11 Must Visit places in Jordan

Travelling to new destinations is such a delightful experience, and when the destination is a stunning Jordan, you have no words left. After a tete-a-tete with Jordan, I am back with so many memories. And these memories were captured by my with the help of Honor 5X, my travel buddy for high quality pictures and videos. There is a lot to do, see and relish in this mystical land.

Today we talk about the 11 must visit places in Jordan.

1. Petra

When in Jordan you cannot miss visiting Petra. It is one of the new wonders of the world. This ancient site dates back to 3000BC and is Jordan’s pride. The rose red city with captivating mountains and vast mausoleums is certainly a breathtaking site. No wonder it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of tourists from across the globe. It is a unique city carved into rock by Nabataens – industrious Arab people who settled in the area around 2000 years ago.

The entrance to the city is through Siq, a narrow gauge. It is flanked on either side by high cliffs. Walk till the end of the Siq and get a glimpse of Al-Khazhel, the treasury. I cannot find enough words that describe the beauty and grandeur of the place.

The other places of interest in Petra are the Roman style theatre and Ad-Deir monastery. You must also visit 2 amazing museums – Petra Archeological Museum and Petra Nabataen Museum. These museums house a wide collection of finds collected from various excavations and give insights into the royal past of this glorious destination.

Your visit to Jordan is considered incomplete if you don’t visit this wonder of the world.

2. Wadi Rum

The crimson colored sky and stunning desert till the horizon, Wadi Rum is nothing short of paradise. It is also known as The Valley of the Moon. Located in southern Jordan, it is the largest wadi in the country. A beautiful valley cut into sandstone and granite rock, Wadi Rum is a dream destination. Rightly said that one cannot get enough of this picturesque landscape.

The place is home to Zalabian Bedouins of Jordan. Eco tourism is promoted in the region. Tourists can enjoy hiking, trekking, camel safari, camping and horse safari at Wadi Rum.

Wadi Rum has been a famous destination for film shootings. Some of the most popular films shot here are – Lawrence of Arabia, Krishh 3, and The Martian.

3. Jerash

Jerash comes a close second to Petra on the list of must visit places in Jordan. Located in northern Jordan, it is a site that needs to be seen. You don’t even get over the beauty of Petra and just then you are engulfed by the mesmerizing landscapes of Jerash.  It is steeped in history. The golden age of the city came under Roman rule, during which the city was called Gerasa.

Some of the most popular places to visit in Jerash are –

• Hadrian’s Arch
• Roman Ruins of Jerash
• Oval Forum
• Hippodrome
• North Theater
• The South Gate
• The South Theater
• North Tetrapylon

The city is a popular tourist attraction and bustling with activity. You can interact with locals, relish local food, explore the region, indulge in shopping and of course lose your heart at this picture perfect destination.

4. Dead Sea

Reading a book while floating in the Dead Sea is on the bucket list of many people. Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul at the beautiful Dead Sea. 400m below sea level, it is the lowest point on earth. It is surrounded by mountains on one side and Jerusalem in the distance, making the landscape look like a fairy tale setting. You can sit and admire nature’s bliss and bounty for hours and hours.

The water of Dead Sea is ten times saltier than normal sea water and is rich in minerals. The mineral rich black mud of the area is used for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Dead Sea has emerged to be a major hub for religious as well as wellness tourism.

Enjoy diving at the Dead Sea or indulge in a relaxing spa session, there will never be a dull moment at this mesmerizing site.

5. Amman

Talking about places to visit in Jordan, so how can we forget the capital city – Amman. From being a quaint village to a popular tourist hub, Amman has undergone a major transformation. The city is sprawling over 19 hills and makes a magnificent site.

Enjoy a beautiful sunset from the view point near Citadel. Downtown Amman has a very relaxed feel. It has various museums, souqs, coffeehouses and mosques.

Some of the most popular tourist attractions of Amman include

• Citadel
• Roman Theater
• Jordan Museum
• Temple of Hercules
• King Abdullah mosque
• Darat al-Funun
• Umnayad Palace

Explore the tourist attractions, sip traditional mint tea at one of the coffee houses, and interact with the locals to bring back memories of Jordan with you.

6. Aqaba

Aqaba is a coastal city in Jordan, situated on the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba. There are numerous beach resorts all over the city and it is a paradise for beach lovers. Home to many snorkeling clubs and museums, Aqaba attracts tourists from all over the world.

Windsurfing is one of the most popular tourist activities of the city. Tourists can also enjoy diving and explore stunning diving sites like Yamaniel coral reef. When in Aqaba, you must visit the magnificent Aqaba Fort, Ayla Ancient Church, and Aqaba Museum.

The city has a pleasant vibe with friendly and amicable people, lots of tourists and a holiday like mood. Visit Aqaba for a laidback relaxing vacation and rejuvenate yourself.

7. Mt. Nebo

Next on the list is Mt. Nebo, a 1000m high mountain situated opposite the northern end of the Dead Sea.

It is mentioned in the Bible as the place from where Moses saw the view of the Promised Land. Mt. Nebo has been a popular religious tourist attraction, especially for Christians. This mystical and fascinating destination will certainly make your trip to Jordan more exciting and enthralling.

Various excavations have uncovered an ancient church and its stunning Byzantine mosaics. A visit to Memorial Church of Moses is a must when in the city. You must also visit Old Baptistery, New Baptistery, and Theotokos Chapel.

8. Bethany

Popularly referred as Bethany Beyond The Jordan, this was the baptism site of Jesus by John the Baptist. Considering the religious significance of the place, it has become a popular religious tourist attraction. In recent excavations, remains of more than 20 Christian sites have been unearthed. Jordan Tourism Authority has developed and protected the site very well.

Take the entry ticket from the Visitors’ Center and then you have the choice of visiting 3 sites –

• Tell Mar Elias
• The Baptism Pools
• John the Baptist’s Church

Pilgrimage to these sites is also very popular and people from various parts of Middle East visit Bethany.

9. Ajloun Castle

Qala’At Ar-Rabad, popularly known as Ajloun Castle is an Islamic castle which was built way back in the 12^th century. 3 wadis lead to the castle and it offers breathtaking view of the Jordan Valley.

The castle is about 3km uphill from the town centre. The best way to reach the castle is by a taxi.

10. Kerak Castle

The impressive Kerak Castle is a large Crusader castle. It is standing tall as a fine example of architectural brilliance.

The entry of the castle is at the southern end of Al Qala’a St. There are 2 parts of the castle – the lower courtyard and lower vaults; and upper level. Also there is a small museum in the castle that traces the history of Kerak.

11. Madaba 

Last but certainly not the least in the list of must visit places in Jordan is Madaba. Located 30 kms south-west of the capital Amman, Madaba is known for Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. The city dates from the Middle Bronze Age and is famous for a large Byzantine-era mosaic map of the Holy Land.

These 11 must visit places in Jordan will make you see the city in full spirit. Soak in the Bedouin hospitality and their love for feeding. It’s time to put your savings to good use. Book your tickets and get going.

You must also check out the 5 Must Try Arabic foods in Jordan. Oh, you are a vegetarian? Don’t worry, we have a veg guide for you. Try the veg Arabic foods and find love in every bite.

Thankyou Honor 5 X for capturing Jordan in a new light.