6 Iconic Landmarks You MUST Experience on Your trip to Jordan
Jordan is an incredible country with mysterious ancient ruins, breathtaking natural landscapes, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Although it was made famous by one of the world’s seven wonders Petra, there’s so many more enchanting sights to behold within the country. Jordan’s relatively small size means it is easy to explore the most iconic landmarks scattered across its borders in a short amount of time (3 to 5 days). These excursions are some of the most impressive travel moments we’ve ever had so we highly recommend planning a trip. Here are the top 6 most see adventurous experiences to have in Jordan!
6. Amman: Jordan’s Capital & One of the Oldest Cities in the World
First stop in Jordan should be none other than the country’s capital city of Amman. It is one of the the largest populated cities in the Middle East and considered the oldest inhabited city in the world. Amman is a complex mix of a modern metropolis and ancient ruins seamlessly blended together. While the traffic is heavy, getting around by Uber is super easy and cheap (most rides are around $1 USD). The cultural atmosphere you’ll find here is very welcoming, from the delicious food to the warm & friendly locals. It’s easy to spend a full day or two exploring all of the iconic landmarks. Here are the most significant attractions you should visit while in Amman:
- The Amman Citadel – A historic hilltop offering ruins from Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods, along with panoramic city views.
- Roman Theater – A grand 2nd-century amphitheater that once hosted 6,000 spectators and remains a cultural hub today.
- King Abdullah I Mosque – A striking blue-domed mosque, built as a tribute to King Abdullah I, open to visitors for tours.
- Jordan Museum – The country’s premier museum, housing artifacts from Jordan’s ancient past, including the famous Dead Sea Scrolls.
- Rainbow Street – A lively, colorful street filled with cafes, galleries, and shops, perfect for a stroll through Amman’s modern culture.
- Royal Tank Museum – A national museum with over 120 tanks and armored vehicles on display.
- Royal Automobile Museum – The first public automotive museum in the Arab region showcasing the pristine cars & motorcycles of the former king of Jordan.
5. Aqaba: Vibrant SCUBA Diving in the Gateway to the Red Sea
Despite the misconceptions of Jordan’s climate solemnly consisting of arid desert landscapes, Aqaba shines thru as a coastal paradise. Driving 4hrs from Amman to the country’s southernmost point will lead to Aqaba right along the Red Sea. The radiant blue waters are in stark contrast to other famous landmarks in Jordan. However, the sea is inviting for anyone looking to SCUBA or snorkel in some of the world’s finest coral reefs. We went on a glass-bottomed boat as part of our epic 2-day Jordan tour and spotted underwater planes, shipwrecks, teeming marine life, and more! We also jumped into the crystalline waters for a refreshing swim! A trip to Aqaba is sure to broaden the horizons of your trip’s diversity.
4. Jerash: The Most Preserved Roman Ruins Outside of Italy
Of the many archaeological sites to discover in Jordan, Jerash is among the most impressive. This ancient city is a huge complex of historic architecture dating back 7,500 BCE. Thanks to its remote location, Jerash remains the most well preserved Roman city in the world. It is only a 50min drive from downtown Amman, which can be reached by a bus, a tour, or an inexpensive taxi or Uber ride. The area is massive, containing intricate structures such as Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Artemis, and a huge oval plaza. You’ll feel the pulse of a city that once thrived as a center of trade and culture as you stroll through the colonnades, theaters, and stadiums . It is included as part of the Jordan Pass so be sure to bring it with you. The site is huge, so its recommended to spend at least 3 to 4hrs here.
3. Dead Sea: Effortlessly Float at the Lowest Point on Earth
The Dead Sea (aptly named from its lack of any aquatic organisms) is the lowest point on the planet with an unparalleled experience. Step in, lean back, and float effortlessly in waters so dense with salt and minerals that sinking is nearly impossible. This enormous body of salt water has almost 10x more salinity than the ocean and rests at an elevation of 430 meters below sea level. Floating in its waters is an unforgettable bucket list experience everyone needs to have. The mineral rich water and mud are packed with nutrients that are said to have therapeutic effects that leave the skin super soft anywhere it’s applied. Just don’t get any in your eyes. We stayed at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort which had direct access to the beach along with quality amenities like showers to rinse off and beach chairs. The lake’s border is shared with Palestine/Israel, which you can see in the distance. The Dead Sea is receding about 4ft per year, So I would suggest visiting it before it completely dries up someday.
2. Wadi Rum: Stargaze in Valley of the Moon
Wadi Rum, also known as The Valley of the Moon, is one of the most dramatic desert landscapes you’ll find anywhere on Earth. Its rugged red landscapes and sweeping sand dunes, have been used as scenic backdrops to many cinematic films including Star Wars, Dune, and the Martian. To gain access to this vast remote wasteland you’ll need to hop into a 4×4 for a thrilling desert safari thru the sand dunes and Mars-like terrain. The best way to fully embrace the experience is by spending a night at the Bedouin camps. Here you can enjoy a traditional Zarb meal (a Bedouin Barbeque derived from ancient techniques of slowly roasting meats underground) while you gaze upon the infinite void lit by a canopy of stars. The Luxury tents contain separate cabins with all of the conveniences of the modern world so its not strictly for campers. We spent the night stargazing next to a campfire which was one of my favorite moments during our trip to Jordan.
1. Petra: Explore Ancient Ruins at One of the 7 Wonders of the World
No trip to Jordan is complete without a journey to the country’s most symbolic monument; Petra. Renowned as one of The New Seven Wonders of the World, a visit to the ancient ruins of the rose-red Nabatean City is the quintessential Jordanian experience. The Treasury is the most recognizable masterpiece, a structure intricately carved into a sandstone cliff. The entire area is massive, containing other marvelous rock carvings, temples, and tombs that make Petra an invigorating adventure. For more essential tips on visiting this magnificent archaeological site and what exactly to expect, check out this post.
Jordan is a journey into the heart of history, where every step you take uncovers stories of ancient civilizations and natural wonders. Whether you’re wandering through Petra’s time-worn passageways, floating in the Dead Sea, or gazing at the horizon in Wadi Rum, Jordan will inspire your soul with some of the most unique experiences on the planet. For everything you need to know on planning your trip to this amazing country, check out this travel guide. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
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