What NOT To Do in Jordan!
Jordan is an amazing country to visit in the Middle East. It’s filled with friendly locals, delicious food and is a country full of architectural wonders such as Petra. Although, visiting Jordan may feel like a big step for some travellers – so here’s a comprehensive list of what NOT to do in Jordan!
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Contents:
Why Visit Jordan?
Why visit Jordan? Jordan is a stunning crossroads of history, culture, and natural beauty that offers such a rich travel experience. From the ancient rose-red city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, to the vast, cinematic landscapes of Wadi Rum where towering sandstone mountains meet endless desert, Jordan feels like stepping into another world…you will fall in love!
Beyond its famous sites, the warmth and generosity of the Jordanian people stand out the most — visitors are often welcomed like family. You can float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, explore the vibrant streets of Amman, trek through lush nature reserves like Dana, or dive into the colourful coral reefs of Aqaba.
Jordan’s rich layers of history, from Roman ruins to Crusader castles to Byzantine mosaics, blend with living traditions, delicious food, and peaceful desert nights under starry skies, making it a place that feeds both adventure and the soul and make it the perfect reason to visit!
Related Post: Visiting The Dead Sea from Amman: Complete Guide
What Is Jordan Best Known For?
What is Jordan best known for? Jordan is best known for two of the most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks in the world: the Dead Sea and Petra. The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, is famous for its incredibly salty waters that allow you to float effortlessly, as well as its mineral-rich mud believed to have healing properties. It’s a surreal experience that combines natural wonder with relaxation and wellness.
Meanwhile, Petra, often called the “Rose City” because of its pink-hued stone, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Hidden for centuries and carved directly into the cliffs by the ancient Nabataeans, Petra captures the imagination with its breathtaking architecture, mysterious history, and dramatic desert setting. You will have never witnessed anything like it before!
What NOT To Do In Jordan:
Depending on your previous travel experiences, Jordan can be quite a big difference to what you’re used to in terms of culture, so here is what NOT to do in Jordan, in order to make your experience as good as possible!
1. Wear Revealing Clothes
When thinking about what not to do in Jordan, one of the most important cultural points to remember is to avoid wearing revealing clothes. Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country with traditional values, and modest dress is seen as a sign of respect both for the local culture and for yourself as a visitor.
Wearing items like short shorts, mini skirts, sleeveless tops, etc. can draw unwanted attention and might make both you and the people around you uncomfortable, especially in rural areas or religious sites. While places like Amman and tourist resorts at the Dead Sea may feel a little more relaxed, it’s still wise to dress conservatively—covering shoulders, cleavage, and knees—to ensure you are showing respect and blending in appropriately. When I visited a Dead Sea resort, I felt so out of place even by the pool in my bikini and wish I packed a full swimming costume.
Modest clothing also helps you stay cooler under the intense sun and protects your skin in the desert climate – so it’s a win-win!
2. Take Photos Without Asking
In Jordan, one important cultural rule to keep in mind is not to take photos of people without asking for their permission first. Jordanians are known for their warmth and hospitality, but taking someone’s photo without consent can be seen as intrusive or disrespectful, especially in more traditional or rural areas.
This is particularly sensitive when it comes to women, older individuals, and families, where privacy and modesty are deeply valued. Asking before taking a picture shows basic respect for personal boundaries and often opens the door to genuine interactions — many people will happily agree and might even invite you for tea or a chat. In sacred places like mosques or religious ceremonies, photography might also be restricted altogether, and it’s important to be mindful of signs or local guidance.
Being courteous with your camera not only protects you from awkward or uncomfortable situations but also deepens the mutual respect between visitors and the local community.
3. Disrespect Religious Customs
Although this one is pretty self explanatory, it still needs to be mentioned. Respecting local customs in Jordan is essential for having a positive and meaningful experience, and one of the biggest mistakes visitors can make is to disregard these important traditions.
Jordanian society places a strong emphasis on hospitality, modesty, and respect for religion and family values. Disrespecting customs — whether through inappropriate dress, insensitive behavior at religious sites, or ignoring local etiquette like greeting people properly — can easily come across as rude or offensive. This not only risks creating tension but can also close doors to the genuine kindness and warmth that Jordanians are known for offering visitors.
Simple gestures like dressing modestly, being polite during interactions, showing reverence at religious sites, and observing local practices during times like Ramadan go a long way in building trust and appreciation. Respecting these traditions doesn’t just show cultural sensitivity; it deepens your connection to the country and the people, making your journey through Jordan far more rewarding and authentic.
4. Forget To Wear Sunscreen
When thinking about what not to do in Jordan, forgetting to wear sunscreen should be high on your list of things to avoid. Jordan’s beautiful landscapes — from the sun-drenched ruins of Petra to the golden sands of Wadi Rum — mean you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors under an intense Middle Eastern sun.
Even on cooler or breezy days, the sun’s rays are strong enough to cause serious sunburn, dehydration, and heat exhaustion if you’re not properly protected. Many travellers underestimate just how powerful the sun can be, especially in desert areas where the heat can be dry and deceptive. Applying a high-SPF sunscreen, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and loose, light clothing not only protects your skin but also keeps you feeling comfortable and energized as you explore.
Taking sun protection seriously helps ensure that your trip is memorable for the right reasons — not because you’re stuck dealing with painful sunburns instead of enjoying Jordan’s incredible sights.
5. Ignore Invitations
One of the most important cultural experiences in Jordan revolves around hospitality, and ignoring invitations from locals is something visitors should avoid. In Jordanian culture, an invitation for tea, coffee, or even a meal is often a genuine gesture of friendship and respect, not just a formality. Saying no too quickly or dismissively can unintentionally come across as rude or ungrateful.
Accepting these invitations, even if just for a short visit, opens the door to authentic interactions and a deeper understanding of local life, traditions, and values. Jordanians take great pride in welcoming guests, often going out of their way to make visitors feel at home. Sharing a simple cup of mint tea or a plate of traditional food can lead to unforgettable conversations and memories that you would never experience through a guidebook or tour alone. While it’s okay to politely decline if you truly can’t make it, showing genuine appreciation for the offer is a key part of respecting Jordanian hospitality.
6. Take The First Price
When thinking about what not to do in Jordan, one important tip is to avoid accepting the first price offered when shopping in markets or souks. Haggling is a normal and even expected part of the shopping culture in Jordan, especially in places like downtown Amman or at souvenir stalls near Petra and Wadi Rum.
Vendors usually start with a higher price, assuming that some negotiation will take place, and agreeing to the first number means you’ll likely overpay. Bargaining isn’t meant to be aggressive or uncomfortable; it’s a friendly and even fun interaction that’s deeply rooted in tradition.
Taking the time to negotiate respectfully not only often leads to a better price but also shows that you understand and appreciate the local way of doing business. Just remember to smile, stay polite, and enjoy the process — it’s as much about building a friendly connection as it is about getting a good deal.
7. Ride Animals
My biggest advice on what NOT to do in Jordan – is ride the animals. Many of the working animals at tourist sites are used all day in extreme heat, often without enough water, rest, or proper care, and some show clear signs of exhaustion or injury.
Riding overworked animals not only contributes to their suffering but also risks your own safety, as tired or mistreated animals can behave unpredictably. Thankfully, awareness around this issue is growing, and visitors have the power to encourage better practices by choosing not to support rides that exploit animals.
Instead, you can opt to walk, take a guided tour, or support responsible businesses that prioritise animal welfare. Being mindful of this choice helps protect the incredible natural and historical sites of Jordan — and the animals that live alongside them — for future generations.
Jordan FAQ:
In most hotels, unmarried couples can stay together – although be preppared that some may ask for a marriage certificate.
It’s advised not to wear shorts if you’re a female in Jordan, due to different cultural aspects.
Whilst it is advised for tourists to research the area they would be staying in and check Government travel advice beforehand, most visits to Jordan are safe.
What NOT To Do In Jordan – Conclusion
After reading this post all about what NOT to do in Jordan, you’re hopefully feeling more educated and confident about your upcoming trip to Jordan! What not to do in Jordan surprised you the most? Would you add anything to the list that you feel was missed on what not to do in Jordan? If you enjoyed this post, then I reccomend checking out these other similar posts:
