I will be answering common questions about visiting a Muslim country during its most important holiday so you can travel respectfully and stress-free!

Is visiting Jordan in Ramadan difficult? What is Ramadan? -Will traveling to Jordan in Ramadan affect my holiday? Are restaurants operating during that month?

Keep reading for the answers to all these common questions and extra tips so you can plan your holidays accordingly.

Tia Does Travel contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, take a look at our disclaimer here.

A complete picture of Jordan

Before we start, no trip to Jordan is complete without some essential basic knowledge of the country, a detailed guide of the best things to do in Jordan, and a perfected list of what to wear on your trip!

Additionally, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, you will find my Vegans in Jordan guide helpful to your travels!

First things first; what is Ramadan?

Similar to the fasting of meat practiced by Christians during the 50 days before Christmas and the 40 days before Easter, Ramadan is religiously practiced by devout Muslims all over the world.

It falls on the ninth month of the Muslim calendar- during which Muslims stop eating and drinking entirely during daylight hours.

By entirely, I mean they forego everything _ including water– every day between sunrise and sunset for a whole month!

For example, In Saudi Arabia, It is considered extremely distasteful for a Muslim not to fast during Ramadan.

The dates of Ramadan are not set in stone, so please visit this guide for the 2019 dates

What is the purpose of Ramadan?

The purpose of Ramadan is to resist temptation and remind us to be grateful for the things we have that we often take for granted – like food and water.

The fasting breaks as soon as the sun sets with the ‘’iftar’’ meal and it is treated as a small celebration.

Restaurants set up large tables everywhere about 15 minutes before the sun sets and as soon as the call to prayer ends, everyone tucks in.

Will restaurants be closed during Ramadan?

Not at all! Not everything will be open – but you won’t have any trouble finding places to eat and drink – especially close to main cities and tourist areas.

Amman, Wadi Rum, Petra, Karak, and Madaba all had more than enough options to choose from.

If however, you are stuck for options, you can always dine at any hotel – as they all operate as usual!

In Jordan, the city of Dana is the one place you will have trouble finding anything open during the day. 

Will tourist attractions be open in Jordan in Ramadan?

Absolutely – although the internet likes to lie and suggest otherwise!

Jordan in Ramadan is no different; it’s business as usual in Jordan – as it also was in Egypt and Dubai – when I also visited during Ramadan.

Don’t forget the country’s economy relies heavily on tourism.

All attractions are operating in their normal schedule – apart from the Amman Citadel which is still open, but closes early!

Ask your hotel or driver for info on the day.

Can we find guides during Ramadan? (guided tours, Petra Tours, Desert Safaris)

Strangely enough, yes!

Guides will take you on a desert tour for the whole day and not have a drop of water – it’s insane.

I have so much respect for that!

I used to feel disrespectful hiring anyone to work during Ramadan – especially in the scorching heat. But then I realized that people also need to work and feed their families!

Can I eat/ drink and smoke in Public in Jordan in Ramadan?

Technically yes, but I wouldn’t do it too publicly out of respect and sensitivity to the local customs.

Be discreet about it, and you will be fine! Smoking is also prohibited during Ramadan so the same rules to being discreet apply here!

What are the benefits of traveling to Jordan in  Ramadan?

Fewer tourists everywhere you go is a small benefit – but the biggest advantage for me is the extraordinary opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and customs of Jordan.

Hospitality is big in Jordan and that doesn’t change during Ramadan!

Simply speaking to the locals you will find them grateful for Ramadan, they feel it cleansing for the body and soul and welcome it into their lives and culture.

Taking part in the Iftar meal is a memory you will remember forever!

My Last Thoughts

My advice is, travel during Ramadan is nothing to be scared or worried about. It is actually a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Jordan’s culture!

Jordan in Ramadan will still be a gorgeous, cultural, and awakening experience for you, and Ramadan will not ruin your travel plans!

Like this post? Then share it on Pinterest!

Thanks for reading, and I hope I have convinced you to experience Jordan In Ramadan!

Make sure you subscribe with your email down below, to receive my travel newsletters and travel discounts!

Also, join my travel family on Instagram, and let’s stay connected.

Love, Tia x

Other Jordan Articles

Jordan Travel Guide – All The Information you need to know before you visit.

The Best Things To Do In Jordan – A guide to the best activities in Jordan

Vegan Jordan – A vegan and vegetarian restaurant guide in Jordan

What to wear in Jordan – The ideal packing guide

Jordan In Ramadan – Tips to Visiting the country during Ramadan

The post A Guide To Visiting Jordan In Ramadan appeared first on Tia Does Travel.

This was also my first question when I booked my trip to Jordan! I had so many questions before my trip so I was driving myself crazy!

As a result, I made a clear list of what to wear in Jordan to make sure you too can pack smart, respect the customs and still look cute!

Tia Does Travel contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, take a look at our disclaimer here.

I really wish I made those mature thoughts when I was 19 and I traveled to Dubai! Thinking back at it now, I remember how my knee-length summer dresses and long blonde hair attracted huge attention!

So this time around, I was determined to get it right. No more epic travel fails (at least in fashion)

Though Jordan may technically be in be Asia (geographically), the Asian rules do not apply here!

How strict are the Muslim laws in Jordan?

Many blogs I read painted a very conservative, strict picture of Jordan.

But after visiting myself though, I realized that that is simply not the case!

Yes, I got masses of attention(and a few marriage proposals). But not because I dressed provocatively; simply because of how different I looked in comparison to the local women.

The attention and stares did get tiring, but I never once felt threatened, and no one ever created trouble for me, based on what I was wearing.

If you would like all general info on Jordan, such as climate, customs, visas, and so on, please click here and read my Jordan Travel Guide.

So without further ado, read on for the ideal packing guide! Tips for men are also included below!

What to wear in Jordan in the summer: Women                  

What To Definitely Pack

• Maxi skirts with a tank top, crop top, or t-shirt
• Maxi dresses. Worn with sandals, trainers, or heels, these are a total lifesaver!
• Leggings. You can layer those under a dress too.
• Long Summer trousers of thin, breathable material.
• Scarves or pashminas. These can be used in a multitude of ways; like covering up arms and hair in a flash when needed, or in case of sudden rain.
• Trainers –or hiking shoes. These are absolutely vital for visiting Petra or Jerash as you will be walking and hiking a lot! To make sure you don’t miss out on the best things to do in Jordan, ready my guide!
• Flat Sandals or flip flops. I personally recommend sandals for better comfort during walking! There is a lot of walking!
• Definitely a small, practical handbag or a trusted backpack like my favorite one from Vans!
• A hat to protect from the sun (and hide hair if needed)
• An old bikini of a dark color to swim in the Dead Sea and enjoy the mud baths – anything light will likely be ruined from the mud and the salt (the Dead Sea has almost 10 times the saltiness of the sea)

What NOT to Pack

• Very short Shorts. Your daisy dukes can stay home!
• Very Short skirts
• Cleavage – Nooooo Cleavage!
• Long Jeans – Avoid them simply because they are so uncomfortable in the heat!
• See-through Clothing
• Hair: Most Locals tend to cover their hair and arms, but visitors don’t need to be too prudent about that. I didn’t cover my hair – only at times when I wanted to visit a mosque or a church. Carrying a light pashmina, or headscarf is ideal so you can cover up quickly at a moment’s notice.  

ADDITIONALLY RECOMMENDED PACKING ITEMS

• A good pair of Sunglasses
• Universal Travel Adapter 
• Mosquito repellant bracelets that are natural, DEET-free, and safe for children too!
• Activated charcoal – a complete lifesaver!!  – Sorts out bloated tummies, food allergy stomach problems, upset stomach from food or water, and many more.  I have IBS, and lactose intolerance and the smallest thing can make me ill –so  I never travel without it and all my travel companions end up using it too! You can find it from your local chemist!
• Piz Buin Allergy Sun lotion.  Perfect for sensitive skin, prickly heat, and the dry desert sun! I had been suffering from a type of sun allergy for years, and finding this allergy lotion literally saved me! If you too, experience redness and severe itching after sun exposure, try this brand and write a comment below! 
• Passport Holder for your visa, vaccinations, and passport, as well as hotel reservations or car-hire papers)
• A small makeup bag – pay special attention to oil-free primers and products to keep the shine away- and keep the rest of your makeup (if you wear any) natural.
• Hair accessories and chunky jewelry for that dessert boho-chic look!

A few extra tips for women and men

1. Replace your disposables with reusable items.

For example, cotton rounds, cotton swabs, and tissues. We use trillions of them! I swapped to reusables 2 years ago, and haven’t looked back since!

In particular, I picked up swabs for my ears, pointy ones for my make-up, cotton rounds for skincare, and even tissues.

Yeap, all reusable, from the incredible Last Object, which by the way, delivers from various warehouses – both Europe, Canada, and the US, so you don’t have to pay loads for delivery!

Just ONE of these eco-friendly swabs replaces over 1000 cotton swabs that end up in our oceans! They come in gorgeous colors, are durable, and are super easy to clean! Use code TIA for 10% off all purchases!

2. Get a portable ashtray

Cigarette butts are the single greatest source of ocean pollution, with more than 60 million collected over 32 years! Yuk!

To save our oceans, just carry a portable ashtray like this one in your backpack!

This pack of two can be fastened to any backpack! With every use, you are taking a huge step towards responsible tourism.

3. Carry a water bottle and straw

A simple reusable cup and metal straw are the best, and contribute a lot to the solution; trust me!

This filter bottle is great as it reduces chlorine and micro-particles. You can fill it up from any tap, or at your hotel to avoid buying a million plastic bottles when you travel.

100,000 marine creatures and 1 million sea birds die from plastic entanglement in a year.

Personally, I have tried paper straws and pasta straws too, but I really hate them! This stainless steel straw set comes with a handy pouch, and a brush to clean too!

4. Switch to shampoo and conditioner bars

There is no need to carry plastic bottles that you will later throw away. Not when you can get top-quality shampoo and conditioner in a bar!

This shampoo and conditioner set smells like heavenly lemon and eucalyptus, and don’t laugh, but mosquitos hate the smell of lemon so this is a WIN for me!

What To wear in Jordan – Men Edition

Men are so lucky !! No one will ever call you inappropriate, too sexy, or disrespectful during your travels… But that’s a subject for a different blog post!

For now, here is what to wear for Jordan:

• Jeans for nights out in New Amman.
• Chino trousers
• ¾ length trousers of any kind (doesn’t have to be dressy)
• T-shirts – 1-2 per day. You will be walking a lot and sweating a lot!
• A Scarf – Jordanian men often wear them. They are great to protect hair and scalp from the sun too! You can buy one locally 🙂
• Trainers or hiking boots and flip flops
• Bathing suit for the Dead Sea – one of a dark color to avoid damage from the Dead Sea Mud.
• Backpack – so you can finally stop stealing all our handbag space!

Thanks for reading my Jordan packing guide!

Make sure you subscribe with your email down below, to receive my travel newsletters and travel discounts!

Also, join my travel family on Instagram, and let’s stay connected.

Love, Tia x

Save this Article

Other Jordan Articles

Jordan Travel Guide – All The Information you need to know before you visit.

The Best Things To Do In Jordan – A guide to the best activities in Jordan

Vegan Jordan – A vegan and vegetarian restaurant guide in Jordan

What to wear in Jordan – The ideal packing guide

Jordan In Ramadan – Tips to Visiting the country during Ramadan

The post What to wear in Jordan – Packing guide appeared first on Tia Does Travel.

So keep reading for 20 ideas of what to see, do and eat in Jordan!

Mysterious, captivating, and irresistible, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a dream.

This is a country that seamlessly combines a rich history and urban modernism.

It equally and easily caters to all travelers; from families, to couples and from the humble backpacker to the luxurious traveler.

Located in Asia, Jordan is the safest country in the Middle East and a country of incredible generosity and kindness.

To learn more about Jordan’s geographical position and other important information, please read my Jordan Guide

Tia Does Travel contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, take a look at our disclaimer here.

My Jordan experience

I visited Jordan in July, as part of a press trip with my trusted agency Travel Pass.

A press trip is a sponsored trip, in which a travel blogger is sent out to explore a destination.

Upon return, we come back with articles and guides such as what you are about to read. Think of me as a better, more personalized version of Google!

I spent 5 days in Jordan and while they went by very quickly, and did not want to leave!

It was almost the perfect amount of time I needed to really see the country, although I kept my pace pretty fast!

I traveled from the Urban and Modern Amman to the vast desert of Wadi Rum.

Then, to the archaeological sites of Jerash and Um Qais to the breathtaking beauty of Petra.

I finished off by exploring the holy grounds of Mount Nebo and the healing properties of the Dead Sea.

Below, is my itinerary for the best things to do in Jordan, and all my recommended places to visit. Yalla!

1. Spend Time in Amman

The Difference between New Amman and Old Amman

Amman is the capital of Jordan and a city that is divided into 2 parts: New and Old Amman.

New Amman is an urban, modern city, with high-end hotels and malls, rooftop bars, clubs, and large chains cafes like Starbucks and Mc Donalds.

The airport is about a 40 minutes drive from here.

Old Amman is entirely different in the sense that it feels and looks like the authentic Middle East. There are large markets that sell everything- from clothes and souvenirs to books and vintage house memorabilia.

There are also dozens of ice cream shops (wow) and the most colorful food market I have seen!.

Once there, expect to walk past local bakeries, stores dedicated entirely to spices, local restaurants, cafes, and more.

2. Visit the market in Old Amman.

You will need a minimum of 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and mood for shopping.  Most shops in that area will stay open until 10 pm. Make sure you walk through the food market! it’s packed to the brim with fresh fruit, vegetables, spices, and nuts!

3. Experience the Gold Market

The gold market is a must for all jewelry lovers. All the gold your heart desires and at reasonable prices too!

Be sure you bargain for everything you get – this is the way things are done in all markets, from Thailand to China, Istanbul, and Jordan!

4. Eat Falafel

And specifically, at Hashem Restaurant.

Falafel and hummus are a billion-dollar industry in Jordan, and this place in Downtown Amman does them the best! Try the falafel, and pair it with a variety of salads, pitta, and hummus.

If you are a Vegan or Vegetarian In Jordan you will enjoy eating your way through the falafel heaven in this country! Make sure you read the guide for more vegan food options in Jordan.

5. Shop till you drop in one of the beautiful malls.

My favorite: the Taj Mahal and City Mall –where you will find all your favorite brands and then some!

The Clothing stores at the mall stay open until 12 am.

6. Smoke Shisha.

The Middle East is the King of Shisha and the quality of smoking Is incredible.

Choose any café with a terrace and enjoy the pure shisha blends of Amman

7. Try some traditional desserts

And specifically, at Habibah Sweets and Zalatimo Sweets. Both establishments are located in New Amman!

Expect to find beautiful desserts – from traditional mpaklava to delicate macaroons.

Ramadan Side Note

If you are traveling during Ramadan, some restaurants may operate at different times than normal.

To see if and how Ramadan will affect your journey please read my guide for traveling through Ramadan

8. Visit the Citadel

Standing tall since the Bronze age, on the highest hill of Amman, sits the Citadel, the site of the ancient Rabbath-Ammon.

There’s plenty to see here –with the temple of Hercules, the fortress, and ‘’agora’’ being only a few.

You should check out the Umayyad Palace that once housed the governor of Amman.

Also, observe its domed audience halls, then stroll through its archaeological museum. There are guides you can hire to fully explain everything you are seeing.

9. Marvel at the Roman Theatre

This beautifully restored theatre is yet another example of the heavy Roman influence in Jordan.

It is grande, impressive and one of the highlights of Amman.

Built-in 3 tiers to sit the rulers, military, and common folk, it has a capacity to seat 6.000 people!

You will also witness a small shrine at the very top that once housed the statue of the goddess Athena.

You’ll find two museums on either side of the theatre, displaying beads, traditional clothing attire, swords, knives, and more.

 10. Visit the King Abdullah Mosque

If you’ve never visited a grande mosque ( like the Blue Mosque in Istanbul), you should definitely visit this one.

This enormous mosque fits 7000 worshipers with room in the courtyard for another 3000. There is also a dedicated women’s area (far smaller than the men’s).

It is important to say that this is the only mosque in Amman that openly opens welcomes non-muslim visitors.

It was completed in 1989 by the late King Hussein in honor of his beloved grandfather. Once inside, you’ll see a spectacular 35m blue done and a built-in museum.

Mosque Tip For Women

Women are required to cover their hair to enter. At the entrance, you will find headscarves you can borrow if you don’t have any.

You’ll also need to wear an abaya – a full-length black dress that covers the entire body from the neck down.

My packing list is a great guide to follow if you are wondering what to wear in Jordan

Important Note for Food Allergies

If you are an iced coffee lover – or want dairy-free milk with your coffee, the only place you’ll find that is in Starbucks.

We hardly found any coconut, soya, or almond milk elsewhere! My friend is vegetarian and I have lactose intolerance.

Locals mostly drink Turkish Coffee which is a grainy blend or strong coffee like Cyprus coffee or Espresso. You may request an espresso with ice in some local cafes. 

Transportation advice for great road trips

After taking a few days to discover Amman, venture out of the city, into the real local scene.

Now, you have two ways of going about it; you either stay in the city and travel from there each day, or you pack up and change hotels.

I personally did the latter! I spent 3 days and two nights in Amman. Then I then moved to the Hayat Zanan Hotel in Petra and the Dead Sea Resort for another night.

This ensured I didn’t waste precious time in the car which I hate.

There are large distances to cover (like Petra for example which is a 4 hours drive from Amman).

Driving in Jordan vs Hiring a Driver

 The only thing that’s for certain is you need a car – or a driver. Driving in Jordan isn’t terrible, and definitely doable.

Make sure you are used to Middle Eastern roads and driving on the other side of the road of course.

I chose not to rent a car – and have a driver instead. Honestly, this decision shaped my trip!!

Ryatt was the best thing about Jordan and a person I can now call my friend in this wonderful country. He picked us up from the airport and didn’t leave our side, catering to all our needs.

He introduced me to local secrets and markets and drove us absolutely everywhere!

 I can’t say enough to praise this hard-working wonderful man. Ryatt went above and beyond his duty to ensure I fell in Love with ‘’His Jordan’’.

Apart from safe driving, a clean car, and vast knowledge of Jordan, Ryatt also took care of the small things.

Ice-cold water before we even needed it and local snacks after a long day under the sun.

He even lend us Local currency when we stupidly forgot our bank card at the hotel and went as far as to arrange discounts for camel riding!

Thank you Ryatt, you have a place in my heart forever!

Either way, let’s continue with places to visit in Jordan that will leave you breathless. The places mentioned below are day trips recommended by me:

11. Take A Day Trip to Petra : Things to do in Jordan

Petra – The Lost City.

(4 hours drive)

While there are Petra Tours from Amman, the number of hours on a crowded bus is not my idea of fun! Your best bet is a private driver that will drive you there and arrange for a tour.

 Visiting Jordan, and not seeing Petra is like Athens without the Parthenon. Rome without the Colosseum or Paris without the Eiffel Tower… you get my point.

Petra is utterly mesmerizing, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, and a Unesco Heritage Site.  

It is far more impressive than the Egyptian Pyramids or the Macchu Picchu ruins.

Petra is the real jewel of Jordan and one of the great ancient cities in the world that seriously lives up to its name.

It is famous for its rock-cut architecture and ingenious water conduit System.  

Hiring a guide to walk with you and explain everything is advisable, as there is so much history and meaning behind everything you see!

It’s actually easy to miss out on a lot if you just walk straight to the treasury.

There is fascinating history and stories to be told behind every cliff and corner of this city!

The Treasury of Petra

After the initial 2km walk of towering cliffs, symbols, and burial sites, you will reach the Treasury.

My advice? Stop. Breath. Take it all in. 

Personally, I was so blown away by what I was seeing that I got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

Through the deep and narrow gap of the Siq and the dust of the desert, you will see the 2000-year-old Treasury standing tall in all its glory.

And for a second… it will take your breath away.

I felt like I had transferred back in time like I was the one discovering this city again.

The city was once a popular Silk route –  for carriages traveling with spices to India and China.

It was abandoned around the 12^th century, and remained hidden, seemingly lost for 5 centuries.

The city slept, hidden from everyone, until Swedish traveler and geographer, Jean Louis Burckhardt discovered it in 1812.

If you want to find out more fascinating details, read this great article

Helpful Tips about Visiting Petra: costs and info

• Tickets: A Single Entry ticket costs 50 JD. You can choose to enter on multiple days to cover all the trails etcetera. You can find tickets at the entrance.
• Toilets: There are toilets at 3 points along the main trail. There is also a restaurant at the end of the main trail that serves a buffet lunch.
• Shoes: Wear running shoes or hiking boots, Sunblock, a hat, and light breathable fabrics! You will be walking for hours under the scorching hot sun.

Helpful Tips about Visiting Petra: The trails

• Trail: The main trail is the hiking trail most people go through. It covers 60% of Petra and has the least amount of climbing. It is 4.2 km long- and you will find the Treasury halfway. There are 22 different hike trails so you can take days exploring! The most popular one being the High Place of Sacrifice, the main altar of the City.
• The Monastery: is a further 900 steps – 2.4 km each way- after the end of the main trail. The views and scenery are out of this world- so if you are in good physical condition don’t miss this! You can also choose to ride horses or donkeys there for 20-30 JD, and save yourself the trip! Make sure you bargain with the Bedouins for prices but be polite! Lastly, remember the only way out is back through the main trail. This means you will have another 2.4 km to do before you are out of the city. If you find yourself unable to walk any further, you can rent a horse carriage to take you out!
• Camels: You can ride a camel from the treasury to the temple to save 2km walking. The cost is 30-50 JD round trip. I walked the entire way, and back!

Petra Culture Tip

Bedouins run Petra. Camels, horses, donkeys, and tourist shops are all run by the Bedouins.

You will notice their long black hair and Bedouin makeup (black kohl around their eyes). You’ll also notice their outfits, which truly resemble the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Apart from being fascinated by how different they look through, I urge you all to talk to them.

They are lovely people that will gladly tell you about their way of life providing inside information on the culture.

12. Explore Umm Qais, Jerash, and Madaba – Things to do in Jordan

Simply a 2-hour drive from Amman, and you can unfold all the magic of the North of Jordan.

You can combine a few cities in a single road trip, and each one has something unique to offer.

13. Umm Qais And The Greek City Of Gadara

Traveling through North Jordan to Um Qais, you’ll see the borders of Israel to your left and Syria to your right.

Umm Qais is the meeting point of these three countries. Here, you’ll find the ancient Greek city of Gadara.

Gadara is a dramatic and large antiquity site with views of the North Valley and the famous sea of Galilee.

Expect to see tombs, ornaments, and Greek Inscriptions. Expect also facades and two large amphitheaters amongst hundreds of other ruins that have not yet been fully excavated. 

14. Jerash And An Incredibly Preserved City

Jerash is the city in which you will find the most well preserved Roman City outside of Italy.

Dating back 6500 years, this city remained hidden and untouched for centuries. Excavations in 1925 unveiled incredible beauty and an amazing well-preserved city.

It really is one of the greatest Roman Architecture examples I have seen outside of Rome

15. Madaba And The Mosaic Workshop

In this little city, hides a mosaic workshop called ‘’The Flower of Jordan’’. This workshop was created to give work to locals and provide them with new skills.

Here, you will find over 37 employees, some of whom have disabilities working hard to create beautiful mosaics.

The work is sold on a number of surfaces, from paintings to coffee tables, real ostrich eggs, and jewelry.

You can choose a set design or custom make your own then order it down to the last detail. Then have it sent back to your country via DHL. 

The stones used are from the mountains of Jordan and are then cut by hand. Lastly, they are glued with glue made from wheat flour and water.

The design is then transferred to your chosen surface and finished off in a demi or full gloss finish. The designs are beautiful, and perfect for stylish home decoration.

Approximate prices:

Coffee tables: 1800-3000 JD.

Ostrich Eggs: 200-500 JD.

Interesting fact: More than 8% of the Christian Population of Petra leaves in Madaba.

Things to do in Jordan: Safari, Spirituality, and Bedouins

Get ready to explore the Wadi Rum Desert, Mount Nebo, and sleep in a Beduin Camp.

(2 hours Drive)

16. Wadi Rum

I lived out every Laurence of Arabia fantasy I had in the desert of Wadi Rum.

This incredible desert valley full of towering cliffs and stones is home to the Bedouins. Bedouin have inhabited the land for over 12.000 years!

Start exploring by taking a camel ride through the desert – then continue on with an exhilarating Wadi Run Jeep Tour.

We caught the sunset, got off the jeep, and sat in the desert in utter silence admiring the view.

It was the most peaceful awe-inspiring moment of the trip.

More things you can do in Wadi Rum

You can fly in a hot air balloon through the desert of Wadi Rum Camp  (hello marriage proposal goals!).

You can also arrange rock climbing which I’m definitely doing next time! Your driver will be able to arrange those for you.

Bear In mind that bookings must be made In advance!

17. Find Spirituality at Mount Nebo

I loved my spiritual visit to Mount Nebo – where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died.

The views from the valley are spectacular and the active Christian Monastery and church land are beautiful. Be sure to check out the mosaics inside the church too!

If you are lucky like us, there might be a mass when you go there! It was in Polish so I didn’t understand a word they were saying but lovely nonetheless.

18. Sleep in a Bedouin Camp

Experience a true Bedouin night of sleeping under the stars; in luxury of course!

This luxury private tent in the heart of Wadi Rum offers comfortable beds, a sofa, mirrors, lamps, and many more!

Each tent has a private terrace with breathtaking views of the desert enhanced by candlelight.

The camp offers a restaurant, lounge, toilet, and shower facilities. A once-in-a-lifetime experience! Find the booking details at the end of the post!

Things to do in Jordan: Float in the Dead Sea

The healing properties of the Dead Sea and the mud of the Dead Sea are known all around the world.

19. The Dead Sea.

At 431m below Sea Level, the Dead Sea salts and minerals have long been exploited for their skin-friendly properties. The biggest fun though is attempting to swim in the Dead Sea.

With the extreme salinity of the water, (10x that of the sea), you will float instead of swim.

Lay back, read a book or newspaper, and simply enjoy life. After that, lather yourself with the famous Dead Sea Mud and let it dry for 20 minutes.

Rinse off to reveal baby smooth, bright skin and revitalized soothed muscles. Bliss.

20. Go Canyoning!

Hike. Climb, swim, jump!

Experience Jordan’s Natural wonders by Splashing around the beautiful waters and spectacular cliffs of Wadi Mujib.

Wadi Mujib is only a 30 minutes drive from The Dead Sea. Once there, you can join a guide and start trekking!

Swim through pools, slide down natural waterslides and use a rope to climb down (abseil) into waterfalls!

This is an adventurous day packed with fun and plenty of laughs.

Thank you for reading through this ultimate guide of the 20 Best Things to Do in Jordan!

I sincerely hope you have the most incredible time in a country that will forever hold a piece of my heart!

Make sure you subscribe with your email down below, to receive my travel newsletters and travel discounts!

Also, join my travel family on Instagram, and let’s stay connected.

Love, Tia x

Like this post? Then share it on Pinterest! 

Other Jordan Articles

Jordan Travel Guide – All The Information you need to know before you visit.

The Best Things To Do In Jordan – A guide to the best activities in Jordan

Vegan Jordan – A vegan and vegetarian restaurant guide in Jordan

What to wear in Jordan – The ideal packing guide

Jordan In Ramadan – Tips for Visiting the country during Ramadan

The post The 20 Best Things To Do In Jordan appeared first on Tia Does Travel.

I can assure you, that not eating animal products will not be a problem in Jordan!

So keep reading for a beautifully green culinary journey!

Tia Does Travel contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, take a look at our disclaimer here.

Scroll down to the bottom for general Jordan Information, Ramadan Tips, a packing list, and 20 incredible activities in the country!

Some Facts About Veganism in Jordan

Simply put, the concept of veganism is not particularly understood in Jordan. They understand vegetarians yes, but not vegans.

In addition, Jordanians definitely love their meat.

But actually, the local cuisine is based on vegetables, pulses, and beans and as a result, it’s easy to stick to a vegan and vegetarian lifestyle.

In Amman, there are also restaurants that specifically offer vegan food and desserts.

P.s If your trip falls into the Ramadan (fasting period) some restaurants will have different working hours. Therefore, please make sure you read the article linked above.

Can you find vegan food in Jordan?

Food in Jordan is plentiful, colorful, and delicious, and many of the local delicacies are vegan and vegetarian by nature.

We had no problem steering clear of meat, even though I also suffer from IBS and lactose intolerance.

I did have some trouble in certain areas of Jordan, and I am in the process of writing an article about traveling with food allergies!

So without further ado, here is Vegan Jordan! A guide to delicious veggie and vegan food you can find in almost every restaurant in Jordan.

This also comes with recommendations about where to eat in Amman, the capital of Jordan.

1. Traditional Jordanian Food – Vegan Jordan

The most traditional type of food in Jordan is called Meze.

Similar to Greek and Cypriot style meze, the Jordanian version is packed with salads, dips, and homemade bread.

This, of course, makes it an excellent meal choice for vegetarians and vegans.

2. Dips – Jordanian Meze                                               

• Hummus – Ridiculously delicious and naturally vegan, Hummus consists of Chickpeas, lemon, and olive oil. Hummus is a billion-dollar business in Jordan, and they absolutely excel at it.
• Baba Ghanoush – A dip of roasted aubergine, chili, onion, and tomatoes.
• Muttabal – A dish that’s Similar to Baba Ghanoush but with fewer ingredients. Muttabal is made of Aubergine, tahini, and lemon.
• Tahini with parsley – aka heaven to your tastebuds! (Allergy Note: Tahini is made with sesame seeds)
• Galayat Bandura – A spicy tomato dip with pine nuts.
• Cheese Fatayer –Delicious little boats of bread filled with melted cheese and baked in the oven. ( Vegetarian, not vegan)
• Labneh –A type of strained, thick yogurt, similar to Greek Yogurt. Allergy Note: Contains Lactose.

3. Bread – Jordanian Meze

• Jordanian flatbread – The most common local type of bread! it is typically found in every restaurant and household and served with every meze
• Pitta Bread (khubz) – Khubz is served warm and delicious, and tastes the same as Cypriot Pitta Bread.
• Shrak – A Jordanian Flatbread baked by the Bedouins in Jordan.

4. Salads – Jordanian Meze

Salads are plentiful and packed with fresh veggies and exciting tastes. Just a few of those are:

• Arabic salad – finely diced tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and parsley
• Fattoush – A salad similar to the Arabic salad but with added radish and toasted pitta bread.
• Tabouleh – parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, and onions.

5. Small bites and vegan Jordanian Appetizers

• Scrambled Eggs and potatoes. A vegetarian dish, not vegan.
• Vine leaves stuffed with rice and spices.
• Olives of all colors and sizes
• Falafel – fried balls made with chickpea, and spices. Falafels are a staple in Jordan and are out of this world delicious. They are eaten as part of a meze, as the main dish, or in a falafel Sandwich with salad and dip of your choosing (usually hummus). They are easy and quick to make and an extremely cheap dish. A large falafel sandwich can cost you as little as 1 Euro!

Vegan Jordan Restaurants in Amman – For Vegans and Vegetarians

Amman is the capital of Jordan and a city that offers the biggest variety of vegan food in Jordan.

From delicious desserts to dairy-free kinds of milk, and vegan curries, there are options out there that are worth a try!

As a result, I am including a list of other restaurants in Amman that I know you’ll enjoy trying.

Note: The restaurants below are not all strictly vegan. Their menus are simply such, that also cater to vegan needs and tastes.

Restaurants serving Vegan Food:

6. Bourj Al Hamam

Visit here if you want excellent Lebanese cuisine! Great grilled fish options for pescatarians and various vegan options too.

Address:   Hotel Intercontinental Jordan | Islamic College Street, Amman 11180, Jordan+962 6 464 1361

7. Nasim Restaurant

Nasim – Nasim is a restaurant that offers all the traditions of Jordanian cuisine and strong authentic shisha.

After your meal, enjoy shisha and a drink on their lovely terrace.

Address: Beirut Street 6 | Fairmont Amman, Amman 11183, Jordan  +962 6 510 6031

8. Primal Restaurant

Primal – A fantastic restaurant dedicated to cooking up delicious vegan and paleo food.

Expect to find dishes like risottos, curries, and eggplant Caprese – all paleo, vegan and Gluten-Free.

You should also save room to try the delicious desserts!

Dig into the apple pie with coconut cream and vegan chocolate tart. Or finish off with coffee with dairy-free milk.

The fact that this is one of the very few non-smoking establishments in Jordan deserves a mention too!

Address: XV3M+CM Amman, Jordan, +962 7 8870 0111

9. Mighty Burgers

Mighty Burgers – Meat and vegan burgers alike – and delicious! Please make sure you specify no cheese in your vegan burger.

Address: XV43+RF Amman, Jordan, +962 7 9838 3990

Restaurants serving Vegan Desserts

10, Four Winters Desserts

Four winters – This is a fantastic place to go for ice cream! At Four Winters, you will find only two vegan ice cream flavors!

however, both the coconut and dark chocolate taste fabulous delicious!

Address  4 Omar bin Ekremah Street Abdoun Amman، Amman, Jordan, +962 7 8521 4444,

11. Halal’s Treats.

At Halal’s you will find excellent vegan desserts for that sweet craving.

For instance, they are pretty famous for their carrot cake here, but the cookies and vegan cakes are also worth a try. Tip: good for small groups as it only offers 21 seats.

Address: Hasan Al-Barqawi St., Amman, Jordan, +962 6 592 5465

I hope you have enjoyed this Vegan Jordan article, and sincerely hope you have the most incredible time in a country that will forever hold a piece of my heart!

Make sure you subscribe with your email down below, to receive my travel newsletters and travel discounts!

Also, join my travel family on Instagram, and let’s stay connected.

Love, Tia x

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Other Jordan Articles

Jordan Travel Guide – All The Information you need to know before you visit.

The Best Things To Do In Jordan – A guide to the best activities in Jordan

Vegan Jordan – A vegan and vegetarian restaurant guide in Jordan

What to wear in Jordan – The ideal packing guide

Jordan In Ramadan – Tips for Visiting the country during Ramadan

The post Vegan Jordan – 11 Delicious Vegetarian and Vegan Food Options in Jordan appeared first on Tia Does Travel.

Here, you will find all the tips for making your holiday in Jordan the most memorable experience yet!

Forget about having to type dozens of questions into Google, to plan a single trip. Additionally, forget about getting there and being underprepared.

The country’s location, population, currency, climate, visas, and vaccinations advice to name a few, are right here, so keep on reading!

All you need is right here in this guide, so keep on reading.

After all, enticing and mysterious, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan continues to captivate travelers with an eclectic mix of tradition and modernism.

Tia Does Travel contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, take a look at our disclaimer here.

Jordan at a Glance

From the busy city center of urban Amman to the enchanting starkness of the Wadi Rum desert.

Then, from the wonders of the Dea Sea to the majestic ruins of hidden and forgotten cities like Petra.

Jordan is a unique Saudi Arabia destination on the continent of Asia!

It offers truly breathtaking sights, rich history of civilizations once forgotten, and exquisite cuisine.

Additionally, it is home to numerous Unesco Heritage Sites, and 7 New wonders of the World which are sure to leave you in awe.

For a step-by-step guide on the best things to do in Jordan, make sure you read up on my article!

Jordan Caters for the affordable luxury and the backpacker traveler alike, offering fantastic luxury hotel accommodations and charming Airbnbs.

You will find the most options in Amman, Petra, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea.

In this Jordan Travel Guide, we cover the basics that everyone should know, before planning their trip to Jordan.

Without further ado, let’s travel to Jordan together…

Jordan Travel Guide – The Basics

Jordan’s World Location. Contrary to popular belief, Jordan is located in the continent of Asia, sharing neighboring borders with Israel, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Palestine.

Jordan covers over 88.000 km of land and 540 square km of water.

The capital of Jordan is Amman, and Its residents are referred to as Jordanians.

Jordan Population. Just over 10 million people

Flight Time Cyprus to Jordan.1 hour and 5 minutes (on a Direct flight). Aegean, Ryan Air, and Air Jordannia all fly to Jordan from Cyprus.

Visa. You need a passport that is valid for a further 6 months and a visa to Enter Jordan. Travelers from Cyprus can obtain a Jordanian visa upon arrival at the airport in Amman. The cost for the Visa is small, only 40 JOD. (50 euros)

Alternatively, you can also arrange your visas before you fly. Personally, I always do this to avoid long annoying queues at the airport and unpleasant surprises!

My trusted agency TRAVEL PASS always takes care of this for me!

Entry Visa tip: you need to apply for a visa a minimum of 15 days before you travel.

To do it yourself, visit the embassy

What Jordan is famous for

• The elusive ancient city of Petra, (also known as the Rose City). Petra is an entire city of unique architecture carved straight into the rock. It is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a Unesco Heritage Site.
• Many wonders of the Christian Faith. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Jordan River (where Jesus was baptized), and Mount Nebo (where Moses died)
• The Dead Sea. It actually has a 34.2% salinity making it almost 10times as salty as the ocean!
• The Wadi Rum Desert. The stark beauty of the Wadi Rum is clearly loved in Hollywood, with many movies being filmed here. Laurence of Arabia and Alladin (2019) are only a few of them.

Jordan Travel Guide – Transportation In Jordan

Getting Around Jordan: Driving in Jordan is a recommended option, although having your own driver will seriously enhance your journey.

Other than that, taxis are your next best bet – if you have a smartphone, download Careem, the Jordanian equivalent to Uber!

Uber, in general, is cheap too, 2 JD (3.5 euros) for a 10-15 min car ride.

Local Information you need to know

Jordan Telephone Code: +962

Electrical Current. Jordan typically uses 220 AC volts with rounded 2 prong wall plugs. Many hotels, especially in Amman offer various plugs options in our room though- to cater to all which I thought was amazing!

In any case, you will need a travel adapter – I don’t travel anywhere without mine and it’s super cheap

What is the main religion in Jordan?

According to the last census and the latest statistics, 96% of the population is Muslim in Jordan. The great majority of these are Sunni Muslims. Christians are the remaining 4%.

For more information on how and If Ramadan can affect your holidays, and the things you are allowed to do during this time read my Ramadan guide here

What type of Climate does Jordan have?

Much like Cyprus, Jordan is characterized by long, hot dry summers and short cool winters.

July is the hottest month of the year – averaging 25-35 degrees and the coldest is January with an average of 8 degrees.

December is the wettest month of the year and should be avoided unless you don’t plan on taking outdoor activities (And I highly recommend you to do many outdoor activities in Jordan)

Internet in Jordan

The country is not part of the EU, so there are additional costs and roaming charges for using the internet.

No Jordan travel guide would be complete without a mention of the internet!

Possibly the biggest stress most of us have when abroad is not being able to have access to the internet, especially in Jordan, where outdoor activities are plentiful.

Is there wifi in Jordan?

There is wifi in the big cities, like Amman for example. But you will be doing a lot of traveling/driving so to me it simply isn’t ideal to be offline for that long. So if you are like me, fear not!

Upon arrival at Amman Airport and in the arrivals terminal-  you will find Zain – a Jordanian telephone provider. Buy yourself a 20GB local sim card (for the price of 25 euros) and roam the internet non-stop!

I bought a sim card, and hotspot internet for my friend too for the entire journey so we ended up splitting the cost.

There is also a 50KB Sim card that also offers 100 international minutes for about 37 euros. The internet was super fast too, we even ended up watching movies from our phones!

Money Transactions in Jordan

Currency: The currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), One Dinar equals 1.26 Euros, 1.41 Dollars, or  1.13 Uk Pounds.

I would advise changing your currency once you land In Jordan and not before – choose a bank instead of your hotel and save even more cash.  

Credit cards: For all of you that don’t like to carry too much cash, you are in luck!

I was happy to see that all major credit cards like Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard/American Express can luckily be used in large shops, ATMs, and hotels. Some local shopping especially outside of Amman will require cash. 

Top Travel Money Tip:

The best solution not to lose any money is the Revolut Mastercard – which you get for free. Mine arrived a week before my trip and I’m so happy I got it!

Revolut is a great pre-paid debit card that is connected to your chosen bank account.

It gives you access to easy and free money transfers in over 29 currencies, cheap currency exchange, cryptocurrency exchange, and peer-to-peer payments.

With Revolut, you can pay or use the ATM in 120 currencies and via the app, you can directly send money in 29 currencies!

It’s major benefits are the interbank exchange rate saving you money with each transaction.

Amazingly, you can get free ATM withdrawals up to 200euros per month – then only a 2% change after that.

Clothes, Modesty and Customs – Jordan Travel Guide

What to wear. Dress moderately modestly as Jordan is primarily a Muslim Country.

Muslim women usually cover their arms, legs, and hair, and while we Western folk don’t need to stick to the same strict rules, I would advise dressing modestly and respectfully.

Leave your shorts at home, and stick to looser fabric that covers legs and cleavage.

For an in-depth list, including attire for the Dead Sea and Petra, read my Jordan Packing List

Health and Safety in Jordan

Vaccinations: the 3 most common recommended vaccines are Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A.

These three are the most commonly recommended for most countries outside of Europe.

You can read my guide to Tropical Vaccinations and Diseases here.

I was shocked at the number of people from Cyprus that are not getting vaccinations before they travel!

I don’t know why you would be so naive to think an illness will simply pass you by? Please do your research (or ask me!) about the correct travel vaccinations!

Tip: Travelers from Cyprus can get their vaccinations very cheaply at the old Nicosia Hospital or visit their private physician.

Can I drink tap water in Jordan?

The water is said to be safe to drink, but strangely, no tourist seems to choose to, and neither did I.

Stick to bottled water when you are out and about, and avoid ice unless you are in a high-end hotel that has its own water purification system.

Purified ice cubes are long and clear, with a hole running through the middle.

Safety in Jordan. In my Jordan travel guide, (and all my other guides) It is important to me to make sure you are safe and to report any concerns I may have.

Despite being neighbors with Syria and Iraq, Jordan is a very peaceful country and a very safe one to visit.

The last major terrorist attack in Jordan was in 2005, and since then, the government has invested to keep Jordan as safe and peaceful as possible.

The country, in general, has low levels of crime, and punishments for theft are high.

I found the locals completely respectful of visitors and their belongings.

To ensure maximum safety, you will witness high-security presence and metal detectors in hotels and malls. 
You will also see monitored border zones and tourist police in all major sites. 
Don't be alarmed though, it's very safe!

Like all countries please beware of tourist scams- such as taxis not using meters or antique shops selling fake antiques.

If you are renting a car, beware of kids demanding money at the traffic lights- if the driver refuses they stone your traffic lights! Simply try to avoid eye contact – or if you wish to give money to the children, keep petty change in hand.

Interesting scam story

I heard of a rather interesting scam performed by local Bedouin men, that I thought I should share!

In this scam, local Bedouins befriend lonely female travelers and pursue romantic relationships with them. Within days, they swear their undying love and promises of marriage, before they start asking for money and loans in return. Ladies, beware!!

Food and Cuisine – Jordan Travel Guide

Cuisine. Prepare to indulge in large mezze-style feasts, similar to the world-famous Cypriot ones.

Meze in Jordan consists of hummus, falafels, olives, bread, rice, bulgar wheat, stuffed cabbage leaves, and various spiced meats.

The meal is always followed by baklava, halva, and kataifi; all traditional syrup desserts known and loved by Greeks all over the world.

I Personally suffer from IBS, (Irritable bowel Syndrome) and high lactose intolerance- which means any food with lactose, pulses, sesame or fibers can make me really sick.

I have to admit, I didn’t have the easiest time in Jordan; although the food was delicious! I couldn’t resist tucking into the best falafels I have ever eaten, delicious salads, and hummus.

My friend was also a vegetarian and had no trouble finding delicious food during our trip.

Luckily, I have a great guide for vegan and vegetarian food in Jordan so be sure to check it out!

I hope you have found my Jordan travel guide helpful!

Make sure you subscribe with your email down below, to receive my travel newsletters and travel discounts!

Also, join my travel family on Instagram, and let’s stay connected.

Love, Tia x

Like this post? Then share it on Pinterest!

The post Jordan Travel Guide – Tips To Plan The Perfect Trip appeared first on Tia Does Travel.