Things to see and do in Jordan
Attractions in Jordan
Ajloun Forest Reserve
In the green hills of northern Jordan, Ajloun Forest Reserve offers a cooler, more temperate contrast to the country's deserts. Oak and pistachio trees cover rolling terrain dotted with villages and walking trails. The area is also close to Ajloun Castle, making it easy to combine nature and history in a single visit.
Amman
Jordan's capital is a lively, modern city layered with history. Roman ruins such as the Citadel and the Roman Theatre sit alongside cafés, galleries, and busy markets. Amman is also the country's cultural and culinary centre, making it an essential stop for understanding contemporary Jordan beyond its ancient sites.
Aqaba
Jordan's only coastal city sits on the Red Sea and offers a relaxed contrast to the country's desert interiors. Aqaba is known for its warm waters, coral reefs, and laid-back atmosphere, making it popular for snorkelling, diving, and seaside breaks. It also serves as a gateway to nearby Wadi Rum and southern Petra.
Azraq Wetland Reserve
Once a vital oasis on ancient migration routes, Azraq remains an important stopover for migratory birds travelling between Africa and Eurasia. Boardwalks and observation points allow visitors to explore the wetlands and the surrounding desert landscape. It is a particularly rewarding visit for birdwatchers and those interested in Jordan's environmental conservation efforts.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Located on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, this UNESCO-listed site is widely recognised as the place where John the Baptist baptised Jesus. Archaeological remains include ancient churches, baptism pools, and hermit dwellings. Whether visited for religious reasons or historical interest, it offers a peaceful and highly significant stop near the Dead Sea.
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan's largest nature reserve stretches from forested highlands down to arid desert lowlands, creating an extraordinary range of landscapes and wildlife. Dana is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and slow travel, with trails passing through dramatic wadis and traditional villages. The reserve also offers some of the country's most atmospheric eco-lodges and guesthouses.
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is famous for being the lowest point on Earth and for its dense, mineral-rich waters that allow bathers to float effortlessly. Along Jordan's eastern shore, resorts and public access points offer mud treatments, calm views across the water, and a striking desert-meets-sea landscape. It is both a natural curiosity and a place to slow down.
Jerash
One of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy, Jerash offers an impressive collection of colonnaded streets, temples, theatres, and public squares. Walking through the ancient city gives a vivid sense of daily life in the Roman era, with wide avenues and monumental architecture still remarkably intact.
Mount Nebo
According to tradition, Mount Nebo is the place where Moses saw the Promised Land. Today it offers sweeping views over the Jordan Valley and, on clear days, as far as Jerusalem. The site combines religious significance with a peaceful setting, making it a meaningful stop for both pilgrims and non-pilgrims alike.
Mukawir
Perched dramatically on a hilltop overlooking the Dead Sea region, Mukawir (Machaerus) is the site of a Herodian fortress and is traditionally associated with the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist. The location offers sweeping views and a powerful sense of isolation, with ruins that feel stark and atmospheric rather than polished.
Petra
Carved directly into rose-coloured sandstone cliffs, Petra is Jordan's most iconic sight and one of the world's great archaeological wonders. Once the capital of the Nabataean kingdom, the city reveals itself gradually through a narrow gorge before opening onto the famous Treasury. Beyond this first reveal lies a vast complex of tombs, temples, stairways, and viewpoints, rewarding visitors who explore deeper and climb higher.
Shobak Castle
Shobak Castle, aka Qal'at ash-Shawbak in Arabic, is a Crusader fortress standing alone on a remote hilltop south of Petra. Less visited than other castles, it has a raw, windswept feel and far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside. Exploring its tunnels and towers gives a strong sense of Jordan's medieval past without the crowds.
Umm ar-Rasas
A lesser-visited UNESCO World Heritage Site, Umm ar-Rasas is an important archaeological area containing Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic remains. It is especially known for its remarkably well-preserved mosaic floors, including detailed depictions of cities across the region. The site rewards travellers willing to step off the main tourist trail.
Wadi Rum
A dramatic desert landscape of towering sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, and vast open plains, Wadi Rum feels almost otherworldly. Often explored by jeep, camel, or on foot, it is best known for its silence, night skies, and deep-red sands. Many visitors choose to stay overnight in a Bedouin camp, where the desert truly comes alive after sunset.
