Things to Do in Jerash
50 curated spots from Jerash itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Ajloun Forest Reserve Short Trail
Head to the Ajloun Forest Reserve visitor center and ask about an easy marked trail (such as a 1–3 hour loop) through pine and oak woods. Walk among trees, wildflowers in spring, and rocky outcrops with occasional valley views; carry water and wear good shoes.
2h 30m · $10-15 (reserve access and trail fee; guide optional)
Ajloun Castle (Qalaat ar-Rabad)
Explore the medieval Islamic castle’s stone corridors, towers, and ramparts, pausing at rooftop viewpoints for sweeping photos of valleys, villages, and forest patches below.
2h · $4-7 entrance fee plus transport
Jerash Archaeological Museum
Small but informative museum just inside the archaeological park, displaying mosaics, statues, and everyday objects found in the ruins.
45m · Included with site entry
Jerash Archaeological Site (Gerasa Ruins)
Enter through Hadrian’s Arch, wander the Oval Plaza, walk the colonnaded Cardo, and explore the North and South Theatres, temples, and hilltop viewpoints. Kids can run around open spaces and try walking on original Roman stones.
3h 30m · $14 (approx., included with Jordan Pass for adults; discounts for children)
Amman Citadel
Walk or taxi up to the hilltop Citadel to see ruins, the small museum, and wide city views, then sit under a tree and rest.
2h · $4-7
Jerash Archaeological Site – Cardo Maximus & North Theater
Continue up the main colonnaded street (Cardo Maximus), peek into side temples, then climb to the quieter North Theater for elevated views over ruins, olive trees, and surrounding slopes.
2h · Included in main Jerash ticket
Jerash Archaeological Site (Ancient Gerasa)
Explore the Oval Plaza, Cardo Maximus, South Theater, Temple of Zeus, and Temple of Artemis; arrive early to walk the colonnaded streets together in softer light and climb the theater steps for views over the ruins.
3h · $15-20 per person (entry ticket)
Jerash City Center Stroll
Walk the main streets and side alleys, explore fruit and vegetable markets, and watch everyday life from small squares and benches.
1h · Free
South Theater & Acoustic Demo
Climb the stone steps of the South Theater, test the acoustics by speaking from the center, and, if you’re lucky, listen to local musicians or guides demonstrating the sound.
45m · Included in ruins ticket
Ajloun Castle
Explore the fortress and soak up wide views over forested slopes and the northern highlands.
2h · $3-5
Ajloun Forest Reserve – Short Trail Walk
Take one of the shorter marked trails (for example around the visitor center), walking through oak and pine forest with views over green valleys; start earlier in the day for cooler temperatures.
2h 30m · $7-15 per person (reserve entrance/trail fee)
Ajloun Forest Reserve (Short Family Hike)
Drive up into the hills and walk one of the short marked trails (like an easy 1–2 hour loop) through oak and pine trees, with chances to spot wildflowers and views over green valleys.
2h 30m · $7-10 per adult, less for children
Ajloun Forest Reserve Hike
Join a short, marked trail (like a 1–2 hour loop) through oak and pine forests, stopping at viewpoints over the green valleys; arrange the walk at the reserve’s visitor center.
2h 30m · $10-20 per person (trail/guide fees vary)
Ajloun Forest Reserve Light Hiking
Head into the forest reserve for an easy marked trail through oak and pine, enjoying cool air, birdsong, and views over terraced hills; choose a short loop suited to your energy level.
3h · $10-15 entrance and trail fee plus transport
Ajloun Forest Reserve Short Trails
Take an easy marked trail through oak and pistachio trees in the reserve—walk as far as feels comfortable, listening to birds and enjoying shade.
2h · $10-15 (reserve entry/trail fee)
Ajloun Forest Reserve viewpoint walk
Take a short scenic walk or viewpoint stop for pine-covered hills, birds, and quiet landscape shots.
1h 30m · Free or low fee
Amman Citadel (Jabal Al-Qalaa)
Walk among the Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, and old city walls while enjoying sweeping views over Amman’s hills and houses; there’s space for kids to roam and take photos.
1h 30m · $3-7 per person, or included with Jordan Pass
Jerash Archaeological Museum & Free-Explore Loop
Visit the small onsite museum to see mosaics, statues, and artifacts, then spend a couple of hours wandering back through your favorite sections of the ruins at your own pace.
2h 30m · Included in main Jerash ticketJerash Archaeological Museum & Upper Hill Overlook
Visit the small on‑site museum near the entrance to understand the artifacts, mosaics, and statues found in the ruins. Afterwards, walk up toward the higher points near the North Theater area for wide views over the ancient city fading into green hills.
1h 30m · Included in site ticket
Jerash Archaeological Site
Walk the Oval Plaza, South Theatre, Cardo, Nymphaeum, and Temple of Artemis at an unhurried pace.
3h · $10-15
Jerash Archaeological Site – Oval Plaza & Cardo
Walk from the triumphal arch up to the iconic Oval Plaza and along the colonnaded Cardo, spotting ruts from ancient chariot wheels and peeking into side streets and shops.
1h 30m · Included with site ticket
Jerash Archaeological Site – Theaters & Temple of Artemis
Climb up to the South Theater to test the acoustics, then continue to the Temple of Artemis for panoramic views over the entire ruins and surrounding greenery.
2h 30m · Included with site ticket
Jerash Archaeological Site (Gerasa of Antiquity)
Explore the Oval Plaza, Cardo Maximus, South Theater, Temple of Artemis, and the North Gate. Start at the visitor center, walk through Hadrian’s Arch, then follow the main colonnaded street; keep an eye out for the ancient chariot ruts in the stone and climb up the theater for city and hill views.
3h 30m · $14-15 (site entry ticket)
Jerash Archaeological Site (Gerasa) – South Gate Entry
Enter through the Hadrian’s Arch / South Gate, then wander the Hippodrome, Oval Plaza, Cardo (colonnaded street), Temple of Zeus, theaters, and hilltop Temple of Artemis; take it slowly, pausing for photos in quiet corners.
3h 30m · $15 per person (approx. entrance fee or included in Jordan Pass)Jerash Archeological Museum
Small but informative museum inside the site where you can see mosaics, statues, coins, and everyday objects from Jerash’s Roman and Byzantine periods. Good for a short, shaded break.
45m · Included in Jerash ticket / Jordan PassJerash City Center Stroll (Al-Madinah)
From the ruins entrance, cross toward downtown Jerash and wander along the main street and side roads: browse small grocery shops, juice stalls, bakeries, and everyday clothing stores. Look for viewpoints where you can see the ruins on one side and the hills on the other, especially in the late afternoon light.
1h · Free (plus whatever you buy)
Jerash Evening Walk & Views from the North Theater
If the site’s opening hours allow, re‑enter or remain into late afternoon to climb up the North Theater and surrounding high points for golden‑hour views over the ruins and hills.
1h · Included in Jerash ticket / Jordan Pass
Jerash Hills Scenic Drive
Hire a local driver or use your car to follow back roads through olive groves and pine patches, stopping at viewpoints for photos and short walks.
2h · $20-40 per family (fuel/driver)
Jerash Ruins return visit
Go back to the site for a second, slower loop focused on details, photography, and any areas you missed.
2h · Included if ticket reused only if valid; otherwise $10-15
Jerash souq wander
Browse fruit stands, spice shops, and everyday market streets without a fixed agenda.
1h 30m · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Green Valley Restaurant
Casual spot just outside the ruins’ southern entrance with garden seating. Order hummus, foul (fava beans), falafel, and fresh Arabic bread for a hearty, fully halal breakfast.
45m · $6-10 per person
Jerash Rest House
Simple buffet‑style restaurant right at the site entrance serving halal grilled chicken, kebabs, rice, salads, and vegetarian stews; confirm halal with staff but it caters mainly to local and regional groups.
1h · $12-18 per person
Lebanese House Restaurant
Popular sit‑down restaurant just outside the Jerash ruins entrance, set in a leafy garden with stone walls. Fully halal kitchen; focus on mixed grill, shish tawook, lamb kebabs, hummus, baba ghanoush, fattoush, tabbouleh, and fresh juices.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Jerash Rest House Restaurant
On-site restaurant just outside the main ruins entrance, with terrace views of Hadrian’s Arch. Fully halal kitchen; order mixed grill, chicken kebab with rice, or hummus and falafel platters for a simple, reliable meal between sightseeing.
1h · $12-18 per person
Abu Ahmed Restaurant
Simple local spot in central Jerash serving halal dishes like shawarma, grilled chicken, falafel, and hummus; expect casual seating and generous portions.
1h · $8-15 per person
Al Quds Restaurant
Choose grilled kebabs, chicken, rice, hummus, and fattoush; all halal-friendly and reliable in the city center.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Lebanese House Restaurant (Bayt Lebnani)
Return to the leafy terrace for a slower dinner—try mixed grill, stuffed vine leaves, fattoush, and fresh juices (all meats halal; plenty of vegetarian mezze).
1h 30m · $15-25 per person
Abu Ahmad Restaurant & Sweets
Bright, casual local restaurant in central Jerash; try their chicken shawarma plates, falafel sandwiches, mixed grill, and kunafa for dessert—everything is prepared with halal meat and no alcohol.
45m · $7-15 per personAbu Ahmed Restaurant & Pastries
Busy local halal joint in town known for chicken shawarma, falafel sandwiches, and manaqeesh (za’atar, cheese) baked fresh.
45m · $4-8 per person
Ajloun Forest Reserve Restaurant
Dining hall overlooking pine and oak forests inside the reserve. Halal set menus and buffets with grilled chicken, stews, rice, salads, and vegetarian options like mujaddara and stuffed vegetables; confirm the day’s halal meat dishes with staff.
1h · $12-20 per person
Ajloun Forest Reserve Restaurant (RSCN Eco-Lodge)
Buffet-style or set-menu Jordanian dishes using local ingredients; expect vegetarian stews, rice dishes, grilled halal chicken or lamb, salads, and fresh bread — confirm halal meat and no alcohol in dishes when you arrive.
1h · $12-20 per person
Al-Khayyam Restaurant
Simple, busy local spot serving halal shawarma, grilled chicken, falafel, and mezze. Go for chicken shawarma sandwiches, mixed grill platters, or falafel with hummus; portions are generous and kid‑friendly.
45m · $8-15 per person
Al-Quds Restaurant Ajloun
Order mansaf, grilled chicken, mujadara, hummus, and salads; all halal-friendly and filling after the castle visit.
1h 15m · $12-22 per person
Al-Rawda Restaurant
Neighborhood halal restaurant surrounded by gardens and small orchards. Serves home‑style dishes like grilled chicken, kofta with potatoes, vegetable stews, and salads; ask what’s fresh that evening and share several plates.
1h · $9-16 per person
Beit Khairat Souf
Community‑run guesthouse and café tucked into the green hills of Souf, serving homemade halal Jordanian dishes like musakhan, freekeh with chicken, and vegetarian maqlouba; reserve by phone if you can, but they often accept walk‑ins on quieter days.
1h 30m · $12-20 per person
Beit Khayrat Souf
Community-run, traditional house surrounded by gardens and olive trees; enjoy a rustic halal breakfast of fresh bread, olives, za’atar with olive oil, homemade jams, eggs, and tea.
1h 15m · $8-15 per person
Beit Sitti Jerash
Choose maqluba, grilled chicken, stuffed vegetables, hummus, and salad; all are halal-friendly and suit a calm sit-down meal.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Cheesy Grill
Casual, modern-feel grill joint popular with locals; halal burgers, grilled chicken, fries, and some salad options—ask for non-alcohol sauces if you’re strict.
1h · $10-18 per person
Chillax Cafe & Restaurant
Modern, leafy cafe-restaurant with a partially covered terrace, decorative plants, and casual lounge seating. Halal options: chicken burgers, grilled chicken plates, pasta without alcohol sauces, pizzas with halal toppings (avoid pepperoni unless they confirm halal), fresh juices, and mocktails.
1h 30m · $8-14 per person
Coffee Shop Ayola Jerash
Simple roadside café near the ruins with greenery around, serving Arabic coffee, tea, fresh juices, falafel sandwiches, labneh, and simple egg dishes. All food is halal, and there is no pork; confirm no alcohol is used in any items you order.
45m · $5-10 per person