There are so many things to doJordan,You will need at least a few weeks to visit. From the thriving metropolis of Amman to the peaceful retreat of Feynan Ecolodge, there is something for everyone.
Jordan - The Jewel of the Middle East. Surrounded by chaos and unrest, Jordan remained a neutral target and it is hard to imagine the conflict taking place outside its borders.
It is advisable to stay away from the Syrian and Iraqi borders and avoid demonstrations in public places. But traveling to Jordan these days seems no more unsafe than traveling anywhere else in the world, and as soon as you set foot in the country, you'll feel the warmth and friendliness of the locals.
What to do in Jordan
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We had the opportunity to see a large part of the country and fell in love with its beauty, culture and hospitality. Jordan is an unforgettable tourist destination.So these are our top 10 things to do in Jordan that will have you packing in no time.
- take yourlonely planet travel guideto Jordan
1. Ancient city of Petra
petra is one of themgreat ancient citiesin the world and definitely lives up to the hype. With its important buildings built into high cliffs, Petra will literally take your breath away when you enter Treasure Place after walking 2 km through the deep and narrow gorge of the Siq.
Petra has been an important part of the Silk Road to China and India for over 2,000 years, but it was abandoned around the 12th century.
It was known only to locals for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered by the West in 1812. This legendary setting is so beautiful that Hollywood has used Petra for the backdrops of movies like Transformers and Indian Jones ever since.Read more about Petra here.
2. Petra by night
Petra is an amazing place.visiting day, but go awaypetra at nightit's magic. As the sun sets, visitors follow the candles lining the Siq into the Treasury, where we watch a traditional Bedouin performance.
While the performance was only average, it was the scenery that impressed. Hundreds of candles lit the treasure and made for an unforgettable night.
For us, Petra was one of the great ancient cities that took us far beyond our visits to Machu Picchu, the pyramids or even Anchor Wat.
- Where sleep:movenpickopetra mariott
- get your guidetargeted offersExcursions to Petra
3. Little Petra
Of course, Petra is Jordan's main attraction, but once there, let your guide take you a little north to visit Little Petra, also known as Siq al Barid.
Archaeologists believe it was a suburb of Petra. You see, ancient cities weren't much different than they are today! The attraction here are the 2,000-year-old frescoes. As at Petra, entry is via a narrow Siq, albeit on a much smaller scale.
4. Swim in the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is really full of salt and you can float it however you like. Book a seaside hotel to soak in its healing waters every day. People at the Dead Sea are known to lie on their backs and read the newspaper, and it's true! They really float!
- Night at the Dead Sea:
- Holiday Inn Totes Lago– We stayed at this hotel, it was luxurious, great value for money and right on the Dead Sea with a fantastic beach.
- Kempinski Hotel Ishtar TotesMais- We have eaten at this hotel and toured the amenities and it is pure heaven.
5. Take a therapeutic mud bath
Dead Sea minerals have healing properties and many people book retreats to help with illness. Take advantage of the spas that use the healing waters of the Dead Sea and enjoy a retreat of pure luxury. When you rub mud on your skin, it becomes as soft as a baby's bottom.
However, I found the salt too strong and it burned my skin. It was good to have a bucket of fresh water nearby.
- Where sleep–Holiday Inn Totes Lago– We stayed at this hotel, it was luxurious with great value for money.
- Where sleep–Kempinski Hotel Ishtar TotesMais– We ate at this hotel and wished we could have stayed here. Pure sky.
- Only for a limited time in Jordan?Day trips can beReserved for the Dead Sea.
6. Canyoning Wadi Mujib
Diving in the waters of Wadi Mujib for a day was one of our favorite activities in all of Jordan. Wadi Mujib is easily accessible from the Dead Sea and can be included during your stay there.
Canyoning in the warm waters of Jordan was an incredible thrill, starting with a rappel down a rapids waterfall. Wearing a PFD (life vest), we swam in pools, plunged down natural waterslides and descended narrow canyons. It was an amazing way to escape the heat and start our adventure.Read it all with usCanyoning Adventures in Jordan
7. Ron Wade
ron the wadiit is an incredible desert valley full of narrow gorges, imposing cliffs and natural stone arches. It is the home of the Bedouins where mankind inhabited this land for almost 12,000 years. TE Lawrence started his journey through the Arabian Desert here.
Lawrence of Arabia is so closely associated with Wadi Rum that the beautiful rock formation known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom is named after his autobiography.
8. Stay in a Bedouin camp
There are many things to do in Wadi Rum. We took a desert jeep tour and a camel safari to fulfill our own Lawrence of Arabia fantasies.
Get a true Bedouin experience as you camp in woolly yurts in the heart of Wadi Rum. Walk by candlelight, enjoy a Bedouin meal cooked in the earth, and ride a camel at sunset. But the best part of visiting Wadi Rum was staying in a Bedouin camp for a true Bedouin experience.
We had dinner in a camp where food was prepared for us underground. We stayed in our own private camp and walked the trail by candlelight. It was amazing to sleep under the stars.
- Where sleep–Captain's Camp in the Desert– We stayed here and had a great authentic experience and ate amazing food.
9. Feynan Öko-Lodge
Feynan Eco-Lodge is a luxury getaway that prioritizes protecting Jordan's natural resources and wildlife. Hire a local guide from the lodge to take you on a nature walk through the reserve to point out ancient ruins, local flora and fauna, and share personal stories about growing up in the area.
At night, enjoy a view of the stars completely free of light pollution as you lie back peacefully on the roof of the hostel and gaze up at the night sky over a freshly brewed tea.
- keep readingabout this experience in JordanatFeynan Eco-Lodge, a haven of peace in Jordan
- you can bookand check availabilitytrip advisor
10. Dana Nature Reserve
The Dana Biosphere Reserve cuts through the Rift Valley and leads into the heart of Africa. The town of Dana is a 15th century stone town overlooking the great valley. Once a thriving town, it has now been transformed into a community of artists and farmers.
Here you can explore the town and walk through the nature reserve to see local life as it has been lived for centuries. There are multi-day hikes you can take through the biosphere reserve, and one takes you from Dana village to Feynan Ecolodge. Jordan is fast becoming an ecotourism destination.
- Where sleep:Dana Inn.
11. Jerash
If you like Roman ruins, you'll love Jerash. Jerash is the best-preserved ancient Roman city outside of Italy. Jerash is 6,500 years old and was an important city on Rome's ancient trade route.
Thanks to the dry climate, it has remained untouched for centuries, waiting to be explored. Excavations began in 1925 and today it is one of the finest examples of Roman architecture outside Rome.
- Jerash can be reached on a day trip from Amman. We stayed at the Four Seasons Amman and took a day trip out of the city.
- Receive offers from your guideDay Trips from Amman to Jerash.
- To learn more about Jerash, check out our post about our time inJerash
12. Berg O
For a spiritual journey, visit Mount Nebo, known as the place where Moses saw the promised land before he died. As you gaze across the valley, you can also witness spectacular views of the Holy Land.
Mount Nebo is home to an active monastery and Byzantine church, which is a popular stop for pilgrims. Be sure to check out the tiles.
13. Explore Amman
Amman is a thriving metropolis worth spending a few days in. Enjoy a shisha at a local bar, shop at one of the many markets and be sure to visit the King Abdullah Mosque.
For local flair, be sure to enjoy a meal at Hashem Restaurant, an open-air cafe tucked away in a crowded alleyway.
What to do in Amman
- King Abdullah Mosque
- Eat food. Amman has an incredible food scene, from street food to 5 star restaurants. Foods to try are falafel, hummus, nuts, khunafa, shawarma.
- Al Balad - The heart of Amman for markets and shopping
- amman citadel
- rainbow road
Where to stay in Amman:amman four seasons
As you can see, there is a lot to do in Jordan far beyond Petra. With exceptional ecological adventures, a rich history and incredible landscapes, Jordan is a wonderful vacation destination in the Middle East.
If you're looking for something different on your travels this year, you should definitely give Jordan a try. You won't be disappointed.
Map of Jordan - our itinerary
Click herefor your own interactive map of Jordan
Sights like Mount Nebo, Jerash, and even the Dead Sea (if you're short on time) can all be done on day trips from Amman.
We recommend at least one night at the Dead Sea.
Wadi Rum and Petra must be night excursions to really appreciate the experiences.
Dana and Feynan are also recommended for an overnight trip.
Suggested 10-day itinerary in Jordan
- Day 1 – 3: (2 nights) – Explore Amman (may include a day trip to Jerash in one day)
- Day 3/4 - Day 3 Depart for Petra and enjoy Petra in the evening before exploring Petra the next day. (2 nights)
- Day 5/6 – Wadi Rum (2 nights)
- Day 6 – Night at Feynan Eco Lodge (1 night)
- Day 7 - Overnight at Dana Conservation Area
- Day 8/9 – Dead Sea (2 nights).
- Day 10 - Stop at Mount Nebo on the way back to Amman
Read more about Jordan:
- Etiquette in the Middle East
- Jerash – Welcome to the ancient Roman city of Jordan
- Wadi Mujib Canyoning Jordan an Nervous Eco Adventure Tour
- Petra Jordan - Tips for Exploring the Lost City
- Petra at night in pictures
- Jordan travel guide
- Amman on foot: a walking tour of the Jordanian capital
- Feynan Eco Lodge, a peaceful retreat in Jordan
- Visiting Jordan's Dead Sea – Floating Baths and Medicinal Waters
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