Quick answer: A Jordan trip means staying in several places: Amman as the capital hub, Wadi Musa (the town beside Petra) for an early start at the ruins, a Wadi Rum desert camp under the stars, and the Dead Sea or Aqaba to relax. A classic route spends a night or two in each.
Where to stay in Jordan: best areas
| Area | Best for | The vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Amman | A city base | Capital, the hub |
| Petra (Wadi Musa) | The rose city | Bucket-list |
| Wadi Rum | Desert camps | Mars-like, magical |
| Dead Sea | Spa & float | Resorts |
Best places to stay in Jordan
| Base | Best for |
|---|---|
| Amman | Arrival hub, city life, restaurants |
| Wadi Musa (Petra) | Early Petra entry — essential |
| Wadi Rum | Bedouin desert camps, stargazing |
| Dead Sea | Spa resorts, floating, sunsets |
| Aqaba | Red Sea diving and beaches |
Amman — your arrival base
Most trips start in Amman, a sprawling, hilly capital with Roman ruins, great restaurants and lively neighbourhoods like Jabal Amman and Rainbow Street. Stay one or two nights to adjust and day-trip to Jerash before heading south.
Wadi Musa — sleep next to Petra
Wadi Musa is the town at Petra’s gate. Staying here is essential so you can be at the Treasury early, before the crowds and midday heat. Options run from hostels to comfortable hotels; pick one within walking distance of the visitor centre.
Wadi Rum — a desert-camp night
Don’t just day-trip Wadi Rum — spend a night at a Bedouin camp (from simple tents to bubble domes) for the silence, the sunset over the dunes and some of the clearest stargazing on earth. One night is plenty for most.
Dead Sea & Aqaba
End on the coast: the Dead Sea resort strip offers spas and the famous float, an easy add-on from Amman or Petra, while Aqaba on the Red Sea has diving, beaches and a relaxed finish (and its own airport).
Getting around
Most travellers rent a car (the Desert Highway and scenic King’s Highway link the sites) or use the JETT bus and private drivers. Distances are manageable — Amman to Petra is about three hours.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you stay to visit Petra? Wadi Musa, the town right beside the entrance.
Is one night enough in Wadi Rum? Yes — a single desert-camp night captures the magic for most travellers.
How many days for Jordan? 5–7 days covers Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea.
Plan with our 7 Wonders guide (Petra) and travel itineraries.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.