10 Best Tours and Day Trips in Amman

Amman is a city surrounded by natural beauty as well as archaeological sites. The people are known for being very warm, hospitable and welcoming, and are even very understanding of cultural and language barriers. This makes it the best place to spend a holiday wandering the streets and going on one excursion after another. Here you can make plans such as taking advantage of a gastronomic tour of Jordanian food.

If you want to soak up some history and architecture, start at the baptismal site of Bethany, or escape to the Cave of the 7 Sleepers. Some of the best things to do in the city include the Dead Sea, Mount Nebo, Roman sites and a variety of castles dating from different eras. And don't miss Petra, a magical city with centuries of history.

Jordan's capital is a box of surprises, so it's worth taking the time to explore its alleyways, modern areas and ancient ruins. It's a great plan, especially if you're organising a trip with friends or family. There are customisable activities, which often include a Turkish bath experience, entrance fees to the main attractions and museums, and even lunch.

Must-see sites include:

• King Abdullah Mosque: can be seen from different parts of the city, because of its striking blue dome. It is the only mosque that women can enter, but they must cover their arms, legs and head.
• Roman Amphitheatre: it is an impressive building, where it is worth a visit from 3 euros.
• Amman Citadel: it is located at the top of the capital, so it offers impressive views. It is also an archaeological complex with collections dating back 7,000 years.
• Citadel Archaeological Museum: is a great place to learn about the archaeological finds that have taken place in Jordan.
• Raghadan Palace was built in 1926 and is a location of unparalleled cultural and historical richness.

Details of interest

• Price: You can organise a tour on your own, preparing an itinerary that includes the most important sites. If you prefer a guided experience, it is possible to find options from 133 euros.
• Duration: I recommend about four hours.
• Means of transport: the tour is usually done on foot, but some guided tours may offer a comfortable air-conditioned bus.

Jordan is a country surrounded by sacred lands, and from Amman you can embark on a spiritual journey to some very special locations. An hour's drive from the capital is the renowned Bethany or Bethany of Transjordan, the site where John the Baptist baptised Jesus Christ. Other biblical events from the Old and New Testament also took place here. I recommend you enjoy a guided tour to get an in-depth understanding of its historical heritage.

Note that it is located near the Jordan River, on the border between Jordan and Israel. Take a look at the archaeological excavations and witness the baptismal ceremonies. A guided tour is a great way to explore other nearby sites. For example, you can visit the Iraq Al Amir Caves, a Hellenistic castle dating back to the Copper Age. It is famous for its olive groves and hiking trails. Also, the pre-Roman palace Qasr al-Abad is a restored architectural gem, right in the area of Bethany.

Details of interest

• Price: Entrance to Bethany costs around 15 euros, although access is also included in the Jordan Pass. If you prefer, you can book a guided tour, which start at 93 euros and usually include extra activities.
• Duration: around four hours.
• Means of transport: Guided experiences usually offer transfers in comfortable, well-equipped vehicles. If you plan to go on your own, buses connect Amman to Bethany.

To explore primitive architecture and art, nothing beats a private excursion to the Umayyad Desert Castles. It's an hour and a half from Amman, so you can wake up early and head out in search of new adventures that will transport you back to medieval times. It's not as crowded as other monuments, so you'll be able to explore and enjoy the interior to the fullest.

It's named after its great height, as they were once trading centres, caravan stations and even pavilions. It is an ideal place to explore the city's traditions and culture, as well as take a look at the mosaics and sculptures that decorate its interior. Additionally, the Jordanian desert is noted for its rustic landscape, as well as the oases scattered around what was once the famous crossroads of Syria, Jerusalem, Arabia and Iraq.

Interesting details

• Price: from 87 euros per person.
• Duration: between three and four hours.
• Means of transport: Private tours usually include return transport in comfortable vehicles. Bear in mind that in the Jordanian desert, you can only travel by private transport, and it is difficult to find a public transport line that connects with this area.

Hiking the trails of Jordan's river gorge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wadi al-Mujib is about an hour's drive from the capital. Here you can go canyoning, an adventure sport that safely combines abseiling and hiking.

You can get a change of scenery and get away from the routine of the big cities, while enjoying the mountain scenery. It is an easy to moderate hiking route, so it is not recommended for children. To experience this experience you need to be in good physical condition to be able to climb between the course of the river and reach the beautiful waterfall. In addition, the path between Amman and Wadi is breathtaking, so you can enjoy a scenic drive.

Interesting details

• Price: from 127 euros.
• Duration: approximately five hours.
• Means of transport: getting there on your own can be tricky if you don't have a rental car, as you'll need to catch a bus to Madaba and from there a taxi, which can charge approximately 210 euros. If you opt for a guided tour, you can relax about transport. These types of experiences usually include round-trip transportation.

If you're planning a quick getaway to Amman, you can't leave without exploring the surrounding area. This way, you can see Madaba, Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea. It's definitely one of the best things to do in the city, as it's a flexible and fun visit. You'll have privileged views of the artistic centre of Madaba, where you'll find the famous mosaic in St George's Church. It is also one of the main places of worship as well as pilgrimage.

Further out to sea is Mount Nebo, known as Jordan's Promised Land. It has a lookout point at the top, where you can also see the monument of the cross and the snake. This is the symbol of Moses' wanderings in the desert. You can get in from 5 euros per person. The Dead Sea, on the other hand, is an Asian lake composed of a high percentage of salt which is said to have healing properties.

Details of interest

• Price: from 117 euros.
• Duration: about eight hours.
• Means of transport: Madaba can be reached by bus in about half an hour, while Nebo and the Dead Sea will take over an hour. The best option is to opt for an excursion, as transport is usually included and you won't have to worry about anything.

A combined tour is the best way to explore the archaeological sites north of Amman. You'll get the most out of your trip, in just one day. I invite you to wander around three locations near the capital. Start your trip in Jerash, a Greek Roman city where you can pass Hadrian's Arch, the Hippodrome, the Temple of Artemis and the Oval Colonnade. Its old streets and abandoned squares.

The next stop I suggest you make is Ajloun Castle, located on a hill near Jerash. It is a 12th century fortress with a museum that is ideal for discovering its history. If you continue away from Amman, you can stop at Umm Qais. This is the ruins of the Roman city of Gandara, overlooking Lake Tiberias and the Jordan Valley. Take the opportunity to stop by the Roman theatres and archaeological sites.

Interesting details

• Price: from 83 euros.
• Duration: between six and eight hours.
• Means of transport: Public buses are available, although in the case of Umm Quais you must change at Irbid and pay a taxi fare of around 90 euros. The best option is to book a guided tour, as these types of experiences usually include transport between tourist attractions and back to Amman.

Jordan is a very interesting country, with a unique beauty. If you're planning to spend several days wandering around, I recommend you take advantage of a combined tour. Start by visiting Petra, the reddish city that is more than 2,000 years old. You can visit Byzantine temples, Roman theatres and climb to the lookout points. After hiking the narrow Siq Trail, head for an overnight camp in Wadi Rum.

Camping in Jordan is a magical sensory experience, almost as interesting as jeeping through the desert or taking a salty dip in the Dead Sea. If you stay an extra day in the city, you can also see Mount Nebo, Madaba, the historic Shobak Castle and the back of Petra city.

Details of interest

• Price: from 250 euros.
• Duration: between two and three days, depending on the itinerary you choose.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned vehicle.

Arabian cuisine is very tasty and varied, with interesting street food on offer. Many people leave the city without trying the local delicacies, which is a regrettable mistake. A tour of the local restaurants and stalls will allow you to sample Falafel, Hummus, Ful, Shawarmah, Kunafa, Walnut or Fechas. One of the most popular eateries is Habibah Sweets, especially if you want to try popular desserts such as coffee with cardamom.

Try a sandwich at Jordan's oldest shawarma stand, known as Reem, or sit and enjoy a drink on the local terraces. This food tour will take you to Amman's narrow streets and ruins, such as the Roman Amphitheatre, the Citadel, Rainbow Street and more.

Interesting details

• Price: from 130 euros.
• Duration: approximately five hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transport around Amman.

Another short trip outside Amman is to escape to the Cave of the 7 Sleepers. It's a scenic drive that allows you to enjoy breathtaking views from the moment you leave Amman. It can take between half an hour and an hour to get there, but you'll have the chance to explore the rural life. Legend has it that 7 young men lay dormant here for centuries, trying to escape persecution by Christianity.

You can find informative exhibits, which tell the story in detail. It has a mosque and nowadays you can see the ancient archaeological sites. I recommend you take advantage of this visit to tour the Mosques of Amman, which you must enter according to the dress code.

Interesting details

• Price: from 65 euros.
• Duration: between six and seven hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transport between attractions and back to Amman.

A magical oasis near Amman, it is located in the Madaba Mountains. It is the Ma'in Hot Springs or Hammamat Ma'in, where people come to relax and enjoy a spa afternoon. They are famous for their relaxing massages, which start at 120 euros. They are very special, as water accumulates during the rainy season and heats up during the summer.

They have healing powers, as there are lava fissures inside, making them a pleasant temperature of between 30° and 37°. They are usually less crowded than the Dead Sea and are one of the best things to do in the city to come back from your holiday feeling relaxed.

Interesting details

• Price: from 92 euros.
• Duration: around six hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transport in a minibus.