Start planning your Jordan tour with our list of must-see Jordan tourist attractions and fall in love with this ageless and ancient country. Contact one of our friendly Travel Specialists today to find out more!
Overview:
- Petra
- Wadi Rum
- The Dead Sea
- Amman
- Aqaba
- Mount Nebo
- The Dana Biosphere Reserve
- Jerash
- St George's Church
- Kerak Castle
10 Jordan tourist attractions you have to see
1. Petra
Certainly, the most famous site in Jordan is the city of Petra. Located in Jordan’s southwestern desert, this archaeological site takes you on a journey back in time. Carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, Petra was once an important junction for the silk and trade routes.
Attracting visitors from all over the world, much of Petra’s appeal comes from its breathtaking setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge. A visit to the lost city of Petra is incomplete without a visit to Petra’s most famous monument, the Treasury. Other highlights include Pharaoh’s Castle, the Triumphal Arch, the Amphitheatre situated near the top of a large hill and the stunning Monastery – the view from here is worth the climb!
2. Wadi Rum
In southern Jordan you will find the breathtaking Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness. You can find traces of ancient civilisations and inscriptions throughout the Wadi Rum area from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabatean and Arabic texts. The most lasting monuments in Wadi Rum, however, are those carved by nature – such as the natural rock bridges, the towering rose-coloured sand dunes and vast peaks. One of the most unique things to do in Jordan is to spend an unforgettable night at a desert camp in Wadi Rum. A truly magical experience, you can experience it on a small group tour with Bunnik Tours.
3. The Dead Sea
Straddling the border between Israel and Jordan, the Dead Sea is the lowest spot on the Earth’s surface. As its name evokes, the Dead Sea is devoid of life due to the extremely high content of salts and minerals that give its waters its renowned curative powers, therapeutic qualities and buoyancy.
The Dead Sea should be seen (and floated on) at least once in every person’s life. Because the salt content is four times that of most oceans, you can float in the Dead Sea without even trying. Dead Sea mud is popular for its natural treatments and in recent years the area has become a health, rehabilitation, recreation, and beauty spa hotspot.
4. Amman
As Jordan’s bustling and vibrant capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world, Amman is a unique blend of old and new. Amman has had many name changes over the years and it was known as Philadelphia during the Greco-Roman and Byzantine times. Most travellers to Jordan will arrive in Amman first and while many visitors will only pass quickly through, it is one of the most interesting cities in the Middle East and is one of the best places to explore in Jordan. There is a variety of fascinating ruins here as well as hip restaurants, cafes, and impressive art galleries.
Some popular Jordan tourist attractions in Amman are the Roman Theatre and the impressive Ajloun Castle or ‘Qalaat Rabadh’ (Arabic for ‘Hilltop Castle’) – this Islamic castle was built in the 12th century and served as a military fort to protect the region from invading Crusader forces.
5. Aqaba
Jordan’s only coastal city, the picturesque Aqaba is among the most interesting places to visit in the country, with the red mountains of Wadi Rum in the background and the Red Sea in the foreground. Aqaba is Jordan's major tourism resort and only seaport, with its Red Sea coastline, fascinating history and prime location attracting thousands of tourists each year. The city is also a popular base for tourists due to its close location to Wadi Rum and Petra, and the border with Israel and Egypt.
6. Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is one of the most sacred holy sites of Jordan as it is said to be the place where Moses was buried. The centre for pilgrimages since the earliest Christian times, Mount Nebo, is a spiritual attraction, with some of the country's best preserved mosaics from the 6th century, a Serpentine Cross, and the famous Moses Memorial Church. Located between Amman and the Dead Sea, Mount Nebo offers sweeping views over the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea.
7. The Dana Biosphere Reserve
The spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan’s largest nature reserve and is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Located halfway between Amman and Aqaba, Dana Biosphere Reserve is part of the Great Rift Valley. The main reason to visit Dana is to hike or walk in the reserve. The picturesque location is about 500 years old and in many ways is representative of Jordanian life from the 19th century.
8. Jerash
One of the most beautiful and well-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, Jerash is a popular Jordan tourist attraction. The ancient city was buried in sand before being gradually revealed through a series of excavations, starting in 1925 and continuing to this day. Whilst the Middle East is famous for housing numerous other surviving Roman cities that have similar architectural treasures, the ancient ruins at Jerash are renowned for their remarkable state of preservation.
9. St George’s Church
The Greek Orthodox Church of St George is one of the main places of worship and pilgrimage across Jordan. It is home to Madaba’s main attraction, a wonderfully vivid, 6th century Byzantine mosaic map showing the entire region from Jordan and Palestine in the north, to Egypt in the south. During construction of the church in the 19th century, workers uncovered the map, one of the most important surviving artistic relics of the Byzantine era. Located on the floor of the church, the impressive map shows astounding detail even though only a quarter of the original work survived.
10. Kerak Castle
Located in Kerak, the impressive Kerak Castle was one of the largest castles built by the Crusaders in the Middle East and is a popular Jordan tourist attraction. Built in 1142 by Payen le Bouteiller, Lord of Montreal, the fortress sits on the remains of earlier citadels which date back to Nabataean times. A visit to the castle is particularly fascinating as it gives insight into the architectural military genius of the Crusaders, and the castle features a dark maze of stone-vaulted halls and endless passageways.
FAQs
1. What is Jordan famous for?
Set on the ancient crossroads between Arabia and the Mediterranean Sea, Jordan is full of historic sites. Although the land might be ancient, Jordan’s cities offer modern conveniences that help make your trip to the past a little less demanding. Explore dramatic scenery in Wadi Rum, discover ancient ruins in Amman, be mesmerised by the beautiful Dead Sea, tour the famous lost city of Petra and much more!
2. What should I not miss Jordan?
There are plenty of things to do and see on a Jordan small group tour! Below we have listed some of the best attractions you can see whilst on a Jordan holiday:
- Petra
- Wadi Rum
- Amman
- The Dead Sea
3. Is Jordan good for tourists?
A Jordan holiday tour is safe for travellers. The crime rates are low, but as we advise with all international travel, please ensure all your personal belongings and valuables are kept secure. You should also avoid walking in deserted places alone at night. The Jordian people are friendly and will make you feel welcome, so just ensure you’re respectful of their culture and customs for the best possible experience!
See the best Jordan tourist attractions with Bunnik Tours
Are you feeling inspired to plan a trip to Jordan? At Bunnik Tours, we offer a wide range of small group tours, where you can discover the dramatic scenery, explore the historic sites, and visit all the best Jordan tourist attractions. A beautiful country with friendly locals and amazing destinations, we think a trip to Jordan should be on everyone’s bucket list. Book a tour online or get in touch with one of our friendly Travel Specialists to learn more about our Middle East tours today!
People also read:
- Get the Lowdown on the Middle East
- Petra, Jordan: The jewel in the Rock
- 4 Must-See Ancient Egyptian Temples
We’re proud to partner with the Jordan Tourism Board to showcase what Jordan has to offer.
