Irbid

Introduction

Nestled on the northern ridge of the Gilead mountains in northern Jordan, you will find Irbid situated within the Irbid Governorate. Located just south of the Syrian border, this significant urban center serves as a primary hub for the surrounding region.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by recognizing Irbid as a primary industrial and administrative hub in the northern part of the kingdom. You can utilize the city as a strategic staging point to explore neighboring historical sites, including Umm Qais (Gadara) and Pella.

The local area is characterized by its educational atmosphere, housing both Yarmouk University and the Jordan University of Science and Technology, while providing a wide range of services for your stay.

Getting there

You can reach Irbid by taking a bus from the Tabarbour Transport Terminal in Amman. You may choose between standard buses or more comfortable coaches provided by Hijazi Buses Co., which offer a more direct route without intermediate stops.

Upon arrival, most road transportation options will bring you to the Amman Jadeed Transport Terminal. From this location, you can hire a local bus or a cab to reach your specific destination within Irbid. If you prefer a taxi, look for vehicles in yellow or beige; these often feature air conditioning for comfort during the warmer months.

Getting around

You can navigate Irbid by hiring one of the many yellow or beige taxis found throughout the city. Unlike other regions, these drivers rarely use a meter even if you request it; instead, they typically charge in set increments. You should negotiate your fare with the driver before you depart to ensure you agree on the cost.

Alternatively, you can choose to ride a bus or a "service" taxi that follows scheduled routes and provides drop-offs along the way. Since these vehicles do not have regular departure timetables and will wait until they have enough passengers before departing, you should ask local residents for information regarding specific routes.

Where to stay

You can choose between accommodations that cater to different preferences for comfort and atmosphere. For a stay that is frequently visited by international travelers, you can find lodging near the University Street circle. This option provides a standard of quality that is difficult to match elsewhere in the city.

Alternatively, you can stay in the downtown area, which features traditional Levantine architecture. These older buildings offer a more affordable experience, though you should expect a lively atmosphere filled with the sounds of nearby traffic and people out for the evening. For a different experience, you can also find lodging situated at the junction of University and Pr. Muhammad Street.

Food & drink

Savor a variety of Middle Eastern staples throughout the city, including grilled meats, rice, hummus, and tabbulah. To eat like a local, visit small delicatessen shops for shawarma or falafel sandwiches, or find various fast-food chains located near University Street. For traditional Jordanian favorites such as maftool and maqlooba, along with appetizer pastries and sweets, you can dine at Lukmeh Haniyyeh.

While there are no pubs or bars in the area, numerous liquor stores in downtown Irbid offer a selection of domestic and international alcohol and beer.

What to see and do

While the town itself offers limited sights, you can explore several ancient sites located around the city. You can visit the Irbid Citadel in the center, the St. George Latin Church to the west, or the Clock Tower to the south. For a deeper look into history and nature, travel to the Yarmouk University campus to visit the Museum of Jordanian Heritage—regarded as one of the finest archaeological museums in the country—and the Natural History Museum, which showcases local flora and fauna.

You can also explore the Irbid Archaeological Museum located on Al-Ma'amun Street. For a more contemporary experience, stroll along University Street, a landmark thoroughfare filled with boutiques, shops, and restaurants. This area is particularly known for its numerous internet cafes where you can enjoy coffee or shisha.

You can experience Irbid's distinct seasons, ranging from hot, dry summers to cool, wet winters. During the summer months, you will encounter hot days and warm nights with little to no rainfall.

If you visit during the winter, you should prepare for a cooler, wetter climate where rain is common and occasional snow falls throughout the season.

Three days in Irbid

Day one, you can explore the historic sites of Umm Qais, Gadara, and Pella. These locations offer a glimpse into the region's heritage as you travel through the Irbid Governorate.

Day two, visit Yarmouk University or Jordan University to experience the local academic atmosphere. You can also spend time in the area near Lukmeh Haniyyeh to enjoy the surroundings.

Day three, head toward Amman via the Tabarbour Transport Terminal or the Amman Jadeed Transport Terminal. Alternatively, you can travel with Hijazi Buses Co. to reach your destination.