It’s no secret that we had a great time visiting Jordan and that we remember it as one of the best travel experiences to date.

Jordan is a country full of history and this can still be seen and felt throughout the country with its many monuments. But there’s more. Jordan also boasts outstanding nature, plus a very interesting culture. Some places are even inscribed as World Heritage.

For these reasons and more, we decided to put together a list of the top 10 things to do in Jordan! A showcase of some of the best this lovely middle eastern country has to offer, but not in any particular order.

If you’re planning on travelling to Jordan, this is a great list to inspire you to go there as soon as possible.

1 – Amman

Amman

Amman is the capital of Jordan and the entrance to the country for the majority of the visitors. A mix of old and new, Amman offers a few interesting things to see and do, namely the Roman Theatre and the Jordan Museum. This hilly city is a good example of a bustling Arab city, worth exploring its hidden corners.

Amman can be used as a base to explore the region on day-trips.

2 – Jerash

The South Theatre

Jerash is the settlement of one of the most well-preserved Greco-Roman sites outside Rome – the ancient city of Gerasa. Jerash lies short of 50 km from the Syrian border and makes a very good day trip from Amman.

Definitely a fully fledged Roman city, Jerash has many monuments in a great state of conservation. We highlight the South Theatre and the Collonaded street.

Find out more about Jerash.

3 – Desert Castles

Qasr Kharana

Scattered in the desert, east of the capital Amman, the desert castles are a group of different early-Islamic structures. These structures are amongst the oldest in Jordan, dating from the 7th century.

Find out more about the Desert Castles.

4 – Dead Sea

Bathing in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a saline lake and earth’s lowest elevation on land at -429 m. It’s in fact so salty that the only thing one can do there is to float. It’s quite a unique experience!

The best beaches are part of the resorts along the shoreline, but other beaches exist. Once there, you can also try the therapeutic mineral mud.

5 – Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo directions

Mount Nebo offers great panoramic views from the summit towards many important locations. For those familiar with the Bible, this is where Moses saw the promised land.

6 – Madaba

Madaba mosaic

Madaba is best known for its mosaics. The most famous one being a 6th-century map of the middle east containing the Holy Land that is located at the Basilica of Saint George. Many others can be seen at the archaeological park.

The mosaics are so important that a school was created to teach its art.

7 – Petra

Ad Deir, The Monastery

Petra is the main symbol of Jordan and its crown jewel. It’s a major archaeological site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Everyone has heard about Petra and the buildings carved in the red stone by the Nabateans, but seeing them in person is something that one remembers forever.

Don’t forget to add Petra by night to your itinerary for a different and amazing experience.

Find out more about Petra.

8 – Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a valley in south Jordan known for its spectacular moon-like landscape. The highest mountains you can find in the country meet a vast desert and its red sand dunes. It can’t get more remote or isolated than this, yet astonishingly beautiful (and hot!).

Find out more about Wadi Rum.

9 – Aqaba

Private beach in Aqaba

Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city and a gateway to the Red Sea. This is a very popular beach holiday destination due to excellent weather, warm water temperature, and the existence of many resorts. Both public and private beaches are available.

The gulf of Aqaba is home to a rich marine life, making it a world-class destination for water-related activities such as snorkelling and diving.

Jordan’s coastline in the Red Sea is very small at only around 25 km. From Aqaba, you can get to Israel and Saudi Arabia by road, plus Egypt by a short boat ride.

10 – Food

Market

Last but not least, food is the best way to discover the Jordanian culture. Indulge yourself in trying the different local specialities, like the Mansaf, or visit a market to see and buy the local produce.

We found the desserts to be amazing!

Our top 10 things to do in Jordan ends here, but there’s more! You just have to go there and see it for yourself.

Have you been to Jordan? What are your favourites or what would you like to visit?

Amman photo by Rob Oo