Most wanderlusters are familiar with the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum and the awe-inspiring facades of Petra –– the thousands of years old city carved into the Martian valley side –– but Jordan is so much more than its main attractions. Nestled between Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, the Middle Eastern country is home to 11 million people and welcomes over eight million tourists a year –– and for a good reason. From bizarre and fascinating scenery to over 100,000 archeological sites, Jordan is a tapestry of adventure and culture.
People have inhabited the fertile lands of Jordan since the Paleolithic period, leading to later civilizations like the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Romans. Find this immense history reflected in sites like the ruins in Jarash, the Amphitheater in Amman, or the mosaics in Madaba. After tiring of heritage, get outside to explore some of Jordan's stunning natural playgrounds, like the salty Dead Sea or the dizzying canyons in Wadi Mujib. Try new finger-licking dishes, learn more about Bedouin culture, and view some of the top attractions in the Middle East, all in Jordan.
Get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime: dive below to discover the hidden gems, great restaurants, unique hotels, and top things to do in Jordan.
Top Things To Do
From outdoor enthusiasts to foodies and history and religious buffs, Jordan welcomes all sorts of travelers. Apart from the top tourist attractions in Jordan, like Petra or Wadi Rum, the country is a treasure trove of some of the most impressive sights in the Middle East.
Sliding down waterfalls between towering canyons, climbing to the same spot where Moses mythically saw the Promised Land thousands of years ago, or camping under the heavenly dome bursting with stars are just a taste of everything visitors can experience in Jordan.
1 Float In The Dead Sea
Resting at the lowest land elevation in the world, Jordan's coasts along the Dead Sea are some 1,000 feet below sea level. Travelers can arrive by car at one of the greatest attractions in Jordan, only an hour from Amman.
Clear turquoise waters framed by salt-encrusted rocks and Martian landscapes greet visitors to the allure of the Dead Sea. Take a dip at the public Amman beach, or better yet, book a night at one of the surrounding resorts for private access and spa treatment.
Known for its extremely salty and mineral-rich waters, floating in the Dead Sea is more about its healing properties for the skin than swimming laps.
Wellness gurus should be careful to keep the stinging water out of their eyes, but they'll adore their super-soft skin after bathing in the sea or coating themselves in Dead Sea mud.
2 Discover The Roman Ruins In Amman
No trip is complete without a trip to the capital city, Amman, whose Roman Ruins prove Jordan offers more than Petra. Apart from all the nightlife and energy of a big city, some of the other key things to do in Amman include visiting The Citadel, the Temple of Hercules, and the Roman fountain Nymphaeum.
History buffs will love the Roman Theater, an amphitheater that can hold up to 6,000 people and dates back some 2,000 years when Amman was the Roman city of Philadelphia. The theater continues hosting events for tourists and locals to this day.
- Amphitheater Hours: Daily 8 AM - 8 PM
- Entrance Fee: ~$3 (JD2)
3 Prepare To Be Amazed By Petra
A long-lost city rediscovered in the 1800s, Petra is one of the seven wonders of the world and Jordan's most iconic and essential travel destination. With over 800 registered sites, most tourists spend at least two days exploring the city's highlights.
Fortunately, tickets to Petra incentivize longer stays, meaning the more days tourists stay, the better the deal. For example, while a one-day ticket costs $70 (JD50), a two-day ticket only increases to $77, and three days are $85.
Travelers can use the free car park opposite the bus stop in Petra or stay for two to three nights in one of the several nearby hotels, many offering free shuttle buses. Tickets can be purchased at the city's entrance.
- One-day ticket: $70 (JD50)
- Two-day ticket: $77 (JD55)
- Three-day ticket: $85 (JD60)
Petra doesn't cease to amaze its visitors, from the city's gates to the central square. After the entrance, travelers can admire the Djinn Blocks and Obelisk Tomb before venturing into the Siq––the famous canyon pathway snaking into the heart of the city.
One of the filming locations for Indiana Jones and one of Jordan's most interesting historic sites, Petra dazzles with other spots like the Street of Facades, the High Place of Sacrifice, and the astonishing Monastery.
Most impressively, Treasury Square is unmistakably characteristic of Petra, its rock-hewn Hellenistic facade full of charm and mystery.
For travelers who just can't get enough of ancient cities carved into stone, check out Petra At Night or the nearby archeological site Little Petra.
4 Go Canyoning At Wadi Mujib
For the ultimate outdoor adventure, head to Wadi Mujib––the Grand Canyon of Jordan. One part hike and one part aquatic obstacle course, the four routes at the Reserve Biosphere have visitors swimming and rock climbing through the gorge to reach picturesque waterfalls.
After purchasing tickets at the Adventure Center, hikers choose one of the routes and typically wade/climb upstream to the waterfalls, then slide/swim on their way back down. Life jackets are provided after the entrance, and there are ropes and handrails along the route for support.
Not only a thrilling adventure and photo opportunity, Wadi Mujib is a great chance to see regional wildlife like Syrian wolves or Egyptian vultures.
- Hours: April 1 - October 31, Daily 8 AM - 3 PM
- Entrance Fee: ~$30 per adult (JD21)
- Route Length & Difficulty: 2–3 hours, moderately challenging
Check before visiting Wadi Mujib, as the gorges can often flood and consequently close the routes.
5 Explore The Otherworldly Landscapes At Wadi Rum
Throughout the Middle East, tourists will come across many natural parks with the word Wadi in their names, as it's Arabic for canyon, ravine, or valley. Outdoor enthusiasts can expect stunning beauty at the Wadis in Jordan.
Wadi Rum, or Valley of the Moon, is one of the most spectacular sights in Jordan. The sandstone and granite rock valley offers endless landscapes of soaring dunes, towering cliffs, and breathtaking caverns and archways.
Nature lovers have infinite adventurous activities at their fingertips throughout this UNESCO World Heritage Site, from hiking through canyons, riding camels or horses, rock climbing, or ATV tours.
The Zalabia Bedouin, a cultural group living in Wadi Rum, has transformed the area into a hub for eco-friendly tourism, offering accommodation at camps or, thanks to almost zero light pollution, some of the world's most breathtaking stargazing opportunities.
Take a tour through Khazali Canyon to view petroglyphs of humans and antelopes from as far back as the 8th century BC.
6 Take In The Sights At Mount Nebo
According to the Old Testament, Mount Nebo is the spot where Moses saw the Promised Land before his death. Today, visitors can climb this spiritual landmark for views of the Dead Sea and Jerusalem and to explore the Memorial Church of Moses, the Serpentine Cross, and some of Jordan's best-preserved mosaics from the 6th century.
A short dirt path leads from the parking lot past a series of sculptures up to the lookout points and church.
- Memorial Church Hours: Daily, 7 AM - 4:30 PM
- Entrance Fee: ~$3 (2JD)
Access to Memorial Viewpoint is included in the ticket to the church, so pack a picnic and enjoy the views with some snacks.
7 Travel Back In Time At Jerash
One of the world's best-preserved ancient Roman cities, Jerash is easily an essential attraction in Jordan. Globetrotters can begin their self-guided sightseeing tour at Hadrian's Arch––an imposing 36-foot archway that's even more magnificent considering it's only half its original height.
Later, stroll through columned walkways to other ruins like the Forum, the Temple of Zeus, and the Hippodrome––a sports field constructed in the 2nd century capable of holding thousands of spectators.
- Hours: Daily, 8 AM - 4 PM
- Entrance Fee: ~$14 (JD10) (includes entrance to the nearby archeological museum)
Bring water and lather on some sunscreen because there's very little shade at the Jerash ruins.
8 Go Hiking At The Dana Nature Reserve
Resting in Jordan's southern borders and stretching all the way into Africa is the Dana Nature Reserve, a less-frequented but no less stunning expansive natural park with picturesque landscapes and loads of hiking trails.
The town of Dana on the edges of the nature reserve is a fascinating and untouched 15th-century stone village, now converted into an artist and farming community. Dana overlooks the sprawling valley and is a great place to witness local culture or start a one-day or multi-day hike into the reserve.
As tourism continues to explode across the globe, Jordan has done its best to welcome travelers, even by biting their tongue and going against their own traditions sometimes. More recently, the country has tried to balance more sustainable and eco-friendly practices with the surge of tourists. Hikers may notice lots of litter and trash scattered across trails around Jordan, so they should try their best to pick up what they can and always leave every route cleaner than before.
9 Experience Bedouin Culture At The Fenyan EcoLodge
Speaking of eco-tourism, nestled within the Dana Nature Reserve is the Fenyan EcoLodge––a sustainable alternative to exploring and staying in the almost 200-square-mile protected biosphere.
Partnering with conservation initiatives and EcoHotels, the Fenyan Lodge offers a unique stay, but it may not be for everyone.
For example, all meals are vegetarian to reduce the energy of storing meat, solar-heated water may mean shorter showers, and because the property runs off solar power, guests use candles in their rooms, and it can get quite dark at night.
However, the food is delicious, the excursions from the lodge into the nature reserve are riveting, and the overall experience is a fascinating glimpse into local Bedouin Culture. Guests check in at the nearby town of Fenyan before being escorted by truck to the lodge.
10 Marvel At Mosaics In Madaba
Madaba is a convenient and essential stop when driving south from Amman to other attractions in Jordan, like Petra or the Dana Nature Reserve. In Madaba, travelers won't have to crane their necks to admire towering columns or rock-hewn edifices, though.
Instead, all the treasures are below because the city houses the largest collection of mosaics found in their original condition in the world.
Wander through Madaba and find captivating mosaics with swirling patterns of millions of tiles in the most unassuming places. Specifically, St George's Church is home to the most noteworthy one––the Madaba Mosaic Map.
The 6th-century map showcases Biblical-era cartography and offers a stunning glimpse into how the world pictured the Middle East and the Holy Land.
Other incredible geometric mosaics, including the world's oldest from the 1st century BC, can be found at the Archeological Park & Museum.
- Hours: Daily, 8 AM - 4 PM
- Entrance Fee: ~$4 (JD3)
11 Where To Eat In Jordan
Every traveler knows that trying new foods is an essential part of the experience, and Jordan will not disappoint. The country offers some of the Middle East's best delicacies and is a foodie's pilgrimage, featuring light Mediterranean plates, tender meat dishes, and sticky sweet desserts.
Some of the best dishes to try in Jordan include:
- Mansaf –– tender lamb served over rice with an accompanying tart yogurt sauce
- Falafel –– a fast food favorite, golden balls of ground chickpeas
- Manakish –– flatbread baked with olive oil and topped with Za'atar, a Middle Eastern blend of spices
Satisfy some of these cravings and check out the restaurants below:
