Things To Do
in Jarash
Jarash (Jerash), in northern Jordan, sits on a limestone plateau where ancient Roman ruins meet a lively modern town. The Jerash Archaeological Site is one of the world’s best-preserved Roman towns, with colonnaded streets, theatres, temples, and expansive forums. The town blends antiquity with generous hospitality, cobbled lanes, and approachable driving distances to Amman and Irbid.
Visitors come for the sense of walking through history while enjoying local Jordanian culture and scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the impressive ancient ruins of Jerash, where you can wander through the colonnaded streets and marvel at the well-preserved temples. As the sun rises, the warm light enhances the beauty of the ancient architecture, making it perfect for photography. Don't miss the chance to visit the Hadrian's Arch, a magnificent entry point to this historic site.
After a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, delve deeper into the fascinating history of Jerash by exploring the Hippodrome and the Oval Plaza. You can watch a local performance that showcases the historical significance of the area while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Stroll through the museum to see artifacts that bring the ancient city to life.
As evening approaches, find a local restaurant where you can savor traditional Jordanian cuisine, such as Mansaf or Falafel. Enjoy the ambiance as locals share stories and laughter around you, creating a lively atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll around the illuminated ruins, experiencing their beauty in a different light.
Begin your morning by visiting the bustling markets of Jerash, where you can experience the local culture firsthand. The vibrant colors and scents of spices, textiles, and handcrafted goods will captivate your senses. Engage with local vendors and perhaps try your hand at bargaining for unique souvenirs.
After exploring the market, head to a nearby café for a refreshing cup of Arabic coffee while watching the world go by. Spend the afternoon visiting local artisans, learning about traditional crafts like pottery and weaving. This immersive experience will deepen your appreciation for Jordanian culture and craftsmanship.
As the sun sets, attend a local cultural event or festival, if available, to experience traditional music and dance. The lively atmosphere will provide a glimpse into the community's heritage, making for a memorable evening. End your day with a relaxing stroll through the town, soaking in the vibrant energy of Jerash at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥤Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚖Taxi ride (short distance) | $2-5 |
| 🧃Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.5-1 |
| 🧁Local snack or street food | $1-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Exceptional Roman ruins with near-complete street layouts and theatres
- Compact town with convenient access from Amman and Irbid
- Warm Jordanian hospitality and delicious, affordable food
- Scenic countryside and nearby day trips (Umm Qais/Umm Qais Gadara, Ajloun forests)
- Limited nightlife and few high-end dining options
- Occasional heat in summer; some sites require good footwear and sun protection
- Smaller-town services can be basic; plan for cash in many places
- Crowds can occur at peak season around the archaeological site
- "Marhaba" - Hello
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Min fadlik" - Please
- "Ayna al-ḥammam?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hal tatakallam al-Ingleeziya?" - Do you speak English?
- "Kam al-thaman?" - How much does this cost?
- "La', ana la atakallam al-arabiya kaseerah" - I don't speak Arabic well
- "Ahlan wa sahlan" - Welcome/Hello again
Places to Visit in Jarash
Visit one of these nice places.
Granite arch framing the approach to the main Roman ruins; a prime spot for arrival photos and dramatic silhouettes at sunrise or sunset.
The long, colonnaded street runs through the heart of the site; great for wide-angle shots of columns and perspective photos.
Impressive temple façade with pylons and steps; ideal for architectural detail shots and night photography opportunities.
Ruined temple elevated on the hill; panoramic views of the site and valley make for dramatic landscape photos.
A unique, elliptical expanse with surrounding columns; excellent for capturing the layout and scale of the ancient city.
Water-related monument with intricate stonework; good for close-ups of sculpture and reliefs.
Food in Jarash
Jarash Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Lamb cooked in a thick yogurt sauce served over rice and flatbread; a centerpiece for festive meals and widely available at local eateries.
Must-Try!
An upside-down pot of rice, vegetables, and meat, flipped to reveal a colorful layered dish; common in Jordanian homes and some restaurants.
Lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions; a vegetarian main that showcases simple, comforting flavors.
Seasoned kebabs and ground-meat skewers served with bread, salads, and yogurt; a staple at casual diners around the town.
A sweet pastry with cheese and syrup; a popular dessert to end a meal in Jerash’s cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A traditional market area in the town center where you can sample local cheeses, flatbreads, olives, and fresh fruit; ideal for a quick bite between ruins visits.
Small vendors offering falafel, stuffed pastries, fresh juice, and seasonal snacks ideal for a light lunch or snack on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect local customs by wearing modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting religious sites and public spaces.
Shaking hands is common; ask before taking photos of people, especially women, out of courtesy.
Accept tea or coffee offered by locals; engage politely and avoid sensitive topics in early interactions.
Safety
Tipping in Jarash
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, 10-15% is common if service is not included. Small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated.
Jordanian dinars (JOD) are preferred for most cash transactions. Credit/debit cards are increasingly accepted in larger venues, but many smaller eateries prefer cash. ATMs are common in Jerash and nearby cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures (comfortable highs and cooler evenings); good for outdoor exploration and photography without extreme heat.
Hot and dry with abundant sunshine; carry water, sunscreen, and a hat; most crowds align with the morning and late afternoon.
Mild days with cooler nights; a great time for longer walks and softer light for photography.
Cool to cool-mild—rain is possible; some sites may be slippery; dress in layers and bring a light rain jacket.
Jarash at Night
Hiking in Jarash
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate to easy forest trails through pine and oak forests, with shaded routes and viewpoints over the Jordan Valley.
Ridge-top paths with sweeping countryside views and opportunities to visit Gadara ruins nearby.
Airports
How to reach Jarash by plane.
The primary international gateway serving Amman; typically the easiest way to reach Jerash by car or private transfer in about 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Historically used for domestic flights; not a practical option for most travelers today.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents, with a mix of urban and rural communities and a strong tradition of hospitality.
Older settlements and families in surrounding rural areas contributing to regional culture and crafts.
A sizable portion of the population with deep roots in the region and influences on culture and cuisine.
A small but present minority community that participates in local life and traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Jordan; local clubs and informal games are common in towns including Jerash.
Widely played in schools, sports clubs, and community centers; pickup games occur in urban areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jarash.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Call ahead for meat-free options; many staples are vegetarian-friendly (hummus, falafel, mujAddara, mujadra, lentil soups). Look for dishes labeled as veg and ask for no meat stock.