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
$54 nightly
The price is $58 total per night from Sep 26 to Sep 27
$58 total
Sep 26 - Sep 27
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (133 reviews)
"Nice well kept hotel. Quiet neighborhood."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2026

Grand Hotel Madaba
Mariam Hotel

Mariam Hotel

2 out of 5
Aishah Umm Al Muamienin Madaba Madaba
$40 nightly
The price is $43 total per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
$43 total
Oct 20 - Oct 21
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! (198 reviews)
"Great bargain for the price."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2026

Mariam Hotel
Saint John Hotel

Saint John Hotel

3 out of 5
K. Talal St. Madaba Madaba Governorate
$37 nightly
The price is $41 total per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
$41 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Madaba. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Madaba Museum and Madaba Archaeological Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay! The breakfast with view was great. Upgraded us into a nicer room. Staff are very helpful and informative of the area"

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2026

Saint John Hotel
See all 1,273 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.
Private Central Studio with Balcony/ 5*

Private Central Studio with Balcony/ 5*

Madaba Madaba
Stay at this apartment in Madaba. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Basilica of Saint George and Madaba Mosaic Map ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Nice clean room. Very responsive host"

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025

Private Central Studio with Balcony/ 5*
Lava Chalet Hot Spring Water

Lava Chalet Hot Spring Water

4 out of 5
Mukawir Madaba
Stay at this vacation home in Madaba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 10 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Basilica of Saint George and Madaba Mosaic Map ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Great place. Very clean I wish if there was washer or dryer. But the how clean and the service was great. And the main thing the swimming pool is covered."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2026

Lava Chalet Hot Spring Water
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
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.
From Amman: Private Full Day Tour Jerash Ajloun & Um Qais

Amman: Private or Group Tour to Jerash, Ajloun & Um Qais

$85
per adult
Amman: Private or Group Tour to Jerash, Ajloun & Um Qais
eSIM: Airalo Middle East and North Africa Package

eSIM: Airalo Middle East and North Africa Package

$8
per traveler
eSIM: Airalo Middle East and North Africa Package
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