Jordan

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Jerash

Pompeii of the Middle East

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Jerash Plan a trip around Jordan

Best time to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Currency: JOD
Time zone: UTC+3
Country: Jordan

Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY 3.0

Jerash is a city in northern Jordan known for its exceptionally well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins, including colonnaded streets, temples, theatres and an oval plaza. It is the country's second-most visited attraction after Petra and hosts a major summer culture and arts festival.

Largest cities

Amman
Zarqa
Irbid
Aqaba
Salt

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Jordan
Capital: Amman
City population: 50,745
Population of Jordan: 10.4M
Country area: 89,341 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) · 1 USD ≈ 0.709 JOD
Time zone: UTC+3
Calling code: +962
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 602 m
Plugs: B / C / D / F / G · 230V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	15°	15°	19°	26°	30°	34°	35°	36°	32°	28°	22°	16°
Low	5°	4°	7°	12°	15°	18°	20°	20°	18°	15°	11°	6°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$28
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$70
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$175

Plan a trip to Jerash

Top things to do

≈ $14
Jerash Ruins (Archaeological Park)
Explore the extensive Greco-Roman city including the Oval Plaza, colonnaded Cardo, temples and theatres; entry is 10 JD and free with the Jordan Pass, open 07:30–19:00 in summer and 08:00–17:00 in winter.
- Full day
- Ancient City (Archaeological Park)
- Good for kids
Free
Hadrian's Arch
Walk through the monumental arch built in AD 129 to honour Emperor Hadrian's visit; it stands at the southern entrance to the site and is free to view.
- Half day
- Ancient City (Archaeological Park)
- Good for kids
Free
Hippodrome
See the partially restored Roman chariot racing stadium, the smallest in the Roman Empire; a costumed centurion may ask for 1 JD for a photo.
- Half day
- Ancient City (Archaeological Park)
- Good for kids
Free
Oval Plaza (Forum)
Stand in the unusual asymmetrical plaza surrounded by 160 Ionic columns, at the start of the Cardo; it is one of the most photographed spots in Jerash.
- Half day
- Ancient City (Archaeological Park)
- Good for kids
Free
Temple of Zeus
Climb to the temple ruins for a panoramic view over the Oval Plaza and the South Theatre; there are hidden staircases in the walls but no barriers at the top, so take care.
- Half day
- Ancient City (Archaeological Park)
- Good for kids
Free
South Theater
Test the remarkable acoustics of this 3,000-seat amphitheatre, occasionally used for concerts; bagpipers in traditional Jordanian military dress often perform here.
- Half day
- Ancient City (Archaeological Park)
- Good for kids
Free
The Cardo (Colonnaded Street)
Stroll along the 600-metre colonnaded main street, once lined with shops and residences; look for chariot tracks worn into the stone paving.
- Half day
- Ancient City (Archaeological Park)
- Good for kids
Free
Temple of Artemis
Visit the impressive ruins of the temple dedicated to the city's patron goddess; it is a favourite spot for photos, so be prepared to politely ask touts to step aside.
- Half day
- Ancient City (Archaeological Park)
- Good for kids
Free
Jerash Archaeological Museum
See artifacts from excavations including coins, statues and a lead sarcophagus; the museum is free and located on Camp Hill overlooking the Oval Plaza.
- Half day
- Ancient City (Archaeological Park)
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $17
Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE)
Watch Roman legionary drills, gladiator fights and chariot races at the hippodrome; shows are at 11:30 and 14:30 daily and cost 12 JD, with a chance to ride a chariot afterwards.
- Half day
- Ancient City (Archaeological Park)
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Most visitors need a visa to enter Jordan. A single-entry visa can be purchased on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport or at the Sheikh Hussein/North Border land crossing for 40 Jordanian dinars (about 56 USD), valid for 3 months. Alternatively, if staying at least 3 nights, you can buy a Jordan Pass online before travel (70–80 JD), which includes the visa fee and entry to major sites. If you plan to stay more than 14 days, you must register with the local police station within 14 days of arrival. Always check the official UK government entry requirements page for the latest rules, as

Official website

From the airport

Most visitors arrive from Amman, 48 km to the south, by bus or minibus from Tabarbour or Sweileh stations (about one hour, 1 JD) or by private taxi (8–10 JD one-way). The nearest airport is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.

Getting around

The archaeological site is walkable, about 3 km end to end, and the modern town is small enough to cover on foot or by short taxi rides.

Local tips

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious or historical sites.
Carry Jordanian dinars in cash; many small shops and transport providers do not accept cards.
Visit early in the morning to avoid tour groups and the midday heat, especially in summer.
Ignore touts selling 'original' coins or artifacts inside the ruins; buying antiquities is illegal.

Areas worth knowing

North Gate & Bus Station Area
South Gate & Souq Area
Ajloun Road & Countryside
Modern Town Center
Ancient City (Archaeological Park)

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on September 10, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK