Are you planning a trip to Jordan and looking for inspiration on what to see or do? Perfect, you are in the right place because we will give you every piece of advice on the absolute must-see places.
If you associate only Petra, Indiana Jones and the desert with Jordan, you are missing the cherry on the cake. We are in the Middle East and these lands have seen the passage of numerous civilisations that have left an indelible footprint on this country’s history, culture and traditions. Not to mention countless archaeological and historical sites, endless natural beauty, the people and their fascinating history and exquisite food.
Among the things to see in Jordan, we could not help but start with the capital Amman. It is called the white city due to the characteristic houses that are scattered as far as the eye can see on the hills surrounding the city. Definitely a perfect subject for all photography enthusiasts!
Amman is the right mix of modernity and antiquity. When visiting, start from the Citadel, which stands on the highest hill in the city. Here, you’ll find ancient ruins dating back to the Bronze Age and what remains of the Temple of Hercules, and where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city.
You can also visit the Roman amphitheatre and the Jordan Archaeological Museum if you love history. If you prefer discovering a city by exploring its streets, don’t miss the colourful and chaotic souks. In this case, the advice we give you is to come early in the morning. It is at this time that the city wakes up and the markets come to life – and they are certainly a little quieter than the hectic morning hours!
Not too far from Amman is Mount Nebo, which not only offers an incredible panorama but is also a sacred place. According to the Christian and Jewish creeds, this was where Moses had the vision of the Promised Land that God would grant to the Jews after the escape from slavery in Egypt. Apparently, there is also Moses’ own tomb around here, although the location has never been found or ascertained.
If the story of Moses has not convinced you to visit these parts, it will be the promise of an incredible sight. Jericho, on the Dead Sea and, crossing your fingers that the weather is good, we might even spot neighbouring Israel.
Jerash
Have we already mentioned that there are archaeological sites among the places to visit in Jordan? That’s good because the city of Jerash hides one of the most beautiful in the country and the best preserved in the world. Let’s take a step back in time to the Roman Empire. We find temples dedicated to the gods, the Arch of Hadrian, the Forum and an almost entirely intact incredible colonnade that leads to the semicircular square.
Jerash leaves many travellers speechless thanks to its ability to revive the Roman era for anyone passing through. Unfortunately, the popularity of Petra often obscures it. If you have the opportunity, make sure to add it to your itinerary!
The Dead Sea
Undoubtedly one of Jordan’s major attractions is the Dead Sea, a fascinating and mysterious but also quite a fun place. Watching swimmers dive for the first time into a sea with such high salinity promises a lot of laughs. Be careful while ‘swimming’, it actually takes a while to get used to these waters!
However, once you become a floatation expert, ask your travel companions to take some photos. The poses you can do here are endless, so take the time for a nice photoshoot! Don’t forget to use mud. Completely cover your body to get all the benefits – even here, you can’t miss snapping a good photo!
If you are not only looking for a beautiful place but also one where you can do some adrenaline-pumping and exciting activities or excursions, consider a day at the Wadi Mujib. A canyon dug by the Mujib River that is located in the Mujib Reserve of Wadi Mujib. It holds the record of having the lowest altitude in the world, 400 metres below sea level.
Here you can go canyoning. There are several routes for all levels, so if you are a beginner, you can take part in a group excursion. Climbing the river and fighting against the current, can be challenging but also fun – of course, be prepared to get wet!
King’s Highway
What to see in Jordan, if not the immense and arid views? To fully immerse yourself in the Jordanian landscapes there is nothing better than a beautiful road trip along the King’s Highway, which connects Amman and Petra. The only way to travel this road is with your own vehicle or a private tour. The local buses prefer the more comfortable motorway, but by taking them, you miss the beauty of the trip!
Along the way, you can make several stops in various places of interest, such as the aforementioned Mount Nebo and Wadi Mujib, or even the castles of Shobak and Kerak, two castles dating back to the Crusades.
Another “historical” stop is Madaba, where the Map of the Holy Land, a mosaic of the sixth century is still preserved today in the Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George. An incredible map because it shows us the world through the eyes of people who lived centuries ago. The route to Jerusalem from all over the world is represented as it was known at the time.
Aqaba
A stop in Aqaba is practically obligatory if you love the sea and water sports. This city is the only coastal Jordanian city and the access point to the Red Sea. Of course, there is no shortage of historical landmarks, such as the 16th-century Fort of Aqaba, or cultural landmarks, such as the Sharif Hussein Mosque, an incredible specimen of Arabic architecture.
However, the main attraction is the sea. Every day numerous excursions depart from the port to dive and discover the hidden treasures at the bottom of the sea. If you are not experienced divers do not worry: the instructors will guide you in this underwater adventure!
Dana Biosphere Reserve
This is the largest nature reserve in Jordan and a small gem for travellers who love trekking and nature. Here you can enjoy endless routes and cross a territory that is extremely rich biologically and historically. This area is very old, among the first that were inhabited all over the world. Some villages date back to Neolithic Ages!
Our advice is to set aside at least two days of excursions in the reserve and to spend at least one night inside. You can sleep in ancient stone houses or, more simply, camp under the starry sky.
Wadi Rum
If you don’t know what to see in Jordan apart from Petra and you have a few free days, our advice is to dedicate those days to Wadi Rum. Also called the Valley of the Moon, the Wadi Rum is a desert valley that has formed over millions of years due to the erosion of soil and rocks by a river. This place has a unique charm. The bright red colour of the rocks and the ochre of the sand give the feeling of being stranded on Mars.
Made famous by the film Lawrence of Arabia, Wadi Rum attracts travellers from all over the world. Here, the rock formations are incredible – there are innumerable rock bridges that seem to challenge gravitational laws – and the unique landscape, especially at sunrise and sunset. These are undoubtedly the most special moments of the day, the right ones to appreciate the silence of the desert and the beauty of nature.
We advise you to spend a night in the desert. There are numerous tented fields where the Bedouins will make you feel at home and let you feel the authentic experience of living according to their customs. Dinner is usually included, so you can also try some typical dishes. Then, finish the evening gazing at the sky, hoping to spot some shooting stars!
Petra
What to see in Jordan but the enchanting Petra? This archaeological site was revealed to the world in 1812, although the first historical references to Petra date back to the Assyrian period – jokingly, it is just a couple of years old. Surely it is one of the main reasons to visit Jordan. In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since 2007 it has also officially been entered among the 7 wonders of the modern world.
The Treasury of Petra is certainly the best-known part of the whole site. Arriving in front of the façade dug into the rock, after crossing the narrow canyon that leads to its presence, leaves everyone with their mouths agape. If you have the opportunity, we advise you to come to us both day and night. As the sun goes down, candles are lit in front of the Treasury making it even more mystical and fascinating.
However, there is not only the Treasury inside Petra! Even the Monastery of Petra is breathtaking – it is the largest monument on the whole site – and Little Petra is worth a visit, especially because it is much quieter than the Treasury, usually always packed with tourists.
