10 Best Things to See and Do in Jordan

If Jordan isn’t on your bucket list yet, it definitely should be. This magical country is packed with incredible experiences, from ancient ruins to stunning natural wonders. We’ve shared below our top 10 things to see and do in Jordan – and we mean it when we say: you won’t want to miss a single one!

We’ve put together a full Jordan itinerary that details how you can string together the majority of the highlights into a single incredible trip here. We hope it inspires you to explore this hidden gem in the Middle East, and one of our favourite places in the world.

1. Uncover the Secrets of Petra’s Ancient Ruins

First things first, Petra! It’s no surprise that this is the first one on the list. This ancient Nabatean city is like something out of an Indian Jones movie. When you walk through the narrow Siq and catch your first glimpse of the Treasury, it really does feel like you’ve stepped back in time! Take your time to explore the tombs, temples, and the stunning Monastery; there’s a lot to see. Petra is a place that truly lives up to the hype. If you’re driving, there’s a free car park in Petra opposite the bus stop, in front of the Petra Moon hotel.

Our Top Tip to Visiting Petra

The entire exploration takes place in a straight line, meaning you’ll walk for a few hours in one direction and then have to come back the same way. To avoid the crowds and make your journey more exciting, consider hiking to the ‘backdoor’ entrance. This way, you’ll start at the Monastery and end at the Treasury, which also helps you avoid the crowds since you’ll be one of the few people left later in the day. And while you’re in the area, don’t miss ‘Little Petra’ nearby – it’s a charming, less crowded site with its own unique ruins. You can read our full guide on this off-the-beaten-path route here.

2. Float and feel weightless in the Dead Sea

Experiencing the weightless feeling of floating in the Dead Sea is hard to describe, and a must if you’re headed to Jordan. The high salt content makes it impossible to sink, so just lay back and let the water do the work. Plus, the mineral-rich mud is great for your skin, so lather it on and enjoy the feeling of looking ridiculous while giving your skin a boost – and don’t forget to take a photo! Be weary of the mud – it’s oily and can be tough to remove from clothing.

Check out our full guide to the Dead Sea!

Fun tip: take a book or a newspaper to recreate the famous photo!

Not so fun tip: try not to get the water in your eyes or mouth, it’s extremely salty!

There is public access at Amman Beach which costs 25 JOD to enter – note that this is one of the more popular beaches so it can get very busy.

3. Sleep in a ‘Martian Dome’ in Wadi Rum

This desert landscape is out of this world, especially if you spend the night in a Martian Dome, which feels like you’re on another planet – you can see why they shoot lots of films here! There’s loads to do during the day, such as taking a jeep tour, go camel riding, or just marvel at the dramatic rock formations as you hike around. At night, the stars are unbelievable – it’s a stargazer’s dream! If you’re up for more adventure, try sandboarding on the dunes or hiking up to some of the rock bridges for stunning views. The Bedouin hospitality here is second to none, and their traditional meals are a real treat.

We stayed at Sun City Camp and it was an amazing experience – the domes were high quality and clean, and the food in the main (ginormous) dome was amazing. We were able to arrange a nighttime stargazing experience in the desert which was really special, and they can even sort out a sunrise hot air balloon experience – sadly for us it was too windy, but it seems like an amazing bucket list thing to do!

4. Explore the capital, Amman, through your tastebuds

Often skipped by those wishing to hit the famous highlights like Petra, the bustling capital Amman has a whole lot to offer. It’s a food lover’s paradise where you can try some delicious traditional Jordanian dishes like falafel and mansaf (tender pieces of lamb, fluffy rice, and a tangy-jameed-based yoghurt sauce), as well as mouth-wateringly good Middle Eastern dips like hummus and mutabal (eggplant dip).

Wander through the vibrant markets, and don’t forget to stop by a café for some Arabic coffee or mint tea. Your tastebuds will thank you! Also, make sure to check out Rainbow Street for a mix of modern and traditional eats, and don’t miss the chance to visit the local bakeries for some fresh, warm bread.

For history lovers, take a moment to explore the awesome Citadel and enjoy panoramic views of the city as well as the impressive restored 2nd century Roman Theater cut into the northern side of a hill. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the light is soft and great for pictures.

5. Explore the ancient ruins of Jerash

The ruined city of Jerash might not be as famous as Petra, but it’s equally as impressive. It’s Jordan’s largest and most interesting ancient Roman site and is incredibly well-preserved. Walking through the column-lined streets and grand plazas feels like stepping back in time! From the stunning Hadrian’s Arch to the half-ruined Hippodrome, this place is packed with spots that make you feel like you’re walking right through history.

Even if you’re not a big fan of archaeology or ruins, you’ll still get a lot out of visiting the site for a half-day visit. Remember to take a hat or sunscreen and plenty of water as the exposed ruins have little shade and can be extremely hot and sweaty to explore.

Head to the visitors’ car park to the south of the ancient city and grab your ticket, then enter through Hadrian’s Arch. The ticket office is found in the souk next to the car park, alongside many souvenir shops and places to grab a cold drink or ice cream to keep you cool in the warm weather.

6. Follow in the footsteps of Moses at Mount Nebo

According to legend, Mount Nebo is where Moses viewed the Promised Land right before his death. It’s a place of deep historical and religious significance, and offers panoramic views from the summit that are breathtaking – on a clear day, you can even see all the way to Jerusalem.

The Memorial Church of Moses was built atop the summit in the 4th century to honour the location of Moses’ death. Over time this church was transformed into a basilica, which now features several mosaics from 530 AD depicting Byzantine hunters that are well worth a look.

Take some time to explore the peaceful surroundings and to enjoy the history and stories tied to this sacred site before you head onwards to the Dead Sea nearby. While you’re there, check out the La Storia Tourism Complex which offers more insights into the region’s religious history.

7. Spot wild horses and ibexes in the Dana Biosphere Reserve

The Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan’s largest nature reserve and a haven for wildlife with incredible biodiversity. Over 800 plant species and 449 animal species have been found here so far, including wild horses, hyenas, ibexes, wolves, vultures, hawks, foxes, lizards and many more, which makes the Dana Biosphere Reserve a must-see place for nature enthusiasts.

There are plenty of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the rugged landscape and vary from easy trails meant for beginners to more challenging hikes for those more experienced. Consider staying in one of the eco-lodges within the reserve for a unique stay and incredible views, which serve as a perfect base for exploring the areas or the traditional village of Dana to catch a glimpse of traditional Jordanian life.

We stayed at the Dana Guest House which was truly special and the sunset views over the valleys from our balcony were simply unforgettable.

8. Go diving (or snorkelling) in the deep blue waters of the Red Sea

Scuba-diving and snorkelling are popular activities in the Red Sea, since the coral reefs are bursting with colourful marine life and the water is crystal clear. There’s a whole underwater world of wonders to see in the Red Sea, including awesome wrecks (a plane, tank, many ships… the list goes on) and stunning coral reefs (check out the Yamanieh Coral Reef in the Aqaba Marine Park), which attracts enthusiasts from all over the world.

The port city Aqaba, on the Red Sea coast, is a fantastic base of operations to try out the activities and enjoy the leisurely pace of seaside life. Aqaba is full of palm-lined avenues, seafood restaurants and little markets for food and trinkets, and the city’s location is perfect to explore other South Jordan attractions on this list, including Petra and the Wadi Rum desert.

9. See the world’s oldest surviving mosaic map of the Holy Land in Madaba

Known as the ‘City of Mosaics’, Madaba is just a short 45min drive south of Amman, and in our opinion an absolute MUST if you’re visiting the country.

The highlight here is the ancient mosaic map inside St. George’s Church, which is the oldest surviving original geographic representation of the Holy Land and dates back to the 6th century, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

Make sure to explore the city on foot where you’ll cross other beautiful mosaics and ancient sites scattered throughout the area. Some of the most impressive spots include:

• The Shrine of the Beheading of John the Baptist – brave the tiny (and we mean tiny) stairways and dizzying heights of the bell tower for some awesome views, and make sure to go beneath the church and explore the Acropolis Museum and a 3000-year-old Moabite well that is still operational.

• Archaeological Park I – home to the oldest mosaic fragment ever found in Jordan (1st-century BC), it’s a fascinating piece of history to take in.

• Church of the Apostles – intricately detailed mosaic carpets that once included an inscription indicating the name of the church and 578 AD as the year of the completion.

There’s also a whole load of local crafts shops that offer lovely handmade mosaic souvenirs, from coasters and keychains to enormous and detailed works of art, to bring a piece of Madaba home with you. Check out our entire guide to visiting Madaba, including what to see, how to get there, where to eat, and plenty more!

10. Discover plenty of Crusader castles

Jordan is home to six impressive Crusader castles, all of which are well worth a visit. These ancient fortresses perched on hilltops are so named because they were built, or served important purposes, during the medieval Crusades which aimed to conquer Jerusalem for Christian control. The two most famous are Kerak Castle and Shobak Castle.

It’s an amazing feeling to wander through the tight passages and imagine what life was like during the Crusades. If you have time, visit Ajloun Castle as well which is less crowded and offers beautiful views over the northern Jordan Valley.

Each castle has unique stories and architectural details, making them a must-see for history enthusiasts.

There you have it – our top 10 things to see and do in Jordan. As mentioned at the top of this list, we’ve spent the time to put together a full Jordan itinerary that covers the majority of the highlights in this list so you don’t have to, here. We’ve also put all the destinations on this handy Google Maps link so you can start to visualise and plan your trip accordingly.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Jordan has something special for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey – and don’t forget your sunscreen!