Jordan – the name itself conjures images of breathtaking desert landscapes, ancient cities and Biblical scenes. Located in the heart of the Middle East, there are countless things to do in Jordan, a country with a history dating back to the times when the prophets walked the earth, and ancient empires ruled vast swathes of Asia, Europe and northern Africa.
Present-day Jordan straddles the Fertile Crescent, an area that is widely known as the cradle of modern civilisation, and was ruled through the ages by a succession of empires. The Babylonians, Nabateans, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Persians and the Byzantines came and went, leaving a legacy that is visible till this day. The fabled city of Petra is the most stunning example. Built by the Nabateans around 100 B.C., the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But there’s much more to Jordan than Petra!
Unique things to do in Jordan
Visitors to this desert kingdom will be spoiled by the huge array of things to see and do; from stunning historic sites to delicious food and amazing natural attractions. Whatever you choose, I strongly recommend you consider these unique things to do in Jordan:
Float above the Wadi Rum desert
Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a desert region in southern Jordan that consists of a broad valley with extensive dunes and impressive rocky outcrops, some as high as 1,500m (or close to 5,000ft), carved out over time by the eroding effects of water, wind and frost. I highly recommend going on a hot-air balloon flight at sunrise. The experience is quite literally breathtaking! Read about my Wadi Rum hot-air balloon experience.
Camp with the Bedouins
If you can, spend a few nights in Wadi Rum to fully experience the wonders of this desert region. You can camp with the Bedouins and enjoy their food and chatter, not to mention the stunning star-studded sky at night. During the day, you can go on a desert safari and/or trek around the surreal landscapes of Wadi Rum. Read more about things to do in Wadi Rum.
Check out the Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp or the Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp.
Wake up to a glorious desert view
An alternative to a Bedouin camp experience in Wadi Rum is to stay in a luxurious bubble tent. Enjoy the starry night from the comfort of your tent (some bubble tent accommodations even offer jacuzzis on the outdoor deck) and wake up to a majestic view of the desert and mountains. Check out the Wadi Rum Bubbles Camp, or the luxurious Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel.
Float in the Dead Sea at sunset
The Dead Sea is famous as being the lowest spot in the world (420m/1400ft below sea level) and a sea in which no life is possible due to its extreme salinity. The Dead Sea is one of the top attractions in Jordan and rightly so. The experience of swimming, or rather floating, in the Dead Sea is simply extraordinary. For a truly unique experience, try to time your visit to the Dead Sea just before sunset. I recommend the Mövenpick Resort which enjoys a stunning location at the shores of the Dead Sea. Read about my floating in the Dead Sea experience.
Visit Petra at night
Petra, the ancient Nabatean city in southern Jordan is arguably the country’s premier tourist attraction. I’ve been there two times now and I wouldn’t think twice about returning again!
I highly recommend spending the night in the Wadi Musa township just outside Petra because this allows you to visit Petra at night! Seeing Petra by night is absolutely one of the most enchanting experiences I’ve ever had. Hundreds of candles line the Siq, the mile-long gorge which leads visitors into the city. The highlight appears at the end of the Siq when the famous Treasury building slowly comes into view, cloaked by a faint glow from the sea of candles at its feet. The Bedouins’ musical performance adds to the wondrous atmosphere. Read about things to do in Petra.
Check out this two-day tour to Petra from Amman or this two-day tour of Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. If you plan to stay in Petra/Wadi Musa (and I recommend you do), check out the Mövenpick Resort Petra, a luxurious hotel located right at the entrance of Petra. Search for hotels in Wadi Musa.
Indulge yourself at the Ma-in hot springs
The Ma’in hot springs are located near the Dead Sea, about an hour’s drive southwest of Amman, in a spectacular canyon 264m below sea level. The last stretch of the drive from Amman, through mountains and down into the canyon is especially stunning. As the road winds its way down to the canyon floor, you’ll be treated to amazing panoramic views of the orangy-ochre coloured mountains, the canyon and the gorgeous palm-fringed oasis cosily nestled in the valley. The view of the elegant cascades in this mountainous desert landscape combined with the fantastic Spa make Ma’in one of my favourite experiences in Jordan! Read more about my Ma’in hot springs experience.
Book a day tour to Ma’in hot springs from Amman.
Get lost in the souks in Amman
Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a great city to spend some time in. Packed with history (don’t miss the Citadel and Roman theater), buzzing streets and a vibrant nightlife, there’s lots to do here to keep any visitor busy for at least a few days.
One of my favourite things to do is to simply wander around the souks or markets. Everything, from produce to clothing and jewelry can be found in these colourful souks. Even if you’re not into shopping, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the colourful sights, hustle-and-bustle and the scents of spices.
In Amman, indulge yourself with a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel or the Intercontinental Hotel.
Stroll along the avenue of columns in Jerash
Jerash is, next to Petra, the most significant of Jordan’s historic sites. Located about 50km north of Amman, Jerash can trace its roots back to the 1st century B.C. and these days, the remnants of its glorious past are an amazing sight. Jerash is perhaps most famous for Hadrian’s Arch and the beautiful Corinthian columns.
Make sure you spend some time strolling around the ancient city and look up admire the intricate Corinthian columns! The highlight for me was walking along the avenue of columns! Read about things to see in Jerash.
Book a day tour to Jerash or this private day tour to Jerash and Umm Qais from Amman.
There you have it! These are my seven recommendations for things you must do in Jordan.
[…] as being one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East, Jerash is one of the top attractions in Jordan (alongside Petra) and is certainly a must-visit. During my visit, I strolled around the city in awe […]
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[…] Read about unique things to do in Jordan. […]
[…] Unique experiences in Jordan […]
[…] just spent eight amazing days in Jordan but there was one more awesome treat in store for me as I boarded my flight from Amman to […]
Hi Turner,
Indeed! Jordan is definitely one of those places that gives you the travel bug and inspire you to want to see more of the world!
Cheers,
Keith
Man, such a magical place. Petra and Wadi rum really are special. I feel like when you go on a trip like this it really gives you the travel bug.
[…] Read about other things to do in Jordan. […]
[…] Read about other things to do in Jordan. […]
[…] Read about other things to do in Jordan. […]
[…] is an imposing sight till this day. Most visitors visit this UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Jordan as part of a day-trip and that’s a pity as Petra has many things to keep visitors occupied […]
[…] Read about other things to do in Jordan. […]