Jordan Travel Guide

Amman

The capital of Jordan, Amman is where you begin your travels. One of the best places to visit in Jordan, Amman is more than just a gateway to more glamorous Petra. The city is over 9000 years old and is home to many remnants of its past. You must visit the spectacular Roman Amphitheatre, a Byzantine Church that dates back to the fifth century, and the Umayyad Palace. The city also has several museums such as the Jordan Museum, the National Archaeological Museum and the Darat al Funun, an art gallery that is spread over three villas from the 1920s. A Jordan travel guide favourite is the Citadel, perched atop one of the many hills in Amman. Located in the centre of the city, the Citadel contains a Roman temple dedicated to Heracles and historic villas and ruins. Walking in a hilly city can h

Petra

The rose red city, half as old as time, Petra is the epitome of ancient grandeur. The city was the capital of the ancient Nabataean Kingdom that dates back to the sixth century BC. Today the city is the biggest attraction in Jordan and one of the Seven Wonder of the World as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore Petra by foot or on the backs of donkeys, camels and horses. The top attractions in Petra that should be a part of your Jordan travel planning are the Monastery and the Treasury. The Treasury with red sandstone carved façade is what you see on every Jordan travel guide. Another breath taking site is the entrance to Petra itself, to a long winding canyon called the Siq. If you have the time we suggest taking a night tour of Petra in which earthen lamps give the ancie

Aqaba

The city of Aqaba has been around for over six thousand years, its ancient port being one of the oldest on the planet. The city, today, is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Dead Sea. It is home to the Aqaba Fort, a 12th century fort that overlooks the sea and has hosted Lawrence of Arabia and the Crusaders. Next door to the fort is the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, that contains priceless artefacts from the 7th to the early 12th century AD. The city also has great opportunities for water sports such as windsurfing and paddling and a coral reef that acts as a great dive site.

Dead Sea

No Jordan travel guide worth its salt would let you leave the nation without a trip to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth, located 400m below sea level and is ten times as salty as most ocean water. This means that you can float on the water without any fear of drowning. Enjoy a therapeutic dip in a sea or head to one of the spas that line the shores for some TLC.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum literally means Valley of Sand. A valley cut out of sandstone and granite, it presents some of the most picturesque sights in Jordan. Located a short drive from Aqaba, the valley has temples, paintings and carvings that date back thousands of years. You will also enjoy hiking and rock climbing up the sandstone cliffs or explore the desert on horseback. If you prefer something a little more laidback, we suggest making a night under the stars a part of your Jordan travel planning.

Jerash, the Pompeii of the Middle East

Located in northern Jordan, Jerash was once a prominent city in the Roman Empire. Relics of those times are well preserved to this day and attract visitors from across the world. So beautifully preserved are the ruins, that Jerash is called the Pompeii of the Middle East. Some of the best Roman monuments in the city are Hadrian’s Arch, the Hippodrome, temples dedicated to Zeus and Athena, theatres and communal baths. Jerash is a history lover’s dream come to life with millennia old buildings wherever you look.

Qasr Amra

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qasr Amra is the most popular of Jordan’s desert castles. Built of limestone, the castle dates back to the 8th century AD by the caliph of the Umayyad Kingdom. Not much of the castle remains as the structure you will see on your visit to Qasr Amra is only the foundation of what was once a sprawling building. The castle is known for its frescoes of rulers, nymphs and stars of the zodiac. It is said that the painting you see on the ceiling of the dome is the earliest image of the night sky. That alone, makes Qasr Amra one of the top attractions in Jordan.

Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo is known for its views. So famous are they, that according to local legend, Moses himself is said to have climbed up the ridge so he could see the Promised Land. Rising out of the desert, Mount Nebo houses a Byzantine church and monastery with relics that are nearly two thousand years old. A short hike from the church to the summit will give you panoramic views of the Jordan Valley as well as the Holy Land making it a great place to watch the sunset.