Plizio Visual Lab

Zarqa

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Zarqa

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Zarqa is highly industrial and traffic-heavy; avoid driving during rush hours, especially on the highway connecting to Amman.
The city is not tourist-oriented, so dress conservatively and respect local customs.
Public transport options like shared taxis (servees) are the most authentic way to get around the downtown area.
Prices in local markets here are generally lower than in Amman, making it a good place to buy everyday items.

🍽 Food

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Street Shawarma

Grab a quick and cheap chicken or beef shawarma wrap from one of the many busy stalls in the downtown area.

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Falafel and Hummus

Join the locals for a hearty breakfast at a traditional, no-frills eatery near the central market.

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Traditional Sweets

Try local baklava or awameh (sweet dough balls) from the established sweet shops along the main commercial streets.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Downtown Souq

Explore the bustling central market where locals buy everything from fresh produce to clothing at competitive prices.

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Spice Shops

Visit a local spice vendor to buy fresh spices, herbs, and teas by weight.

🧘

King Abdullah Park

Take a break from the urban noise in this large public park, popular with local families in the evenings.

🧘

Zarqa River Banks

While heavily urbanized, the areas near the river offer a slightly calmer atmosphere away from the main traffic arteries.

Zarqa is the industrial capital of Jordan and the third-largest city in the kingdom by population. Approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Amman, it sits in a strategic position along the Zarqa River and the historic Hejaz Railway. The modern city was established in 1902 by Chechen immigrants fleeing conflict in the Caucasus, and it quickly grew into a major urban center. Zarqa is home to the country's only oil refinery and over 50 percent of Jordan's heavy industry, making it vital to the national economy. Despite its industrial nature, the city is surrounded by historical sites, including several desert castles like Qasr Amra and Qasr al-Hallabat. The city's growth was further accelerated by the establishment of military bases and the influx of refugees during the latter half of the 20th century. Today, Zarqa faces challenges related to urban density and environmental management but remains a key driver of Jordanian commerce and production.

Location: Jordan
Nearby: Al-Hashimiyah (6 km)
Population: ~792.665 (2013)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	8	9	13	17	21	25	27	27	25	21	14	9
Rain mm	44	43	23	11	4	1	1	1	1	6	18	35

Geography

Population

792,665 (2013)

Coordinates

32.06450, 36.09610

Facts

Zarqa was founded in 1902 by a group of Chechen immigrants along the banks of the Zarqa River.
The city hosts the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company, established in 1956, the only refinery in the country.
The historic Hejaz Railway, which passes through Zarqa, was built between 1900 and 1908.
More than 50% of Jordan's total industrial activity is concentrated within the Zarqa Governorate.
The city is located at an average elevation of approximately 619 meters above sea level.
Zarqa is strategically positioned just 25 kilometers northeast of the capital city, Amman.