←Jordan travel guide
Madaba Governorate, Jordan
Madaba
City of Byzantine mosaics on the storied King's Highway
Art & MuseumsCultureHistory & Heritage
Madaba is a small Christian city on the Jordanian plateau, celebrated for its extraordinary collection of Byzantine and Umayyad floor mosaics, the most famous being the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in St George's Church. The city sits along the ancient King's Highway and serves as a base for visiting Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land.
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Best time to visit
March to May and September to November
Region
Madaba Governorate
Main airport
Amman AMM (AMM)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Madaba
Nature
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth's surface, its shores sitting approximately 430 metres below sea level along the Jordan Rift Valley. The water's salinity, roughly nine times that of the ocean, makes swimming impossible but allows effortless floating, and the mineral-rich black mud drawn from the lakebed has long attracted visitors seeking its reputed therapeutic properties. The Jordanian shore is lined with resort hotels and spa facilities overlooking the hazy hills of the West Bank across the water.
UNESCO World HeritageCulture
Umm ar-Rasas
An archaeological site east of the Dead Sea, Umm ar-Rasas preserves Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic ruins, including churches whose mosaic floors depict cities of the Holy Land. A tall stylite tower nearby recalls the ascetic monks who once lived atop it.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Madaba
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Jordan
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Jordan page at Yoogo.
Jordan uses the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), which is divided into 100 fils and is pegged to the US dollar. Credit and debit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and established shops in cities, though cash is advisable for souks, small eateries, and rural areas. ATMs are widely available in Amman and major tourist centres.
Jordan is widely regarded as one of the more stable and visitor-friendly countries in the Middle East, with major tourist destinations including Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba operating normally. The government actively supports the tourism sector and police presence is notable at key sites. As with any destination, staying informed via your government's travel advisory before and during your visit is sensible practice.
Renting a car gives the most flexibility for reaching sites like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, and an International Driving Permit is required. JETT buses connect major destinations on a fixed schedule, while shared taxis known as serveeces operate between towns. Ride-hailing apps including Careem and Uber function in Amman.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable temperatures across most of the country, with clear skies and mild days ideal for walking Petra and exploring Wadi Rum. Summer brings intense heat, particularly in the desert south, while winter can be cold and occasionally wet, though it also brings fewer crowds to historical sites.
Arabic is the official language and the everyday tongue throughout the country. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and by younger Jordanians in cities, and most guided sites and transport providers communicate comfortably in English. Learning a handful of Arabic greetings is warmly received by locals.
Jordan has no mandatory vaccination requirements for most travellers, though those arriving from yellow-fever-risk countries may need proof of vaccination. The CDC and most travel health authorities recommend ensuring routine vaccinations are up to date and considering additional protection against hepatitis A and typhoid. Consulting a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure is advisable.
Tipping is customary and appreciated across the service sector in Jordan. In restaurants, 10% of the bill is a common amount, particularly where a service charge has not already been added. Hotel housekeeping, tour guides, drivers, and site assistants such as those in Petra also expect a modest tip, with amounts varying by the length and nature of the service.