The Middle Eastern country of Jordan is hemmed in by Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Israel. Jordan is located smack dab in the middle of the Middle East, but its citizens may feel more at ease there than in some of its more conservative neighbours.
So, it is the best place to visit for tourists interested in discovering this region.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Jordan
Tourists can swim in the Dead Sea, explore historical cities, and gaze up at stunning granite cliffs on a trip to Jordan. Highlights of Jordan’s top attractions:
1. Madaba
Madaba is a little town to the south of the city that is famous for its old art and religious architecture. The Madaba Map, a mosaic depicting Jerusalem and other holy locations that dates back to the sixth century, is the city’s claim to fame. Church of St. George houses the Madaba Map.
Visit the Madaba Archaeological Site and the Madaba Museum if you’re interested in the city’s past. Climb the bell tower of the Shrine of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist for a bird’s eye view of all these landmarks and more.
2. Dana Nature Reserve
The Dana Natural Reserve is one of the best places in Jordan to go hiking and enjoy the outdoors. Dana, a community founded in the 15th century that has stayed mostly unchanged and now offers a small selection of lodging and dining alternatives for those who choose to extend their visit.
Hiking through the reserve’s slot canyons and valleys is the primary activity that draws visitors to the Dana Natural Reserve. The scenery is breathtaking, providing countless opportunity for stunning photographs.
3. Aqaba
The only city in Jordan with a coastline (other than the Dead Sea) is Aqaba. Aqaba has long been a popular tourist destination, earning it the nickname “the window to the Red Sea.”
The Aqaba Fort dates back to the 14th century, yet the city also features five-star resorts that are consistently listed among the best in the world.
In particular, the little town of Ayla, which dates back to the sixth century and has been very well maintained, is worth mentioning. Scuba diving courses and guided dives in the Red Sea are also offered in and around Aqaba.
4. Al-Karak
Al-Karak is an excellent destination for castle enthusiasts. Southern Jordan is home to the city of Al-Karak, also spelt Karak and Kerak. Its large Christian population and spectacular castle have made it famous. The Citadel of Kerak, in the city of Al-Karak, was a Crusader fortress.
The fortress had been pillaged and left in ruins for about 500 years. You can take a tour of the castle and observe the areas where restoration work has been done. The Karak Archaeological Museum may be found in the castle’s basement, and it houses a dazzling array of artefacts that shed light on the region’s past.
5. Amman
Amman is Jordan’s capital, largest metropolis, cultural centre, and commercial epicentre. You will probably spend some time in Amman on your trip to Jordan. Amman is home to numerous Roman ruins, the most impressive of which are the huge Roman Amphitheatre and the Nymphaeum.
There are a number of significant historical buildings in the Citadel, including the Roman Temple of Hercules and the massive stone Ummayad Palace. The muezzin call to prayer is accompanied by a spectacular show in the city below, which can be seen and heard from the palace.
6. Desert Castles
Just east of Amman, in Jordan’s Eastern Desert, you’ll find a slew of castles just waiting to be explored. The Umayyads built many of these fortifications and residences for the Kaliffs to use as both a defensive stronghold and a place to live. The Umayyads survived and prospered in the harsh desert environment thanks to their extensive castle network.
Some of these fortresses in the desert can be visited in a day trip. The Qasr Al-Hallabat black rock and mosaics, the active archaeological site of Hammam as-Sarah, and the amazing frescoes of Qasr Amra are all within the loop’s reach.
7. Dead Sea
Although Jordan is mostly landlocked, there is a tiny strip of its territory that touches the Dead Sea. At 430 m (1,400 ft) below sea level, the Dead Sea has a salinity higher than any other body of water on Earth.
There are many theological and historical connections to the Dead Sea as well. According to tradition, Jesus was baptised there by John the Baptist. The high salinity of the water makes it simple to float on your back, and the abundance of minerals makes it a wonderful location to unwind.
Luxury resorts in the Dead Sea’s northern end provide the nicest accommodations for visitors. Guests can relax in the spa while taking in views of the Jerusalem skyline at night.
8. Jerash
Many people’s minds automatically jump to European locations when they hear the phrase “Roman ruins.” Nonetheless, Jerash boasts a stunning array of ancient Greek and Roman structures.
Hadrian’s Bridge, built in the second century, and the Hippodrome, one of the tiniest Roman hippodromes ever built, are just two of the sights to visit on a tour of modern-day Jerash.
The Jerash Archaeological Museum is an excellent introduction to the city, as it houses an impressive collection of antiquities and does a fantastic job of describing the origins and growth of the Jerash community over the years.
9. Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum, a desert valley in southern Jordan, is famous for its stunning natural beauty. In this isolated part of the desert, only Bedouins and nomadic tribes make permanent homes. Wadi Rum has sandstone mountains and enormous granite cliffs, despite the common misconception that deserts only consist of sand dunes.
Wadi Rum is known for its many natural features and rock formations, as well as its striking sand and rock colours. For example, seeing the Umm Fruth Rock Bridge in person is an unforgettable experience.
Several science fiction movies (including The Martian) have been filmed in this location in an attempt to capture the fiery orange hues that are characteristic of Mars. Wadi Rum is also the location of Lawrence of Arabia’s home and the famous Lawrence’s Spring, both of which can be visited by tourists.
10. Petra
Petra, Jordan’s ancient city and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, is not to be missed. Petra, formerly the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and variously the Red City or the Rose City, eventually became a Roman province. After being forgotten for decades, the Western world rediscovered the village in the 19th century.
Currently, tourists can reach the ancient archaeological park of Petra via the Siq, a narrow sandstone canyon. The beautiful Treasury follows the Siq, albeit it was likely a temple or royal mausoleum rather than a treasury.
The Roman Theater, The Monastery, and the Boulevard of Facades, a massive canyon lined with the façade of many tombs, are among noteworthy ruins. Hiking to the Mountain of Aaron will reward you with breathtaking vistas of Petra and its incredible rock-cut buildings.
