Blog

Wondering what is there to do in Jordan exactly?Well, soon you will find why this is one of those countries that will truly leave you in awe. The history, culture, and landscapes are incredible, and will leave you yearning more. In just 4 days we traveled the country from top to bottom, looking for the most awesome spots in Jordan to share with the world.

From ancient ruins to hot springs in canyons, there is really something for everyone in the heart of the Middle East. So without further ado, let's jump into our list of 20 epic places to visit in Jordan.

What is There to Do in Jordan? - Explore it's History!

Jordan is a country that will take you back centuries with its amazing preserved historical sites. Here are some of the top ones that you need to check out.

1. Amman Citadel

No trip to a country is complete without a trip to the capital. Amman is a beautiful city with tons of ancient preservation. If there's one spot that you need to see when you travel to Jordan's capital, it's the Citadel. 

This historical site sits on the highest hill, Jebel Al Qala'a, which is right in the middle of downtown Amman. Visit here and you'll feel as you've stepped back in time.

The Citadel is one of the oldest fortifications in the entire world! The site is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily, and is 2 JD to enter (or free with the Jordan Pass).

Here are some tours of the Amman Citadel, as well as other complete tours around Amman:

2. Petra

If there is only one place to visit in all of Jordan it is this. Petra is one of the seven wonders of the world, and truly lives up to all of the hype. 

Also known as Wadi Musa or "The Rose City", Petra is so much more than just a historical site. It is a full ancient city, and can take days to see everything! There are different passes for 1-3 days, as many people opt to visit multiple times. This is because it is simply so impressive, and there are so many corners to discover.

The top highlights of Petra are the treasury, the monastery, and the 'Al Siq' which is the mile long canyon leading to the Treasury. Another epic even to attend is "Petra by Night" when they light hundred of lanterns outside of the Treasury.

There is too much information to fit into just a paragraph. That's why we've written a complete guide to visiting Petra that you can read down below!

Come see the organized tours to Petra:

3. Jerash

Jerash is home to some of the most outstanding historical ruins in the country. The ancient city was buried in the sand dunes for hundreds of years before being discovered. Now it is one of the best places to visit in Jordan, and is less than an hour away from the capital.

The archaeological site is open in the summer from 8 am to 8 pm, and in the winter from 8 am to 4 pm. The price is 10 JD to enter (or free with the Jordan Pass), and includes a museum and large souvenir shop on site.

Here are some tours to Jerash from Amman to have a more complete visit:

What is There to Do in Jordan? - Discover the Beautiful Nature

Jordan is most well known for its history, but truthfully its nature is one of the reasons we love it so much! Here are some truly unique spots in Jordan out in nature.

4. The Dead Sea

Another one of the most important highlights for travel to Jordan is the Dead Sea. This is the lowest point on Earth and is truly unique. The 233 square mile hosts the saltiest water in the world, actually pushing anyone that gets in to float.

The sea also is famous for its "healing properties" as the mud has minerals that have plenty of health benefits for skin and hair, Visit the crystal looking salt compounds along the shores, enjoy a magical sunset, or have a mud bath in one of the shores of the hotels on the north shore.

The Dead Sea is off limits once the sun starts to go down, so make sure that you visit during the day.

The salt is also very intense, so you can only go into the water for very limited amounts of time, and should rinse off right away to prevent irritation. Want to learn more about the Dead Sea? Well we have a full guide down below!

Here are some excursions that include the Dead Sea in the itinerary:

5. The Red Sea

While the Dead Sea is the most popular sea the visit in Jordan, the Red Sea is also a must visit.

Despite the name, the sea is actually very blue in color, and is an awesome place to swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The Red Sea is shared by several other countries, and if you drive for just one hour, you will actually pass through 4 different countries!

Jordan's portion of the Red Sea is located in Aqaba, the south western tip of the country.

This is one of the most touristy regions of the country, as well as the hottest. Here you can find plenty of restaurants, hotels, and even bars! (which are not common as the country of Jordan is Muslim).

Here are some great tours that allow you to enjoy the Red Sea in Aqaba:

6. Wadi Rum

Another of the main attractions to hit when you travel to Jordan is Wadi Rum. The desert is full of stunning rock formations, sand dunes, and awesome glamping spots. This is also one of the pricier areas of the country, and is not really a do-it-yourself type experience.

We have a full article about everything to expect visiting Wadi Rum, which you can read below.

What is There to Do in Jordan? - Roam the Old Towns!

Not only does Jordan have a ton of history, but it's oldest towns remain similar to how they have for hundreds of years. Check out these beautiful Jordanian towns during your travels.

7. Al-Salt

Salt is one of the best places to visit in Jordan as far as cities go. Although small, it has a great market, beautiful architecture, and tons of history.

Al-Salt is built on 3 different mountains and full of pale yellow buildings, making it super picturesque. Being just 45 minutes from the capital, it's definitely a great day trip from Amman.

8. Madaba

Another one of our favorite day trips from Amman is Madaba. The "mosaic city" is just a half hour from the city, and has a lot of culture and charm. The ruins of the city were actually only recently discovered, and have brought a lot of value to the history of Madaba.

One of our favorite parts of visiting Madaba were the locals. Right outside of the ruins (make a left and then right down the street) there is a vendor that makes homemade souvenirs with his wife. His art is truly impressive, and his hospitality made us stay there for almost a full hour.

Don't have a car and want to go on a day trip to Madaba? Here are a few tours that include Madaba:

9. Qasr Al-Abd

The Qasr Al-Abd is a partially restored and unfinished Hellenistic palace just 17 km west of Amman. The palace dates back to the 2nd century BC.

Although there is not much known information about the site, the ruins are pretty fantastic, and show a blend of eastern and western architecture.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

10. Ma'in Hot Springs

If you plan on visiting Jordan in the winter, then Ma'in Resort is definitely a place you'll want to have on your list. This resort sells day passes for those not staying, and you can enjoy the hot pool sourced by the natural mineral springs and waterfalls. 

Relax in steamy waters, soak up the sun, or grab a bite to eat at the fine restaurant on site. Ma'in hot springs are located right between Madaba and the Dead Sea.

11. Wadi Al Mujib

Located right next to the Dead Sea, this is one of the most stunning landscapes in all of Jordan, The river flows through striking canyon walls, and goes right into the Dead Sea. Wadi Al Mujib is not a quick stop, but deserves a few hours. The trail is absolutely gorgeous, and finishes at a waterfall.

Note: Make sure to get the right route before going. The first time we attempted to go we followed Google Maps and ended up on the other side of the canyon where it is impossible to enter. The correct entrance is along the main road of the Dead Sea.

If you don't have a car, or don't want the hassle of going on your own, here are a few excursions that you can choose from:

12. Wadi Bin Hammad

Wadi Bin Hammad is another gorgeous canyon in Jordan. The area features hiking trails, streams, waterfalls, and even greenery! 

This hidden gem is tucked away in a large valley between Madaba and al-Karak. The entrance is 5 JD, and the hike takes a couple of hours until reaching the hot springs.

Here's a tour that goes to Wadi Bin Hammad:

14. Wadi Al Hasa

Wadi Al Hasa is another one of the most beautiful wadis to visit when you travel to Jordan. The canyon is characterized by  lush hanging gardens, outstanding rock formations, and natural pools. As this is one of the longer wadis, it is perfect for those adventure seekers and trekkers out there.

The whole trail spans an entire 30 kilometers! Some people like to just hike a part of it, while others spend hours upon hours exploring it's beauty.

Here's a tour you can sign up for that goes to Wadi al Hasa:

20. Jordan EcoPark

When most travel to Jordan, they rarely think of great nature. But head all the way north west and you will find some at Jordan EcoPark.

Founded in 2004, this project was formed to preserve the ecological habitats of the country. Just under 2 hours away from Amman, it's a great getaway from the busy city life of the capital.

What is There to Do in Jordan? - Check Out the Castles!

Being in the Middle East, you wouldn't think of castles when you think of Jordan. However, you won't want to miss out on these few!

13. Al'Karak (Kerak)

Kerak is or "Al-Karak" is an important city in Jordan known for its crusader castle. It is located off of King's highway between Amman and Aqaba, so it makes a great stop to break up the drive if you are visiting the south of the country.  

The castle itself is really the main highlight of the area, and is quite impressive. Make sure to cover up inside, and bring plenty of water as the sun hits strong. The castle is open from 8 am to 7 pm in the summer, and at 4 pm in the winter (from October to March).

Want to experience Karak on a tour? Here are a few really cool ones that include Karak on the itinerary:

15. Shobak Castle

Shobak Castle is an early 12th-century Crusader castle in Central Jordan. It is perched on the side of a rocky, conical mountain standing at 1,300 meters. There is basically nothing else around it, making it one of the more unique spots to visit in Jordan.

If you are traveling from Amman to Petra, it is a great stop to take as it is just off the main highway.

If you don't have a car, here are a few excursions that include Shobak Castle in the itinerary:

16. Sela Castle

This is one of those not-so-quick-but-worth-it stops. Also located along the side of the highway from Amman to Petra, Sela Castle is a little bit more of an effort to get to. Surrounded by striking rock formations, you must climb down into a canyon and up and very steep and high set of stairs to reach the top.

Each way takes about 45 minutes, and you should be prepared with sneakers and water. Despite the extra efforts, this hidden castle is worth the hike due to its uniqueness and stunning views from the top.

17. At-Tafilah

Although the town of Tafila isn't so big, there is some pretty cool nature around it. The area around Tafila is perfect for hiking, trekking, and camping. 

Spend a night at Al Nawatef Camp. where you can experience the Bedouin lifestyle in the desert in Arab style tents. Or bathe in the warm waters of Afra and Bubeita hot springs. Visiting Tafila will definitely give you a unique experience during your travel to Jordan.

18. King Talal Dam

This is the largest dam in the country, and one of the main sources of water in Jordan. King Tala Dam was built in 1971 in the hills of northern Jordan, across from the Zarqa River. While it may not be a main tourist attraction, it is a pretty cool spot to check out and get a photo of.

19. Qasr Al-Hallabat

Located in Jordan's eastern desert, Qasr Al-Hallabat was originally a Roman fortress built in the second century AD. Now remains a castle and mosque that are some of the most representative in the Near East.

Jordan is a fascinating country with a variety of landscapes. The great thing is that it is pretty small and easy to get around. Want to create the perfect itinerary? Check the map below to see where all of these awesome places in Jordan are located.

Want to learn more about what it's like to travel to Jordan? Well, we have a complete guide to check out, as well as plenty of other articles.

Need help planning your next trip? Scratch Your Mapa have exclusive travel planning services to help you save time and money, while exploring more. Take a look at our travel planning packages to learn more!

Here are some other guides you'll love: