The 7 Best Places to Visit in Jordan

The towns and regions that make up the historic country of Jordan are all about contrast. From bustling cities with historic structures to lost, ancient ruins and desert landscapes, there’s an incredible number of sights to explore in Jordan. New and old, modern and historically rich, citadels at the top of the capital and refreshing shorelines at the beach—whatever it is you’re looking for on a holiday, Jordan has it for you.

Don’t know which parts of Jordan to explore and add to your travel itinerary? Here are seven of the best places to visit in Jordan you might be interested in seeing on your trip.

Amman, the Vibrant Capital City

Amman is the country’s capital and is most likely where you’ll be flying in when you travel to Jordan. It’s a modern metropolis and commercial centre, with its high-rise buildings and streets lined with shops and cafés. At the same time, the heart of the city is home to many ruins and archaeological sites that tell the story of this historic country.

One of the best things to do in Amman is explore the Citadel, perched on Jabal Al Qal’a, the biggest hill in the city. Here, you’ll see sites like the Temple of Hercules and the insightful Jordan Archaeological Museum. For a more modern feel, head to Amman’s popular Rainbow Street, where you’ll see rows of trendy cafés, restaurants and quaint shops.

The Lost City of Petra

History lovers must visit the ancient ruins at Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This lost city is tucked away in a valley between Jordan’s mountains and used to be inhabited by the Nabateans as far back as the 4th century BC. It was only in the 1800s that it was rediscovered by archaeologists. Now, it’s one of the most popular Jordan attractions.

Perhaps the most famous spot at Petra is the Treasury, a royal tomb one can reach by walking through a 1.2-kilometre Siq. It’s the first site you’ll see when you enter the ancient city. Beyond that, there is also the Monastery (a larger version of the Treasury with panoramic views of the desert), the High Place of Sacrifice (where animal sacrifices were once held), the Petra Theatre and many more ruins lost to time.

The Dead Sea

Another of the most iconic and best places to visit in Jordan is the landlocked Dead Sea. This fascinating sea is the lowest point on earth and has an incredibly high salt content, making it not just uninhabitable for marine wildlife but also super buoyant. That’s why swimming and floating on it is one of the best things to do in the Dead Sea.

Other must-dos in the area include visiting the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex to see this intriguing body of water from above and hiking around it along the Zara Cliff Walking Trail. For a more relaxing holiday, you can also visit some thermal springs in nearby spa resorts.

Aqaba

Wondering where to go in Jordan for a more traditional beach getaway? Consider visiting Aqaba, the country’s only coastal city at the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, which flows into the Red Sea. This town boasts beautiful sandy beaches and cerulean waters where you can do fun water activities, like diving and snorkelling. And unlike the Dead Sea, the waters in Aqaba are brimming with life, from colourful coral reefs to marvellous fish, turtles and other sea creatures.

Apart from enjoying the beach, you can also visit sites like the elegant Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque and the historic Aqaba Fort. The city is also a duty-free zone, which is perfect for tourists who love to shop ‘til they drop!

Wadi Rum

A mere 60 kilometres away from Aqaba is Wadi Rum, a popular valley cut into granite and sandstone known as the Valley of the Moon. This protected desert is home not just to the nomadic Bedouin tribe of the Arabian Peninsula, but also to majestic red and orange rock formations and dramatic canyons that the wind has sculpted over the centuries. That makes it the perfect place for adventure seekers and natural landscape lovers to explore.

Some must-sees in Wadi Rum include the imposing Khazali Canyon and Lawrence’s Spring, a popular natural watering hole. You can also simply walk around and explore the sand dunes or go on camel tours to traverse the area on camelback.

Jerash

Referred to as Pompeii of the Middle East, the city of Jerash is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman areas outside of Italy.

One of the most popular attractions in this city is the Temple of Artemis, which was built in the 2nd century CE with 12 intricate Corinthian columns surrounding it. Most of these columns are still standing today.

Another must-see is the Hippodrome—a stadium where the Romans once held chariot races and could seat up to 15,000 spectators.

Madaba

Lastly, there is Madaba, a quieter town that is known for its many historic, religious sites, from Muslim mosques to Christian churches. The most popular place to visit here is St. George’s Church, home to a huge collection of Byzantine mosaic art pieces.

A quick 15-minute drive from Madaba is Mount Nebo, another must-visit if you’re in the area. People of many different religions believe this mountain to be the place where God first showed Moses the Promised Land, making it one of the holiest and most-visited sites in the region.

Add These Breathtaking, Historic Areas to Your Jordan Itinerary!

Every region in Jordan has its own unique flair to offer. Amman is lively and strikes a balance between a metropolis and home to the city’s most historic sites. The ancient city of Petra and Wadi Rum allow you to experience a true Jordanian desert while uncovering some of history’s most enigmatic ruins. And in the Dead Sea and Aqaba, you can rest, relax and swim in azure waters.

Whether you’re a history buff, adventure seeker or just looking for a place to relax on holiday, there’s something in Jordan for you. Book one of Entire Travel Group’s Entire Group Journeys to see and explore all these regions firsthand on your dream trip to the Middle East!