What do expats do on weekends in Jordan?

Weekends (Friday–Saturday) are prime time for exploring Jordan's incredible natural and historical sites. Popular options: Dead Sea float and spa (1 hour), Jerash ruins (1 hour), Petra overnight trip (3 hours), Wadi Rum desert camping (4 hours), and Aqaba beach/diving (4 hours). Within Amman, the café and brunch culture is strong — Saturday morning brunch at Fann wa Chai or Books@Café is a ritual. Rooftop bars on Rainbow Street are the Thursday evening gathering spot.

Is Jordan a good place for outdoor activities?

Excellent — from October to May, Jordan is an outdoor paradise. Hiking in Wadi Mujib, Dana, and along the 650km Jordan Trail; rock climbing in Wadi Rum; diving and snorkelling in Aqaba's Red Sea coral reefs; cycling through the King's Highway; and floating in the Dead Sea. Summer (June–September) is too hot for midday outdoor activity but desert evenings remain pleasant. The RSCN (Royal Society for Conservation of Nature) manages stunning nature reserves with guided trails.

What is the food like in Jordan?

Exceptional. Jordanian cuisine is a highlight of living here — mansaf (lamb in yoghurt sauce), maqluba (upside-down rice), musakhan (sumac chicken), and the best hummus and falafel you will ever eat. Amman's restaurant scene ranges from JOD 2 street food to fine-dining in Abdoun. The multicultural population means excellent Lebanese, Syrian, Indian, and Asian food is also widely available. Arabic coffee and fresh juice (carrot, pomegranate) are daily rituals.

Can I buy alcohol in Jordan?

Yes — Jordan is one of the most relaxed Arab countries regarding alcohol. Licensed shops (wine stores) sell beer, wine, and spirits throughout West Amman and in tourist areas. Restaurants and bars serve alcohol freely. Carakale is Jordan's excellent craft brewery. Imported wines are available but pricey. During Ramadan, alcohol service may be restricted in some venues. There is no prohibition culture — drinking socially is common among Jordanian urbanites and expats alike.

How does the Jordan Pass work?

The Jordan Pass (jordanpass.jo) costs JOD 70–80 depending on the Petra option (1, 2, or 3 days) and includes: visa-on-arrival fee waiver (saves JOD 40), entry to 40+ tourist sites including Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, Aqaba Fort, and multiple museums. You must purchase it online before arriving in Jordan and stay at least 3 consecutive nights. For any expat planning to visit Petra and a few other sites, it is outstanding value and pays for itself immediately.

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🇯🇴 Jordan

Lifestyle

Jordan offers a lifestyle that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty — from Amman's thriving café scene and rooftop bars to Aqaba's coral reef diving and Wadi Rum's starlit desert camps. The pace of life is relaxed by Middle Eastern standards, the food is exceptional, and the country's compact size means world-class experiences are always a short drive away.

3 hours from Amman

Petra

New Wonder of the World

1 hour from Amman

Dead Sea

Earth's lowest point, 430m below sea level

JOD 30–60/mo

Gym Membership

$42–$85/mo for modern facilities

JOD 5–8

Cinema Ticket

$7–$11 at malls

JOD 3–5

Craft Beer

Carakale — Jordan's first craft brewery

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Amman 🏖️Aqaba

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Dead Sea: 1 hour from Amman — float in the mineral-rich water, spa resorts, year-round warmth even in winter
Gyms: modern facilities in Abdoun and Sweifieh — Fitness First, Gold's Gym, and local studios; JOD 30–60/month
Darat al Funun: hilltop art galleries in restored Ottoman-era houses — Amman's cultural jewel, free entry
Malls: Abdali Mall, Taj Mall, City Mall, Mecca Mall — air-conditioned, with international brands, cinemas, and food courts
Pet import: valid rabies vaccination certificate, veterinary health certificate, and import permit from Ministry of Agriculture

Weekend Adventures

Jordan's compact geography means that world-class natural and historical sites are easily accessible for weekend trips from Amman. Most expats develop a regular rotation of favourite escapes.

Dead Sea: 1 hour from Amman — float in the mineral-rich water, spa resorts, year-round warmth even in winter
Petra: 3 hours south — budget 2 days minimum; the Treasury, Monastery, and Siq are unforgettable at any visit count
Wadi Rum: 4 hours south — desert camping under stars, 4x4 dune tours, hot air balloons, Bedouin hospitality
Jerash: 1 hour north — one of the world's best-preserved Roman cities, stunning colonnaded streets and temples
Dana Biosphere Reserve: 3.5 hours south — hiking, eco-lodges, wildlife, and dramatic Rift Valley views
Aqaba: 4 hours south — Red Sea diving, snorkelling, beach resorts, and fresh seafood
Madaba and Mount Nebo: 30 minutes south — Byzantine mosaics and biblical panoramas of the Promised Land

Fitness, Wellness, and Outdoor Activities

Amman's hilly terrain and growing fitness culture provide plenty of options for active expats. The outdoor season (October–May) opens up hiking, cycling, and desert adventures.

Gyms: modern facilities in Abdoun and Sweifieh — Fitness First, Gold's Gym, and local studios; JOD 30–60/month
Yoga and Pilates: growing scene with studios in Jabal Amman and Abdoun; classes JOD 5–10
Running: Amman Running Club organises weekly group runs; the Amman Marathon is held annually in October
Hiking: Wadi Mujib (Jordan's Grand Canyon), Dana trails, Ajloun forest — spectacular and uncrowded
Rock climbing: Wadi Rum is a world-class climbing destination; indoor climbing gyms emerging in Amman
Dead Sea spa culture: mineral mud treatments, hot springs, and float therapy — regular wellness ritual for expats
Cycling: growing community; the Jordan Trail (650km) attracts adventure cyclists from worldwide

Arts, Culture, and Nightlife

Amman's arts scene is vibrant and growing, with galleries, film festivals, music venues, and a nightlife centred around rooftop bars and live music. The city punches above its weight for a capital of its size.

Darat al Funun: hilltop art galleries in restored Ottoman-era houses — Amman's cultural jewel, free entry
Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts: permanent collection of Arab and Islamic art
Rainbow Street: Amman's social hub — bookshops, craft shops, rooftop bars, and live music venues
The Amman International Film Festival: growing event attracting Arab and international cinema
Nightlife: rooftop bars in Abdoun (La Calle, Blue Fig), Jabal Amman (Cantaloupe, Books@Café) — Thursday nights peak
Live music: jazz nights, Arabic oud performances, and indie bands at venues like The Beit and Canvas
Souq Jara: summer street market in Jabal Amman — handmade crafts, food stalls, and live performances (Friday evenings)

Shopping and Services

Amman has a solid mix of modern malls, traditional souqs, and local markets. For everyday needs, the city is well-served, though speciality international items may require online ordering.

Malls: Abdali Mall, Taj Mall, City Mall, Mecca Mall — air-conditioned, with international brands, cinemas, and food courts
Traditional markets: Souq al-Sukar (downtown) — spices, textiles, gold, and everyday goods at bargain prices
Supermarkets: Carrefour, Cozmo, Safeway — well-stocked with local and imported products
Online shopping: Amazon ships to Jordan; Noon.com and OpenSooq for local e-commerce
Laundry: affordable laundry services throughout the city; dry cleaning JOD 2–5 per item
Salons and barbershops: excellent and affordable — men's haircut JOD 3–7, women's salon services JOD 10–30
Tailoring: quality tailors in downtown Amman — custom suits from JOD 80–200

Pets and Environment

Bringing pets to Jordan or adopting locally is feasible, and environmental awareness is growing in the kingdom.

Pet import: valid rabies vaccination certificate, veterinary health certificate, and import permit from Ministry of Agriculture
Veterinary care: several quality vet clinics in West Amman; consultations JOD 10–25
Pet-friendly housing: negotiate with landlords — some apartments and villas accept pets, especially in West Amman
Local adoption: animal rescue organisations (JSPCA, Four Paws Jordan) facilitate cat and dog adoption
Environmental awareness: growing recycling programmes, Dana Nature Reserve conservation, and RSCN (Royal Society for Conservation of Nature) initiatives
Water scarcity: Jordan is one of the world's most water-scarce countries — conservation is a civic duty for all residents

FAQs