JORDAN: TOP 5 BEST PLACES TO VISIT
JORDAN
Jordan is a stunning country in the Middle East, known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality. This country is a true gem of the Middle East and offers an unforgettable experience that combines impressive architecture and natural beauty.
Throughout history, many kingdoms and rulers, Egyptians, Israelites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks and Romans, have taken turns in what is now Jordan. The current king, Abdallah II, has sought to grow the country as much as possible and today Jordan is a rich and relatively developed country by Middle Eastern standards.
The Jordan Pass is a travel package that offers a convenient way to enjoy Jordan while saving on entry fees and visas.
Among the most famous sites are the rock city of Petra, the desert area of Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, where you will experience the unique sensation of weightless swimming. The capital city of Amman combines a modern feel with historic sites, while coastal Aqaba attracts snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
JORDAN PASS
The Jordan Pass is a travel package that offers a convenient way to enjoy Jordan while saving on entry fees and visas. This package combines admission to over 40 of Jordan's main sights, including Petra, plus includes a visa fee if you stay in Jordan for at least three nights (4 days). The Jordan Pass is especially beneficial for tourists who plan to visit several major sites in Jordan.
If you purchase the Jordan Pass before arriving in Jordan, the visa fee (40 JOD) is automatically included. The main advantage of the Jordan Pass is that it combines visas and admissions to major attractions at a better price than you would pay if you purchased individual tickets separately. For example, a one-day ticket to Petra alone costs 50 JOD, so purchasing a Jordan Pass is cost-effective.
The Jordan Pass is offered in three different versions, which vary according to the length of your stay in Petra:
- Jordan Wanderer (70 JOD): includes 1-day entry to Petra.
- Jordan Explorer (75 JOD): includes 2-day entry to Petra.
- Jordan Expert (80 JOD): includes 3-day access to Petra.
The Jordan Pass can be purchased online through the official website https://www.jordanpass.jo/. After payment, you will receive an electronic pass that you can download to your phone or print. Simply show the QR code from your Jordan Pass at the entrance to each attraction. Entries are then free or included in the price of the Jordan Pass.
The Jordan Pass is valid for 12 months from purchase, but once you start using it (i.e. visit your first attraction), you have 14 days to visit all included attractions.
MONEY EXCHANGE
Jordan is not the cheapest destination, but it is not extremely expensive either. The national currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).
It is recommended to have cash as credit cards are not accepted everywhere. If you want to save money, do not exchange money at the airport as the exchange rates here are very unfavourable. You can make the exchange in Madaba, 20 km from the airport, where you will find a currency exchange office with the best rates in the centre.
Check out their website https://www.alawnehexchange.com/en or the map below.
JORDANIAN CUISINE
- Mansaf: The national dish of Jordan, consisting of boiled lamb served with rice and yogurt sauce. It is traditionally eaten with the hands.
- Maqluba: Literally an "inverted dish" - a mixture of meat, rice and vegetables that is prepared in one pot and flipped onto a plate when cooked.
- Falafel: Fried balls of chickpeas or beans, commonly served in pita bread with tahini sauce.
- Hummus: A fine paste of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil and lemon juice. It is very popular in Jordan and is often eaten with bread.
- Kunafa: A traditional dessert made of dough and cheese, sweetened with sugar syrup. It has a delicious sweet and salty taste.
1. CITY OF PETRA
Petra, also known as the "Pink City" because of the colour of its rocks, is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and a major tourist attraction in Jordan. Located in the southern part of the country, about 240 km from Amman, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city was the main seat of the Nabataeans, an Arab tribe that built it around the 3rd century BC.
If you want to enjoy Petra at night, there is the "Petra by Night" tour, where the Treasury is illuminated by hundreds of candles.
Petra was an important trading centre due to its location on the important caravan routes that passed through the area. The Nabataeans were skilled traders and made the city a centre of wealth and power. However, the city gradually lost its importance after the opening of maritime trade routes and was abandoned around the 7th century. Petra was rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.
TREASURY (AL-KNAZNEH)
The most famous and most photographed monument of Petra, carved in pink sandstone. It probably served as the tomb of an important Nabataean king. It is located right at the beginning of the town after passing through a narrow ravine called Sik.
SIK
MONASTERY (AD-DEIR)
ROYAL TOMBS
HIGHT PLACE OF SACRIFICE
It is best to visit Petra in the early morning or later in the afternoon, when there are fewer tourists and the light gives the rocks their special colour shades.
Tickets to Petra start at 50 JOD, with a Jordan Pass you get in for free. If you want to enjoy Petra at night, there is the option of a Petra by Night tour , where the Treasury is illuminated by hundreds of candles. This option is not included in the Jordan Pass. For more information, visit https://visitpetra.jo/en
There are two routes into Petra: the first via the main visitor centre and Sik Canyon, the second from a place known as "Little Petra". From here you can hire a Jeep to take you to the start of the "back" route leading to the Monastery (Ad-deir). The route is 2.5 km long and can be done in 1 - 1.5 hours, depending on your physical condition. You can expect about 200 m of climbing and a lot of steps.
MAIN ENTRANCE
The main entrance to the rock city of Petra is located in the central part of Wadi Musa. The entrance leads through the visitor centre, then through the Sik Canyon to the treasury. Petra is the most touristy place in Jordan, so expect locals to try to sell you just about anything during your stay in Petra. Right from the start, you will encounter offers of camel, horse or donkey rides.
SIDE ENTRANCE (THROUGH THE SMALL PETRA)
This entrance to Petra from the area known as Little Petra is a great alternative to the main entrance via the Sik Gorge. This less traveled route offers a quieter and more adventurous approach to the city and is popular with travelers looking to escape the crowds.
Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid, is located about 8 km north of the main Petra area. Like Petra, there are buildings carved into the rocks, but the scale is smaller. From here you can walk or take a jeep ride, which will take you several kilometres closer and still offer an adrenaline-fuelled ride through the sandy landscape. The price is 5 JOD per person. Reservations are made on the spot, in the building next to the free parking lot.
From where the jeep drops you off, it's another 2.5 km. The route is moderately challenging and will take you 1 - 1,5 hours to complete, depending on your physical condition. Expect to climb 200m and a lot of steps. Along the way you will pass through beautiful valleys and hills with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The route ends at the monastery (Ad-Deir), one of the most impressive monuments of Petra. From here you can continue on to Petra.
↓ FREE PARKING AT THE LITTLE PETRA / BOARDING POINT (JEEP TOUR) ↓
↓ START OF THE SIDE ROUTE TO THE MONASTERY (AD-DEIR) / DROP-OFF POINT (JEEP TOUR) ↓
2. WADI RUM DESERT
Wadi Rum, often referred to as the "Valley of the Moon", is a breathtaking desert region in the south of Jordan that covers an area of approximately 720 km². This desert is known for its dramatic landscape of red sandstone cliffs, sand dunes, deep canyons and rock arches. Its unique beauty and sense of remoteness make it one of the most visited places in Jordan and has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An overnight stay in the Wadi Rum desert is one of the most impressive experiences Jordan has to offer.
The red and orange sand dunes create an incredible contrast with the rock massifs and offer perfect photogenic scenery. Ancient rock carvings and inscriptions carved by the Nabataeans and other ancient cultures can be seen in various parts of Wadi Rum. These petroglyphs depict scenes of hunting, rituals and caravans.
Wadi Rum is closely associated with T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), who led military actions here against the Ottoman army during the Arab Revolt. The area also served as inspiration for film adaptations of his life, notably the 1962 film "Lawrence of Arabia".
HOW TO VISIT THE WADI RUM DESERT?
You need to buy a ticket to Wadi Rum, which costs approximately 5 JOD. Tickets can be purchased at the Wadi Rum visitor centre. Jordan Pass holders are admitted free of charge.
It is best to explore Wadi Rum with a local guide in a jeep, who will take you to the main tourist attractions. The cost of a jeep safari is around 40-70 JOD for a half-day trip, depending on what is included.
OVERNIGHT IN THE WADI RUM DESERT
An overnight stay in the Wadi Rum desert is one of the most impressive experiences Jordan has to offer. Camping in the heart of this dramatic desert allows you to not only explore the breathtaking landscape, but also experience traditional Bedouin culture and a night under incredible starry skies.
Most tourists choose to stay overnight in Bedouin camps, which offer an authentic experience in the spirit of the local culture. The camps are usually equipped with simple tents with beds or mattresses. There are also shared toilets and showers, and sometimes electricity (e.g. to charge mobile phones).
For those who want comfort, there are luxury Bedouin camps that offer more comfortable tents, often with private bathrooms and air conditioning. Some of these luxury tents have see-through ceilings or are shaped like domes (bubble tents), allowing stargazing right from the bed. These campsites offer sumptuous meals and a higher level of comfort.
Most camps offer activities such as jeep safaris, camel rides, sandboarding or visits to the main attractions of Wadi Rum.
Prices per night in Bedouin camps vary according to the level of comfort. Traditional camps usually cost around 20-50 JOD per person per night, including dinner and breakfast. Luxury camps can cost from 80 JOD upwards.
Many campsites organise transport from the Wadi Rum visitor centre, or from the village of the same name, 7.5 km from the visitor centre. There are free car parks at both locations.
Most campsites offer activities such as jeep safaris, camel rides, sandboarding or visits to the main attractions of Wadi Rum. These activities are available at an additional cost.
You can choose from a variety of campsites. To make a reservation, call, visit the website or email https://www.booking.com/.
For example, you can try the same campsite as me https://wadirumdesertbasecamp.com/
3. DEAD SEA
The Dead Sea is a unique natural area that lies on the border between Jordan and Israel. With an altitude of -430 metres, it is the lowest exposed spot on Earth and one of the saltiest lakes in the world, with a salt content of around 30% - about ten times saltier than the normal sea. This extremely high salinity is the reason why no fish or most other life forms can survive here, hence the name "Dead Sea".
The high concentration of salt creates an incredible buoyancy force, meaning that you can literally "float" on the surface of the water without having to exert any effort. This experience is completely unique for most visitors.
The Dead Sea is renowned for its healing properties. Its mineral-rich waters and mud contain substances that have a beneficial effect on the skin, joints and respiratory system. People come here to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis, as well as rheumatic problems.
Unfortunately, the Dead Sea is shrinking every year due to the excessive pumping of water from its tributaries, especially the Jordan River. The water level is dropping at a rate of about 1 meter per year, creating serious environmental problems. There are plans to save the Dead Sea, including projects to bring water from the Red Sea.
WHERE IS THE BEST ACCESS?
On the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea are popular resorts and spas that offer comfortable accommodation, access to private beaches and spa services. Well-known areas include Ein Bokek and Suweima. Prices for accommodation at spa resorts around the Dead Sea vary. Luxury hotels can cost between 100 and 300 JOD per night, while simpler accommodation can be found at lower prices.
If you don't want to pay for access to resort beaches, public beaches are also available, for example in the Amman Beach area. Entrance fees to public beaches are around 10 JOD per person.
PRACTICAL TIPS
- The Dead Sea water is extremely salty, so it is important to avoid contact with the eyes. It is also not recommended to submerge your head under water. If you have small cuts or abrasions, they may burn on contact with the water.
- The sun at the Dead Sea is very intense, so be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, wear a head covering and drink plenty of water.
- Due to the high salt concentration, it is not recommended to stay in the water for more than 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, rinse with fresh water, which is commonly possible at beaches or resorts.
4. JERASH
Jerashis one of the most important archaeological sites in Jordan and one of the best preserved ancient Roman cities in the world. Located about 50 km north of Amman, the capital of Jordan, it offers a fascinating insight into Roman history and culture in this part of the world. Jerash, known in ancient times as Gerasa, was once a prosperous city of the Roman Empire and is now a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
Jerash was founded as a city in Hellenistic times, probably around the 4th century BC, but really flourished in Roman times. It became one of the cities of the Decapolis, an association of ten cities that formed an important commercial and cultural centre of the eastern Mediterranean.
The city began to decline after a major earthquake in 749 AD, which caused extensive damage to buildings. After that, the city never regained its former splendour and became a village. It was only rediscovered and excavated in the 19th century.
WHAT TO SEE IN JERASH?
- Hadrian's Arch: Monumental gate built in honour of the Emperor Hadrian, who visited the city in 129 AD. It is one of the first impressive monuments you will see when you enter the site.
- Hippodrome: A car racing venue that once held up to 15,000 spectators. Today, reenactments of Roman races and battles are still staged here, introducing visitors to ancient sports and gladiatorial combat.
- The Oval Square (Forum): A unique oval forum enclosed by a colonnade which was the centre of social life in the city. This square is very photogenic and is one of the most famous monuments of Jerash.
- Cardo Maximus: The main cobbled street of Jerash, flanked by colonnades. Walking along this street, you can see the marks from the wheels of ancient chariots still visible on the cobblestones.
- North and South Theatre: Jerash has two Roman theatres. The South Theatre is larger and can seat up to 3,000 spectators. It still hosts cultural events, including musical and theatrical performances. The smaller North Theatre was used for city council meetings.
- Temple of Zeus: Located on a hill above the city, it is one of the largest temples in Jerash. The temple was dedicated to the god Zeus and provides a magnificent view of the entire city.
- Temple of Artemis: One of the most important temples in the city, dedicated to the goddess Artemis, the patron goddess of Jerash. The temple has massive Corinthian columns still standing and is one of the most imposing structures on the site.
Byzantine churches: Jerash also has several well-preserved Byzantine churches from the 5th and 6th centuries AD, which are especially known for their magnificent mosaics.
HOW TO GET TO JERASH?
Admission to Jerash is approximately 10 JOD for adults. If you have a Jordan Pass, which includes entry to many of Jordan's sights, you get in for free. Jerash is easily accessible from Amman. The journey takes about an hour and you can get there either by taxi or by rented car
A tour of Jerash usually takes 2-3 hours if you want to see all the main sights. It is recommended to come in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
5. AQABA
Aqaba is a beautiful seaside resort in the south of Jordan, located on the Red Sea coast. The city is the only one in Jordan that has access to the sea, and its coral reefs, beaches and rich history make it a popular tourist destination. Aqaba offers visitors a combination of relaxing on the beaches, water sports and exploring the local history.
WHAT TO DO IN AKABA?
- Beach relaxation: South Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Aqaba. It offers fine sand, clear waters and beautiful views of the Red Sea and the nearby Egyptian Taba Heights. This beach is also a great place for families and swimmers.
- Snorkeling and diving: The Red Sea is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and rich underwater life. Divers and snorkelers alike can enjoy the crystal clear water and observe colourful fish, coral and other marine life. Famous dive sites around Aqaba include the Japanese Garden and Cedar Pride, a sunken shipwreck that is popular with divers.
- Water sports: Apart from diving and snorkeling, Aqaba is also popular among lovers of other water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and jet skiing. Most hotels and beach resorts offer equipment for these activities or can be rented from local rental shops.
WHAT TO VISIT IN AKABA?
- Historic Fortress (Aqaba Castle): Also known as Mamluk Fortress, this historic structure dates back to the 12th century and played a key role during various historical periods, including the Ottoman rule. The fortress is open to the public and provides a wonderful view of the city's history, including displays of artifacts from the Mamluk and Ottoman periods.
- Aqaba Archaeological Museum: This small but interesting museum is located next to the fortress and contains archaeological finds from the surrounding area that document the history of the city from ancient times to the Middle Ages. Exhibits include items from the early Islamic period, including pottery and coins.
- Al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque: One of the most beautiful and largest mosques in Aqaba. This mosque has a large white dome and is an important spiritual and architectural landmark of the city. While it may not be accessible to non-Muslims, it is a beautiful building to admire from the outside.
- Markets: In Aqaba you will find traditional markets offering local produce, souvenirs and handmade items. Here you can buy jewellery, spices, traditional Jordanian clothing and olive wood products. Aqaba Souk is the perfect place to buy local souvenirs, including handicrafts and fresh dates.