Madaba

Travel Guide

A street with shops and a mosque.
A street with shops, a yellow taxi, and a person with a hat.
A jewelry store with glass display cases and wooden cabinets.
A jewelry store with a display of gold jewelry.
A room with patterned tiles, a large mosaic vase, and walls decorated with framed artwork.

Visit this charming town set on the King’s Highway to see its famous Byzantine-era mosaics, which include an invaluable map of the Holy Land.

Come to Madaba for its spectacular collection of Byzantine-era mosaics and you are likely to end up staying for the easygoing spirit, charming hotels and excellent cuisine found in this market town. The town is home to one of the largest Christian populations in the country and has a history of religious tolerance between its many communities.

There are several sites where you can see the famous Madaba mosaics. If you only have time for one, visit the Basilica of Saint George. The church is home to the most significant mosaic in Madaba, the famous map of the Holy Land. See more mosaics at the Church of the Apostles, which houses a beautiful depiction of an underwater scene, created in A.D. 578.

Learn more about the craft of mosaic-making at the administration office of the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art & Restoration, where you can arrange a guided tour of the facilities. The foundation teaches Jordanians how to correctly restore and manage the city’s priceless mosaics. A tour will show you how intricate the process of mosaic-making truly is. It’s no surprise that the town was selected by UNESCO to be part of the Creative Cities Network. This accolade honors Madaba’s commitment to developing creative industries and culturally significant properties.

Another Madaba highlight is the Roman Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, which houses the Acropolis Museum in the basement. Marvel at the 3,000-year-old well that still functions.

Take a break from sightseeing to treat yourself to local Jordanian cuisine at one of the many charming restaurants in town. As Madaba is a center of commerce with a popular market, fresh, high-quality ingredients are always passing through.

Set on the King’s Highway, Madaba is easy to access by car. Stop by this lovely town in between stays in Amman and Petra. It is also possible to use Madaba as a base to explore the region and make excursions to the Dead Sea.

Grand Hotel Madaba

Grand Hotel Madaba

4 out of 5
Aisha Um Al Mumeneen Street Madaba
$63 nightly
The price is $68 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$68 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Madaba. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Grand Hotel Madaba
Mariam Hotel

Mariam Hotel

2 out of 5
Aishah Umm Al Muamienin Madaba Madaba
$39 nightly
The price is $42 total per night from Nov 13 to Nov 14
$42 total
Nov 13 - Nov 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Madaba. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (200 reviews)
"Excellent staff with a decent breakfast"

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2026

Mariam Hotel
Mosaic City Hotel

Mosaic City Hotel

3 out of 5
Yarmouk Street Madaba
$65 nightly
The price is $74 total per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
$74 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Madaba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (337 reviews)
"Good location. Hotel was close to all the attractions and lots of amenities in Madaba. Clean, well-kept. Problem with the AC was taken care of in a timely fashion. Staff was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2026

Mosaic City Hotel
See all 1,291 properties in Madaba
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mesha Stele Hotel Apartments

Mesha Stele Hotel Apartments

2 out of 5
Khaled Bin Alwalead Madaba Madaba
Stay at this aparthotel in Madaba. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Basilica of Saint George and Madaba Mosaic ...
6/10 (2 reviews)
2 room Family Room has 6 twin beds
"Decent hotel not too far from AMM airport. Hotel front door downstairs is not easy to find when you first arrive so it is on the right side of building. I parked in a dirt parking lot down the right side of hotel. No elevator so be prepared to take your luggage up a couple flights of stairs. We rented ..."

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2025

Mesha Stele Hotel Apartments
EMILE ALTWAL

EMILE ALTWAL

2 out of 5
Madaba Madaba Madaba Governorate
Stay at this aparthotel in Madaba. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a garden. Popular attractions Madaba Museum and Madaba Archaeological Park are ...
EMILE ALTWAL
Capri Hotel Suites

Capri Hotel Suites

3.5 out of 5
Saad Bin Abi Waqqas Street 25 Amman
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Amman. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Rainbow Street and Avenue Mall ...
Capri Hotel Suites
See all properties in Madaba
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Madaba attractions

An ancient mosaic floor with intricate designs, stone columns, and a metal railing.

Madaba Archaeological Park

9.0/10 (41 reviews)
Visit this small open-air museum to explore the remains of Byzantine churches with awe-inspiring ancient mosaics and other artifacts unearthed in the region.
See properties

Things to do

Petra Private Full-Day Round-Trip

Petra Private Full-Day Round-Trip

$176
per traveler
Petra Private Full-Day Round-Trip
Boat snorkeling with open buffet BBQ 4-5 hours

Boat snorkeling with open buffet BBQ 4-5 hours

$71
per adult
Boat snorkeling with open buffet BBQ 4-5 hours
Marhaba Plaza Premium Lounge at Amman Queen Alia Airport

Marhaba Plaza Premium Lounge at Amman Queen Alia Airport (AMM)

$44
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Marhaba Plaza Premium Lounge at Amman Queen Alia Airport (AMM)
Full-Day Tour to Petra From Amman.

Private Or Group Full day tour to Petra from Amman.

$71
per adult
Private Or Group Full day tour to Petra from Amman.
Dead Sea, Mount Nebo, Madaba, and Baptism Site, From Amman.

Private or sharing tour to Dead Sea,Nebo,Madaba&Baptism Site

$71
per adult
Private or sharing tour to Dead Sea,Nebo,Madaba&Baptism Site
From Amman: Full-Day Private Tour to Petra

From Amman: Full-Day Private or Group Tour to Petra.

$99
per adult
From Amman: Full-Day Private or Group Tour to Petra.
See all activities in Madaba

Frequently asked questions

Is Madaba worth visiting?
Madaba is worth visiting for its significant historical sites, including the Madaba Archaeological Park and the famous Basilica of Saint George, home to ancient mosaics. Travelers can also enjoy diverse Middle Eastern and European dining experiences, offering a taste of the local and international flavors.
When is the best time to visit Madaba?
The best time to visit Madaba is from February through June, when the weather is typically pleasant for exploring. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter month of January is a good option, offering cooler temperatures.
What is Madaba known for?
Madaba is known for its rich historical and religious sites, including the Madaba Archaeological Park. Travelers can explore the ancient Madaba Mosaic Map, which is famously housed within the Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George. This makes Madaba a significant city in Jordan for its well-preserved mosaics and cultural heritage.
What is a good itinerary length for Madaba?
A good itinerary length for Madaba is one to two days to explore key sites like the Madaba Archaeological Park, Basilica of Saint George, and the Madaba Mosaic Map. Travelers often extend their stay to three or four days to include Madaba as part of longer tours to nearby regions such as Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. See Madaba Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Madaba?
Madaba offers travelers a rich array of historical and religious sites, along with opportunities to explore nearby landmarks:

  • Visit Madaba Archaeological Park to see ancient ruins and mosaics.
  • Explore the Basilica of Saint George, home to significant historical artifacts.
  • See the famous Madaba Mosaic Map, an ancient map of the Holy Land.
  • Discover the Madaba Museum, showcasing local history and archaeological finds.
  • Take a day tour to Madaba, Mount Nebo, and the Baptism Site for a broader regional experience.

How do I plan a trip to Madaba?
When planning your trip to Madaba, search for hotels and flights on Expedia. Book popular activities, such as multi-day tours to Petra or Wadi Rum, in advance. For exploring Madaba's landmarks like the Archaeological Park or Basilica of Saint George, plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to make the most of your visit.
What cuisines can you find in Madaba?
In Madaba, you can find Middle Eastern cuisine, with a strong focus on shawarma, along with other popular dishes like falafel and hummus. Travelers can also enjoy European and Italian options, including pasta and pizza. The city also features a selection of coffee shops.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Madaba?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Madaba by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Madaba with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Madaba trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Madaba?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Madaba can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Madaba trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Madaba trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Madaba trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Madaba trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Madaba?
If it's your first trip to Madaba, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Madaba hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Madaba hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Madaba

A densely populated urban area with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, a prominent hill with a mosque, and a bridge in the background.

Amman