Where to Go in Jordan on Your Next Adventure
Jordan is an Arab kingdom in the Middle East. It’s mostly known for historical sites like Petra, but also offers modern entertainment, in the nightclubs and bars of Amman. There is a wide range of things to do and many cool places if you’re wondering where to go in Jordan.
Jordan is an amazing country with a lot to offer tourists. From the ancient city of Petra to the stunning natural landscapes of Wadi Rum, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Jordan.
Things to do in Jordan
Depending on how much time you have to spend in Jordan, you may need to alter your itinerary to highlight the things that are really important to you. Remember it is a large country and driving times can be long. Don’t just take what Google Maps says as the actual time needed. Checking with locals and or hiring professional companies to help with your travel plans is a useful idea, especially if your time is short.
1. Visit Jordan’s capital Amman
Jordan’s capital is a mix of modern buildings, art galleries, and nightclubs on the one hand and historical sites on the other.
2. Admire the mosaics of Madaba
Madaba is also known as the ‘City of Mosaics’. It’s mostly famous for its 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The map, made out of two million (!) pieces of colored stone, covers the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Mosaic artworks are found all over the city, though and there’s even an Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration.
3. Make a trip to the famous Petra
Petra is Jordan’s most famous tourist attraction and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The city, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was carved into the red mountains more than 2000 years ago. The world-famous archaeological site that was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. Be sure to explore the many temples, tombs and other monuments carved into the pink sandstone cliffs. It has to be entered through the Siq, a narrow gorge that’s more than 1 kilometer long.
Some of the most famous things to see at Petra are the treasury, the tombs and a Roman-style theater. Try this private tour to Petra for your time in the region.
4. Let yourself be dazzled by the beautiful Wadi Rum desert
You can hike through it, hire a 4×4 or a camel and guide or take a ride in a hot air balloon, giving you an amazing view over the rock formations. Make sure you see the naturally formed Burdah Bridge! Take a jeep tour through Wadi Rum, one of Jordan’s most scenic desert landscapes, and marvel at the massive sandstone mountains and Joshua tree forests as you journey through this otherworldly terrain. Check out this half-day tour option.
5. Float around in the Dead Sea
A popular thing to do in Jordan is to take a book into the salty water of the Dead Sea and just lay back. The water will keep you afloat, just don’t drop your book! There are many different resorts on the Dead Sea that you can book for the day or for an overnight. While this can be done as a day trip from Amman it’s worth spending at least a night.
6. Feel like a knight at Fort Karak
This is one of the largest crusader castles in the Levant and has a rich history. It was built in the 1100’s and was actually used up through the 20th century as an active garrison for military. While you can visit alone, having a guide will really bring the site to life. (Check out this tour option)
This would make for a long day trip from Amman so it may be best to pair with an additional activity and spend the night in this part of Jordan.
7. Try to stop the crusaders at the Castle of Ajlun
The castle of Aljun was built to protect the country against attacks from crusaders coming out of Karak, in the south, and Bisan, in the west. With its many towers, galleries, rooms and staircases this is a perfect place for exploration, both for adults as for children. As it’s located on top of a hill, the fortress of Ajlun offers great views of the Jordan Valley. This visit can be combined with a stop in Jerash on a private tour.
8. Dive into history at the ruins of Jerash
But be sure to bring enough water, a hat, and sunglasses when visiting Jerash in summer! An ancient city, Jerash boasts a huge Greco-Roman settlement and has some amazing remains from this time. It’s a must-visit for anyone that is really interested in history. This is also an easy trip from Amman. You can book a private tour of Jerash and Aljoun for your visit.
There is no shortage of amazing and delicious food in Jordan. If your travels will bring you only to the capital, Amman and you’re wondering where to eat in Amman, you’re in luck. I’ve done the hard work and have suggestions for you.
Find out what to eat in Jordan and get your fill in Amman. Here’s what to eat in Jordan!
You can also find some great food tours in Jordan in this article.
10. Get in the water at the baptism site of Jesus Christ
Whether you’re a Christian or not, you can’t ignore the historical significance this site has had and still has for so many people. It’s one of the most popular spots in Jordan for tourists, especially those doing a Holy Land tour.
A tip:
When planning your trip to Jordan, it’s best to check if the dates of your visit overlap with Ramadan. During Ramadan, it’s a lot harder to find food and drinks while the sun is up and visitors are expected to respect Ramadan by not eating and drinking in public during the day.
