Jerash - Discovering Jordan

Travelling to Jerash

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Jerash, a pretty good destination in Jordan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Jerash and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Jerash, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Jordan, here's everything to know about Jerash for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Jerash

Jerash is a city in northern Jordan, famous for its ancient Greco-Roman ruins. It was once a thriving trading hub and was known as the "City of a Thousand Columns". The city was founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC and was later ruled by the Seleucids, the Nabateans, and the Romans. The well-preserved ruins at Jerash include a hippodrome, a theater, temples, and a colonnaded street, making it a popular tourist destination in Jordan. Jerash is also known for its yearly Jerash Festival, which showcases local and international music, dance, and theater performances.

What to visit in Jerash

1. Jerash Archaeological Site: This is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, and it's a testament to the city's former importance as part of the Decapolis confederation. Here you can marvel at the Oval Forum, the Temple of Artemis, the Nymphaeum, and the Hippodrome, among other attractions.
2. Ajloun Castle: This Islamic fortress was built in the 12th century to protect against the Crusaders and was later used as a base for the Arab revolt against the Ottomans during World War I. Visitors can climb the towers for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
3. Jerash Museum: Housed in the restored Ottoman courthouse, this small museum displays artifacts from the ancient city of Gerasa, including mosaics, reliefs, and pottery.
4. Al-Sukhnah: This ancient Roman military encampment is located about four kilometers to the east of Jerash and is still being excavated. Visitors can see the remains of barracks, stables, and a bathhouse.
5. Hippodrome: This massive stadium, which dates back to the 2nd century AD, could seat up to 15,000 spectators and was used for chariot races and other sporting events. Visitors can still see the starting gates and the remains of the seating areas.
6. Church of St. Cosmos and Damian: This small chapel, which dates back to the 6th century, was dedicated to the twin brothers who were patrons of medicine. Visitors can still see some of the original mosaics and frescoes.
7. Umm Qais: This ancient Greco-Roman city is located about 40 kilometers north of Jerash and offers stunning views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. Visitors can see the remains of a theater, a basilica, and several temples.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Jordan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Jerash.

When to go on holiday to Jerash

The best time to visit Jerash, which is located in northern Jordan, is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) seasons. During this time, the weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging between 16°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for exploring the ancient ruins in Jerash. In the summer months (June to August), temperatures can soar up to 40°C or more, making it hot and dusty, while in the winter (December to February) temperatures can drop to 10°C or below, and rainfall is more common. Therefore, to enjoy your visit to Jerash and make the most of your trip, it is recommended to plan it during spring or fall.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Jerash

Jerash is located in northern Jordan, about 50km north of Amman. Here are a few ways to get there: 1. By taxi: You can hire a taxi from Amman to take you to Jerash. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around 20 JD.
2. By bus: There are regular buses that run from the Abdali bus station in Amman to Jerash. Buses leave every 30 minutes and the journey takes about an hour. The cost of a one-way ticket is around 2 JD.
3. By rental car: There are several car rental companies in Amman that you can use to rent a car and drive to Jerash. The journey takes about 45 minutes and you can take the highway to reach there.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Jerash!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Jerash, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Jerash

Sure, here are some typical foods you can find in Jerash, Jordan: 1. Mansaf: This is a traditional Jordanian dish that is often served at special occasions. It consists of lamb cooked in a broth of fermented yogurt called Jameed, and served with rice and pine nuts.
2. Galayet Bandora: A dish made of stewed tomatoes with garlic, onions, and green peppers, served over rice.
3. Kofta: Meatballs made with ground lamb or beef mixed with spices and herbs, grilled or fried and served with rice or bread.
4. Moutabel: A dip made of grilled eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It is served with pita bread or as a side dish.
5. Fatayer: Small, triangular-shaped pastries filled with spinach, cheese or meat. They can be eaten as a snack or as a meal.
6. Zarb: A dish made of marinated lamb or chicken, vegetables and rice, cooked in a traditional underground oven.
7. Zaitounia: A dish made of potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and olives cooked in a tomato sauce. It is served hot as a side dish.
These are just a few of the typical dishes you can find in Jerash. Enjoy trying them out if you get a chance to visit!
You can find general info about typical foods in Jordan here.

Is Jerash an expensive destination for tourists?

Jerash is actually considered to be a relatively affordable destination in Jordan compared to other tourist destinations such as Petra and Wadi Rum. The entrance fee to Jerash archaeological site is around 10 JD (14 USD) for non-Jordanian adults, which includes a guided tour. Food and accommodation in Jerash are also reasonably priced, especially when compared to larger cities like Amman. However, as with any destination, prices can vary depending on the type of accommodation, activities, and comfort level you are looking for. It is recommended to research and plan your budget accordingly.

Where to find accomodation in Jerash

There are several options for accommodation when visiting Jerash, Jordan. If you want to stay close to the ancient ruins, then the town of Jerash itself is a good choice, as many guesthouses and budget hotels are available. Another great option is Ajloun, which is located about 18 km northwest of Jerash and offers several luxury and mid-range accommodation options. Alternatively, if you want to stay in a larger city, Amman is about an hour's drive away and has a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb apartments to choose from.
You can check hotel prices at Jerash here:
Booking.com

Is Jerash a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Jerash is considered a safe place for tourists to visit. Jordan, in general, is known to be a safe and stable country with a low crime rate. The local authorities take measures to ensure the safety of tourists, such as increased police presence at popular tourist sites. As with any international travel destination, it is always a good idea to take common-sense precautions and be aware of your surroundings while traveling in Jerash or anywhere in Jordan.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Jordan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Jerash.

What type of travelers will enjoy Jerash the most?

Jerash is a historic site located in Jordan that is great for visitors of all ages and interests. It is particularly suitable for travelers who enjoy exploring ancient ruins and historic landmarks. Families with children will love walking around the site and learning about the stories behind the ruins. Couples seeking a romantic getaway will find the location to be peaceful and serene. Finally, young travelers looking for fun may also enjoy the attraction as it offers a range of activities such as hiking, horseback riding and guided tours. Overall, Jerash has something to offer for every type of traveler.

How to get around Jerash

The most common transportation mode in Jerash (Jordan) is by taxi. There are also buses available but they tend to be infrequent and less reliable. Another option is to rent a car, but this is not recommended unless you are familiar with driving in the area or have a driver who is familiar with the area.

What to see around Jerash

Yes, of course! Here are some great places you can visit on a day trip from Jerash: 1. Amman - The capital of Jordan is just 45km from Jerash and has a wealth of attractions, such as the ancient Roman Amphitheater, the Citadel, and the bustling downtown area.
2. Ajlun Castle - Located only 12km from Jerash, the 12th-century castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is a great spot for a picnic.
3. Umm Qais - Just over an hour's drive from Jerash, this ancient Greco-Roman city offers beautiful views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights.
4. Pella - Located about 30km from Jerash, this archaeological site features remains from various ancient civilizations, including the Romans and the Ottomans.
5. Al-Salt - A charming town located about an hour's drive from Jerash, Al-Salt is known for its beautiful architecture and traditional crafts.
I hope this helps in planning your day trip from Jerash!
For every travel information about Jordan you can click here.

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