7 Days in Amman & Wadi Musa: From Amman Citadel to Al-Khazneh

Ascend to the historic Amman Citadel, a site of ancient ruins spanning Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods, including the Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Amman's downtown.

"It is a magnificent site. I you need at least 1.5 hour to have a look at most of the place. The view of the city is breathtaking. The cafe and the toilets are very clean. The only thing that is in really bad condition is the museum. It needs renovation asap."— eleni likartsi

Descend from the Citadel to the impressive 2nd-century Roman Theater, an iconic amphitheater carved into the hillside. This remarkably preserved site once hosted gladiatorial contests and public performances.

"A must-see spot in Amman! During the day, you can enter and even go up the terraces for amazing views. They also host cultural concerts here, which are a lot of fun, and tickets are very affordable. At night, the theater is closed, so plan accordingly. Be careful on the stairs as they can be slippery. Sitting in the square in front of the theater is also very enjoyable a great place to relax and soak in the atmosphere."— Super Yosef

Visit Amman's oldest mosque, a significant spiritual and architectural landmark in the heart of downtown. Observe its impressive Ottoman-style design and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

"Built in 1924 by Abdullah, the first king of Jordan, this mosque is located in the city center of Amman. I couldn't explore the interior because it was closed (I don't understand why the inner courtyard is closed during the day). I only saw the outer courtyard and the exterior of the mosque. It was a very beautiful structure. After praying and touring the mosque, you can refresh yourself with fresh fruit juices from the shops around it."— Ahmet Özkan ÖÇALAN

Explore this charming art foundation housed in three renovated historic buildings, showcasing contemporary Arab art, cultural events, and beautiful gardens with panoramic city views.

"Such an amazing space to hang out for a few hours. The art inside and the architecture of the building, the design and style is perfect. There's a little cafe where you can order drinks and something to eat. Sit in any of the 3 courtyard, relax in the artistically beautiful surroundings. Around every corner is a framed scene of effortless design. Make sure you explore all the buildings, especially the library where you can make good use of the many books from Arts to Architecture to Historical text, an incredible range to occupy you for hours."— Thuy Ho

Visit the striking blue-domed King Abdullah I Mosque, a significant modern mosque in Amman. Admire its elegant architecture and enjoy a moment of peaceful contemplation (modest dress required for entry).

"You enter through a store and go up to the mosque. They will provide the proper attire if you are a woman. The mosque is beautiful and it’s nice to see if you haven’t been in one. The entrance fee is 2 JOD per person. The store is ok, they try to sell you but are not pushy at all. Very friendly people."— L BM

Explore the Wild Jordan Center, a unique eco-tourism initiative supporting local communities and Jordan's nature reserves. Shop for local handicrafts, enjoy the cafe's panoramic views, and learn about Jordan's natural heritage.

"One of the unique experiences I had in Jordan, I gave a try to their food at an eco-friendly restaurant. I had a nice view to the old part of the city of Amman, and that was nice. Service was great, nice and professional friendly staff. Food was great in quality and taste, no mistake at all, and I saw what others are ordering all looked so delicious and presented and served nicely. The ambience of whole place is calm and amazing. Smoke and noise free is very nice experience. Did not stay in the rooms, but maybe it could be nice experience from the way it’s over looking the city with great view. I wish there are more places like this in town. Great respect to the management of the restaurant, looking forward to more visits. I advise you give it a try, you will enjoy it."— Qasim Radaideh

Wander through the charming hilly streets of Jabal Amman, starting with Rainbow Street. Discover unique boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and street art. Take in the panoramic city views from various vantage points, and experience the local vibe of one of Amman's oldest neighborhoods. This involves significant walking and uphill climbs, offering a soft adventure experience.

"Have I missed something. I walked it twice. Then I walked in to Hashemite Plaza. While hoping to find one thing that might really grab, I didn’t. I was amazed with all the trash or litter. I saw the symbol of Rainbow Street and I stopped in shops but again maybe I just don’t get it."— Brett Montclair

Delve into Jordan's rich archaeological heritage, from prehistoric artifacts to Islamic-era exhibits, providing a comprehensive overview of the country's past.

"It has an excellent collection displaying interesting artifacts. There is a QR code at the ticket counter but the WiFi only worked to receive emails for me. I was very surprised when they closed the museum before 15:00- much top early. I (and many other people) weren't able to see the whole place."— Gary Brazel

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Souk al-Bukhariyeh, a traditional market in Downtown Amman renowned for its handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. It's an excellent spot for cultural immersion and finding unique treasures.

"You need to check the price from several shops in order to get the actual price, keep in mind to not to buy from the first few places as price is lower when you go deep inside."— Ali Alkhunaizi

Challenge yourself with a physically demanding exploration of Jabal Al-Weibdeh, navigating its labyrinthine steep staircases, discovering charming hidden galleries, and enjoying panoramic city views from elevated points. This activity offers both cultural insights and a significant physical workout.

"I was honored to be part of this art project, leading Khanlawenha team of artists and volunteers to paint this stairs in such a beautiful way. It is so nostalgic to see them still looking amazing and alive after ten years 😍"— Abdullah AlBaghadadi عبدالله البغدادي

Discover contemporary art from Jordan and the Islamic world in this prominent gallery, offering a fresh perspective on the region's vibrant cultural scene.

"Highly recommend a visit if you are passing through the area. It's not a big place so you could do it in less than an hour. The art exhibition itself is interesting and displays several artistic styles by local and international artists. Definitely grab a coffee at the cafe terrace upstairs. Nice view and super friendly staff"— Daniel Santos

Delve into the rich history and archaeology of Petra at this modern museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that bring the ancient Nabataean city to life.

"Great FREE museum, well laid out and very informative. Lots of interesting artefacts from the area and presented with clear English/Arabic explanations. A well mixed interactive touch screen information points along the way detailing the fascinating history of this wonderful place. Doesn’t take long 1/2 hour sufficient , but compounds the knowledge with the beautiful surrounding area. We did it after the tour of Petra and it made a lot more sense of how they lived Highly recommend🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟"— Kevin Morgan

Begin your day by walking through the magnificent Siq, a narrow gorge that dramatically reveals the iconic facade of Al-Khazneh (The Treasury). Arrive early to experience this marvel with fewer crowds and capture its beauty.

"This is the main highlight of Petra and the first “wow” attraction in the sight. Such a cool experience to turn the corner and see it peek through the rocks. This is usually the busiest area of the park, for a reason, but there are numerous ways to get a great photo of this amazing site!"— Kevin Hinton

Continue past The Treasury into the main city area of Petra. Explore the impressive Royal Tombs carved into the rock face and the vast Street of Facades, showcasing the ancient Nabataean architectural prowess.

"The Royal Tombs are reached via a set of steps that ascends from the valley floor, near the Theatre. A worthwhile hike from the Royal Tombs leads up to the numerous places of worship on the flattened High Place of Jebel Khubtha, together with a spectacular view of the Treasury. The steps are easily visible between the Palace Tomb and the Sextius Florentinus Tomb."— JY T

Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike up approximately 800 steps to reach Ad Deir, known as The Monastery. This massive, exquisitely carved monument offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

"This is definitely a hike to get to but surely worth the effort. You’ll be meeting a lot of bedouins along the way, most selling the exact same items that will be begging for your business but not as aggressively as you’d find in the city streets. Great views along the way as well!"— Kevin Hinton

Embark on a strenuous but rewarding guided hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice, an ancient ritual site offering panoramic views of Petra. Learn about its historical and spiritual significance from your guide while enjoying the rugged natural landscape.

"There's a bit left of the place they sacrificed animals, but the best thing is the views over Petra. There weren't many people going there because the hike up is a little tough with all the stairs, but it didn't take as long as I thought it would."— Nathan Wilson

Continue exploring the area around the High Place of Sacrifice, descending through Wadi Farasa to discover less-visited but equally fascinating Nabataean structures such as the elegant Garden Temple and the intricately carved Roman Soldier's Tomb.

"Known for its elaborate Nabataean-style, rock-cut façade displaying three soldiers, this tomb is part of a larger complex. It is named for the, now damaged, statue of a soldier in Roman military garb."— JY T

Undertake another invigorating hike, this time up the Al-Khubtha Trail. This trail leads to a spectacular panoramic viewpoint directly overlooking the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh), offering a unique perspective of Petra's most famous monument.

"A very nice walk up to the famous viewpoint. Well sign-posted. Initially a lot of steps. Others have written it`s tough but it`s straightforward and less than 30min up if you are reasonably fit, so don`t let that put you off if you are. (For the unfittest / laziest, people offer the ubiquitous donkey ride up). Be aware that direct sunlight NEVER reaches the facade of the Treasury around the winter solistice. That shouldn`t put you off from going though, not just for the view, but the whole experience."— Lucas Klamert

Immerse yourself in Jordanian culture with a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional dishes like maqluba or mansaf, and then enjoy the delicious meal you've created. This is a fun and interactive way to experience local cuisine.

"Took a cooking class here with a group and we had a blast! Chef Ahmad & Chef Ahmad were both very friendly and helpful in teaching us chopping techniques. The food turned out great and they were very accommodating for vegetarian needs. We got print out copies of the recipes to take home too. Highly recommend!"— Shannon T

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk in Wadi Musa Park, a serene green space offering a break from the ancient ruins and a chance to observe local life.

"Wadi Musa Park, located in the town of Wadi Musa, Jordan, serves as a serene retreat for both locals and tourists. The park offers well-maintained green spaces, walking paths, and seating areas, making it an ideal spot for relaxation after exploring the nearby Petra Archaeological Park. Visitors appreciate the park's cleanliness and the tranquility it provides amidst the bustling town. It's a suitable place for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to unwind. While the park itself doesn't have extensive facilities, its proximity to local eateries and shops adds to its convenience. It's recommended to visit during the cooler parts of the day, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, to fully enjoy the ambiance. Overall, Wadi Musa Park is a pleasant spot to experience local life and take a leisurely break during your travels."— Abdalrahman Farajat

Wander through the bustling local market in Wadi Musa, browsing for souvenirs, local crafts, spices, and interacting with local vendors. A great opportunity to find authentic Jordanian goods.

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly Recommended Shopping Centre! This small shopping centre is truly a hidden gem! You can find almost everything under one roof — from fresh food items and daily groceries to lovely souvenirs and household essentials. It’s incredibly convenient and saves so much time. What makes this place even more special is the pricing. Everything is available at very cheap and honest prices, making it perfect for families and budget shoppers. There are no hidden costs, just fair and reasonable rates. A special mention to Mr. Qais — a truly honest and kind gentleman. His friendly attitude and trustworthy nature make shopping here even more pleasant. This visit to the shopping centre and meeting Mr. Qais in Petra made my trip to Jordan an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this shopping centre to anyone looking for quality products, great prices, and excellent service! 🌟"— John Fernandes

Transfer from Wadi Musa to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for your international flight home to New York, NY. Allow ample time for the journey and airport procedures.

"⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) For the capital city of Jordan, this is a surprisingly compact airport — but don't let the size fool you, it handles everything you need without major stress. Single terminal, clean facilities, easy to navigate. Check-in is split across Banks A and B with screens showing your counter assignment. The standout is the Plaza Premium Lounge — genuinely one of the nicer lounges I've experienced. Comfortable seating, good food selection, and importantly, they serve hot food even during Ramadan when virtually everything else in the city is closed. If you have lounge access (LoungeKey, Revolut Ultra, etc.), use it — it's worth it. A few honest criticisms: WiFi in the lounge is poor — 3.66 Mbps download, barely enough for messaging, forget video calls. If you need to work, use your mobile data. Fast Track security is available for 7 JOD and well worth it if you're short on time. Airlines like Jordan Aviation don't have fixed check-in counters — always check the departure screens on arrival. And despite what their website says, some airlines only open check-in 2.5 hours before departure, not 3. Overall a solid, no-frills airport that does the job well. Not a mega-hub, but for Amman, it's fine."— Tom Dobler