Yes, there are free tours in Jordan, mainly in the capital Amman and the coastal city of Aqaba, where local English-speaking guides lead groups on foot through markets, historic quarters, and food tours - and without any upfront payment: at the end of the tour, each participant gives the guide a tip according to their satisfaction, in accordance with the international free tour model.

Beyond Amman and Aqaba, the free tour community in Jordan is relatively small compared to major European destinations, but it is active and growing steadily with the tourism entering the kingdom - and usually focuses on cities that combine a dense urban fabric with a rich history, so they are easy to explain on foot in a two- to three-hour period.

Registration for each tour is done in advance through the booking website, the guide waits at an agreed meeting point, and the group sets off on a pre-determined route that is updated from time to time depending on the season and the availability of the guides.

Free tours by city

Why you should travel in Jordan with a local guide

Amman - a city of seven hills and layers of history

The capital Amman is built on seven hills (Jebel) and combines within a reasonable walking distance the remains of the Roman citadel, the old Kasbah with its bustling markets, and the more modern districts of the city. A typical free city tour takes in the citadel, the central market, and key sites in the lower city, and usually includes stops for a taste of Jordanian cuisine - from falafel and hummus to sweet kunafeh. There are also dedicated food tours that focus on mansef, the national dish, and local pastries.

Aqaba - a Red Sea gateway with historical depth

Aqaba, Jordan's only port city on the Red Sea, offers a completely different perspective: the ancient city of Ayala from the early Islamic period, the Al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque in the city center, and the Mamluk fortress next to the new promenade. A walking tour of Aqaba combines history, a local market, and tastings, and sometimes you can see from the narrow bay the coasts of Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, which are almost side by side.

The two cities together give the tourist a complementary picture of Jordan - a stratified inland capital versus a coastal city open to the sea - and each of them is easy to explore on foot with a local guide who knows the corners that don't always appear in travel guides.

Important tips before you go out

Coin and tip for the guide

The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), but US dollars are accepted in many places aimed at tourists. It is a good idea to arrive on a tour with cash in Dinars or Dollars, as payment by card at the end of the tour is not always possible. The amount of the tip is a completely personal matter - it should reflect the level of enjoyment and benefit you derived from the tour, and not a fixed amount in advance.

Language, weather and movement between cities

Most guides on the free tours speak fluent English as well as Arabic, so you don't need to know Arabic to participate. The summer heat in Jordan, especially in Amman and Aqaba, makes early mornings and late afternoons the most pleasant times to walk; in the winter months the weather is more pleasant throughout the day. The journey between Amman and Aqaba is usually by intercity bus or pre-booked taxi, and takes several hours through the Jordanian desert.

Israelis arriving in Jordan by land pass through one of the official border crossings - the Arava Crossing in the south, the Jordan River Crossing (Allenby) in the center, or the Sheikh Hussein Crossing in the north - and each crossing has its own entry rules and documentation, so it is recommended to check with the authorities in advance for the latest requirements before setting off.

All free tours in Jordan on the GuruWalk website

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the tipping model work on free tours in Jordan?

The tour itself has no registration fee - at the end of the tour, each participant gives the guide a tip of an amount they choose, depending on the quality of the tour and their personal satisfaction. There is no fixed price or official minimum.

Which cities in Jordan have free tours?

The largest concentration of such tours is in the capital Amman, with a growing offering in the port city of Aqaba on the Red Sea coast. Both cities offer both general sightseeing tours and dedicated food tours.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, it is recommended to register in advance through the tour's booking website, as the number of participants in the group is limited and the meeting point is determined only for those who register.

In what language are the tours held?

Most guides in Jordan speak fluent English alongside Arabic, so English tours are almost always available and no knowledge of Arabic is required to participate.

Are there also free food tours in Jordan?

Yes, alongside the historical tours, there are food-focused tours in Amman and Aqaba that include tastings of local Jordanian dishes such as falafel, hummus, and kunafeh.

What should you bring on a walking tour in Jordan?

Comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sun protection, a bottle of water, and cash in Jordanian dinars or dollars for the tip for the guide at the end of the trail.