Madaba Travel Guide (King's Highway/Jordan/Middle East/Asia)

Madaba, located in southern Jordan along the ancient King’s Highway, is a historically rich and culturally fascinating city. Home to numerous museums, ancient sites, and natural wonders, Madaba offers travelers a unique window into the Middle East’s rich culture and landscapes.

Introduction to Madaba

Madaba is a city known for being the ‘City of Mosaics.’ It is famous for its craftsmanship and has some of the Byzantine mosaics. It was once a significant Christian center, and its historical wealth still attracts tourists to date. It is located 30kms south of the capital of Jordan, Amman, and can be easily accessed by road.

List of Places to Visit in Madaba

Madaba has plenty of places to discover, from its religious sites and cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures and scenic views.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Madaba Museum houses some of the country’s most fascinating historical artifacts, including a display of the famous Madaba Mosaic Map that showcased the Holy Land. The Madaba Archaeological Park hosts ancient ruins dating back to the 8th century BC. St. George’s Church is another historic landmark famous for its collection of ancient mosaics.

Natural Attractions of Madaba: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mount Nebo offers exceptional views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Wadi Mujib is a perfect spot to go for a hike, and the Ma’in hot spring is an ideal spot to relax and unwind. Madaba also provides lots of outdoor activities like horse riding, mountain climbing, kite surfing, and more suitable for thrill-seekers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Madaba

Madaba offers great options for hikers and bikers, with many stunning trails winding through the city and the surrounding countryside. The Madaba Alps Route takes hikers on a path through a stunning landscape of hills, agricultural terraces, and Roman-era dams. The Hell’s Canyon Route is perfect for bikers, offering winding roads and stunning views of the Jordan Rift Valley.

Best Things to Do in Madaba: Activities and Tours

Madaba offers several activities and tours that showcase the city’s culture and natural beauty. Visitors can partake in cooking classes to learn about traditional Jordanian cuisine, take hot-air balloon rides to appreciate the exquisite landscapes, and take tours of ancient sites such as the Mount Nebo, where Moses was believed to have died.

Week-Long Itinerary for Madaba

Visitors can spend a week exploring the city of Madaba and its surrounding area. Some of the recommended activities for a week-long itinerary include:

Day 1 - Explore the city of Madaba. Day 2 - Visit Mount Nebo and the Madaba Archaeological Park. Day 3 - Cool off at the Ma’in hot spring and relax at the hotel. Day 4 - Go hiking along the Madaba Alps Route. Day 5 - Visit Wadi Mujib for a thrilling adventure. Day 6 - Take a tour of the famous mosaics in St. George’s Church and Madaba Museum. Day 7 - Explore the outdoor activities like horse riding, mountain climbing, and kite surfing.

Food and Drink Scene of Madaba

The food scene in Madaba is diverse, with tasty dishes merging culinary traditions from Jordan’s different regions.

Must-Try Dishes

Some of the must-try dishes in Madaba include: Mansaf, Jordan’s national dish, is made from lamb cooked in fermented yogurt called Jameed and served over rice. Fatayer is a savory pastry stuffed with meat or cheese. Mezze platters serve a selection of small starters that usually include hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ganoush.

Local Beverages

The mint tea in Madaba is a refreshment that goes with any meal or snack. The locally produced wines, Arak, and beer are also a must-try for those who love to experiment with different drinks.

Where to Stay in Madaba: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Madaba has multiple accommodation options, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Visitors can choose the option based on their priorities like proximity to the city center, historical landmarks, outdoor activities, and scenic views. Among the most popular accommodation facilities, you should try out Mariam Hotel, Madaba- Haret Jdoudna Hotel, or Queen Ayola Hotel.

What to Buy in Madaba: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Madaba, visitors can take home unique souvenirs and local products to remember their trip. Some of the popular items include traditional clothing or jewelry, handcrafted ceramics or mosaics, and Dead Sea cosmetics. Wadi Al Mujib Reserve is the most famous for the locally produced herbals.

Local Culture and Customs of Madaba

Madaba, being an Islamic country, has some cultural norms that visitors must adhere to. Dress modestly, refrain from eating in public places during the month of Ramadan, and respecting those praying. Madame tourists dress up in long skirts, pants or dresses that cover their shoulders.

Best Time to Visit Madaba

Madaba’s climate is quite hot and dry, with high peak temperatures during the summer months. The best time to visit Madaba is during the shoulder seasons, in spring and autumn, which have lovely warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Madaba

Do:

Dress modestly.
Respect Islamic traditions and customs.
Try the traditional cuisine.
Learn basic Arabic phrases.

Don’t:

Eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours in Ramadan.
Wear revealing clothing or swimwear in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Madaba

Madaba is one of the safest cities in Jordan. However, visitors should still take care of their belongings and avoid isolated areas at night. Also, use licensed taxis only, and carefully cross busy roads.

Health in Madaba

Tap water is not safe, and bottled water should be used for drinking and personal hygiene purposes. Medical provisions and prescriptions are available from pharmacies within the city, with more significant or more emergency medical issues, refer to King Hussein hospital.

Getting to Madaba: Transportation Options and Logistics

Madaba can be easily accessed with various transportation modes given the town’s strategic location. However, Travelers should keep in mind the country’s traditions and folk customs.

Airports Near Madaba

Queen Alia International Airport, located in Amman and about 20 km (12.5 miles) from Madaba.

Bus Stations Near Madaba

Jett bus service and other public transport are available through its two main stations in Amman.

Other Options

Tourists may rent out taxis or vehicles, and car rental services are also available in the city.

How to Get Around in Madaba

Madaba has several options for public and private transport. Taxis and minibusses are affordable choices for moving short distances around the city. Bikes can be rented to travel around the city for adventure lovers. Still, it is essential to check with the bike rental company for safety measures, biking rules, and precautions.

Where to Go Next from Madaba: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Madaba’s location makes it easy to explore some nearby destinations.

Petra, a historic city famous for its rock-cut architecture and incredible ruins, is about 227 km (141 miles) away from Madaba.
Wadi Rum, a stunning desert landscape featured in several Hollywood movies, is a 291 km (181 miles) drive from Madaba.
Aqaba, Jordan’s Red Sea coastal city known for its stunning coral reefs, is about 313 km (194.4 miles) from Madaba.

Conclusion

Madaba, Jordan is an incredible destination filled with richness in culture, history, outdoor beauty, and adventure. A traveler can expect a fulfilling experience while exploring the city, its museums and historic landmarks, natural attractions, and cuisine. By following this guide’s tips, visitors can uncover some of the city’s unique treasure, and an enriching experience that will stick around for a long time.

Madaba Image Gallery

Church floor with Jerusalem & the Holy Land

Animal mosaic

A floor in the archaeological park