Top 10 Things to Do in Jordan
1. Explore the Ancient City of Petra
No list of Top 10 Things to Do in Jordan can be made that would not entail Petra as the most recognizable and impressive thing about the country. This UNESCO World Heritage was hewn by Nabataeans into the cliffs of rose-red sandstone over 2,000 years ago. You begin with a walk across the Siq, a narrow winding gully, which pours out most dramatically into the most famous of the monuments that Petra has to offer, the Treasury (Al-Khazneh).
There is a great archaeological city in the outer part of the Treasury that is characterized by royal tombs, temples, colonnaded streets, and ancient dwellings in Petra. The Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, and the complex of the Great Temple are the most interesting ones. The adventurous tourists cannot afford not to hike to the Monastery (Ad Deir). It might be an uphill struggle, but the reward is amongst the best in Jordan.
In order to get a memory experience, Petra by Night offers candlelight strolls and stories as a reminder of the former city. See it in a day ora few and Petra is going to be the constant reminder of the history and culture of Jordan.
2. Float in the Dead Sea
One of the most soothing and distinctive things to do in Jordan is to float freely in the Dead Sea, which is unique and most of the time. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, and the extremely high concentration of salt in the sea causes visitors to float on the surface of the water without any struggle.
The black mud, which is composed of various minerals that are present on the shores, is known to have medicinal effects, especially when it comes to treating the skin and alleviating the pain in joints. Most of the visitors take pleasure in applying the mud, and then they are washed by warm, floating water. The wellness and spa resorts around the Dead Sea are of the best quality and provide their customers with luxurious treatments, an infinity pool,s and a view of the water.
Beaches are readily accessible both in the public and the private sector, where the most frequented beaches have showers, changing facilities, and shade. The Dead Sea region not only has relaxation, but also beautiful scenery, particularly during sunset, with the sky being reflected on the smooth water. This mixture of nature, health, and serenity makes floating on the Dead Sea an indispensable experience that will complete the list of adventure itineraries in Jordan.
Dead Sea
3. Experience Wadi Rum Desert Adventures
The Valley of the Moon, otherwise known as Wadi Rum, is among the most memorable sights in the list of top 10 Things to Do in Jordan. It is a well-preserved desert wildlife refuge that is characterised by large sandstone mountain ranges, tremendous red dunes, and dramatic rock action which seem as though it is a different world.
The most common activity to explore the Wadi Rum is a jeep safari, which will take you deep into the desert to old rock inscriptions, natural arches, and panoramic viewpoints. Camel rides provide a more traditional and less fast experience of the landscape, whereas sandboarding provides more fun for adventure lovers.
Wadi Rum also has Bedouin communities that exchange their culture in terms of hospitality, music, and traditional meals. An overnight stay at a desert camp is also strongly suggested, where you can watch a fantastic sunset and then spend a night with a sky full of stars. The Wadi Rum offers one of the most enchanting experiences in Jordan, be it adventure, culture, or the calm and quiet.
4. Visit the Roman Ruins of Jerash
Among the Top 10 things to do in Jordan is visiting Jerash, which is one of the most impressive historical experiences. Jerash is considered to be one of the most well-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy and provides a great insight into the life of the Roman Empire.
On entering the site, one is welcomed by the monumental Hadrian’s Arch into a city of colonnaded streets, grand temples, and massive public squares. One of the most familiar landmarks of Jerash is the Oval Plaza, which is surrounded by high columns. In the immediate area, one may see the Temple of Artemis, the South and North Theaters, and the ancient complex of baths.
The ruins are revived every summer by the Jerash Festival, where music, dancing, and cultural performances are performed. Tourists may take part in self-guided tours, or there are guided tours to be enjoyed with more historical knowledge. Just outside Amman, Jerash is a perfect place to visit when one is a historian and a first-time visitor willing to learn about the Roman legacy in Jordan.
Temple of Artemis
5. Relax and Dive in Aqaba (Red Sea)
Aqaba is a cool beach resort, and it deserves its place in the list of the top 10 things to do in Jordan. One of the cities is Aqaba which is situated at the Red Sea and is characterized by crystal clear water, coral reefs of many colors and also has different types of marine life.
It has the best activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, where the diving sites are readily available and can be accessed by both beginners and the experienced. You must be able to see colorful fish and ocean gardens, and even shipwrecks in the depths. The underwater world can also be experienced by anyone who does not desire to get wet in glass-bottom boat tours that is a relaxing activity.
Other features of Aqaba include Sandy beaches, luxury resorts, and a well-developed promenade, which has restaurants and cafes. We have such water sports as kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding that are extremely widespread. It is the perfect destination in Jordan to relax after touring the deserts and historical sites in Jordan with relaxation and adventure.
6. Discover Amman’s Culture & History
The real image of life and culture in Jordan will be seen in the city of Amman, which is why this place must be among the first things to do in the Top 10 Things to Do in Jordan. The capital is a mixture of ancient history and modern city life.
The Amman Citadel is the central location of the city, where ancient ruins are found, including the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace, which gives the city the best panoramic view. One of such reminders of the classical past of Amman is the Roman Theater. The local shops, street food stores, and markets fill al-Balad (downtown Amman).
Contemporary Amman has fashionable cafes, art galleries, and cultural centres, particularly in the neighbourhoods such as Jabal Al-Weibdeh. The available local foods that can be consumed by food lovers include falafel, shawarma, and knafeh. The combination of old and new symbolizes Amman as a contemporary city that is also friendly, which is the soul of Jordan.
Temple of Hercules
7. Hike in Dana Biosphere Reserve
Dana Biosphere Reserve is among the most informative destinations in the list of top 10 things to do in Jordan for nature lovers. The largest nature reserve in Jordan is Dana, and it has a diverse geography, e.g., mountains and deserts.
The reserve contains excellent hiking trails with magnificent scenery, and is thus appropriate for outdoor enthusiasts and hobby photographers. The route also has wildlife such as ibex, foxes, and birds that are rare. Dana is also identifiable as an eco-tourism model where the community runs the lodges, and the travel programs are also sustainable.
Staying in one of the eco-lodges helps tourists to feel relaxed and enjoy local food prepared by the locals. Good seasons to visit would be the spring and the fall because it is pleasant and the scenery is magnificent. Dana Biosphere Reserve is a perfect selection for tourists who would like to experience tranquility, adventure, and be closer to the natural environment of Jordan.
Dana Biosphere Reserve
8. Visit Mount Nebo & Madaba
Things to Do in Jordan. One of the well-known pilgrimage sites is Mount Nebo because it is said that it was the place where Prophet Moses viewed the promised land.
On top, the visitors get the panoramic view of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and, on clear days, Jerusalem. The attraction is equipped with a memorial church with old mosaics and a bronze sculpture of a serpent, which has a significant meaning.
In and around Madaba are the mosaics of the Byzantine period, especially the Madaba Map, the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land. The Madaba visit demonstrates beautifully renovated churches and workshops where the ancient mosaic art is practiced today. Mount Nebo and Madaba are jointly worth exploring the world of religious and artistic heritage in the country of Jordan.
9. Go Canyoning in Wadi Mujib
Canyoneering is among the top 10 Things to Do in Jordan as it is a very exciting adventure for thrill seekers in Wadi Mujib. Wadi Mujib is a dramatic river canyon in the area of the Dead Sea, and it provides guided water hikes in slender gorges.
The Siq Trail, which is popular, consists of swimming, climbing, and scrambling through flowing water and waterfalls. Visitors are also given safety gear, and guides make sure that their stay is safe. It is a seasonal activity, which is generally open between spring and early fall when the water levels are considered safe.
Wadi Mujib is also worth visiting for adventurous tourists who want to get an adrenaline rush in their itinerary to Jordan. Rough scenery, along with the cool waters, makes it a time to remember.
10. Taste Authentic Jordanian Cuisine
One of the most important cultural experiences and a tasty component of the Top 10 Things to Do in Jordan is local food. The Jordanian food is related to the history and hospitality of the nation.
It should not be missed by the national dish, Mansaf, made with lamb, rice, and fermented yogurt sauce. Other delicacies include maqluba, mid-meals like hummus and mutabbal, and freshly baked bread. Falafel, shawarma, and desserts like knafeh are some of the easily accessible street foods available within the country in the urban regions.
The food tours and the local restaurants can be an opportunity to eat together with the family and learn the traditional methods of cooking. Jordanian people love to share foods therefore, a time spent in Jordan is always remembered when eating.
Read more here about Jordanian Food
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The choice of the appropriate season may play a monumental role in the enjoyment of the Top 10 Things to Do in Jordan, as the country is also diverse in climates. The best season to visit is spring (March-May), when it is mild and wild flowering and sightseeing in Petra, Jerash, and Dana biosphere reserve are at their best.
The next best season is during the fall (September-November), and the weather is also nice, and people are fewer. It is perfect for cultural tourism, desert hiking, and adventure in the desert Wadi Rum. The hot period of the year is summer in Jordan (June-August), though it is the best period to float inthe Dead Sea and, also, to play around on the beaches in Aqaba.
The winter (December-February) is colder, and it sometimes rains, particularly in the north. Despite the fact that some of the hiking trails may be closed down, the number of tourists is lower during winter, and the price of the hotels is lower during winter, not to mention that the experience of the major attractions is quieter during winter. Generally speaking,g all year round Jordan can be named as all year round tourist destination, and each season has its own experience of travelling.
Read the full article about the Best Time to Visit Jordan Here
How Many Days Do You Need in Jordan?
The number of days required will depend on how many of the Top 10 Things to Do in Jordan you would like to have. An ideal trip that first-time visitors will appreciate is a 3-4 day trip that would allow them to sightsee Amman, Petra, and the Dead Sea. This brief tour is a selection of the most popular sites in Jordan, but in a rushed manner.
Having 5-7 days, one can visit Wadi Rum and Jerash and make their journey more balanced by including the history, desert landscapes, and experiences. This is the ideal time to do classic Jordan tours.
To explore further, an 8-10 day itinerary can be used, with the inclusion of the Red Sea coast of Aqaba, Dana Biosphere reserve, and the adventure activities such as canyoning of the Wadi Mujib. Those with 10 and above days can have slow travel, visit less popular places and sites, and travel through villages and nature reserves. The small size of Jordan facilitates the ability to cover a lot within a reasonably short period.
Jordan Travel Tips & Safety
Jordan has been considered to be one of the safest and friendliest places in the Middle East, which makes it the perfect choice of a destination that is used by travelers in the list of Top 10 Things to Do in Jordan. The vast majority of nationalities can receive a visa on arrival, and the Jordan Pass is strongly suggested because it can cover the significant attractions, and the visa fee is free.
Modest dresses are also recommended when it comes to the dress code, particularly in religious places and rural regions. Jordan operates the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), and cash is highly prevalent, but credit cards are prevalent in hotels and other large restaurants. Tipping is accepted, though not obligatory.
There is a lack of transport facilities, and therefore a lot of travelers would use the service of private drivers or the tours that would be organized. Jordan can be regarded as a safe state to visit as a solo traveler, as well as a family member, with hospitable citizens and well-built tourist facilities. Simple safety measures like being hydrated and observing the traditions of the local people would result in an easy and pleasant journey.
Jordan Itinerary Ideas
A call-to-action itinerary would enable the traveler to see the Top 10 Things to Do in Jordan efficiently. The one that is normally offered to be used during the brief visits in Jordan is the 3-Day Jordan Highlights Itinerary that includes Amman, Petra, and the Dead Sea.
Alternatively, one can take the 5-Day Classic Jordan Tour with Jerash and Wadi Rum, which can be merged with each other to provide a combination of ancient history and desert adventure. The Jordan Adventure and Culture Trip 7-Day is a tour that entails Aqaba, hiking, and additional cultural experiences.
The 10-Day Complete Jordan Experience would consist of the main attractions to the country, the Dana Biosphere Reserve, the Wadi Mujib, the off-the-beaten-path locations, and other appealing places to make sure that the traveler will have time to see everything that the country has to offer. When these itinerary options are used, the traveler can tailor his or her trip based on their interests, how he or she travels, as well as his or her time.
