3-Day Jordan Budget Backpacking Trail: Amman & Beyond
Jordan is often perceived as an expensive destination, primarily due to the high cost of the Petra entrance fee. However, for the savvy backpacker, the country offers an incredible wealth of culture, history, and flavor that can be enjoyed on a lean budget. By focusing on the capital of Amman and the northern ruins of Jerash, you can experience the best of the Levant while staying in social hostels and eating world-class street food.
This itinerary utilizes the local bus network and emphasizes the value of the Jordan Pass, which covers your visa fee and entry to over 40 sites. By basing yourself in Amman, you avoid the high costs of desert resorts while still immersing yourself in the authentic Jordanian lifestyle of 'Al-Balad' (downtown).
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Ancient History & Street Eats
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Perched on the highest hill in Amman, this historic site offers 360-degree views of the sprawling white city. Explore the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace ruins. Entry is included in the Jordan Pass.
Lunch at Hashem Restaurant
Join the locals at this legendary no-frills alleyway eatery. For just a few Dinars, you can feast on the best falafel, hummus, and moutabal in the city. It is open 24/7 and famous worldwide.
The Roman Theatre
Walk down from the Citadel to the 6,000-seat theater built into the hillside. It is a masterpiece of Roman engineering and still hosts cultural events today. Don't miss the small Folklore Museum on the side.
Sunset Walk on Rainbow Street
Stroll along this vibrant street in Jabal Amman. While many cafes are pricey, the area is perfect for people-watching and grabbing a cheap 'tea with mint' while enjoying the sunset over the old city.
Day 2: Jerash, Jordan - The Pompeii of the East
Local Bus to Jerash
Head to the Tabarbour (North) Bus Station in Amman. Catch a local Coaster bus for about 1 JOD ($1.40). The ride takes roughly 50-60 minutes through the northern highlands.
Jerash Archaeological Site
Spend hours walking through the Oval Plaza, the Cardo Maximus (colonnaded street), and the Nymphaeum. It is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Entry is free with the Jordan Pass.
Jerash Local Market
Exit the ruins and head to the 'new' town of Jerash. Eat like a local at a shawarma stand for a fraction of the price of the tourist restaurants located inside the visitor center.
Downtown Amman Souks
Return to Amman and lose yourself in the Gold Souk and Spice Market. It’s free to explore and offers a sensory overload of scents, sounds, and Jordanian hospitality.
Day 3: Al-Salt, Jordan - The City of Harmony
Shared Taxi to Al-Salt
Take a short 30-minute ride to this UNESCO World Heritage city. Known for its yellow limestone architecture and communal harmony, it offers a different vibe than the busy capital.
The Harmony Trail
Follow this self-guided walking tour (marked with signs) through the narrow streets. Visit the Abu Jaber House and the many historic churches and mosques that sit side-by-side.
Traditional Lunch at Al-Hammamy
Sample authentic 'Mansaf' or 'Maqluba' at a small local kitchen. In Salt, portions are generous and prices are significantly lower than in Amman's tourist hubs.
Farewell Tea in Al-Balad
Spend your last evening at a traditional 'Ahwa' (coffee house) in downtown Amman. Share a Shisha or a mint tea with locals and reflect on your 3-day Jordanian adventure.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the temperatures are mild enough for exploring ruins comfortably, and the hillsides of the north are often surprisingly green. Summers can be scorching, while winters in Amman are surprisingly cold and occasionally snowy.
Currency & Money
The currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of approximately 1 JOD = 1.41 USD. Jordan is still very much a cash-based society, especially for local buses, street food, and markets. While cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, always carry enough Dinars for your daily expenses. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill at small eateries is common.
Getting Around Jordan
Budget travel in Jordan relies on 'Coaster' buses—small white buses that depart when full. They are incredibly cheap and connect Amman to Jerash, Salt, and even Petra. For moving within Amman, use the 'Service' (pronounced ser-vees) taxis, which follow set routes for a flat low fee, or use the Uber/Careem apps for transparent pricing without the need for haggling.
