10 Best Things to Do in Jordan
Petra Jordan
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What To Do In Jordan
A country that is sure to wow you from start to finish, discover the 10 best things to do in Jordan for a trip like no other with this Jordan travel guide. Below you’ll find the best things to do in Jordan and some accessible travel tips for travelers with disabilities.
Jordan is easily one of the most magnificent and exciting travel destinations I've ever visited. The country is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world and although it is surrounded by unrest which can make some travelers hesitate, it still offers a welcoming safe space for its visitors away from the chaos around.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic before visiting Jordan. I had no idea what to expect and it blew me away! The people were friendly and welcoming, the security was very high, and safety in the country was a top priority, the food was the best I'd had in the Middle East, and the attractions were mind-blowing.
Jordan is a truly magical destination that I will go back to when I have the chance again (which is not something I do often).
Visiting Jordan you can expect to enjoy historic marvels, beautiful cities, friendly locals, a diverse culture, and natural wonders. It is home to one of the oldest cities on the planet, the lowest point on Earth, and one of the 7 wonders of the world! There truly is no place like Jordan, which is why I want to share my tips for Jordan sightseeing.
Below are the 10 best things to do in Jordan for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Get ready to explore Jordan.
10 Best Things to Do in Jordan
City Petra
Visit Petra
One of the top things to do in Jordan that you CAN NOT miss is visiting Petra. This famous archeological site dates back to 300 B.C. when it was the capital city of the Nabataeans Kingdom. A walking tour of Petra is an absolute must-do in Jordan. And yes, there are wheelchair-accessible options.
At its height, it was home to around 250,000 people and was a thriving city with very advanced architecture and designs. It is now one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a wonder no doubt.
Petra is accessed by walking down a narrow canyon between huge cliffs, also known as "Al Siq". Even this walk is incredibly impressive with the huge cliffs, smaller temple carvings, and tombs. (Again there are other options for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility if you opt to take a tour.)
After walking down the Siq through the incredible rock formations you will reach the most famous and popular attraction: The Treasury. This is one of the most iconic tourist spots in Jordan.
This 45m high ornate detailed temple is carved into the surrounding cliffs. It truly is a wonder how it was carved and created thousands of years ago. This is easily one of the top photo spots inside Petra well worth a few shots.
You will notice this is by far the busiest part of Petra due to its popularity. There are also a lot of locals trying to make you pay for camel rides and for them to bring you to the mountain views.
They can get pretty annoying and pushy so beware. I chose to not go to the viewpoint - even though I wanted to - because of how pushy they were.
After seeing The Treasury there is a TON more to see in Petra. It is actually quite shocking how huge the entire Lost City is and how much you can see and do here. There are many other templates, ruins, and more. However, the best place to head to next is The Monastery.
This is a cliff-carved temple that looks quite similar to the Treasury but is MUCH less busy. Getting here requires around 45 minutes of walking uphill and is quite the hike. (There are options to traverse this portion by cart if you take a tour and have limited mobility.)
I actually preferred The Monastery over The Treasury. Some people rode donkeys to the top which was so sad and cruel, I do not support this! Walk and get a little workout in.
If you cannot walk, there are wheelchair-accessible tours available, Iike the one below. For more information on wheelchair accessibility in Petra, check out my post, “Is Petra worth visiting?”
Tips for Visiting Petra:
➡️ At the entrance, people will say a horse ride is included in your ticket. They will give you a horse ride and demand a "tip" so don't do it.
➡️ The animals in Petra are NOT treated well. Camels, donkeys, horses. Do not ride them and support unethical treatments.
➡️ The entrance price is 50 JD (54.28 USD) or INCLUDED in the Jordan Pass (More about this at the end of the article)
➡️ Budget around 4-5 hours to see as much of Petra as you can. You won't nearly see all of it but quite a bit.
➡️ Hours: 6 AM - 6 PM in summer and 6 AM - 4 PM in winter.
The treasury in Petra
Enjoy Petra by Night
Petra by Night is an occasional event where you can enjoy the magic of Petra after dark. The only source of light is thousands of candles which makes the entire adventure all the most exciting and magical. This experience only runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm, and the entrance price is 17 JD (25 USD). Visiting this iconic tourist attraction in Jordan by night gives you an entirely new perspective.
Wadi Rum
Explore Wadi Rum
One of the most famous sights in Jordan and one of the top places to go in Jordan, Wadi Rum is a vast red sand desert in Jordan that attracts visitors from around the world. The name "Wadi Rum" translates to Moon Valley which makes sense with the huge valleys and red sands, however, it looks more like Mars than the moon.
There is an entrance price of 5JD (7.35 USD) which is not included in the Jordan Pass, but this fee is highly worth it.
Heading to Wadi Rum is one of the best things to do in Jordan for travelers looking to immerse themselves in one of the most beautiful and scenic places in the country. You can find an amazing wheelchair-accessible combo tour of Wadi Rum and Petra.
Here you can camp in a traditional Bedouin Camp, go on (ethical) camel rides, embark on jeep tours, sand hikes, and more. It is easily one of the most beautiful places in Jordan that is best visited overnight since it is a 3-4 hour drive from Amman.
Spend a Night in a Bedouin Camp
The best way to spend a night in Wadi Rum is at a Bedouin Camp. These are traditional camping compounds in Wadi Rum that offer stays to visitors where you can sleep under the stars and soak in a warm Jordanian welcome.
The types of camps and tents vary quite a bit from the famous bubble tents to private tents, to shared tents. All have their pros, cons, and experiences so choose what you feel most drawn to.
I found the camps much more modern than I had imagined with heat, AC, running water, plumbing, electricity, and even WIFI! Everyone on my tour had thought it would be completely roughing it but it was quite the opposite for our camp.
Nonetheless, the experience was amazing. With a full dinner and breakfast prepared for us in the traditional Bedouin way. The experience was 100% worth it and this is easily one of the best things to do in Jordan. However, it is not recommended for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
Dead Sea
Swim in the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is another one of Jordan's amazing natural attractions that you cannot miss while here. And yes, there are fantastic wheelchair-accessible tours of the Dead Sea. This salt lake is shared by Jordan and the West Bank and is actually the lowest point on earth at 430.5 meters below sea level.
That's not the only reason the Dead Sea is so amazing but also the fact that it has a 35% salt content level. This means that nothing can live in it, not plants or sea animals which is why it is called dead.
More so, it is so salty that you can float in it incredibly easily. The experience of sitting in the water and floating to the top as if you were sitting on a chair is amazing! Just note, that not all of the Dead Sea looks blue and beautiful like this.
You can search for the blue clear areas as some are darker and not so pretty. This is one of the best things to do in Jordan for families, couples, and more, a truly remarkable experience. You can easily see why this is one of the top Jordan tourist spots.
Jerash, Jordan
Visit Jerash
Jerash is home to some of the most well-preserved and largest Ancient Ruins in the world outside of Greece and Italy. The ruins have a history dating back almost 7, 000 years with ruins like amphitheaters, fountains, cathedrals, and even an archeological museum. It’s one of the most famous sights in Jordan and one of the top Jordan attractions.
The ancient city of Jerash is more than just one ruin it is a massive set of ruins you can spend a few hours walking around and admiring. Wheelchair-accessible tours of Jerash are available.
Visiting Jerash is a great idea if you have 10 days in Jordan and want to fit in as much as possible during your stay!
Visiting Jerash is one of the best things to do in Jordan after Petra for history lovers. You’ll learn all about this ancient Roman city and Roman ruins. The best way to learn and understand as much as possible about Jerash is with a tour.
Amman Citadel
See Amman Citadel
Visiting and exploring the Amman Citadel is one of the top things to do in Jordan to immerse yourself in the history of Amman.
With the capital city of Jordan, Amman, being one of the oldest cities in the world there are PLENTY of historic places and sites to see and enjoy. One of the best is the Citadel.
This large archeological site is home to a museum, ruins, and some of the very best views of Amman! It is the perfect place to explore for an hour or two and delve into the history of Jordan and one of the best things to do in Amman, Jordan.
The archeological museum has artifacts dating back to 800 B.C. and it is UNBELIEVABLE! The best thing is that the Amman Citadel is included in the Jordan Pass so if you get the Jordan Pass you benefit here.
Delicious Jordanian food
Eat Amazing Local Food
The food in Jordan was the best I've had out of anywhere else in the Middle East. It was fresh, unique, and oh-so-tasty! From the hummus to falafel to halloumi everything was top-notch.
I don't usually fall in love with a place more because of food but the food really brought Jordan over the top for me. My favorite restaurant in the city was Jubran with incredible food and an even better view.
Heading out to enjoy local, delicious food from top-notch restaurants to street food is easily one of the best things to do in Jordan.
Aqaba, Jordan
Venture to Aqaba
Easily one of the top 10 things to do in Jordan is visiting the city of Aqaba. Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city where visitors can enjoy the mountains, history, and water! It sits along the Red Sea's Gulf and has been inhabited since 4000 B.C.
Head here to enjoy the popular beach and water activities like windsurfing and snorkeling. Aqaba is also one of the top destinations for snorkelers with it being close to the Yamanieh coral reef.
I recommend this 3-hour wheelchair-accessible tour of Aqaba.
Amman Citadel
Explore Amman
Amman, the capital city of Jordan, is one of the best cities to stop in and explore in Jordan. It is HUGE and packed with historic sites, lively streets, and hidden gems. Taking a walking tour of Amman is the best way to see the city.
Exploring Amman is one of the best things to do in Jordan to see and experience local life and feel the energy of the country.
Amman, Jordan
Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass is a complete sightseeing and entrance package for visitors to Jordan. It is not ideal for EVERYONE to buy as it depends on where you are from. If you are a visitor from a Western country then purchasing this pass BEFORE arrival will save you money during your visit.
The Jordan Pass provides free entrance to over 40 attractions in Jordan, a 1-day visit to Petra, and waves the entrance visa fees. The price for the smallest package (which is all you need) is 70JD (102.45 USD). It’s a great value and gets you into all the top places to see in Jordan.
Without the Jordan Pass, you will pay the visa fee of 40 JD (58.55 USD), and if you go to Petra 50 JD (73.18 USD). So even with just these two things you save money with the Jordan Pass. If you have limited mobility you will be better off purchasing tours individually as you may need some adaptive assistance to sites such as Petra that will not be included in your Jordan Pass.
For more information and to look into if this is right for you check out the Official Jordan Pass Website.
How to Get Around Jordan
The best way to get around Jordan is by tour! There are a ton of amazing tours that will bring you all around the country showing you the top attractions along the way. This is not New York, so getting around by public transport is very difficult. It’s best to join a tour to make things easy.
A guide knows their country inside and out and will give you the best experience possible.
Where to Stay in Jordan
The best place to stay in Jordan is Amman if you want to enjoy the city life or in Wadi Rum to enjoy the desert.
Best Things To Do In Jordan - In Conclusion
Jordan is an incredible country with many things to see and do. While it may be challenging for some with mobility issues, there are plenty of tours that make the main sites accessible. You just have to plan ahead and make sure you lock in your tour dates.
With so many amazing things to do in Jordan an amazing adventure awaits.
Author bio:
Samantha Karen is the owner and author of the travel blog Sam Sees World, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the world's most beautiful and unique travel destinations. As a full-time traveler, she has visited over 50 countries with more on the way.
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