Amman is Jordan's dynamic capital city, a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern urban life set across a dramatic hillside landscape. The city is home to Roman ruins, vibrant souks, world-class restaurants, and a thriving arts scene, making it one of the Middle East's most compelling destinations.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Jerash — Roman Ruins
Jerash contains the finest and most complete Roman city ruins outside Italy — a remarkably preserved Greco-Roman city with triumphal arches, colonnaded streets, a hippodrome, two theatres, temples, and baths. The Hadrian's Arch entrance is particularly stunning.
Highlights: Hadrian's Arch · Oval Forum · Cardo Maximus (colonnaded street) · South Theatre (still used for concerts) · Temple of Artemis · Roman Army and Chariot Experience show
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is one of the world's most extraordinary natural phenomena — 430 meters below sea level, with water so salty you float effortlessly. The mineral-rich black mud is world-famous for skin benefits. The eastern shore (Jordan's side) is less developed and more peaceful than the western (Israeli) side.
Highlights: Floating in the saltiest sea on Earth · Dead Sea mud masks · Infinity pool resorts (Kempinski, Marriott, Crowne Plaza) · Sunset over the Judean Hills · Jordan River Baptism Site (Bethany Beyond the Jordan, 10km north)
Madaba — Mosaic City
Madaba is Jordan's 'City of Mosaics' — the 6th-century Byzantine mosaic floor map of the Holy Land in St. George's Church is one of the most important cartographic documents from antiquity. The town is full of mosaic workshops where artists create pieces using ancient techniques.
Highlights: Madaba Mosaic Map (St. George's Church) · Madaba Archaeological Museum · Traditional mosaic workshops and studios · Apostolic Church mosaics · Excellent local restaurants
Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land before his death, according to the Bible. The summit offers spectacular panoramic views across the Jordan Valley to the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, and the West Bank on clear days. The Franciscan Memorial Church has remarkable Byzantine mosaic floors.
Highlights: Panoramic view of the Promised Land (Dead Sea, Jerusalem visible on clear days) · Byzantine mosaic floors in the memorial church · Bronze serpent sculpture (Brazen Serpent Monument) · Biblical significance for Christian, Jewish, and Muslim visitors
Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ar-Rabad)
Ajloun Castle is a magnificent 12th-century Arab-Islamic castle built by Saladin's general to protect the region from Crusader attacks and overlook three important Jordan Valley trade routes. Perched on a hilltop amid Ajloun's famous oak forests, it offers dramatic views and a superb example of Islamic military architecture.
Highlights: 12th-century Islamic military architecture · Stunning panoramic views over Jordan Valley and the Ajloun nature reserve · Interactive museum inside the castle · Ajloun Forest Reserve adjacent (RSCN-managed)
Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas)
Al-Maghtas is the UNESCO World Heritage Site identified as the place where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist — one of Christianity's holiest sites. Archaeological excavations have revealed ancient churches, baptism pools, and evidence of large pilgrim communities dating to the Byzantine period.
Highlights: Baptism site of Jesus Christ · Ancient Byzantine churches and pilgrim facilities · Jordan River viewing point · UNESCO World Heritage Site · Regular pilgrim groups from around the world
Wadi Al-Seer Valley and Qasr Al-Abd
The beautiful Wadi Al-Seer valley on Amman's western edge offers a half-day escape into verdant terraced hillsides with the spectacular Qasr Al-Abd (Palace of the Slave) — a unique 2nd-century BC Hellenistic palace partially reconstructed from fallen carved stone blocks. The Jordan River Foundation operates artisan workshops in the adjacent village.
Highlights: Qasr Al-Abd Hellenistic palace · Carved eagle reliefs (largest carved stone in the ancient world) · Traditional village artisan workshops · Scenic wadi valley hiking · Olive groves and wildflowers (spring)
Petra (day trip from Amman)
While ideally requiring an overnight stay, Petra can be done as a very long day trip from Amman. The rose-red Nabataean city carved into sandstone cliffs is one of the world's greatest archaeological wonders — the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) alone justifies the journey. An early 6 AM start gives you 6–7 hours at the site.
Highlights: The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) · The Siq (1.2km gorge entrance) · The Royal Tombs · The Monastery (Ad Deir) · Little Petra (free with Jordan Pass)
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Amman hotels and guesthouses — Jerash from JOD 20–35, Dead Sea from JOD 25–45, Petra from JOD 50–80 per person including transport
- Private
- Private car hire with driver from JOD 40–80/day depending on distance — best value for groups of 3–4; hotels and guesthouses can arrange trustworthy drivers
- Public
- JETT buses serve Petra (JOD 11), Aqaba (JOD 10), and the Dead Sea. Service taxis from North Station serve Jerash and Ajloun. Less convenient but cheapest option.
- Rental
- Car rental from JOD 20–45/day — gives maximum flexibility for multi-stop days (Madaba + Mount Nebo, or Jerash + Ajloun)
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Jerash + Ajloun Castle is an excellent single-day combination — hire a private car for approximately JOD 50–60 total
Madaba + Mount Nebo is the perfect half-day combination — easily done before lunch, leaving the afternoon for the Dead Sea
Petra as a day trip is possible but exhausting — an overnight in Wadi Musa (Petra village) is strongly recommended
Book the JETT bus to Petra in advance, particularly in spring (March–May) when seats sell out quickly
The Dead Sea is hottest in summer — go early morning or consider spring and autumn visits instead
The Jordan Pass includes entry to Petra, Jerash, Ajloun Castle, Madaba sites, and 40+ other attractions — essential value for day trippers
Start early — most day trips benefit enormously from being at the site at opening time (8 AM) before the tour bus crowds