What to do in Jordan: 20 must-sees and must-dos

Débora

13 Sep 2023

Accueil » Get Inspired » What to do in Jordan: 20 must-sees and must-dos

Jordan is a country rich in history, having been ruled successively by different empires and kingdoms, including the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire. Its culture is a blend of traditions and customs from the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula. Hospitality and generosity are very important values here. Jordanians like to take care of their guests and make sure they’re comfortable.

Jordanian cuisine is also worth discovering. The national dish, Mansaf, is a delicious blend of rice, lamb and yoghurt sauce. For those who don’t eat meat, there are also delicious vegetarian options to enjoy.

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Useful links

Before you head off to the various places we’ll mention in this article, you can find below links to local agencies that will enable you to travel within the country:

Official tourism website of Jordan :
Website of Jordan’s national airline:
Website of Jordan’s national railway company:

Petra, the ancient city

Petra, a Nabataean caravan city located between the Red and Dead Seas, is an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. The town is half-built and half-carved out of rock, surrounded by mountains with passages and gorges. This famous archaeological site combines ancient oriental traditions with Hellenistic architecture.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a salt lake located between Jordan and Israel. It is known for its exceptionally high salinity, making it one of the saltiest places on the planet. It’s also the lowest point on Earth, 430 metres below sea level. Due to its salt concentration, the Dead Sea offers a unique bathing experience, where bathers can float easily on the surface. It is also renowned for its therapeutic properties and skin-friendly mineral mud.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a breathtaking desert landscape in southern Jordan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its stunning red sand dunes, towering rock formations and ancient rock engravings.

Jerash, the Roman city

Jerash is an ancient Roman city in north-west Jordan. It is famous for its well-preserved ruins, which bear witness to its importance in the Roman Empire. Jerash is home to many historic sites, including Hadrian’s Arch, the Hippodrome, the Roman Theater and the Oval Forum. Visitors can stroll the cobbled streets of the ancient city and imagine life in Roman times. Jerash also hosts an annual cultural festival showcasing traditional Jordanian music, dance and theater. A must for history and culture lovers.

Amman Citadel

The Amman Citadel is an ancient fortress located on a hill in the heart of the city of Amman, Jordan. It is one of the country’s most important historical sites. The citadel is home to remains dating back to various eras, including Roman, Byzantine and Islamic ruins. Among the citadel’s most noteworthy attractions are the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace and the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Visitors can also enjoy superb panoramic views of the city from the citadel.

Aqaba, a coastal jewel

Aqaba is a popular tourist destination located in the southernmost part of Jordan, on the shores of the Red Sea. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life, making it a paradise for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo is a biblical site located in Jordan, about 10 kilometers west of the city of Madaba. According to the Bible, it was from the top of this mountain that Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. Today, Mount Nebo is a popular tourist site, offering panoramic views of the Holy Land. Visitors can explore the Church of Mount Nebo, which houses ancient mosaics dating back to the 6th century. It is a place of great historical and spiritual importance, attracting pilgrims from all over the world.

Dana Biosphere Reserve

The Dana Biosphere Reserve in Jordan is a natural treasure of great importance. This vast expanse of wild, mountainous landscape is home to a rich and varied biodiversity, with plant and animal species adapted to the arid conditions of the desert.

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The ancient mosaics of Madaba

Madaba is a historic city in Jordan, renowned for its ancient mosaics and rich cultural heritage. It is most famous for the Madaba Map, a 6th-century mosaic depicting the Holy Land, including Jerusalem and the surrounding area. This map is one of the earliest known Christian maps. Madaba is also home to other beautifully preserved ancient mosaics, which can be admired in local churches and museums.

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Ajloun Castle

Ajloun Castle, also known as Qala’at Ajloun, is a medieval fortress in northwest Jordan. Built in the 12th century by the Ayyubids, this castle is a remarkable example of medieval Islamic military architecture. It was built on a hill overlooking the Jordan Valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding region.

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The Red Sea

The Red Sea is an arm of the Indian Ocean located between northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty, crystal-clear waters and spectacular coral reefs. This sea takes its name from the color of its waters, which can vary from deep blue to bright red depending on atmospheric conditions.

Umm Qais

Umm Qais, also known as ancient Gadara, is a historic town in northwest Jordan. It is famous for its well-preserved ruins, which offer a fascinating insight into the region’s Roman and Byzantine history.

Shobak Castle

Shobak Castle, also known as Mont Réal Castle, is a medieval fortress in southern Jordan. It was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century as a strategic defense point on the trade route between Egypt and Syria.

Amman‘s Roman theater

Amman’s Roman Theatre is one of the most emblematic historical sites in the Jordanian capital, Amman. Dating back to Roman times, it is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman theaters in the Middle East. Built in the 2nd century A.D., it could accommodate up to 6,000 spectators.

Bethany beyond the Jordan

Bethany beyond the Jordan, located in Jordan, is a biblical historical site of great importance. It is associated with biblical stories, notably as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. The site is also known as the “Baptism of Jesus” and holds great religious significance for Christians around the world.

Ma’in hot springs

The Ma’in hot springs in Jordan are a unique natural treasure. Nestled in spectacular desert landscapes, these hot springs offer a relaxing and invigorating experience for visitors from all over the world.

The town of Karak

The town of Karak is home to the famous Karak Castle, one of the largest Crusader castles in the region. It’s an impressive historic site set on a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The Jordan Museum

The Jordan Museum, located in Amman, is a must for anyone wishing to explore the fascinating history and culture of this Middle Eastern country. Founded in 1951, the museum houses a rich collection of artifacts, archaeological finds and historical objects that tell the story of Jordan from prehistoric times to the present day.