Irbid

Located 70 kilometers north of Amman, Irbid is Jordan's third-largest city. You'll find Roman columns and Byzantine mosaics at the Museum of Jordanian Heritage, while students fill the cafes along University Street until late at night. The surrounding countryside contains olive groves and citrus orchards, making it an ideal base for visiting the Roman ruins of Umm Qais or exploring the ancient stone streets of Pella.

Getting to Irbid from Amman

JETT buses depart every hour from Amman's North Bus Station to Irbid, taking 90 minutes. Shared taxis leave when full from the same station. The city's central bus station connects to Syria through Ramtha and to Mafraq in the east.

When to Visit

Summer temperatures reach 35°C (95°F), while winter days stay around 12°C (54°F) with occasional snow. Plan your visit between March and May or September and November when temperatures range from 20-25°C (68-77°F), perfect for walking through the city and exploring nearby archaeological sites.

University Life and Evening Activities

Four universities bring 70,000 students to Irbid. Walk down University Street after sunset to find students playing cards in cafes, discussing politics over Arabic coffee, or studying in late-night restaurants. The street runs along Yarmouk University's western wall, where you'll find bookshops selling both Arabic and English titles.

Museums at Yarmouk University

Inside the Museum of Jordanian Heritage, you can examine Stone Age tools, Roman pottery, and Islamic coins. The Natural History Museum displays local rocks and minerals, along with mounted specimens of birds and mammals found in northern Jordan. Both museums open from 9 AM to 3 PM on weekdays.

Day Trips to Ancient Sites

Drive 30 kilometers north to Umm Qais to walk among black basalt Roman columns overlooking the Sea of Galilee. In Pella, 30 kilometers west, you can climb through ruins spanning from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period, including a Roman odeon and early Christian churches. The medieval Ajloun Castle sits one hour southeast, with its towers and arrow slits still intact.

Local Food and Markets

The central market fills with shoppers after 4 PM. Look for local olive oil, citrus fruits, and za'atar spice mix. Small restaurants around the market serve mansaf, where lamb sits on a bed of rice soaked in fermented yogurt sauce. Many locals consider the mansaf here among the best in northern Jordan.