Zarqa is Jordan's industrial centre and its second most populous city, sitting in the Zarqa River basin about 24 km northeast of Amman. It grew from a settlement founded in 1902 along the river, and the Hejaz railway station built there turned it into an important hub. Today it forms a continuous urban area with Russeifa and Amman, and it is generally described as a conservative city with a large Palestinian population.
For a visitor, the key fact about Zarqa's layout is that it is a compact city of roughly 60 square kilometres, divided into five districts, and that it sits on the international highway linking Saudi Arabia with Syria, with the Amman–Baghdad highway also passing through. That means the city is easy to reach from Amman and straightforward to move around once you are there. This guide covers which parts of the city make sense as a base, and what to expect at different budget levels.
Best areas to stay in Zarqa
1. Central Zarqa
The central districts are the practical choice for most visitors. This is where the city's commercial and civic life is concentrated, and where you will find the widest range of places to stay. Because the city is compact, a base here puts you within easy reach of the rest of Zarqa.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be close to transport connections. The city lies on the international highway and the Amman–Baghdad highway, so a central base makes it simple to continue onward to Amman or further afield.
2. The area around the Hejaz railway station
The railway station is the historic anchor of the city, the feature that turned the original settlement into a hub. Staying in its vicinity gives you a sense of how Zarqa developed and keeps you near a recognisable landmark.
This area suits travellers interested in the city's history and its railway heritage. It is a reasonable option if you are arriving or departing by rail connections and prefer not to cross town to reach them.
3. The river basin area
Zarqa sits in the Zarqa River basin, and the original settlement was established along the river. The riverside parts of the city offer a quieter setting than the industrial and commercial core.
This suits travellers who prefer calmer surroundings and do not mind being slightly away from the busiest streets. Note that Zarqa has a cold semi-arid climate with most rain falling in winter, so riverside areas can be affected by seasonal weather.
4. Zarqa Camp and its surroundings
Zarqa Camp, the oldest Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan, is located near the city. It was set up in 1949 and its tents were eventually replaced with concrete shelters. The surrounding area is a distinct part of the wider urban fabric.
This area suits visitors who want to understand the city's social history and its Palestinian population. It is not a conventional tourist base, and you should approach it with respect for the residents who live there.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Expect simple, functional accommodation aimed at travellers passing through or working in the city. Given Zarqa's role as an industrial and commercial centre, much of the cheap accommodation serves that purpose rather than tourism.
- Mid-range: The most likely option for a visitor, offering comfortable rooms in the central districts with reasonable access to the highways and the rest of the city.
- Splurge: Zarqa is not a resort destination, and the upper end of the market is limited. Travellers seeking higher-end accommodation often base themselves in nearby Amman, which is only about 24 km away and forms a continuous urban area with Zarqa.
Best area for a first visit
Central Zarqa is the best base for a first visit. It puts you in the middle of a compact city, close to the main roads that connect Zarqa to Amman and to the international routes, and within easy reach of the railway station and the river. From there you can get a feel for the whole city without long journeys between districts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zarqa a good base for visiting Amman?
It can be. Zarqa is about 24 km northeast of Amman and forms a continuous urban area with it, so the two are closely connected. Many travellers, however, choose to base themselves in Amman and visit Zarqa rather than the other way around.
How do I get around Zarqa?
The city is compact, covering about 60 square kilometres across five districts, and it lies on the international highway connecting Saudi Arabia with Syria as well as the Amman–Baghdad highway. That makes road travel straightforward, whether you are moving within the city or continuing onward.
When should I visit Zarqa?
Zarqa has a cold semi-arid climate with an average annual temperature of about 17.4 °C and roughly 182 mm of rain a year, most of it in winter. If you want to avoid rain, plan your visit outside the winter months.
What should I know about the character of the city?
Zarqa is described as a conservative and marginalised city with a large Palestinian population, and it is an industrial centre. Visitors should dress and behave accordingly, particularly in residential and religious areas.
Compare live prices for accommodation in Zarqa using the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.