Jordan: Is Petra Still Worth It? The Honest Verdict

Jordan: The Middle East's Most Accessible Adventure

Jordan is small enough to see properly in ten days and extraordinary enough to justify a month. It is also remarkably easy to travel: safe, welcoming, English-speaking in tourist areas, and home to three of the most spectacular sites in the world — Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.

Petra: The Wonder That Lives Up to the Hype

Petra is one of those rare places that actually exceeds its photographs. The approach through the Siq — a kilometre-long slot canyon with walls that rise 80 metres on either side — builds anticipation to an almost unbearable level. Then the canyon narrows to a gap, and through it you see the Treasury: a 40-metre-high facade carved directly into rose-red sandstone, glowing in the morning light.

It is one of the great moments in travel.

But the Treasury is just the beginning. Petra covers 264 square kilometres and contains over 800 individual monuments. Most visitors see the Treasury and the main street and leave. The real Petra is in the high places: the Monastery (larger than the Treasury, reached by 850 rock-cut steps) and the viewpoints above the city.

Stay at least two full days. Stay at the Mövenpick Resort Petra — directly at the entrance to the Siq, which means you can be inside the site before the day-trippers arrive.

Wadi Rum: Mars on Earth

Wadi Rum is a protected desert wilderness of red sand, granite mountains, and rock formations that look like they belong on another planet. It has been used as a filming location for The Martian, Lawrence of Arabia, and Dune.

The best way to experience Wadi Rum is to spend a night in a luxury desert camp. The top camps have proper tented suites with private bathrooms, heated floors, and a level of comfort that makes sleeping in the desert feel genuinely indulgent.

At night, the sky is extraordinary — Wadi Rum has almost no light pollution, and on a clear night the Milky Way is visible with the naked eye.

The Dead Sea: Float, Mud, Recover

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth — 430 metres below sea level — and the water is so salty that floating is not just possible but unavoidable. You cannot sink.

Stay at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea — a sprawling resort with multiple pools, a private beach, and a spa that uses Dead Sea minerals in every treatment.

Amman: Better Than You Think

Amman has a food scene that is among the best in the Arab world and the Roman Theatre — a 6,000-seat amphitheatre built in the 2nd century AD that still hosts concerts.

Hashem Restaurant downtown has been serving foul and falafel since 1952 and has been visited by every Jordanian king.

Best Time to Visit

January - February: Cool temperatures (10-15°C) and occasional rain. Fewer tourists make for a peaceful visit, but some sites may have limited access.

March - May: Spring brings mild weather (15-25°C) and blooming wildflowers. This is the peak season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices, especially around Easter.

June - August: Hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. While many tourists avoid the heat, this is a good time for deals on accommodations. The Jordanian summer festivals also take place, showcasing local culture.

September - October: Temperatures drop to a comfortable 20-30°C. This is another peak season, ideal for hiking in Petra and exploring Wadi Rum.

November - December: The weather cools significantly (10-20°C) and crowds diminish. This is an excellent time for budget travelers, as prices typically drop.

Where to Stay

Budget (€50-100/night)

Mid-Range (€100-250/night)

Luxury (€250+)

Getting There & Around

Flights

Local Transport

Journey Times

What to Eat & Drink

1. Mansaf: Jordan’s national dish, featuring lamb cooked in fermented yogurt served over rice. Try it at Al-Quds Restaurant in Amman for about €12.

2. Falafel: Crispy chickpea balls served in pita bread with tahini. Hashem Restaurant in downtown Amman offers a plate for around €3.

3. Foul Medames: A traditional bean dish, typically served for breakfast. Foul & Falafel in Amman serves this hearty dish for about €5.

4. Kunafa: A sweet dessert made of thin noodle-like pastry soaked in syrup. Try it at Habibah Sweets in Amman for around €2.

5. Shawarma: Marinated meat wrapped in pita bread, available at street stalls throughout the country. Expect to pay about €4 for a delicious wrap.

6. Zaatar Manakish: A savory flatbread topped with zaatar spice. Available at bakeries like Al-Hakawati for around €2.

7. Mint Tea: A refreshing drink served throughout Jordan, typically around €1-2 in cafes.

8. Fresh Pomegranate Juice: A popular drink, especially in local markets, typically priced at €1-2 per glass.

Insider Tips

1. Early Starts are Key: Begin your day early to enjoy Petra without the crowds. Arriving by 6 AM allows for a more serene experience.

2. Dress Appropriately: While Jordan is generally liberal, modest clothing is appreciated, especially in rural areas and religious sites.

3. Local Guides: Hiring a local guide in Petra can provide invaluable insights and enhance your understanding of the site’s history.

4. Cash is King: While credit cards are widely accepted, many smaller establishments only take cash. ATM availability is good in cities but limited in remote areas.

5. Water Supply: Always carry water while exploring Petra and Wadi Rum. The desert heat can be intense, and hydration is crucial.

Jordan is safe, welcoming, and extraordinary. Go.