Top tourist attractions in Jordan

Small though this nation is, the list of top tourist attractions in Jordan is a long one. As well as sprawling desertland, spectacular sunsets, and architectural majesty carved into stone, there are biblical landscapes, convivial towns, and numerous historic jewels. Everything is relatively close by, allowing you to fit a lot into seven days. Embellish your time in this compact country with active adventures, culinary delights, and enriching interactions with Jordanians – who on the whole are hugely welcoming and open hosts.

Top tourist attractions in Jordan

Jordan is without a doubt one of the most fulfilling destinations in the Middle East and only a short haul flight from Europe, making it an ideal target for shorter trips. If you’re happy to spend some time on the road, you should be able to squeeze all of the following into a whistle-stop week; if you prefer a more leisurely pace, pick out your favorites from the list. Whatever your priority, fill out our enquiry form and our local experts, based on the ground in Jordan, will create a trip that’s perfectly suited to your vision.

The culinary delights of Amman

Buzzy and modern with a thriving cultural scene, Amman is an easy capital city to like. While it is not a heavyweight in terms of sightseeing, it is a great place for idling away a few hours in evocative cafes, watching Jordanian life ebb and flow around you. It’s also fair to say that one of Amman’s major attractions is its wonderful Middle Eastern cuisine. Only in the capital can you sample everything from phenomenal street food to upscale fusion dining experiences.

Amman’s famed Rainbow Street is lined with eateries that you’ll find impossible to choose from – serving everything from freshly baked manakish and sizzling shawarma to sweet knafeh. It’s a great place to stroll and sample local flavors while soaking in the lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Also, don’t miss Jabal Al-Weibdeh; an historic neighborhood known for its trendy cafés, authentic Jordanian restaurants, and fresh produce markets. Here you can pick up warm bread, local cheeses, olives and aromatic spices – a feast for the senses.

The historic majesty of Petra

Built by the ancient Nabateans around the 3rd century BC, Petra’s intricately rock-carved facades are iconic, majestic, and absolutely must not be missed. Numerous monumental edifices were carved into the rose red cliffs, including tombs, temples, and the most famous, the treasury. The Romans subsequently added a theater and several churches.

The treasury at Petra is one of the most iconic monuments in the whole of the Middle East, but to the west of Petra lies the site’s largest monument, the monastery, which is usually the most peaceful of the attractions. There’s no experience quite like wandering down the cavernous walkway that opens out into the towering rock-carved masterpieces at Petra – a must-do in Jordan.

The otherworldly Dead Sea

You can’t say you’ve visited Jordan without the sensation of floating on the surface of the Dead Sea – and this experience can be yours with a short day trip from Amman. Soak up the hazy, spa-like atmosphere at the lowest point on Earth – this landlocked saline lake is over 400m (1,300ft) below sea level and almost 10 times saltier than the ocean, making it nearly impossible for aquatic life to survive. The extreme salt content also makes sinking impossible, allowing you to effortlessly float on the surface, as if weightless.

The Dead Sea is also renowned for its therapeutic properties. The water is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, known for their skin-nourishing and healing benefits. Many visitors cover themselves in mineral rich mud, then lay back in the super salty water to wash it all off. For a real pampering day with refreshments, showers and changing rooms, you can pay an extra day rate to use the facilities at one of the hotels along the shore.

The Red Sea, a diver’s paradise

Divers and snorkelers are often aware of Jordan’s incredible underwater attractions, particularly along the Red Sea coast. Few places can compete in terms of access, coral preservation, clarity of the water, and sheer variety of marine life. The town of Aqaba is a great base from which to go on a diving trip in the Red Sea, and if you want to stay there, it’s also well linked to Wadi Rum.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner looking to take the plunge, the Red Sea offers incredible sightings in its hidden depths; there are hard and soft coral gardens, over 1,200 species of tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins and dugongs (if you’re lucky), plus a few sublime wreck dives, if you’re feeling brave enough to tackle these.

Al-Maghtas – where Jesus was baptized

A few miles north of the Dead Sea, on a tributary which feeds the River Jordan, this holy site was discovered to be the location of where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist – called Al-Maghtas. Archaeological evidence (ancient texts, pilgrim accounts, and ruins of early churches) pointed to this conclusion only in the late 20th century, and it is now UNESCO-protected for its importance to Christianity. It’s worth a visit, whether you’re religiously motivated or just curious.

The biblical site of Gadara

In the far north of the country perches a ruined Roman settlement, Gadara. This land has become a place of pilgrimage for its religious significance, as it was the supposed site of the Miracle of the Swine, performed by Jesus. In this biblical tale, Jesus cast demons out of a possessed man (some stories depict two men) and into a herd of pigs, which then rushed down a steep bank into the sea and drowned. One thing’s for sure – he chose a wonderful spot; the sprawling views cover hills scattered with ancient olive trees as well as the three bordering countries and the Sea of Galilee.

The vast Wadi Rum Desert

Wadi Rum is one of the most spectacular deserts in the world and really has to be seen to be believed. This swathe of protected desertland, dotted with sheer granite and sandstone peaks, is inhabited by Bedouin, indigenous peoples who have adapted to life in this harsh environment. They were once nomadic, but many are now settled in desert-adapted villages.

Jeep tours are perhaps the best way to explore the phenomenal landscapes and archaeological sites of Wadi Rum. Don’t forget the clarity of the night sky in a place such as this. Come nightfall, looking up from the burnt orange of the desert sands you will see myriad twinkling stars, best enjoyed whilst camping in an authentic Bedouin tent.

The well-preserved Roman city of Jerash

Just a short drive out of Amman lies the incredible ruined city of Jerash – the finest and best preserved example of a Greco-Roman settlement in the world. It is often referred to as the ‘Pompeii of the East’, and as you wander the city, you’ll understand its reputation and sense of grandeur. Evocative colonnaded plazas, flagstone streets and monumental arches take you back in time nearly 2,000 years – and its beautiful amphitheater in particular is truly resplendent.

The hillside town of Salt

Some of Jordan’s best preserved Ottoman architecture can be unearthed on a visit to the pleasing town of Salt, tumbling down a hillside, just northwest of Amman. Burrow through some of the ancient streets towards Souk Hammam, one of Jordan’s most authentic souks. Though there’s not a lot for tourists to buy, it is an enchanting experience nevertheless because of its authenticity and atmosphere, as well as for experiencing life in one of Jordan’s most historically significant towns. With its narrow alleyways and panoramic views, Salt is a lesser-known gem and well worth the visit.

The mosaics of Madaba

Charming Madaba is most famous for its collection of ancient Byzantine mosaics, some of which date back to the 6th century. Delightfully busy and packed with intricate Byzantine history, Madaba is the perfect size for ticking off some cultural attractions and a spot of aimless wandering in the evocative streets. Don’t miss the wonderfully preserved mosaic depicting a map of the Holy Land on the floor of St George’s Church – but remember that other museums and the Archaeological Park also have fine examples without the crowds.

Make it happen

Have we sparked your intrigue? Experience the magic of Jordan for yourself by getting in touch with our local experts, based on the ground and ready to help make your trip truly memorable.