From the iconic rose-red city of Petra to majestic ruins of Jerash, boundless expanse of Wadi Rum’s desert and the serene shores of the Dead Sea, Jordan offers travelers a mesmerizing tapestry of experiences.
In this blog post, we’ll embark on a journey through Jordan’s top 10 sights, uncovering the hidden treasures of this enchanting destination. Make sure to include some of those tourist attractions in your bucket list.
Wadi Rum Desert
One of the most important historical and cultural sights to see in Jordan is the Wadi Rum desert. It stands as a timeless testament to nature’s grandeur and the enduring legacy of the Bedouin way of life. From the city it can be reached by taxi or you can rent a car, (as an option).
There are many things to do during your visit to Wadi Rum. For example, you can check famous Burda rock bridge. These towering sandstone arches create striking silhouettes against the desert sky, making for impressive photo opportunities.
Also make sure to visit Lawrence Spring, Khazali Canyon, adorned with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions dating back thousands of years and many others. By car, you can go around them in 1 day, but if you explore the sights on a camel, it can take 2 days.
Wadi Rum is a nature reserve that can be explored in various ways: rent an SUV, or, for example, go on a camel trip with a guide. The best option is to spend several days exploring the most iconic sights of Jordan is by joining the following tour, click here to get more details and make booking.
Ancient City of Petra
Petra is the most important historical landmark in Jordan. Once this city was the capital of the ancient Nabataean state. Its buildings are carved directly into the rocks. Petra is over 2,000 years old. In 2007, Petra received the special status of one of the newest Wonders of the World; The city is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It is located 3 hours drive from Amman.
Petra is not only the sight that is worth seeing for a week or longer stay in Jordan. Tourists who spend their holidays in one of the neighboring countries often come here. Many companies organize specialized tours to Petra from Sharm el-Sheikh, Taba and other tourist places located on the Sinai Peninsula.
If you stay in Amman and want to visit Petra, join this private day tour with hotel pickup, click here to book.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Bethany Beyond the Jordan, also known as Al-Maghtas in Arabic, is an important historical and religious site located on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. It holds religious significance for Christians as the place where Jesus Christ is believed to have been baptized. Please dress accordingly and behave respectfully once visiting this places like this in Jordan.
Now the place of baptism is a separate reservoir, because for 2 thousand years the Jordan River has changed its course more than once. Excavations at Bethany Beyond the Jordan have uncovered several ancient churches, baptismal pools, and other religious structures dating back to the Byzantine and Roman periods. These archaeological remains provide tangible evidence of the site’s importance as a place of pilgrimage and worship.
Bethany is located 45 minutes from Amman.
Jerash City
Another popular tourist attraction in Jordan. Jerash boasts some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past. The city’s well-preserved colonnaded streets, theaters, temples, and arches provide insights into the architectural and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire.
With a history dating back over 6,500 years, Jerash is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. At the heart of Jerash lies the impressive Oval Plaza, a vast public space surrounded by Corinthian columns and adorned with intricate mosaics. Among other popular places to visit in Jerash are South Theatre and The Temple of Artemis.
Visit all the iconic places of Jerash just in one day by joining the tour, click here to get more details and make reservation.
Dead Sea
The next point on the list of things to see in Jordan is the Dead Sea. It is a salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west. It is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world and is known for its high mineral content, which makes it popular for therapeutic and medicinal purposes.
The Dead Sea’s unique properties attract visitors from around the world for relaxation and health treatments. Additionally, the area surrounding the Dead Sea in Jordan is rich in historical and archaeological sites, offering tourists a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences.
Amman
Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan and one of must-visit places during your trip. It is situated in the north-central part of the country, and serves as country’s political, cultural, and economic hub. Amman is also known for its vibrant culture, diverse culinary scene, and hospitable people.
The city is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions, offering visitors a rich array of experiences. Among must-visited places in Amman we can mention: Amman Citadel, which is located on the highest hill in Amman, offering panoramic views of the city. King Abdullah I Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque, Rainbow street with many cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops.
To check the most popular city sights join this half day tour.
Aqaba
Aqaba is a coastal city in Jordan located at the northern tip of the Red Sea. It is Jordan’s only coastal city and serves as the country’s gateway to the sea. There are many interesting things to see, like, for example, Aqaba Marine Park.
It is a protected area renowned for its rich marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The park features vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and other marine creatures. Don’t forget to include in your bucket list the following tourist attractions: Mamluk Castle, Aqaba Bird Park and, of course, check some of the Jordan’s best beaches in the area.
Madaba
Madaba is a historic city located in central Jordan, known for its rich history, ancient mosaics, and religious significance. Madaba is often referred to as the “City of Mosaics” due to its wealth of ancient mosaic artwork.
One of the city’s most famous mosaics is the Madaba Map, which dates back to the 6th century AD and depicts the Holy Land, including Jerusalem and other biblical sites. For those, who would like to see the artwork go to St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church.
In the heart of Madaba you can find Craft Center. This center showcases traditional Jordanian handicrafts, including pottery, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry. You can watch local artisans at work and purchase unique souvenirs and gifts from Jordan.
Mount Nebo
Nor far from Madaba there is a very important historical sight of Mount Nebo. It holds immense importance in Christian and Jewish traditions and is believed to be the place where Moses saw the Promised Land before his death.
At the summit of Mount Nebo, visitors can find the Memorial Church of Moses. This modern church was constructed in the 20th century and houses excavated remains of ancient churches. The area surrounding Mount Nebo is part of the Mount Nebo Nature Reserve, which encompasses rugged landscapes, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
