Jordan, A Land of Ancient Wonders: Best Places To Visit In Jordan
Are you looking for an offbeat adventure to the Middle East? Look no further than Jordan! It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, Iraq to the northeast, Syria to the north, and Israel and Palestine to the west. Jordan is a beautiful and historically rich country with diverse attractions for travelers. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe has resulted in a rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and a unique culinary scene. Furthermore, a stable government, relative safety, and efforts to promote tourism have contributed to its popularity as a preferred tourist destination among Middle Eastern countries. So, let’s navigate through the best places to visit in Jordan for an unconventional travel experience.
Your Gateway to Middle Eastern Marvels: Best Places To Visit In Jordan
Petra: Rose City
Begin your Jordan adventure by visiting the ancient city of Petra. Carved into rose-red cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Thus, Petra, an archaeological marvel, tops our list of the best places to visit in Jordan featuring several fascinating sites to explore.
Attractions: The Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Monastery, High Place of Sacrifice, Ad-Deir Monastery, Royal Tombs
Wadi Rum: A surreal desert landscape
Known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is famous for its otherworldly landscapes. Spread across 74,000 hectares, it is a desert wilderness with stunning sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, and ancient petroglyphs. You can take a jeep tour, hot air balloon rides, or stay in a traditional Bedouin camp for an ethereal experience. Additionally, it is an excellent place for hiking, rock climbing, sandboarding, and stargazing.
Attractions: Khazali Canyon, Lawrence Spring, Lawrence House, Nabatean temple, Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Dead Sea: An otherworldly natural wonder
Located at the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea is among the most exciting places to visit in Jordan. Its hypersaline water allows you to float effortlessly on its surface. Isn’t that thrilling? Additionally, enjoy the therapeutic mineral-rich mud treatments at the various resorts along the shoreline. Thus, a visit to the Dead Sea is sure to captivate travelers.
Attractions: Dead Sea Museum, Mujib Nature Reserve, Lisan Peninsula, Qasr el Yahud, Ma’in Hot Springs, trek to Zara Cliff
Amman: Where tradition meets modernity
Our list of the top places to visit in Jordan would be incomplete without a mention of Amman. The capital city is a bustling metropolis with a rich history. Tourists can explore ancient Roman ruins, stroll through downtown Amman’s lively markets, and savor delicious Jordanian cuisine. Thus, Amman is a must-visit destination offering a vibrant blend of modernity and history.
Attractions: Amman Citadel, Jordan Museum, the Roman Theater, King Abdullah Mosque, Umayyad Palace
Jerash: Pompeii of the East
Known for its remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. The ruins include temples, theaters, and colonnaded streets. The rolling hills and verdant valleys of Jerash with pine, plum, and olive trees add to its charm.
Attractions: Arch of Hadrian, South Theater, Oval Plaza, Ajloun Castle, Temple of Artemis
Aqaba: relax and rejuvenate
Jordan’s only coastal city, Aqaba, offers beautiful beaches along the Red Sea. This place is a haven for water sports enthusiasts where you can go snorkeling, windsurfing, or relax on the pristine beaches. It’s also a gateway to some of the best diving spots in the Red Sea. The azure waters, colorful coral reefs, and diverse marine life make Aqaba among the exciting places to visit in Jordan.
Attractions: Aqaba Archaeological Museum, Mamluk Castle, Aqaba Marine Park, Aqaba Bird Observatory
Madaba: City of Mosaics
Madaba is known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. The most famous is the Madaba Map, which depicts the Holy Land. The map can be found in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. The magnificent gold-gilded mosque and collection of spikey tall minarets are worth a visit. Thus, a visit to Madaba, the holiest town in Jordan, is a must. Also, don’t forget to buy carpets from Madaba.
Attractions: St George’s Church And Mosaic Map, Church Of The Apostles
Unearth Jordan: The Cradle of Civilization
Kerak Castle: a majestic masterpiece
Another name among the top places to visit in Jordan is the Kerak Castle. This massive Crusader-era castle is an impressive example of medieval architecture. Being one of the largest castles in Jordan, it offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Located in Al-Karak, it provides a glimpse into Jordan’s historical past.
Mount Nebo: tranquil retreat to the hills
According to biblical tradition, this is where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. You can enjoy panoramic views of the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea, and even parts of Jerusalem. The memorials of Moses and Mukawir (fortress) are top attractions here.
Dana Biosphere Reserve: spellbinding natural beauty
Are you a nature enthusiast? If so, you’ll surely enjoy exploring the Dana Biosphere Reserve. This largest nature reserve in Jordan encompasses varied landscapes, from rugged mountains to deserts. It is home to diverse flora and fauna and offers beautiful hiking trails through canyons and mountains. Hence, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is among the top places to visit in Jordan to immerse in the unparalleled beauty of its natural landscapes.
Umm Qais: an ancient charm
Known as Gadara, this archaeological site in northern Jordan overlooks the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Yarmouk River. It was once a Roman city and now has a well-preserved amphitheater and other ruins.
Qasyr Amra: an architectural gem in north Jordan
This desert castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique frescoes, providing insights into early Islamic art and architecture. It was built between 730-740 A.D. and is now a well-preserved historical site.
Moreover, Aljoun, Irbid, Zarqa, and Al-Maghtas are other significant places to visit in Jordan.
Summing Up
These are a few of the many incredible places to visit in Jordan. It has a significant cultural and historical heritage, with ties to various ancient civilizations, including the Nabateans, Romans, and Byzantines. Also, its archaeological evidence of human habitation dates back thousands of years. Hence, historical treasures, natural beauty, rich culture, warm hospitality, culinary delights, adventure activities, stability, and safety make Jordan a popular Middle East tourist destination.
The wonders of Jordan are calling out for you. So, respect local customs and traditions, embrace the local culture, savor delicious cuisine, and interact with the warm and welcoming Jordanians. Enjoy your trip to Jordan!
FAQ’s
- Is it expensive to travel in Jordan?
Yes. Jordan is more expensive to travel to than other neighboring countries of the Middle East region.
- Which language is spoken in Jordan?
Arabic is the official language, though many citizens speak English.
- What currency is used in Jordan?
The Jordanian Dinar is the currency used in Jordan.