Budget Travel Guide to Aqaba: How to Explore the Red Sea Without Breaking the Bank
Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city, is often seen as a luxury resort destination. However, beneath the surface of high-end hotels and private beaches lies a vibrant, accessible city that is perfect for budget travelers. From delicious street food to affordable local stays, you can experience the magic of the Red Sea without spending a fortune. In this guide, we’ll break down how to manage your accommodation, food, and transport costs in Aqaba.
Before you even arrive, make sure to buy the Jordan Pass (70 JOD). It covers your visa fee (40 JOD) and entry to Petra (50 JOD) plus 40 other sites. It’s the single best way to save money if you're exploring more of Jordan!
1. Affordable Accommodation
While the big resorts dominate the shoreline, the city center (the Souk area) is packed with budget-friendly options. You can find clean, comfortable double rooms for 15–25 JOD ($21–35) per night.
- Al-Amer Hostel 1: A favorite among backpackers, located right near the souk. It offers a garden, shared lounge, and reliable WiFi.
- Al-Shula Hotel: Another solid budget choice in the heart of the city, perfect for those who want to be close to the local markets.
- Darna Divers Village: If you prefer being closer to the reefs, head to South Beach. It’s more laid-back and ideal for those focused on snorkeling and diving.
2. Eating Like a Local (and Saving Big)
Food is where you can save the most in Aqaba. Avoid the "tourist" restaurants on the main waterfront and head into the side streets of the downtown area.
Must-Try Cheap Eats:
- Al Shami Restaurant: A local legend. Go here for authentic Jordanian mezze, shish kebabs, and the famous Mansaf. The portions are huge and the prices are very reasonable.
- Street Food: You can grab a fresh falafel sandwich for as little as 0.50 JOD ($0.70) from street vendors. It’s the ultimate budget lunch!
- Baba Za'atar: Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Try their Manakish (flatbread with za'atar or cheese).
- Supermarkets: For water and snacks, visit Safeway or C-Town. A 1.5L bottle of water is only about 0.25 JOD here, compared to much higher prices in hotels.
3. Getting Around
Aqaba's city center is very walkable, which is great for your wallet. For longer distances, here’s how to handle transport:
- Shared Minibuses: If you're heading to Wadi Rum, ask your hotel about the shared minibuses. They cost around 5–7 JOD per person, compared to 25–30 JOD for a private taxi.
- Taxis: Within the city, taxis are plentiful. Always ensure the meter is on or agree on a price beforehand. A short ride within town shouldn't cost more than 1–2 JOD.
- JETT Bus: For intercity travel (to Amman or Petra), the JETT bus is the most reliable and cost-effective option. Book your tickets a day in advance if possible.
4. Free & Cheap Activities
You don't need a boat tour to see the Red Sea's famous coral. Head to South Beach (a short bus or taxi ride away), where you can wade into the water and snorkel right from the shore. You can rent a mask and snorkel for about 5 JOD, saving you the 25+ JOD cost of a boat trip.
Want to dive deeper into local life? Join one of our walking tours or a traditional cooking class to see the real Aqaba through the eyes of a local.