An offbeat destination, Jordan is a progressive and liberal nation. Nestled right at the heart of the Middle East, there are several places to visit in Jordan. With great ruins of Amman Citadel, shopping centers, more ruins, cafes, and restaurants, and the famous Dead Sea, Jordan is a phlegmatic nation. From picturesque views and terrific nightlife, this country is not to be missed out on.
Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Jordan.
12 Places To Visit In Jordan For A Zestful Holiday
Jordan is a country with world wonders and best-in-class hospitality. Famous for its architecture, wonders, and of course Petra. It has many religious sites as well.
- The Dead Sea
- Amman
- Wadi Rum
- Petra
- Umm Qais
- Ma’in Hot Springs
- Jerash Ruins
- Aqaba
- Dana Nature Reserve
- Wadi Musa
- Azraq Wetland Reserve
- Ajloun Castle
1. The Dead Sea
A list of Jordan tourist places and the Dead Sea tops it. The World-renowned Dead Sea is the lowest point on the earth. It is famous for its mineral-rich water and healing properties. As believed by the devotees, the mud of the Dead Sea also has therapeutic value and is good for skin rejuvenating, People often come here just the apply the mud all over their bodies. Floating in the Dead Sea is another quintessential thing to do here.
The Dead Sea is one of the interesting places to see in Jordan. If you want an experience to cherish all through your life, then you might want to stride along the salt-crusted coast of the Sea. An interesting fact is that as soon as you go inside the water your body floats on the surface because it is highly saline. Just make sure while you are in the sea, you don't get water in your eyes or mouth, again because it has a high composition of salt and can cause irritation in the eyes much more than normal seawater.
Location: Near Jericho, Jordan
Famous For:
- Salty water
- Dead Sea Mud
- Being the lowest point on earth
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Things To Do:
- Apply the Mud of Dead Sea
- Marvel Bethany Beyond the Jordan
- Hike to the top of Mount Nebo
- Visit the Dead Sea Museum
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2. Amman
Having a perfect proportion of old and new, stands Amman, the capital city of Jordan. Not only the capital city but is in fact the largest city of Jordan and has lots of surprises hidden for its tourists. You can visit the Roman Amphitheater, Jordan Museum, Jabal Amman for art galleries, Abdoun, shopping malls, and much more. The day life is amazing, but wait till you experience the nightlife in Amman. Houses many marvelous ruins that too just at a short walking distance from each other, the most famous ruins are Amman Citadel, archeologist believe that it has been occupied since the Bronze age. Fascinating, ain’t it? Visit this city to experience the blend of time.
Location: Amman, Jordan
Famous For: Ruins, Citadel
Best Time To Visit: April, May
Things To Do:
- Check into the city’s oldest 5-star hotel
- Eat the best falafel and humus
- King Abdullah Mosque
- Citadel
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3. Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is a beautiful desert landscape. Famous for its sandstone mountains and rich rock formation, it has the most spectacular views all over the globe. Renowned as the "Valley of the Moon", Wadi Rum is tagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Adventure lovers this is the dream destination for you, the cultural group, named The Zalabia Bedouin, has turned this place into an eco-touristic playground.
If you desire, you can choose to do 'glamping', glamourous camping, at the luxurious sites, here. You get to ride camels or Arabian horses through the area or can go rock climbing up the sandstone mountains, or hike through canyons. No doubt in Wadi Rum is one of the best places to go in Jordan. Seekers of fun and excitement, you can pour your hearts out here.
Location: Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan
Famous For: Link to T.E. Lawrence the original “Lawrence of Arabia”.
Best Time To Visit: Mid-March, April, May
Things To Do:
- Wadi Rum Protected Area
- Jebel Khazali
- Wadi Rum Guide
- Lawrence's Spring
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4. Petra
Have you seen seven wonders of the world? Well, you are about to be amazed by one of them, Petra. Jordan sightseeing is incomplete without a trip to this town. The whole town is a World Heritage Site. Also known as the "Rose City". There are roughly 800 touristic registered sites in Petra. The city of Petra was carved on red sandstones, and for years people were not aware of its existence. Petra has also seen the time when it was the hub flourishing business.
For entering the city, you have to cross a 1 km long narrow street which by the way lets you experience vibrant colors and formations of rock. The restaurants and cafes in Petra offer the best food in Jordan. You can choose your adventure in the city, from marveling at dozens of tombs to climbing steep stairs for the majestic view of High Place of Sacrifice. Spent a day well in the city? Wait for the night. Lit by flickering candles, Petra seems no less than a fairytale land.
Location: Petra, Jordan
Famous For: Rock-cut architecture and water conduit system
Best Time To Visit: April, May, October, November
Things To Do:
- Petra Nights Tours Jordan
- Jordan Inspiration Tours
- Jordan Memory Tours - Day Tours
- Wadi Musa
- Hiking Trails, Al-Beidha - Little Petra
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5. Umm Qais
Umm Qais is flushed with magnificent amphitheaters and pedestals. It is the only green town in the otherwise barren country and is locally called "Gadara". The ruins of Umm Qais mark the period from the Ottomans to Roman rulers. Famous for colonnaded streets, theaters, temples, Roman Shops, and beautiful tombs, Umm Qais is amongst the best tourist attractions in Jordan and is an amusingly beautiful, green town. Sitting on the North of Amman, Umm Qais caters to views of Yarmouk River, Lake Tiberias, and Golden heights. It is also one of the best places to visit in August. You can enjoy the calm twilight and breezy and chilly mornings in Umm Qais.
Location: 110 km north of Amman, Umm Qais, Jordan
Famous For: Miracle of the Gadarene swine
Best Time To Visit: May to August
Things To Do:
- Haifa Shore Excursion
- Hot Air Balloon Flight
- Dana Biosphere Reserve.
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6. Ma’in Hot Springs
Famous for its thermal waterfalls, there is a series of the waterfall at the Ma'in Hot Spring. Nestled between the Dead Sea and Madaba, it 246 m below sea level. Every year, the hot spring welcomes thousands of visitors. Popular among locals and visitors, Ma'in is one hell of a breathtaking desert oasis in the world. These falls originate primarily from the winter rainfalls in the highlands of Jordan. The best time to visit Jordan is from March to June, and during this span, the waterfalls are at their absolute glory as well.
Location: Ma'in, Jordan
Famous For:
- Variety of pools for public bathing
- Blistering water that tumbles off the hillside in a series of waterfalls
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Things To Do:
- Mujib Nature Reserve
- Dead Sea Museum
- Zara Spa
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7. Jerash Ruins
Did you ask Jordan famous places? Jerash ruins are the answer. Go back in time with the Jerash ruins. Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman ancient cities in the whole world. There a lot of things to do and places to see here, tourist usually start their trip from this majestic city. You can start by walking through the Hadrian's Arch, 11-meter tall structure, magnificently built, and let me tell you this is just the start, be prepared to be amused by almost every in Jerash ruins. Hippodrome, sports field built in the 2nd century, Forum, oval-shaped plaza, steps to Temple of Zeus, these are some of the key highlights of the city. There almost negligible shed at the site, so make sure you carry plenty of water, sunscreen, shades, and a hat to protect yourself from the heat. To beat the sun, some of the best-rated cafes in Jordan, are in the vicinity. Jerash is a fascinating site for everyone.
Location: 48 km north of Amman, Jordan
Famous For: Largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture
Best Time To Visit: March, April, May, June
Things To Do:
- Private tour of Jerash and the Dead Sea
- A Day at North of Jordan (Jerash / Ajloun / Umm Qais)
- Cardo Maximus
- Temple of Artemis
- The Archeological Park
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8. Aqaba
The perfect mixture of history, nature, and city life. Craving for a seaside vacation? Aqaba is the place for you. Aqaba offers the best shopping in Jordan. It is a beach town on the southern tip of Jordan, all the locals come here to chill and relax, and it is equally popular among tourists as well. The Gulf of Aqaba is the only seaport in Jordan. Residing on the coast of the marvelous Red Sea. Snorkeling, diving, and many more water sports, that you can try here to satisfy the adventure seeker in you. One of the best things to see in Jordan is the Gulf of Aqaba. The most pristine and photogenic location of Jordan. Folks come here to capture the mesmerizing beauty with plenty of fun and exciting things to do.
Location: Aqaba, Jordan
Famous For: Fabulous food and birdwatching
Best Time To Visit: September, October
Things To Do:
- Scuba diving
- Snorkeling
- Walking the City
- Visit the Local Beaches
- Shopping in Aqaba
- Souq by the Sea
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9. Dana Nature Reserve
Jordan's Dana Nature Reserve is a pristine wilderness reserve founded in 1989 that provides guests an opportunity to fully experience the area's abundant natural beauty and variety. Located towards the south-central part of Jordan, Dana environment Reserve is a paradise for hikers, birdwatchers, and environment lovers alike, spanning across rough mountains, wide valleys, and tranquil desert vistas. Dana Nature Reserve offers visitors an amazing experience that highlights the greatest of Jordan's natural treasures with its varied flora and fauna, breathtaking geological formations, and cultural heritage landmarks. This reserve, one of the best places to visit in Jordan will let you re-connect with nature and discover the hidden gems of this amazing desert region, offering everything from scenic hiking paths to serene stargazing evenings.
Location: Dana, Jordan
Famous For: Exotic flora & fauna species
Best Time To Visit: March to May & October to November
Things To Do:
- Hiking
- Visit the Dana Village
- Nature Walk
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife spotting
- Check out local crafts
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10. Wadi Musa
Wadi Musa, nestled in the southern part of Jordan, is a mesmerizing village known for being the entrance to one of the world's most recognizable archeological site - Petra. The town itself features a wonderful combination of ancient Jordanian architecture and modern comforts, with lively markets, warm cafés, and unique restaurants dotting its streets. Wadi Musa, which is outside of Petra, provides chances for outdoor exploration and adventure, such as hiking trails, desert outings, and exposure to Bedouin culture. One of the best things to do in Jordan is to visit Wadi Musa and spend a night there as it is brimmed with a plethora of authentic hotels where you can gain insights on its age-old culture. Experience the diverse culinary scene as you can get a good selection of Lebanese, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean dishes.
Location: Ma’an Governorate, Southern Jordan
Famous For: Nature & Cultural Heritage, Houses
Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to November
Things To Do:
- Shopping
- Dining
- Take a Turkish bath
- Take a dip in Moses Spring
- Cooking classes
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11. Azraq Wetland Reserve
Nestled in the middle of Jordan's desert landscapes, the Azraq Wetland Reserve is a distinctive and crucial habitat that provides a necessary respite for migrating birds, mammals, and plant species. The Azraq Wetland Reserve's serves as a migratory bird stopover between Africa and Europe is among its most noteworthy features. You will be astounded to find over 100 different kinds of birds identified, including flamingos, herons, eagles, and migrating ducks. Often considered a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, this wetland reserve is one of the best places to visit in Jordan, making it ideal for outdoor adventure activities like hiking, birdwatching, nature walks, spotting wildlife species like wild camels, Asian elephant, Arabian oryx, etc., where you can surrender yourself in the lap of nature.
Location: Azraq, Jordan
Famous For: Wildlife, Outdoor Activities
Best Time To Visit: December to February & March to April
Things To Do:
- Hiking
- Nature Walk
- Wildlife spotting
- Bird watching
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12. Ajloun Castle
Located in the Ajloun Governorate in northern Jordan, this impressive medieval castle perches atop a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape and has stood for ages as a symbol of military strength and strategic significance. Built in the 12th century by Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi, the monarch of the Ayyubid dynasty, as a defensive stronghold against western Crusader incursions, the Ajloun Castle is a significant architectural marvel which shed light on Jordan’s historic past and grandeur. Enormous security against invaders was offered by its high thickened walls, watchtowers, and arrow silts. You can marvel at the uniquely designed living quarters, store chambers, and cisterns to sustain the garrison during sieges. Moreover, Ajloun Castle is one of the best places to visit in the Middle East, to have a bird’s eye view of the historic city of Jordan.
Location: Ajloun, Jordan
Famous For: Architecture, history
Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to November
Things To Do:
- Sightseeing
- Heritage tours
- Check out the architectural style
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With several places to visit in Jordan, the country is famous for its sandstones and of course the red rose city, Petra. It is an easy-going country and will make you feel at home with its best-in-class hospitality and welcoming atmosphere. House to not one but many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jordan is different from the green and tropical countries, and boy! being different is what makes this place so enticing. What are you pondering over then? Book your Jordan tour packages today.
FAQs
The quickest and easiest answer is Petra, the red rose city. Jordan is famous for this city, as it is not only beautiful but UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.
The main airport in Jordan is Queen Alia International Airport.
Jordan the country of cultural sites and ruins, with pristine views, is something worth falling in love for. The best places to visit in Jordan are: -
- Petra
- Amman
- Aqaba
- Ma’in Hot Springs
- Wadi Rum
Petra, also known as “Rose City”, is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is believed to be the most precious cultural property known to mankind.
Yes, Amman, the capital city of Jordan is definitely worth visiting. The city is different from the rest of the country and caters to many attractions and allows several things to do. You can easily spend 2-3 days in Amman.
To enjoy the country’s glory to the fullest, you can plan your trip for 7 to 10 days. This span is enough for you to enjoy and explore all that the country offers.
Jordan is a country that takes you closer to the world's wonders. The best places to stay in Jordan are: -
- Amman
- Area Near Dead Sea
- Petra
- Aqaba
The best time to visit Jordan is between March to June. During this span, the country experiences the spring season and it makes the country look even more beautiful. This duration is also considered as high season.
Jordan is endowed with a plethora of natural splendors and cultural landmarks. The best things to do in Jordan are:
- Float in the Dead Sea
- Road trip on King’s Highway
- Canyoning at Wadi al-Mujib
- Spend a day in Bedouin Camp
- Hike up the Dana Nature Reserve
Since Jordan has a wide selection of dishes ranging from savories to sweets, it can cater to every visitor’s palate. The different food dishes to try out in Jordan are:
- Mansaf
- Ka’ak
- Makmoura
- Falafel
- Fattet Hummus