what I gleaned from my brief stay.
I want to talk a little bit about three main areas (Amman, Wadi Musa, and Wadi Rum):
Amman is a gorgeous city, a bustling metropolitan, with lots of culture, noise, and incredible sights to behold. A few must-see locations include the Roman Theatre, any and all mosques, Umbrella Street, Rainbow street, and whatever you can manage walking in downtown Amman.
- The Roman Theatre costs only 2 dinars roughly $2.80. Climbing the steep steps to enjoy the view from above, marvel at the new amongst the old is well worth the money. With two small museums on either side of the theatre, it allows you a small glimpse into the past. Minimal time is needed in said museums, but make sure to stop by, get out of the sun, and enjoy.
- Getting the opportunity to see a “call to prayer” in an Islamic state is a true joy to behold. The dedication, unwavering belief, and seamless inclusion of religion into their everyday lives is truly fascinating. Being able to see a large portion of the population take a moment, enter the nearest mosque, and pray as one cohesive unit is remarkable. A true pleasure to see, and moment to behold.
- Umbrella street is an easy attraction to wander upon in the downtown area. Only a single street upward of steps, umbrellas hang above you, plants hang on both sides, and customized locks litter the railing with messages written personally from those willing to spend a few dinars to become memorialized upon this unique street. Don’t worry, if you are not into locks, you can use a marker to make your mark on the walls without any need to feel bad.
- Rainbow street high above the downtown area encompasses numerous restaurants, shops, and bars. A highlight and hotspot late into the night, it also offers spectacular views of the surrounding city in their numerous shisha bars in the area. Cafe and Books is a definite recommendation if you are in the area.
- Walking also allows for you to stumble upon many small wonders. Many markets, small shops, and merchants are everywhere you look. Places to have a coffee, smoke some shisha, or just grab a much-needed bottle of water to stay hydrated, everything is at your disposal. Make sure to stop at Hashem Rest for some delectable Jordanian food, and make your way over to one of the many desserts stands to try some Knoufa as well.
Enjoy Amman!
Wadi Musa/Petra seems insignificant in the dark as we drove past the first night, however, in the daylight hours, it encompasses a huge amount of space, and the amazing hikes, sights, and the lost city itself can only be seen by foot.
- Wadi Musa itself doesn’t offer much, but the few restaurants, bars, and accommodations, if you choose right, will definitely result in a pleasant stay. I would recommend the hostel located in downtown Wadi Musa over the hotel I stayed. It was grungy, falling apart, and not worth the money at all. The bathroom flooded, the shower was broken, and the room wreaked of smoke. Check out another locale and pay less please. If you are looking for some good food, check out the local cuisine of Mansaf, kebabs, basmati rice, and more. They will give you a good serving size, and you won’t be upset afterward.
- Petra is enormous. When you first walk in, first reactions are much different than those on the way out. The entrance is inconsequential, but the farther you walk, the more you uncover and see, from dilapidated buildings to fissures that you are walking through, to enormous treasuries carved directly into the stone. Petra is a must especially if you are one to go off trail and are constantly looking for an adventure. Space is vast, unending, and immediately after stepping off the main road, the crowds thin, disappear, and you are left to your own meandering, just make sure not to wander too far that you forget your way. Getting lost is a real thing without a guide, so don’t be that person. Make sure to make your way to the Monastery, the view of the Treasury from above, and trail blaze your way to some new and rarely seen sights along the way. Stay for a day or three, and you will not be disappointed. There is a lot to see, and even more miles to put in before you begin to get bored. Make sure to pack a snack and all the water, you’ll be very grateful almost immediately, the sun can be brutal, and the temperatures scalding. Might even need to bring or buy a scarf while you’re at it, plenty of vendors to choose from, and the benefit greatly outweighs the cost.
Wadi Rum
To get in the door or rather through the gate it will cost you 5 dinar, but once you are in, there’s a lot of sand to cover. I would recommend a jeep tour and stay in the desert. The company we went with was Bedouins Desert Camp and was extremely professional, welcoming, and quick with a smile. A 5-hour jeep tour, with a night in the desert, dinner, and breakfast, costing us 40 dinars in all. Well worth the money, the sights, and the experience. On our jeep tour we got to see a Bedouin well, managed some sand boarding, some climbing, the opportunity to walk across some man made rock bridges, and trudge through a canyon as well. Lots of activities, lots of fun, and well worth the transport for our day in the desert.
In the end, make sure to at least make your way to these definitive spots. Lots more awaits you within each and there’s much more to do in Jordan itself. Check out the dead sea, Aqaba, and the north if you need more to explore and experience.
