Devote your first day to exploring Amman, taking in local museums and cultural points of interests as you go. Start at the King Abdullah I Mosque, known for its beautiful blue-hued mosaic dome, followed by a trip through the nearby Jordan Gallery of Fine Arts, which showcases work from across the Middle East and beyond.

Start your afternoon with a traditional lunch of mansaf (lamb) or mezze before continuing your explorations. Popular attractions include the Amman Citadel, offering gorgeous city views and an interesting Archaeological Museum, and the Jordan Museum, full of artifacts from across the Levant, including pieces of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

In the evening, head over to trendy Rainbow Street, known for its charming cafés and vibrant atmosphere—it’s a great place to wander or sit down for dinner and people-watching. If you’re visiting in the summer, check out the Souk Jara, a night market here that’s brimming with locally produced handicrafts.

Spend your next day on a day trip. If you plan to check out Petra, expect to get up early and spend a lot of time in a car. If you want something closer, head out for a float in the Dead Sea instead.

If you’ve opted to go to the Dead Sea, you’ll still have time left in the afternoon to grab lunch and make a stop at Madaba on your way back to Amman. The city is known for its mosaics, particularly the Madaba Map, a 6th-century map of the Holy Land on the floor of Saint George Church.

From Madaba, it's a quick jaunt to Mount Nebo, believed to be where Moses first caught a glimpse of the Holy Land. Even if you aren't interested in religious history, Mount Nebo makes for a nice spot to watch the sunset before driving back to Amman in time for dinner.