Top 5 Must-See Places in Jordan: An Epic Middle Eastern Adventure

Jordan beckons with a rich tapestry of ancient ruins, biblical landmarks, breathtaking deserts, and heartfelt hospitality. Discover Jordan’s unmissable wonders: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Jerash, and Amman, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

Introduction:

If you are looking for a destination that combines history, culture, nature, and adventure, look no further than Jordan. This small country in the Middle East is home to some of the most amazing sights and experiences in the world. Whether you want to explore the ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; float on the Dead Sea, the lowest and saltiest point on earth; enjoy the scenic beauty and thrill of Wadi Rum, the Valley of the Moon; marvel at the Roman ruins of Jerash, one of the best-preserved cities of antiquity; or discover the modern and vibrant capital of Amman, Jordan has something for everyone. In this article, we will share with you the top 5 must-see places in Jordan that will make your trip an epic Middle Eastern adventure.

Petra – Jordan

Petra is the most famous and iconic destination in Jordan and for a good reason. This ancient city, carved out of red sandstone by the Nabataeans more than 2000 years ago, is a marvel of engineering and artistry. You can enter Petra through the narrow and dramatic Siq, a 1.2 km long canyon that leads to the majestic Treasury, one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. But Petra is much more than the Treasury; it is a vast complex of temples, tombs, palaces, theatres, and more, spread over a large area that can take days to explore fully. You can also hike to the High Place of Sacrifice, where rituals were performed on top of a mountain, or to the Monastery, another impressive facade that rivals the Treasury in size and beauty.

How to get there

Petra is located about 240 km south of Amman, the capital of Jordan. You can get there by car, bus or taxi. The drive takes about 3 hours from Amman or 2 hours from Aqaba, the port city on the Red Sea. The entrance fee to Petra is 50 JOD (about 70 USD) for one day, 55 JOD for two days, or 60 JOD for three days. You can also buy a Jordan Pass, which includes the visa fee and entry to Petra and other attractions in Jordan.

What to do

There are many things to do in Petra besides admiring the monuments. You can:

• Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and culture of Petra.
•  Ride a camel or a horse through the ancient city.
•  Watch the sunset or sunrise over the sandstone cliffs.
•  Experience Petra by night, when thousands of candles illuminate the site.
•  Visit the Petra Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits about Petra’s past and present.

Wadi Rum – Jordan

Wadi Rum is a desert valley that offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Jordan. Also known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is famous for its towering sandstone mountains, rock formations, canyons, and dunes that create a dramatic and otherworldly landscape. Wadi Rum holds cultural and historical importance, serving as the residence of the Bedouin communities for centuries and the backdrop for the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

How to get there

Wadi Rum is located about 60 km north of Aqaba or 120 km south of Petra. You can get there by car, bus or taxi. The drive takes about an hour from Aqaba or two hours from Petra. The entrance fee to Wadi Rum is 5 JOD (about 7 USD) or included in the Jordan Pass.

What to do

There are many ways to enjoy Wadi Rum’s natural beauty and adventure opportunities. You can:

• Join a jeep tour or a camel safari to explore the desert.
•  Stay overnight in a Bedouin camp or a luxury-tented lodge.
•  Enjoy a traditional meal and tea with the local hosts.
•  Go hiking, climbing, sandboarding, or hot air ballooning.
•  Watch the stars at night in one of the clearest skies in the world.

Dead Sea – Jordan

The Dead Sea is one of the most unique and fascinating places in Jordan and in the world. It is the lowest point on earth, at 430 meters below sea level, and the saltiest body of water on earth, with a salinity of about 34%. It means that nothing can live in it (hence its name) and that you can float effortlessly on its surface without sinking. The Dead Sea is also known for its therapeutic properties, as its mineral-rich water and mud are said to have healing effects on various skin conditions and ailments.

How to get there

The Dead Sea is located about 60 km west of Amman or 200 km north of Aqaba. You can get there by car, bus or taxi. The drive takes about an hour from Amman or three hours from Aqaba. There are many hotels and resorts along the Dead Sea shore, where you can access the water and enjoy the facilities. Alternatively, you can visit one of the public beaches, such as Amman Beach or O Beach, where you can pay a small fee to enter.

What to do

The main attraction of the Dead Sea is to experience its buoyancy and salinity. You can:

• Float on the water and read a book or take a selfie.
•  Cover yourself with the black mud and let it dry on your skin.
•  Relax in a spa or a pool with a view of the sea.
•  Visit the nearby attractions, such as the Baptism Site of Jesus, Mount Nebo, or the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran.

Jerash – Jordan

Jerash is one of the best-preserved and most impressive Roman cities in the world. Located about 50 km north of Amman, Jerash was once a thriving metropolis that was part of the Decapolis, a league of ten cities that were culturally and politically linked to Rome. Jerash boasts a remarkable collection of monuments, such as the Oval Plaza, the Temple of Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Nymphaeum, the Hippodrome, and the colonnaded streets. Walking through Jerash is like stepping back in time to the glory days of the Roman Empire.

How to get there

Jerash is located about 50 km north of Amman. You can get there by car, bus or taxi. The drive takes about an hour from Amman. The entrance fee to Jerash is 10 JOD (about 14 USD) or included in the Jordan Pass.

What to do

There are many things to see and do in Jerash besides exploring the ruins. You can:

• Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and architecture of Jerash.
•  Watch a reenactment of a Roman chariot race or a gladiator fight at the Hippodrome
•  Attend the Jerash Festival, an annual event that showcases music, dance, and art from around the world
•  Visit the Jerash Archaeological Museum, which displays artifacts and mosaics from Jerash and other sites in Jordan.

Amman – Jordan

Amman is Jordan’s capital and largest city and a hub of culture, commerce, and modernity. In Amman, you can witness the contrast between ancient and modern, as they coexist harmoniously. You can find Roman ruins, Islamic mosques, Christian churches, museums, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, and nightlife venues all within a short distance. Amman is also a great base to explore other attractions in Jordan, such as Madaba, Ajloun, or Umm Qais.

How to get there

Amman is located in the center of Jordan and is served by Queen Alia International Airport, which connects to many destinations in the Middle East and beyond. You can also get to Amman by car, bus, or taxi from other cities in Jordan or from neighboring countries such as Israel or Syria.

What to do

There are many things to see and do in Amman that will give you a taste of its history, culture, and lifestyle. You can:

• Visit the Citadel, an ancient hilltop site that overlooks the city and houses the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and the Archaeological Museum.
•  Explore the Roman Theatre, a 6000-seat theater that dates back to the 2nd century AD and hosts cultural events
•  Shop at Souk Jara, a colorful market that sells handicrafts, antiques, clothes, and food
•  Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants that offer local and international cuisine.
•  Experience the nightlife at one of the bars, clubs, or lounges that cater to different tastes and moods.

Conclusion:

Jordan is a country that will surprise and delight you with its diversity, beauty, and hospitality. Whether looking for history, culture, nature, or adventure, you will find it in Jordan. The top 5 must-see places in Jordan are Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Jerash, and Amman, but there are many more to discover. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Jordan today and prepare for an epic Middle Eastern adventure.

FAQ:

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