Jordan, a jewel of the Middle East, offers countless experiences that make it a must-visit destination. One of the best things to do in Jordan is exploring the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking rock-carved architecture. The mesmerizing Wadi Rum desert is another highlight, where visitors can enjoy jeep tours, camel rides, or stargazing under its vast, unpolluted skies. For history enthusiasts, Jerash showcases remarkably preserved Roman ruins. The Dead Sea, famous for its mineral-rich waters and mud, provides a unique spa-like experience and is among the best things to do in Jordan for relaxation.
22 Best Things to do in Jordan
Adventure seekers will love trekking in Dana Biosphere Reserve or diving in the crystal-clear waters of Aqaba. Experiencing the warm hospitality of the Jordanian people and savoring traditional dishes like mansaf are also among the best things to do in Jordan. No trip is complete without visiting Amman, a vibrant city that blends modernity with rich history. Truly, the best things to do in Jordan promise an unforgettable journey.
1. Red Sea Diving and Snorkeling
Jordan’s vast eastern deserts are mostly rocky plains of limestone or basalt, but much of the southern desert is sandy, foreshadowing the dunes and vast voids of the Arabian interior. In the far south, on the only stretch of Jordanian coastline, Aqaba forms a picturesque urban counterpoint to the breathtaking marine flora and fauna that thrive in the warm Red Sea waters off the coast.
Snorkeling in the Red Sea is one of Jordan’s best things to do. You don’t have to be a diver to come nose-to-nose with turtles: coral reefs and multi-colored fish await just below the surface of this warmest and clearest sea.
From the refreshing salty shores of the Dead Sea to the Red Sea’s reefs, Jordan is full of aquatic life. Get a taste of desert life and adventure at Wadi Rum; Then head to Jordan’s Treasures on this tailor-made tour, packed with culture in Petra and Amman.
2. Wadi Rum
Exploring one of the most spectacular natural environments in the Middle East, the desert scenery of Wadi Rum (rhymes with “dumb,” not “doom”) is one of the best things to do in Jordan. Wadi Rum is a series of parallel faults that create valleys in the sandy desert south of the Shara Mountains.
They are almost perfectly oriented, shaped and marked by massive granite, basalt and sandstone mountains that rise a mere 800 meters from the desert floor.
3. Baptism Site
The Baptism Site is a pilgrimage site along the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized, commemorated by dozens of ancient churches and monasteries. Archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of sites – 21 at last count – along Wadi Kharar, a small side valley and aqueduct that runs 2km from its source to the Jordan River.
These discoveries – eleven Byzantine churches, five baptismal pools from the Roman and Byzantine periods, monks’ caves and pilgrim accommodation – have quickly cemented both Jordanian and international opinion on the authenticity of the site.
During this tailor-made tour following in the footsteps of Jesus, you will be introduced to many biblical sites throughout our beloved county with our knowledgeable tour guide. Learn about Jordan’s fascinating history and culture and much more. Our tailor-made trip service allows you to go on your dream trip without the planning or hassle. Our tours are fully customizable and created by local artisans.
4. Ancient Amman
Consistently overlooked and underrated by travelers to the Middle East, Jordan’s capital Amman stands in stark contrast to its bustling neighbors, with none of the grandeur of Damascus or Jerusalem and a fraction of the monuments of Cairo. It’s a city of unexpected charm, bathed in a new spirit of dynamism.
Investment is booming, new buildings are being built, neighborhoods are being revitalized, and the city is buzzing with cafes, galleries, and commerce. If you’re dreaming of medieval mosques, spice markets, and faded romance, look elsewhere. If you want a handle on how a young, bustling Arab capital is making its way in the world, Amman is for you.
5. Diving in the Dead Sea is one of the best things to do in Jordan
A few kilometers west of the city limits of Amman, the rugged highlands of central and northern Jordan drop dramatically into the Dead Sea Rift. This giant valley marks a geological divide as well as a political one, with the Arabian Plate moving north a few centimeters a year to the east and the African Plate slowly moving south to the west.
Between the two lies the Jordan River, which defines Jordan’s western border as it flows into the large, salty inland lake of the Dead Sea, famous for being the lowest point on Earth. Diving here and relaxing on the beach are among the best things to do in Jordan, not least because of the world-class luxury resort hotels that line the shores.
6. Azraq Wetlands
The boardwalks in the Azraq Oasis in the desert east of Amman wind through reed beds – perfect for nature walks and birdwatching. Before the oasis dried up, this entire area of wetlands and lakes in the middle of the qa or depression of Azraq was a scene of vibrant life.
The water you see in the ponds among the reeds comes from Amman: a small amount that the government is pumping back into the wetlands as a gesture towards environmental friendliness. Near the end of the trail, a mud-brick shelter overlooks a watering hole, from which you can watch birdlife – and if you’re lucky, water buffalo that roam the reed beds.
7. Petra
A magnificent ancient city hidden in the rugged mountains of the south – one of the world’s most visited attractions and one of the best things to do in Jordan. Petra is awe-inspiring. Tucked away in a remote valley basin in the heart of southern Jordan’s Shara Mountains and protected from the outside world by an impenetrable barrier of rock, this ancient city remains shrouded in mystery.
Today, it’s almost as if time has literally drawn a veil over the once-great city, which grew wealthy enough in the caravan trade to challenge the might of Rome. Two millennia of wind and rain have blurred the sharp edges of its ornate classical facade and worn away its soft sandstone to reveal bright bands of color below, putting the entire scene in soft focus.
8. Mount Nebo
Following in Moses’ footsteps and gazing out at the Promised Land from this peak above the Dead Sea is one of the must-do things to do in Jordan. Mount Nebo is one of Jordan’s holiest sites, with a unique resonance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Moses was buried on or near Mount Nebo, but Muslims believe his body was taken across the river and placed in a tomb along the modern Jericho-Jerusalem highway. The lack of earthly remains on Nebo, however, does not temper the drama with the vision of the isolated mountain and the ancient church on its summit.
9. Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan’s flagship nature reserve, spanning an area from the highlands to the sandy desert floor. Whether you come for the hiking, the natural environment or the silence, you won’t want to leave. The village of Dana overlooks the Dana Biosphere Reserve, a vast wilderness centered around the V-shaped Wadi Dana. It’s a spectacular place to go for a walk.
The reserve’s terrain ranges from 1,500 meters above sea level in Dana to below sea level in the west of Fenan. Its geology varies from limestone to sandstone to granite, with a variety of ecosystems ranging from lush, well-watered mountain slopes and open oak and juniper woodlands to scrubland and arid sandy desert. The list of flora and fauna that inhabit it is staggering.
10. Hiking
There are plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten track for a day or a week in Jordan’s backcountry, whether solo or with an adventure tour company:
Jordan Beauty. Hiking and trekking specialists, particularly in the Petra area, with excellent local knowledge. Also able to create innovative, great value tours throughout the country.
Murad Arslan. One of Jordan’s top licensed adventure guides, Murad has years of experience leading groups and individuals in Jordan’s backcountry.
Mahmoud Touaisi. Born and bred in Petra, Mahmoud is the head of Jordan’s national tour guide team, highly experienced and with a special focus on hiking and nature tourism.
Wadi Jared (Wadi Hasa or Hasa) in western Jordan. A sandstone canyon with fresh flowing water. Flowing into the Dead Sea
11. Madaba Map
The easy-going market town of Madaba, 30 kilometers southwest of Amman, is best known for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics preserved in its churches and museums. An impressive sixth-century mosaic map of the Holy Land takes top billing on package tours, but the town's narrow streets, lined with fine old Ottoman stone houses, lead to many other examples, most notably the magnificently intricate mosaics of the Church of the Apostles.
Madaba's main attraction is a remarkable Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land, housed in the 19th-century Church of St. George. Although heavily publicized - and thus plagued by over a thousand visitors a day during high season - the church is worth a visit despite the cramped space inside.
12. The King's Highway
The King's Highway - a great translation of an old Hebrew word that probably simply meant "main road" - is a long, winding squiggle of a road running through some of Jordan's most beautiful countryside. Today it's a straight path, often rough and narrow, that follows the contours of the rolling hills above the Dead Sea rift.
Major stops include the historic cities of Madaba, the Crusader fortresses of Karak and Shobak, and the spectacular Dana Nature Reserve, set in an isolated valley with good facilities for camping and hiking. But the King's Highway also runs through fields and small towns, connecting a series of waterfalls and following the rain line to the highest mountain peaks: a journey along it can offer a glimpse into the realities of rural life for many Jordanians.
If you're looking for scenic spots in the Middle East, check out our guide to the most beautiful places in the Middle East.
13. Umm Qais Ra
If you’re looking for things to do in Jordan, head 30 kilometers northwest of Irbid and discover the windswept village of Umm Qais, tucked into the corner of the border formed by Jordan, Israel, and the Golan. Whether you take a day trip from Irbid or stay overnight to savor the still twilight and fresh, cool mornings, it’s a long journey worth the effort.
The main attraction is exploring the remote, sprawling ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara on the edge of modern Umm Qais, some of which are black basalt and interspersed with the striking white limestone houses of an abandoned Ottoman village. It’s a popular choice for Friday outings, when its parking lot can be packed with family cars and youth-club buses.
14. “The Desert Fortresses”
Explore a string of early-Islamic fortresses, palaces, hunting lodges, and caravanserais that stretch across the stony desert plain east of Amman. For most visitors, the main reason to head east is to explore Jordan’s “Desert Fortresses.” This is a group of early-Islamic buildings spread out across the desert – the best of which are now easily accessible by regular vehicles on proper roads.
These are some of Jordan’s most atmospheric ancient buildings – especially Qasr al-Kharana and Qusayr Amara, which are located close to each other on a fast road between Amman and the oasis town of Azraq (it’s worth a stop for its nature preserve, eco-friendly lodge, and Lawrence of Arabia links).
15. Wadi Mujib
South of Madaba, the King’s Highway winds up and down several valleys, including the dramatic gorges of Wadi Mujib, which drain rainwater from the mountains. One of Jordan’s most spectacular natural features, located halfway between Madaba and Karak, the vast canyon has been dubbed, with a playful eye toward the tourist dollar, “Jordan’s Grand Canyon.”
The name is well earned, however, as the Kings Highway takes you to stunning views on both rims of the vast canyon across the barren landscape, crossing an elevation of 1200 meters from the desert plateau in the east to the Dead Sea in the west. .
Experience a mix of hiking, canyon trails, and relaxing activities combined with sightseeing and meeting locals in the north of Jordan. This tailor-made active adventure in Jordan is accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and is not recommended during the winter (November to February).
16. Modern Amman
Take time out from the ruin-hunting to explore the capital’s bustling cafes, galleries and restaurants – a side of the city that few visitors experience. Around the junction of Rainbow Street and Othman Bin Affan Street is a cluster of elegant little stone villas from the 1920s.
There’s Sufra, a grand Jordanian restaurant; turn left here, and the second villa on the right has been beautifully restored and reopened as the NOFA Creative Space, a venue for talks, readings, music recitals, screenings and exhibitions. It’s worth popping in to sample the atmosphere, and lingering in their gorgeous gardens.
17. Fainan Eco Lodge
This beautifully designed eco-friendly desert hotel, miles from the nearest road, is perfect for rugged hikes, fascinating cultural encounters and epic star-gazing. Fainan Lodge’s green credentials are impeccable. It’s off the grid, and generates all of its own electricity via solar panels – but only the reception office, bathrooms and kitchen are powered; the rest of the building is lit by candles.
And the place has atmosphere. Sit on the veranda, lounge on the sofa, try a spot of stargazing on the roof and walk the hills – it’s charmingly peaceful and contemplative. Set beneath stone spires in the hot sun, the lodge feels remote, but crucially not cut off from its surroundings. This is no luxury tourist hideaway planted in rural poverty.
18. Jordanian Cuisine
Sample some of the best restaurants in the Middle East in Amman – or try Jordan’s national dish, mansaf, at a Bedouin gathering in the desert. The cheapest budget dinners will usually only have one or two main dishes – fuul, stew with rice, roast chicken and the like – but you can almost always get hummus and salad to round out the meal.
In upscale Arabic restaurants, the usual way to eat is to order a variety of small starters (mezze), followed by either a selection of main courses for everyone to share, or a single, larger dish to share. Good Arabic restaurants may have thirty different mezze choices, from simple bowls of hummus or labneh to more elaborate mini-menus of fried chicken livers (qibdet djaz) or wings (jawaneh).
19. Jerash
One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the eastern Mediterranean, located in a well-watered valley basin about 50 kilometers north of Amman, Jerash is a major focus for travel in northern Jordan. With its charming human touches and sophisticated public buildings, the ancient city can inspire even if you're at the end of a tour of the region's ruins.
Jerash is a vast site that easily deserves a full day. If you only have a few hours, you can quickly absorb the oval plaza - with its temple and theater - and the Cardo, the sacred path that leads to the Temple of Artemis and the North Theater. Be sure to time your visit to coincide with one of the Roman-style chariot racing shows staged in the Hippodrome: they are quite spectacular.
20. Ajloun
A magnificent Crusader-era fortress nestled in the northern mountains, within easy reach of a tranquil nature reserve. In the Ajloun region around the highland market town of the same name, there are plenty of walking and picnicking opportunities amidst some of the world’s southernmost natural pine forests.
Use the town – or, better yet, the rural tourism projects around the nearby Ajloun Forest Reserve – as a base to get off the beaten track for a day or three, walking quiet mountain tracks and exploring the magnificent Crusader-period fortress. Olive trees
21. Hospitality
Jordanian hospitality is legendary: Whether you’re walking through a city or crossing the desert, you’ll be invited for tea. It’s almost inevitable that during your time in Jordan, you’ll be invited to have tea with someone, either in their shop or in their home. It’s also very likely that at some point you’ll be invited to a full meal at someone’s home.
Jordanians take hospitality very seriously and are genuinely eager to talk to you and make you feel comfortable. However, the offers come so thick and fast that it’s difficult to agree to everyone, yet people are often so eager that it can be difficult – and potentially rude – to refuse outright.
Immerse yourself in Jordanian culture and experience real Bedouin hospitality on this tailor-made tour of Jordan for culture enthusiasts. See the highlights of Jordan, meet and learn from the locals, and learn about Jordanian customs and traditions with your knowledgeable guide.
22. Ma'in Hot Springs
About 30 kilometers southwest of Madaba, at the end of Jordan's steepest, squiggly road, lies the Ma'in Hot Springs. Constantly plunging down the steep desert cliffs of Wadi Zarqa Mine with steamy water that fluctuates between a comfortable 40°C and 60°C, the springs (and the entire valley, which lies 250m below sea level) have long been popular with weekend day-trippers.
The water is channelled to create hot waterfalls, and there are hot spa pools with natural saunas and spa facilities at the adjacent hotel. Day-trippers from Amman and Madaba visit the valley on Fridays, especially in spring and autumn. If you’re looking for peace, come on another day, when it’s not too hard to find a quiet, steamy niche among the rocks.
Jordan offers visitors many opportunities for a unique spiritual experience, making it a great destination for solo travel. If that's what you're looking for, read our guide to the best places to travel alone.
Ready to travel to Jordan? Check out our Jordan travel guide snapshot. If you're planning a trip to Jordan, read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit in Jordan. Use itineraries from our local travel experts for inspiration. With a little more at your fingertips, learn about getting there, getting around the country, and where to stay once you're there.
If you'd rather plan and book your trip to England without the effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to ensure your trip is exactly what you dreamed it would be.
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FAQ about the best things to do in Jordan:
1. What are the must-visit attractions in Jordan?
The top attractions include Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Jerash, Dana Biosphere Reserve, and Aqaba.
2. Is Jordan safe for tourists?
Yes, Jordan is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East, with a welcoming environment for visitors.
3. What’s the best time to visit Jordan?
The ideal times are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and comfortable for exploring.
4. What activities can I do in Wadi Rum?
You can enjoy jeep safaris, camel rides, hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.
5. Can I float in the Dead Sea?
Yes! Floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea is a unique experience and one of the best things to do in Jordan.
6. How many days do I need to explore Jordan?
A week is ideal to cover major attractions, though shorter trips can focus on highlights like Petra and the Dead Sea.
7. What food should I try in Jordan?
Don’t miss mansaf, falafel, mezze, and knafeh for a true taste of Jordanian cuisine.
8. Do I need a visa to visit Jordan?
Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for a Jordan Pass, which includes entry to many sites.
Introduction
Jordan, a captivating destination in the heart of the Middle East, is a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Known for its world-famous landmarks like Petra and the Dead Sea, Jordan offers an incredible mix of ancient wonders and modern charm. From the golden sands of Wadi Rum to the bustling streets of Amman, this country provides countless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and exploration. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, the best things to do in Jordan cater to every traveler, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking beauty and diversity.
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