Irbid Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Irbid is a city in northern Jordan, some 88 km north of the capital Amman. The main industrial and administrative centre in the north of the kingdom, Irbid is home to the Yarmouk University, the Jordan University of Science and Technology and a good range of services, making it a staging point for exploration further afield to Gadara (Umm Qais), Pella and other nearby sites within the region.
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Understand
Archaeological evidences reveal that Irbid has been settled since the Bronze Age. During the Roman period, Irbid was known as arabella. The city's ancient past now lies well hidden beneath modern roads and buildings.
Get in
To get to Irbid from the capital, Amman, you have to start out from Al-Abdali Transport Terminal. If you've arrived by airplane, Al-Abdali is the last stop of the Airport shuttle. From there, you can take taxi, bus, or "service" taxis. These are fixed-route taxis that take several passengers for a fixed price, usually not more than 1.20 JD (1 JD = 1.411 USD). If you are non-Arabic speaking, be careful not to be overcharged. Buses to Irbid usually cost from 80 piasters to 1 JD (1 JD = 100 piastres). The most comfortable coaches are run by Hijazi Buses or Arabella Co. For the ultimate transportation, which are easily located at Al-Abdali. One ticket shouldn't cost more than 1.20. Ordinary taxi, which you'll recognize by their yellow or beige colouring, are much more expensive, usually charging not less than 15 JD to Irbid, and up to 30 JD. But during summer, many have air conditioning, so they might be worth it. Almost all transport arrives in Irbid at Amman al-Jadeed Transport Terminal. Once there, you can get taxis to anywhere in Irbid. Don't pay more than 70 piastres per ride, or ask the driver to turn on the taximeter, which many of them are loath to do (especially if you're from out-of-town).
Get around
In Irbid, as mentioned above, you can get anywhere by taking one of the very numerous yellow or beige colour taxis. You can also take the "service" taxis or buses, which follow fixed routes and can drop you off on the way. Be sure to ask the locals about the routes, because they are no fixed time tables, and buses and taxis have to wait for enough passengers before moving. Don't pay more than 20 piastres.
See
There's very little to see in Irbid Town itself, but from there you can move on to several ancient sites around the city. Umm Qais, almost 20 minutes from Irbid, is a Roman era settlement. In Ajlun (also 20 minutes away), you can see an early Islamic castle on top of a hill. Jarash boasts a large Roman site, with pillars and a forum. Pella is among the smaller sites. To get to these sites, either take service buses or taxis. Taxi fare shouldn't exceed 10 JD. Also check out the following museums.
- the Museum of Jordanian Heritage [1], Yarmouk University campus- considered by many to be the finest archeological museum in the country, designed in partnership with the German government. Somewhat difficult to find however: driving from Amman, turn left at the roundabout by the stadium, then right after 500 m (around the stadium) and you will see an entrance about 500 m on the left with a museum sign. Check in with the officers at the gate and they will direct you to the museum (part of the University Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology)
- Irbid Archaeological Museum, Department of Antiquities building, al-Ma'amun Street, open daily except Fri, 8 am - 2 pm
- the Natural History Museum, open daily (except Tuesdays) 10 am - 5 pm winter, 10 am - 3 pm summer. Exposes Jordanian fauna and flora, a spot of refinement in otherwise harsh Irbid. Worth a visit.
Do
There's very little fun to be had in Irbid town. The main "artery" of the town is University Street, a street of restaurants, shops, and boutiques. The street also boasts very numerous internet cafes (Jordanians like to boast that it's in the Guinnes book of world records, though I've seen no evidence of that.) One hour in of internet use shouldn't cost more than 75 piastres, 1 JD tops. You'll also notice many coffeeshops, which mainly serve hubbly-bubbly (1.50 JD). Don't be shocked by bad service, which is indemic in Jordan, though Western visitors usually get better treatment.
Buy
Goods in Irbid are mostly Chinese imported and offer nothing special. For international brands, or souvenirs, go to Amman. There are many shops in University Street, but beware of the ubiquitous professional beggars (Gypsies), who have a penchant for Western visitors.
Eat
You won't find much in the way of good food in Irbid (even Arabic food). But several restaurants are not too bad. Try Al-Manqal, in University street, which serves decent grills and the usual Middle Eastern fare. You can also try Arabella and Al-Saadi. All of these serve the usual Middle Eastern grills, rice, hummus and tabbule. They're relatively cheap (especially for Western visitors). If you wanna eat like the locals, buy felafel sandwiches or hummus from one of the very numerous small delicatessens. There are also many shawarma restaurants (Shawarma is shredded meat or chicken wrapped in thin bread). All of these are very cheap (shawarma sandwich: 60 piasters. Felafel sandwich: 20 piasters. Dish of hummus to go: 40 piasters. - 100 piasters make one Jordanian Dinar) Finally, for hamburgers and fries you can go to McDonalds (It's close to University Street Roundabout and Yarmouk University). As far as Fast Food there are places such as Quick Burger, Pizza Hut, Popeye's and other, located opposite to the University on University Street.
Expect bad service and always ask for menus / prices. If you're a stickler for hygiene, you might be in for nasty surprises. Tips are almost never given.
Drink
As mentioned above, there are no pubs or bars of note in Irbid (excluding the dangerous "speak-easies", which offer home-made liquor and very unsavoury characters). If you fancy a drink, however, there are numerous liquor shops in down-town Irbid. These usually Christian-run enterprises are open to everyone and safe, offering both local and international alcohol and beer, for reasonable prices (but always ask about prices before deciding to buy). Go there preferably in daytime.
Sleep
The hotel most frequented by Western visitors is Al-Joud Hotel, very close to University Street Roundabout (or circle, as they're called in Jordan). Always agree on prices before checking in. Many Israelis and Israeli Arabs use the hotel, and there has been police guard recently, so there might be a slight security concern. Prices are relatively reasonable, so if you can afford it, check in because there are no alternatives of the same standard. There are also hotels in the downtown area. They're very old and not very clean, but cheaper than Al-Joud. The downtown area, typically Levantine, with run down buildings, noise, pollution, crazy drivers, and mediocre merchandise, may not be to everybody's liking.
Get out
You can leave Irbid the same way you got in, through Amman al-Jadeed Transport Terminal (New Amman Transport Terminal). Don't be fooled by the name, it's called Amman but it's in Irbid.
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