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A well-travelled bridge between sea and desert, east and west, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a land of mesmerizing beauty and contrasts, from the Jordan Valley, fertile, ever changing, to the remote desert canyons, immense and still. Visitors can explore splendid desert castles, gaze in awe at the haunting wilderness of Wadi Rum, or bathe in the restful waters of the Red Sea.
For adventure lovers, there’s horse riding, 4×4 safaris, rock climbing and hiking. For taking it easy, nothing on earth compares to the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, with their many spa facilities.
Modern Jordan was founded by King Abdullah I after World War I. It was ruled by his grandson, the late King Hussein, for 46 years until his death in 1999, when his son, King Abdullah II, assumed the throne. Jordan has grown into a modern nation that has enjoyed a remarkable measure of peace, stability and economic growth in recent decades.
Capital: Amman
Airport : Queen Alia International Airport - Conveniently located within 50 minutes of Amman’s downtown, Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) is considered to be the main airport in Jordan and is serviced by many global airline carriers.
Country Code: 962
Credit Cards: Major credit cards are usable in tourist areas. Some ATMs may not accept withdrawls.
Currency: Jordanian dinar (JOD)
Departure Tax: Departure tax is included in your international air fare.
Drives on the: Right
Electricity: 220 - 240 V (Russian and Great Britian configurations)
Ethnic Groups: 98% Arab, 1% Circassian (Adyghe), 1% Armenian
Location: Jordan is located in the Middle East, bordering Israel to the West and Saudi Arabia to the East.
Official Language(s): Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in the cities. French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken.
Religion : Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several small Shi'a Muslim and Druze populations).
Time Zone: GMT + 2
Tipping: Not required, but appreciated. Some tourists spots may add 10% to the bill.
Jordan is a year-round destination – but despite its small size, you’ll find wide variations in climate, often reliant on the topography: Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum all lie well over 800m above sea level, Dana and Ajloun are even higher (up to 1500m), whereas the Dead Sea lies 400m below sea level. The same January day could have you throwing snowballs in Ajloun or topping up your tan on the Red Sea beaches.
The best time to visit Jordan is spring (March–May), when temperatures are toasty but not scorching, wildflowers are out everywhere (even the desert is carpeted), and the hills and valleys running down the centre of the country are lush and gorgeously colourful.
Amman Citadel
The Amman citadel is perched on top of one of the seven hills that make up the city and is considered to be among the world's oldest continuously inhabited places. It has had a long history of occupation by many great civilizations dating back to the Neolithic period (around 8000 BC). The buildings which are viewable now on a Jordan vacation are from the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods. These include the ruins of the Temple of Hercules, a Byzantine church and the Umayyad Palace, a complex of royal and residential buildings and the best-preserved in the Citadel. Archaeologists have been working at the site since the 1920’s but a large part of the Citadel is still unexcavated. The view from the citadel of Amman is spectacular.
Petra
Petra is a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan. It was established possibly as early as the 4th Century BC as the capital city of the Nabataean Kingdom (the Nabataeans were nomadic Arabs) with a population of around 20,000 inhabitants. It is the number one attraction on trips to Jordan and remained unknown to Europeans until it was rediscovered in 1812. It is carved into the rose-coloured rock face and is a vast complex initially reached via the Siq, a narrow gorge, 1 kilometre/half a mile long flanked by high cliffs. At the end of this gorge, you arrive at the Treasury carved out of the rock face in the first Century AD. Its purpose was containing the tomb of an important Nabataean king. After this, you enter a valley where you will find a great expanse of land containing hundreds of rock-cut tombs. Roughly 500 still exist. Highlights include a Roman-style theatre, obelisks, temples, colonnaded streets and the Ad-Deir Monastery which is situated on top of a rock face and reached by climbing 800 steps. Also located here are the Petra Archaeological Museum and the Petra Nabataean Museum.
Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum, also known as The Valley of the Moon, is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan and is quite isolated and mainly inhospitable to human life. It offers one of the easiest glimpses of the desert in the region. It is possible to stay over at one of the desert camps on a Jordan vacation to really savour Wadi Rum. The only permanent inhabitants are several thousand Bedouin nomads keeping the area unspoilt. There are a large number of soaring cliffs which add to the attraction. Jebel Rum is the second highest peak in Jordan rising directly above the Wadi Rum valley. Four Wheel Drive vehicles and Jeeps are mainly used to tour the valley although it can be done on a camel ride.
Dead Sea
Jordan shares the Dead Sea with Israel, the lowest point in the world. The water in the Dead Sea is extremely salty and has been estimated to be the second saltiest major body of water in the world. Due to this, you can float with ease in the sea where it is nearly impossible to sink. The mud along the shore of the Dead Sea contains many minerals and is believed to have medicinal and therapeutic qualities. There are a number of resort hotels which line the shore of the sea. You can enjoy a spa treatment, watch the sunset across the sea and look over to the West Bank to view lights of Jerusalem in the distance.
Madaba
Not far from the Dead Sea is the town of Madaba, known as the 'City of Mosaics' and famous for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, especially a large Byzantine-era mosaic map at the Saint George Church, a 6th Century mosaic depiction of Jerusalem and parts of the Holy Land.
Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is a 10-minute drive from Madaba. The site has some wonderful views of the Dead Sea and Jericho in Israel and on a really clear day, Jerusalem. This is the spot where the Bible states that Moses went to see the "promised land." The excavated remains of a church and a monument, discovered in 1933, commemorating the biblical story of Moses stand on top of the mountain. The church was first constructed in the second half of the 4th Century to commemorate the place of Moses' death.
Jerash
The ancient city of Jerash is one of the most popular attractions on trips to Jordan after Petra. It is considered one of the largest and best-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside of Italy and its history dates back more than 6,500 years. It consists of outstanding colonnaded streets, public squares, theatres, fountains and hilltop temples. Jerash was a thriving city during the 4th Century BC under the rule of Alexander the Great. During its prime, Jerash had roughly a population of around 20,000. It was later invaded by the Persians and then the Muslims and suffered an earthquake causing sufficient damage for it to be abandoned, hidden for centuries, as it was buried under the sand. It was rediscovered in 1806 and has been excavated since 1925.
Kerak Castle
Kerak is a fortified, ancient Crusader castle located 900 metres/2830 feet above sea level with a view of the Dead Sea and lies inside the walls of the old city. The castle dates back to the 12th Century and took the Crusaders 20 years to build. A good way to see the castle is through its Sound and Light performance when it is lit by 50 post lights accompanied by a short documentary movie about the history of Kerak. There is an Archaeological Museum (Castle Museum in the lower court of the castle which covers the local history and archaeology of Kerak Castle, the region and the city. There is an exhibition of excavated artifacts.
Ajloun Castle
Ajloun Castle is a 12th Century Muslim castle situated in north-west Jordan located on a hilltop. The castle stands on the ruins of a monastery, traces of which were discovered during archaeological excavations. It was an important link in the defensive chain against the Crusaders who were unsuccessful in capturing it. The castle was largely destroyed by Mongol invaders in 1260, only to be almost immediately rebuilt by the Mamluks. Earthquakes in 1837 and 1927 badly damaged the castle, though slow and steady restoration is continuing. Its location dominates a wide stretch of the northern Jordan Valley. It is guarded symbolically by ten soldiers who are placed at different gates.
Aqaba
Aqaba is a resort on the north-east tip of the Red Sea in the Gulf of Aqaba, handy for visits to Petra and Wadi Rum. It is an excellent place for scuba diving and snorkeling on trips to Jordan with mild temperatures in the winter but hot in the summer. Run by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, the Aqaba Bird Observatory is an artificially created wetland that is host to a variety of species that use the area as a stopping-off point on bird migrations between Africa, Europe and Asia. Birders will get particular pleasure from the concentration of white-eyed gulls as the Gulf of Aqaba has the largest population in the world.
Jordan holidays include a variety of festivals throughout the year, some religious like Muharram, which celebrates the start of the Islamic New Year, but most are an affair of culture. The Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival and the Jerash Festival are all held to remember the different peopleand traditions which make up this interesting and varied country.
Muharram
Muharram is a cause for great celebration across many towns in Jordan as it marks of the beginning of the Islamic New Year in January. This happens on a different day each year according to the cycles of the moon.
Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival
The northern town of Aqaba hosts a relatively large festival in February which celebrates the unique culture of the Bedouin people. Taking the form mainly of a crafts fair, the Bedouins and other minority groups bring their handicrafts to the seaside town for sale, showcasing their unique talents and keeping these traditions alive.
Azraq Festival
This festival, which also takes place in February, is native to the city of Azraq and its sole purpose is to present the town’s wonderful art, culture and crafts. A complete celebration with music, dancing and food in the town’s streets, it is one of the smaller festivals in Jordan, but by no means insignificant.
Amman International Theatre Festival
Hosted by an independent theatre company in March every year, the Amman International Theatre Festival brings together some of the rawest and freshest talent from around Jordan. Taking on somewhat of a competitive format, each performer has the chance to showcase their skills in English or Arabic.
Jerash Festival
Held every in July in the historical city of Jerash, this festival is one of the largest cultural celebrations in Jordan. Thousands descend to participate in special art and performances. Visitors will find music, dance, literature, food, handicrafts and general merriment among the festival goers. There are also artist’s workshops and seminars which are open for everyone to attend.
Jordan Rally
Taking place in October, the Jordan Rally is a motorcar race which brings together those with the need for speed from every corner of the globe. For a few thrilling days, the festival turns Jordan’s golden dunes into a race track and a large international crowd can be seen getting their adrenaline fill.
Practically all of Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise. Year-round, you'll find many sales in and around Central on Hong Kong Island and limitless bargains to be had in Mongkok, on the Kowloon side. Plus, from July to the end of August is the time of Hong Kong's summer sales, which include as much as 70% off previous season’s collections, and other discounts even on some current season's fashion items. Designer shops and exclusive labels are a dime a dozen here, and lots of foreign tourists usually come here to restock and update their wardrobe. Several markets offer silk products, Chinese artwork, collectibles and curios at affordable prices and just across the border, Macau and Shenzhen are within range for even more retail therapy.
Mong Kok
If you are looking for an all in one shopping experience in Hong Kong, Mong Kok is the place to head to. You can revel in the novel experience of walking down the winding paths while browsing cheap fashion accessories, sneakers, flowers and even goldfish. The Ladies Market, which stretches a kilometre along Tung Choi Street, stocks up souvenirs, traditional Chinese handicrafts and stylish clothing. The bustling streets are best explored at night when the atmosphere is rousing.
The Langham Place Shopping Mall, which houses over 300 shops consisting of international and independent labels, is spacious and trendy. Located along Argyle Street, it is conveniently linked to the Mong Kok Metro Station, making shopping a breeze.
The Flower Market Road and Sneaker Street are interesting places to check out with their reasonably priced stalks and chic sneakers. The Goldfish Market, on the other hand, is a spectacle on its own, brimming with not just goldfish but also turtles, snakes, spiders, frogs and reptiles. Fifteen minutes away from the Mong Kok Metro Station is the Temple Street Night Market, where you can experience the local culture and traditional craftsmanship with a host of street performers lighting up the crowded streets.
Tsim Sha Tsui
Huge shopping malls and high-end shopping are what you can expect at Tsim Sha Tsui.
Spanning over 340,000 square feet, K11 is the world’s first art mall, where elements of nature and art are integrated into the architecture of the building. Besides fashion, beauty and lifestyle shopping, you can also view artworks, featuring 19 exhibition panels of local artists.
In the area, you can also find Hong Kong’s largest mall, Harbour City Mall, which is a combination of three separate malls together with 400 other shops. It houses Chanel’s flagship store in Asia and Louis Vuitton’s largest outlet in Asia.
1881 Heritage is a new cultural and shopping landmark that used to be the marine police headquarters. With a luxury shop and a heritage hotel, the 120-year-old building houses brands such as Tiffany & Co, Tudor and Piaget.
If you’re looking for a nice place to rest after shopping in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, head to the Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard. At the end of the lane is the entrance to Kowloon Park.
Central
For luxury shopping, Central Hong Kong is the place to go. The Galleria, positioned between the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and office towers is a five storey mall that houses the Louis Vuitton flagship outlet. Prices at this LV store are significantly lower than other outlets in Hong Kong. Other brands include Stella McCartney, Helmut Lang, Coach and Manolo Blahnik. L’Atellier, a Michelin-starred establishment and ZUMA are fine dining options available at the mall. Besides shopping, you can also head to the ZUMA lounge, one of Hong Kong’s hottest night spots where international DJs play and a variety of cocktails are served.
Queen’s Road is also a popular shopping street in the area that has international retailers such as Longchamp, Topshop, Zara and Calvin Klein. Queen’s Road East which stretches from Wan Chai to Happy Valley has a heritage trail that you can explore. The Hopewell Centre that stands in Wan Chai is an iconic skyscraper that’s great for photo taking. You can take the lift to the top floor for a scenic view or dine at the revolving restaurant.
Causeway Bay
With a bunch of shopping malls, markets and cafes around, Causeway Bay is perhaps the most convenient area to explore for those with a tight schedule. Times Square is a great place to visit at night with its glass walls that look splendid when lit up. You can also drop by SOGO, Hong Kong’s largest Japanese-style department store that consists of several levels of fashion, electronics and household items.
Also in the area is Jardine’s Crescent, a shopping market that is worth a visit. It is a narrow street with stalls lined up selling bargain clothing, accessories and domestic goods. There is also a small wet market at the end of the street and flower stalls selling fresh blooms at very low prices. Hop over to Jardine’s Bazaar that is parallel to Jardine’s Crescent for more bargain items. After a day of shopping, take a rest at The Coffee Academics where you can enjoy a cuppa while people-watching.
Sham Shui Po
Electronics enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Sham Shui Po is literally the mecca of all types of gadgets, parts and DIY materials. Dragon Centre has nine levels of electronics, with an ice skating rink on the eighth floor and 90s-style games arcade on the top floor. On the fifth and sixth floors, there is a Japanese and Korean style mall. This is the second largest shopping centre in West Kowloon. Down below, Yu Chau Street is filled with DIY materials and other items such as toys, wholesale stationery and souvenirs.
Down below, Yu Chau Street is filled with DIY materials and other items such as toys, wholesale stationery and souvenirs.
If you’re into second-hand electronic components, Apliu Street sells bargain items as well as jade and jewellery. You can also head to Cheung Sha Wan Road, where 250 fashion shops await you.
Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Road
These two streets are known for antiques, wooden handicraft items and jade.
Hollywood Road is the centre of the art and antique trade in Hong Kong. Begin your journey at Possession Street, where the British Royal Navy landed in 1841, and explore the street to your heart’s content. There are some interesting shops such as Okura, a Japanese concept store selling leather goods and Grana, a Hong Kong based fashion label selling Chinese silk and Irish linen. The Hollywood Road Police Married Quarters, also known as PMQ, was initially built as a dormitory for police officers and has since been converted into a creative hub. Check out some of the indie enterprises, gift shops and pop-up stores such as Goods of Desire and Kapok.
Cat Street Bazaar on Upper Lascar Road is an ideal place for souvenirs and antiques. The 100-metre-long street includes bargains in jade, silk, embroideries and wooden handicraft items. You can also check out art galleries along the way.
Food
Cuisine in Jordan varies, although most restaurants have a mixed menu including both Arabic and European dishes. Authentic Jordanian cuisine can range from grilling (shish kebabs, shish taouks) to stuffing vegetables, to cooking meat and poultry. Jordanian cuisine is similar to many others in the Middle East, however, it is the inclusion of freshly made local yoghurt and cheese that adds a unique element. Also, Jordan is one of the largest producers of olives in the world and as such, olive oil is the main cooking oil used throughout the country.
Popular dishes include:
Mansaf: This is the national dish of Jordan. It includes lamb that has been seasoned with herbs and then cooked in yoghurt and served over a bed of rice.
Meze: These are small starters that include foods like hummus (chick peas boiled then blended with tahini paste, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice), falafel (balls of fried chickpea flour and spices) and foul maddamis (crushed fava beans served with a variety of toppings like olive oil, lemon juice, parsley and chili peppers). These are only a sampling of the many choices available when eating meze.
Mahshi Waraq 'inab: This dish involves vine leaves stuffed with rice, minced meat and spices.
Musakhan: Chicken is cooked in olive oil and onion sauce and is then roasted on Arab bread.
Baklava: A popular dessert, Baklava is a pastry filled with nuts and honey.
Kanafa: This is a pastry filled with nuts or goats cheese.
Ataif: This dish is traditionally eaten during Ramadan and consists of small fried pancakes filled with nuts or cheese.
Mohallabiya: This is a milk-based pudding perfumed with rose water or orange.
Drink
Drinking Arabic coffee is a ritual in Jordan. Coffee tends to be very strong and is served in small cups (with plenty of coffee grounds at the bottom). Local beer, wine and other types of alcohol are served in most restaurants and bars, except during the fasting month of Ramadan (non-Arabic nationals can drink alcohol only in hotels during Ramadan). Araq is local liquor similar to Greek Ouzo, usually mixed with water and ice. It is advisable to drink bottled water, which is cheap and widely available, although better hotels have their own water filtering systems.
