Top Things to Do and See in Jordan

Petra, the rose-red city

Jordan's crown jewel is a vast Nabataean city carved into pink sandstone. Walk the narrow Siq canyon until the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) appears, then climb roughly 800 steps to the Monastery (Ad-Deir). A one-day ticket costs around 50 JOD, but a two- or three-day pass barely costs more and lets you slow down.

Wadi Rum desert

This Mars-like valley of red dunes and towering rock bridges is best explored by 4x4 with a local Bedouin guide. Stay overnight in a desert camp, eat zarb (meat cooked underground) and watch one of the clearest night skies on Earth.

Float in the Dead Sea

The lowest point on land, at about 430 metres below sea level. The salt-heavy water makes you bob effortlessly. Coat yourself in the famous black mineral mud, then rinse at a beach resort along the shore.

Jerash Roman ruins

One of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities anywhere. Wander the oval forum, the colonnaded Cardo street, and two grand theatres. It is an easy day trip north of Amman.

Amman, the capital

Climb to the Citadel for the Temple of Hercules and sweeping city views, see the Roman Theatre downtown, and eat your way through Rainbow Street and the food stalls of Al-Balad.

Wadi Mujib canyon

For the adventurous, the Siq Trail is a wet hike straight up a river gorge, scrambling over waterfalls. It runs roughly April to October; book through the nature reserve.

Dana Biosphere Reserve

Jordan's largest nature reserve drops from high mountains to desert. Hike its trails, spot ibex and rare birds, and stay at an eco-lodge perched on the cliff edge.

Aqaba and the Red Sea

Jordan's only coastal city offers warm water, coral reefs and excellent diving and snorkelling. It is also a relaxed base before or after the desert.

Mount Nebo and Madaba

From Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land, you can see the Dead Sea and, on clear days, Jerusalem. Nearby Madaba holds the famous 6th-century mosaic map.

Bethany Beyond the Jordan

The baptism site of Jesus on the Jordan River is a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage site, quiet and moving.

Stay connected in Jordan

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