Jordan

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Madaba

Mosaic city on the King's Highway

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

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

Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

Madaba is a small Jordanian town best known for its Byzantine mosaics, above all the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in the Basilica of St. George. It is a convenient base for Mount Nebo, Umm ar-Rasas and the Dead Sea.

Largest cities

Amman
Zarqa
Irbid
Aqaba
Salt

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Jordan
Capital: Amman
City population: 82,335
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: 762 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°	14°	18°	25°	28°	32°	33°	34°	31°	27°	22°	17°
Low	7°	6°	9°	13°	16°	19°	22°	22°	20°	17°	13°	8°

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.$75
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$190

Plan a trip to Madaba

Top things to do

≈ $2
Basilica of St. George (Church of the Map)
See the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in the floor of this Greek Orthodox church; buy your ticket at the interpretive centre next door and avoid visiting during services.
- Half day
- Downtown Madaba
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $7
Madaba Archaeological Park
Walk through excavated Byzantine houses and churches with well-preserved mosaic floors; the ticket also covers the Madaba Museum and the Church of the Apostles.
- Half day
- Northern Mosaic Quarter
- Good for kids
- Closed: Sunday and Tuesday
≈ $2
Shrine of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
Climb the bell tower for a full view over Madaba and visit the small underground museum; entry is not covered by the Jordan Pass.
- Half day
- Downtown Madaba
- Indoors
Free
Madaba Museum
Housed in a traditional building, it displays more mosaics, pottery and jewellery, plus a courtyard with ancient statues; entry is included in the Archaeological Park ticket.
- Half day
- Northern Mosaic Quarter
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Church of the Apostles
This 578 CE Byzantine church has a large mosaic floor including the famous 'Personification of the Sea'; it is included in the Archaeological Park ticket.
- Half day
- Southern Gate
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $3
Mount Nebo
Visit the Franciscan monastery and church marking the spot where Moses viewed the Promised Land, with panoramic views over the Jordan Valley; go before sunset and allow about half an hour.
- Half day
- Mount Nebo Road
- Good for kids
≈ $5
Umm ar-Rasas
Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of a Roman, Byzantine and early Muslim town, including the largest perfectly preserved mosaic floor in Jordan; it is about 30 km southeast of Madaba, so allow half a day.
- Full day
- Southern Gate
≈ $15
Hammamat Ma'in
Soak in natural hot springs and waterfalls that have been channeled into pools, with a spa resort nearby; bring a swimsuit and towel.
- Half day
- Mount Nebo Road
- 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

Queen Alia International Airport is about 25 km away, roughly 25–35 minutes by taxi or Uber (around 6–10 JD). Buses and minibuses also run from Amman in about an hour.

Getting around

The centre is small and walkable; taxis within town charge a standard 1 JD per trip, and Uber is available.

Local tips

Dress modestly in churches and at religious sites; women should cover shoulders and knees.
Carry Jordanian dinars in cash for small shops, taxis and entry tickets; cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.
Buy the Jordan Pass before arrival if you plan to visit Petra, as it covers many Madaba sites and the visa fee.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons; summer afternoons are hot, so visit outdoor sites early.

Areas worth knowing

Downtown Madaba
Southern Gate
Mount Nebo Road
Bus Station Area
Northern Mosaic Quarter

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