The 8 Must-See Destinations in Jordan
A sacred land of nomads, Jordan is a country at the crossroads of civilization and history.
A sacred land of nomads, Jordan is a country at the crossroads of civilization and history. A haven of stability in a turbulent Middle Eastern region, the country attracts tourists from around the world eager to discover the beauty of its landscapes.
Traveling in Jordan means exploring mythical sites such as the city of Petra and Wadi Rum, one of the world's most spectacular deserts. It's also about swimming in the turquoise waters of the Red Sea, admiring ancient historical sites, floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, and meeting the Bedouins.
Here's a closer look at the must-see destinations for your Jordan journey.
Amman
Your journey begins in Amman, the capital, a warm city full of contrasts. To the west, you'll find residential neighborhoods with trendy cafés and modern shopping centers. The eastern part of the city is more picturesque, home to the capital's traditional quarters. The lower city is the heart of Amman, a place where it's easy to lose yourself in the labyrinthine maze of its steep alleyways.
Among the must-see attractions in Amman is the Citadel, a true open-air museum. Perched atop the city's highest hill, Jabal al-Qala'a, it's a unique archaeological site bearing witness to the richness of the city's historical past, where many civilizations have flourished.
The ancient amphitheater, which once held no fewer than 6,000 spectators, is an architectural gem to discover in the lower city.
Then head to the souk quarter and artisan shops to immerse yourself in Amman's traditional atmosphere.
Rainbow Street, the liveliest district in the lower city, is a must-visit for its numerous restaurants. Here you can taste falafels, mezze, and hummus, three pillars of Jordanian cuisine.
Petra
The holy grail for many travelers, a visit to Jordan is an opportunity to discover the fabulous city of Petra. An ancient Nabatean city inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1985, it's undoubtedly one of Jordan's must-see destinations.
The wonder begins upon arrival as you walk through the heart of the Siq, a spectacular canyon nearly a kilometer long. A unique moment awaits when Al Khazneh emerges—the Treasury, Petra's most emblematic monument.
The site is filled with vestiges to explore, including ancient cave tombs thousands of years old, and offers stunning panoramas of the natural landscape surrounding the city.
El Deir, another highly sought-after monument on the site, is a monastery whose façade is absolutely magnificent at sunset.
Numerous hiking trails within Petra's site allow you to discover all its wonders on foot.
Jerash
Located north of Amman, Jerash is the country's second most visited site after Petra. Once known as Gerasa, the ruins of this ancient Greco-Roman city, buried under sand for centuries, are incredibly well preserved.
You can admire numerous structures including an ancient theater, temples dedicated to Roman deities, an enormous oval plaza, Roman baths, and beautiful paved avenues. An essential site to visit in Jordan to immerse yourself in its fascinating history.
The Wadi Rum Desert
Exploring the Wadi Rum desert is among Jordan's must-see destinations. Renowned as one of the world's most beautiful deserts, it's also an opportunity to meet the Bedouins and experience the daily life of these desert nomads.
It's impossible not to fall under the spell of this place's unique landscape and colors. This red sand desert, with its orange and ochre hues, is home to numerous gigantic rock formations. You can admire natural arches, canyons, and magnificent dunes. And there's nothing quite like spending a night in the desert to fully appreciate its beauty, tranquility, and vastness.
Dana Valley
Jordan is a country of many facets, as evidenced by the wonderful Dana Valley. A true natural wonder, the reserve spans more than 300 km² between the Rift mountains and the Wadi Araba desert.
Nestled between valleys and mountains, it's the ideal place to hike and discover spectacular nature. The village of Dana is the perfect place to recharge, stay with locals, and organize an excursion into the heart of the valley.
Wadi Mujib
The more adventurous shouldn't miss experiencing a water hike in Wadi Mujib. This stunning canyon reaching 900 meters in height has the unique characteristic of plunging down to the lowest point on Earth, in the Dead Sea valley.
There are many ways to discover the canyon, but the most spectacular is the Siq Trail, a hike through the water that winds through the red sandstone cliffs of the canyon. An activity that is now among Jordan's must-do experiences!
Aqaba
Aqaba is a coastal city on the shores of the Red Sea. It's the preferred destination for exploring the rich underwater world of the Red Sea.
Whether scuba diving or snorkeling, discover Jordan's pristine coastlines and be amazed by coral reefs while swimming surrounded by turtles and countless colorful fish.
The Dead Sea
Floating on the waters of the Dead Sea is one of Jordan's must-do activities. The experience is usually accompanied by a mud bath, renowned for the benefits of its minerals.
Situated 415 meters below sea level, it's a natural wonder that is unfortunately in peril, threatened by desiccation due to overexploitation of its waters.
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit Jordan is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Temperatures are pleasant for exploring Petra, Wadi Rum, and Jerash. Summer is very hot, especially in the desert, and winter can be cool in mountainous areas.
Most European citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival in Jordan. A good option is the Jordan Pass, which includes entry visa as well as access to over 40 tourist sites including Petra, allowing you to save significantly.
An 8 to 10-day stay is ideal for discovering the 8 must-see destinations: 2 days in Amman and Jerash, 2 to 3 days in Petra, 2 days in the Wadi Rum desert, 1 day at Wadi Mujib, 1 day at the Dead Sea, and 1 to 2 days in Aqaba.
It's possible to visit Petra's main sites in one day, but two days are strongly recommended to explore the Siq, the Treasury (Al Khazneh), the El Deir monastery, and the site's numerous hiking trails. Some opt for the 'Petra by Night' evening visit as an addition.
Jordan is considered one of the most stable and safe countries in the Middle East region. The country welcomes millions of tourists each year without major incidents. As with any trip, it's advisable to check the recommendations of your country's foreign affairs ministry before traveling.
In Wadi Rum desert, you can take 4x4 excursions with Bedouin guides, hike among rock formations, go climbing, ride camels, and sleep under the stars in a Bedouin camp. It's an unforgettable experience in the heart of one of the world's most beautiful deserts.
