Things to Do in Jordan: Top Attractions

Discover the wonders of Jordan, from the ancient, rose-red city of Petra, a New Seven Wonder of the World, to the breathtaking Wadi Rum desert. Explore the Roman ruins of Jerash and float in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Experience the thrill of canyoneering in Wadi Mujib and hike the Jordan Trail. Uncover Jordan’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Start your Jordanian adventure today!

Important information

• Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts stunning Nabataean rock-cut architecture, including the Treasury and Monastery.
• Wadi Rum, a protected desert, offers jeep tours, camel rides, and Bedouin cultural experiences.
• The Dead Sea, Earth’s lowest point, allows visitors to float effortlessly and enjoy mineral-rich mud treatments.
• Jerash contains Jordan’s largest collection of well-preserved Roman ruins, including Hadrian’s Arch and the Oval Forum.
• The Jordan Trail, a 400-mile hiking and biking path, traverses diverse landscapes from Umm Qais to Aqaba.

Explore the Ancient City of Petra

Nestled in southern Jordan, the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its stunning rock-cut architecture. Built by the Nabataeans as their capital, this ingenious civilization also devised a sophisticated water system, enabling Petra to flourish as a major trading center. Among its many breathtaking structures, Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, stands out, carved directly into vibrant rose-red cliffs. Recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is a truly unforgettable destination.

Discover The Treasury and the Monastery

Petra’s rock-cut architecture is astonishing. Its iconic Treasury, Al-Khazneh, is impressive, but the Monastery, Ad Deir, is even larger and reached by a steep climb. Carved into sandstone cliffs, both structures showcase the Nabataeans’ remarkable skill.

Experience Petra at Night

Experience the magic of Petra by Night. Over 1,500 candles illuminate the Treasury, Siq, and surrounding cliffs, creating an enchanting spectacle. This unique experience reveals Petra’s beauty and history in a new light. Held three times a week, the event also features a traditional Bedouin performance.

Visit Little Petra

Nestled near Petra is Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid. This Nabataean site offers a comparable experience to Petra, but on a smaller scale. Here, visitors can explore rock-cut facades and tombs within a more serene atmosphere. This Petra suburb may have once functioned as a caravan stop, providing respite for weary travelers.

Adventure in Wadi Rum

Experience the magic of Wadi Rum, Jordan’s Valley of the Moon, a protected desert wilderness and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore breathtaking sandstone mountains and landscapes by jeep, camel, or hot air balloon. Discover Bedouin culture and camp under the starlit desert sky. Adventure awaits with rock climbing and hiking opportunities.

Desert Camping and Bedouin Tents

Experience the magic of Wadi Rum desert with an overnight stay in a traditional Bedouin camp under a starlit sky. Savor authentic local cuisine and be mesmerized by the stunning scenery. Explore the vast desert landscape by jeep, embark on a camel ride, or challenge yourself with rock climbing and hiking. Wadi Rum offers an unforgettable adventure for everyone.

Jeep Ride and Desert Night Walk

Experience the thrill of a Wadi Rum jeep adventure, exploring its stunning desert landscapes. For an unforgettable experience, take a night walk under the stars and discover the desert’s serene beauty.

Ride a Camel at Sunrise

Experience the magic of Wadi Rum desert with a breathtaking sunrise camel trek. As dawn breaks, the shifting light casts dramatic shadows across the dunes and rock formations, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

Visit the Roman Ruins of Jerash

Jerash, home to Jordan’s largest collection of Roman ruins, is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved architecture. Structures like Hadrian’s Arch, the Oval Forum, and the Temple of Artemis showcase this preservation. Amidst these ancient wonders, the annual Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts brings history to life with performances in the city’s still-functional amphitheater. The ruins offer a unique perspective on Roman urban design and daily life, particularly when exploring sites like the Nymphs’ Fountain and the colonnaded streets. Each whispers tales of Jerash’s rich past.

Explore the Historical Sites

Journey back in time in Jerash, a remarkably well-preserved Roman city. Explore the impressive Oval Plaza, marvel at the Temple of Artemis, and experience the grandeur of the Roman amphitheater. These sites offer a glimpse into Jerash’s rich history and stunning architecture. The annual Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts brings this ancient city to life with vibrant celebrations.

Discover the Citadel in Amman

Journey to Amman’s Citadel, a continuously inhabited site steeped in history. Explore the captivating ruins of Roman, Byzantine, and other great civilizations, uncovering a timeless treasure.

Explore One of the Oldest Continually Inhabited Places

Explore Amman’s Citadel, a historical site inhabited for millennia. Discover the majestic Temple of Hercules and the sprawling Umayyad Palace. These captivating landmarks showcase Amman’s vibrant history.

Relax at the Dead Sea

Float in the Dead Sea and Enjoy a Mud Bath

Experience the Dead Sea, Earth’s lowest point, where the dense, salty water lets you float effortlessly. Famous for its mineral-rich mud, the Dead Sea offers therapeutic benefits and is often used in skin treatments, making it a truly unique destination.

Learn about the Crusades at Ajloun Castle

Ajloun Castle stands as a powerful symbol of the Crusader era, a key fortress against their expansion. Visiting this site offers a compelling journey into medieval history, unveiling the region’s rich and dynamic past.

Marvel at the Ancient Mosaics of Madaba

Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics,” is famous for its Byzantine artwork. The most famous piece is the 6th-century Madaba Map, a mosaic representation of the Holy Land found in St. George’s Church. In addition to this iconic mosaic, Madaba boasts numerous historic churches and fascinating archaeological sites. These reflect the city’s rich history and Christian heritage. Complete your trip with a visit to nearby Mount Nebo, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.

View the Promised Land from Mount Nebo

From atop the sacred Mount Nebo, Moses gazed upon the Promised Land. A stunning panorama of the Jordan Valley stretched before him.

Outdoor Adventures in Wadi Mujib

Experience the thrill of canyoneering in Wadi Mujib, a breathtaking river canyon near the Dead Sea. Located within the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, this unique environment offers exciting water adventures. Explore the canyons using a variety of techniques, from rappelling and swimming to invigorating hikes, making for a truly unforgettable challenge.

Go Canyoneering

Wadi Mujib offers canyoning trails for all skill levels, varying in length and difficulty. Beginners often enjoy the Siq Trail, a refreshing adventure wading and swimming through the beautiful Mujib River gorge.

Visit the Dana Biosphere Reserve

Discover Jordan’s breathtaking Dana Biosphere Reserve, its largest nature preserve. Encompassing four distinct bio-geographical zones, the reserve transitions dramatically from verdant highlands to stark desert landscapes. Hikers can explore diverse trails winding through rugged canyons and offering panoramic vistas. This varied terrain supports a rich biodiversity, showcasing a fascinating array of plants and animals, including several endangered species.

Immerse Yourself in Nature

Explore Jordan’s Dana Biosphere Reserve, a breathtaking landscape of towering sandstone cliffs and lush valleys. Hikers can immerse themselves in nature’s beauty and discover a remarkable array of plant and animal life.

Enjoy the Coastal City of Aqaba

Aqaba, Jordan’s sole coastal city on the Red Sea, is renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Diving and snorkeling in these waters offer a captivating experience, providing access to an underwater world rich with marine biodiversity. Water sports enthusiasts also find Aqaba appealing, with numerous options available.

Snorkeling and Diving in the Red Sea

Aqaba, a coastal city in Jordan, offers access to the Red Sea, famous for its coral reefs and diverse marine life. This makes it a perfect destination for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the underwater world.

Explore the Jordan Trail

Embark on an unforgettable adventure across Jordan’s stunning landscapes on the 650-kilometer (400-mile) Jordan Trail. This remarkable path, extending from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south, welcomes hikers and bikers to discover a diverse range of terrains, from towering mountains to expansive deserts. The Jordan Trail offers more than just breathtaking scenery; it immerses you in the rich culture and ancient traditions of Jordan, connecting you with the heart of this captivating country.

Hike or Bike through Jordan’s Diverse Landscapes

Experience the beauty of Jordan on the 400-mile (650 km) Jordan Trail, a remarkable path stretching from Umm Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south. This unforgettable adventure welcomes both hikers and bikers, offering diverse scenery from the world wonder of Petra to the majestic desert canyons of Wadi Rum and the thriving Dana Biosphere Reserve. Connect with local communities and experience the rich tapestry of Bedouin culture along the way.

Relax at Ma’in Hot Springs

Nestled between Madaba and the Dead Sea, the Ma’in Hot Springs offer a rejuvenating escape. These thermal waterfalls and natural hot springs are fed by winter rains cascading from Jordan’s highland plains, creating a stunning spectacle. The mineral-rich waters, reaching temperatures up to 145°F (63°C), are renowned for their therapeutic properties, believed to soothe skin ailments and joint pain. Visitors can relax amidst the tranquil oasis of rugged mountains and lush greenery, a welcome respite in the desert landscape.