Wadi Rum, Dead Sea and Petra are one of the main top attractions and the best places to visit in Jordan. Amman and Aqaba are the main arrival airports for travellers and I will share with you more about our tour adventure, one night in a bedouin camp, and tips on the best things to see in Wadi Rum, top things to do, how to get there, when to visit.
Jordan has five UNESCO-listed sites, and Wadi Rum is one of them, thanks to its natural and cultural richness. And even though for many visitors the main reason to travel to Jordan is the Lost city of Petra, after visiting Wadi Rum, I think that those two places should rank equally high. Generally, the best time to visit Jordan is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The weather is more mild, so you can explore iconic sites like Petra or the Wadi Rum without getting scorched by the sun.
Most visitors do require a visa and it’s very easy to obtain one if you are travelling in the organised group but also as an individual – if you arriving at King Hussein or Queen Alia any other airports within Jordan, direct flights from main London airports, Heathrow or Gatwick, with travel time of less than 5 hours, you can bag yourself visa on arrival, single visa entry valid is for one month for 40 JOD, but be prepared to pay in cash, most facilities do not accept debit or credit card payments. US dollars are accepted but with a much lowered exchange rate.
Wadi Rum
Just an hour drive from Aqaba, the most famous desert in the southern part of Jordan, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a place you cannot miss when traveling around this Middle Eastern country. Wadi Rum has been an inspiration for many movies, that have been shot in the beautiful red sand landscape – from Lawrence of Arabia, Indiana Jones – Last Crusade and Martian to the newest film, Dune. Visitors can explore on a guided jeep tour, camel treks or hot balloon rides. When the day is over and the darkness covers the desert, an incredible starry sky, which together with sitting around the fire and home cooked dinner by bedouins, it’s like no others. When creating your Jordan itinerary, make sure you have enough time for the desert, we wished we had stayed a little longer.
- Entrance Fee: 5 JOD (under 12 free)
- Opening times: 8am – sunset
If you are looking for other unique things to do within Wadi Rum, pop over for a visit at the local desert station. The refurbished locomotive and cargo are sitting at this station and invokes the memory of the century-old conflict that helped shape the modern Middle East.
Petra
Petra, the ancient capital dating to around 300 B.C., set in a narrow valley with tombs, temples and monuments carved into the surrounding pink sandstone cliffs, earns its nickname, the “Lost City”. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This archaeological site takes you on a journey back in time. Taken over by thousands of tourists every day, and one of my ultimately favourite stops on our Jordan trip, my one tip is to be there at the opening time. Make sure you do have enough water and good hiking shoes. It’s a long trek to get to Monastery or Little Petra. You can definitely spend the whole day there and still feel like you have not seen it at all. There are 2 entry gates into the site. 8 different routes.
- Petra day entry: buy tickets in advance online (available are day tickets and 2 or 3 days tickets – for visitors that stay one night in Jordan – prices vary).
- Entrance fees: 50 JOD (1 day)
- Petra by Light: a magical way to see part of the rock city by candlelight, your experience starts by walking the entire Siq to the Treasury, lit with over 1,500 candles to bring the major attraction due to the spectacular view it has.
- Tickets: 17 JOD ( free entry for children under 10) and you have to hold a valid daytime ticket/or Jordan pass. Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week, runs between 8.30 – 10.30pm from the Visitor Centre.
- The Treasury: It is almost 40 meters high and intricately decorated, consisting of 3 chambers and over 2 floors. The most recent excavation has unearthed a graveyard beneath the Treasury, memorial for Royalty. Visitor centre to The Treasury via Siq is 4 km long.
- The Monastery: It is one of the largest monuments in Petra, measuring 47 metres high. Carved into sandstone cliffs, this structure has a grand façade and sweeping views. Reached via a steep long hike. Main trail – Visitor centre to Monastery is 8 km long.
- Little Petra: It is one of the earliest occupied villages, it is a highly significant archaeological site. It is easy to reach from the town of Wadi Musa and the larger site of Petra, entry is free of charge.
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea, is a must-visit sight for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. You will find yourself at the lowest point on Earth, over 400 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is renowned for its incredibly high salt concentration, allowing everyone to effortlessly float on its surface, including me! Yay! This natural buoyancy is not only fun but a pretty unique experience with a whole number of health benefits, like skin-healing and revitalizing. Don’t forget to cover yourself in very mineral-rich mud, from head to toe!
3 Things to do while in Aqaba
Nestled at the tip of Jordan’s southern most coast, Aqaba is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning marine life and strategic location on the Red Sea. With its warm, sunny climate all year round, it is a perfect destination for beach lovers, history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The city makes a unique travel destination for exploring the Middle East. It was also our arrival destination for an 8 day Jordan tour.
- Diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea: With its rich ecosystem and crystal clear waters, the Red Sea coral reefs are home to an array of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles. Their dive sites like Cedar Pride Wreck and Japanese Gardens offers unforgettable experience for novice or more experienced divers. For those who prefers to stay closer to the surface, snorkeling is equally rewarding.
- Archaeological Museum: Located in the historic Aqaba Fort, the museum houses artifacts dating back to the Islamic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Highlights include ancient coins and inscriptions.
- South Beach: A perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun. Public beach offers a long stretch of golden sand and clear blue waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
5 Things to do in Amman
Wander its bustling markets, explore historic sites and savor delicious local cuisine. Amidst its hills, Amman offers a captivating mix of tradition and contemporary life. A city where history meets the present to discover its unique allure.
- Roman Theatre: Impressive structure dates back to the 2nd century AD and is one of the largest theatres in the region. It is still used for cultural events today and can seat up to 6 thousand people. Right next door you will find the Jordan Folklore Museum and the Museum of Popular Traditions.
- Citadel/ (Jabal al-Qal’a): Is one of the most significant historical sites in Amman. It includes the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and a Byzantine church. The panoramic views of the city from the top are also stunning. The two giant standing pillars are the remains of the Roman Temple of Hercules. Once connected to the Forum (downtown), the temple was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor. The ticket office is on the road leading up to the Citadel’s entrance. Multilingual, fully licensed guides (up to JOD15 per hour) usually congregate near the ticket office and can really enhance your visit. (Make sure you make it there before closing time for sunset views).
- Downtown Amman/ Al-Balad: The downtown area is a bustling city centre with traditional markets (souks), street food, and historical sites. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in local life, shop for spices and handcrafts, and visit the King Hussein Mosque.
- Visit Rainbow Street: A vibrant area known for its cafes, restaurants, shops, and galleries. It’s a great place to experience modern Jordanian culture, try local cuisine, and shop for souvenirs. The street comes alive in the evenings.
- Jordan Museum: The largest museum in the country and provides a great overview of Jordan’s history and cultural heritage. Highlights include the Dead Sea Scrolls, artifacts from the prehistoric period, and exhibits on modern Jordanian history.
Jerash
Only an hour drive North of Jordanian capital, you will find the ruined city of Jerash, one of the largest and best preserved Roman cities. Its grand ceremonial gates, colonnaded avenues, temples and theatres are a major tourist attraction outside of Amman. The ticket office is in a modern Souk with souvenir and antique shops, a post office and a semi-traditional coffeehouse. Keep your ticket, as you will have to show it at the South Gate. Walking at a leisurely pace, please allow a minimum of three for your visit. Also take a hat and sunscreen in the warmer months, as the exposed ruins can be very hot to explore and there is almost no shade. Even the most casual fan of archaeology or history buff will enjoy a half-day of exploring.
- Hadrian Arch also known as the Triumphal Arch was built in honour of the visit of Emperor Hadrian. The most famous structure is its amphitheater which hosted chariot races and seated up to 15,000 spectators.
- The South Gate is the original one of four along the city wall and leads into the city proper.
- The Oval Forum/Plaza is unusual because of its shape and huge size (approx. 90 x 80 metres). Fifty-six Ionic columns surround the paved limestone plaza, linking the Cardo Maximus with the Temple of Zeus.
- The North Theatre exceptionally well-preserved and restored into its glory days. The Odeon had a richly decorated stage building with the usual three doors.
- Entrance fees: 12 JOD
- November – April: 8am -4pm
- April – May: 8am – 5pm
- June – October 8am – 6.30pm
- Holy month/ Ramadan: 8.30am – 6pm
Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo plays a significant role in the Old Testament. The Bible says that Mount Nebo was where Moses lived out his final days and saw the Promised Land, which he would never enter. Mount Nebo is an elevated ridge, 700 metres above sea level and part of the Abarim mountain range. The landscape is home to stunning surroundings and one can look out at the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, and on a clear day, even Jerusalem. The Memorial Church of Moses also rests at the summit. The Byzantine mosaic remnants can also be found here and have undergone a restorative process to depict the entire route of the King’s Highway – an ancient trade route running through Jordan. The incredible collection showcases a variety of images including wildlife and local customs from the same era.
- Entry ticket: 3 JOD
- Opening hours: 8am – 5.30pm
Ajloun Castle
Standing 1250 meters above sea level the Ajloun Castle is a 12th Century fortress that was built under the rule of the sultan and military leader Saladin. The Castle is set on top of Mount ‘Auf and provides visitors with views of the Jordan Valley and surrounding desert. The Castle towers above the historic town of Ajloun and only 50 kilometers from Amman. The Castle was once only accessible via a drawbridge until 1214 when a new gate was built. Pigeons were used in order to transport messages to the army from the castle. Since the Crusades, the Castle has undergone a number of invasions, rebuilds, and earthquakes which has left very few original 12th Century features.
- Entrance fee: 3 JOD
- Opening hours: 8am – 6.30pm
