The Top 10 Sights to See in Jordan

The middle Eastern country of Jordan is found in western Asia. It is an Arab nation that sits at the confluence of three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. In Jordan, you will find centuries of history evident alongside modern cities. It is also home to breathtaking natural landscapes and intriguing geological phenomena. 

These 10 destinations are our pick of sights to see in Jordan.  

Find out more about our Jordan tours here.

Petra

Petra is arguably the most iconic destination in Jordan. This famous ancient city is found in the south-west of the country, in a mountainous region of the desert. It is comprised of tunnels, caves, pathways, and intricate artwork, all carved into the canyon. Together, they form the ancient city that was the capital of the Nabatean kingdom of old. The colour of the stone from which the city has been moulded has given it the nickname "the Rose City". Petra, which dates back to 300 B.C., is a symbol of Jordan, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A remarkable fact about Petra is that it hasn't yet been unearthed in its entirety- much of it still remains unexcavated and undiscovered.

Petra's most famous site is the Khazneh, which is an ornate façade that towers into the air. In ancient times, this was the façade of the treasury of Petra. It is reached via a long and deep canyon known as the Siq, which stretches for 1.2km. Al-Khazneh is also the front of what is believed to have been the mausoleum of a Nabatean king. A myriad other tombs and sites make up the rest of Petra, which you can explore on your visit here.

Roman Ruins at Jerash

This archaeological landmark is found in the north of Jordan. It was both a Greek and Roman ancient city in the past. It was originally built in the 4th century B.C. by the Greeks, and came under Roman rule around 300 years later. This was when the city began to thrive, and became an important centre of trade. Although it is known as the "ruins" of Jerash, it is in fact one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world. Many of the buildings and structures are still in a very good condition, and this makes it even more exciting and authentic to explore. You are able to walk along the pathways and see the sites in the same way as the original inhabitants once did. Sites to see include the grand plaza, the hippodrome where chariot races used to be held, theatres, temples, and more. The Jerash Heritage Company also conducts performances that mimic full-speed chariot races, with Roman "gladiators" in costume, which you may book to experience if you wish.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is found in the south of Jordan. This breathtaking natural landscape will be found on any list of places to see in Jordan, and arguably the world. It is comprised of vast, open desert plains, red-coloured sands, twisting rock formations, caves, arches, cliffs, canyons, and dunes. It has been described by many as being like nowhere else on earth. Its atmosphere is so surreal and otherworldly, that it has been used a filming location for a range of movies. The most of famous of these include Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, two Star Wars films, and the live adaptation of Aladdin. Wadi Rum is best explored a jeep desert safari, and you can also spend the night in a modern version of a Bedouin camp.

As Salt

As Salt is the most historic town in Jordan. It was once the capital city of the region. It is a charming and picturesque town, with narrow streets and quaint yellow buildings.

The town was an important link between the desert in the east of Jordan and the Jordan River, and was also an important stop on trade routes. It features many historical landmarks, including Roman tombs, Islamic tombs, historical buildings, and the famous As Salt Grand Mosque.

Ajloun

Aljoun is a town situated in the north of Jordan. It is comprised of a small collection of villages and settlements surrounded by lush hilly terrain. The famous Aljoun Castle stands on a hilltop and dominates the landscape of this historic town. It is main tourist attraction here, and dates back to the 12th century. It is a Muslim castle that was built for the purpose of defending against the Crusaders. Visitors can explore the insides of the castle, which also features a museum.

Al-Maghtas

Al-Maghtas is located in the east of Jordan. It features a collection of unearthed ruins and buildings, and is known as a very important biblical site. Its significance lies in the fact that it is thought to be the original site of the baptism of Jesus. Tourism to the site has increased recently, with many Christians visiting it- including the Pope. The area is also home to several other historical sites of interest, including landmarks from the Roman, Ottoman, and Mamluk eras.

Amman

The capital city of Jordan is a must-see on any trip or visit to the country. This large metropolis features a wonderful blend of new and old. It has both historical significance and a thriving contemporary scene. It is also the centre of administration, culture, and economics in Jordan.

There are many sites of interest to visit in Amman, including ancient Byzantine and Roman ruins, mosques, bazaars, and museums. The modern areas of the city are home to quirky shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. They are wonderful places to relax, eat, and enjoy shopping for souvenirs.

Aqaba

Aqaba is located on Jordan's coast, on the Red Sea. It is a coastal city that features luxurious resorts and long stretching beaches, making it is an ideal seaside retreat.

Aqaba is a popular destination for snorkelling and SCUBA diving, as the reefs in the area teem with colourful marine life. There are also other historical and natural sites of interest found in the region.

Madaba

Madaba is a market town in Jordan that is situated in the area near the Dead Sea. As it is found in a coastal landscape and is surrounded by beautiful valleys, it is a very serene and picturesque destination. It is also one of the most historically significant regions in Jordan. No other area in the country is home to more historical landmarks than this one. The most famous of these is the iconic Madaba Map, which is located in Saint George's Church. On the floor of this church, you will find an ancient and beautiful map of the region, which is believed to be the oldest map of Palestine in existence. It has been traced back to the year 560 A.D., and is constructed in the form of a mosaic. The original map was comprised of more than 2 million pieces; today, however, parts of the map have not survived. Nevertheless, it is an incredible piece of artwork, and is certainly a must-see.

Madaba is also known for another interesting characteristic: it houses the largest Christian population in Jordan. This is significant because the majority of Jordan's population is Muslim. Madaba is known for propagating philosophies of peace, tolerance, and coexistence. If you happen to be there on a Friday morning, you will experience a wonderful example of this when you hear the adhaan, the Muslim call to prayer, mingling with the sound of church bells ringing to signal the wake-up call for Orthodox Christians.  

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

This nature reserve is found around 100km from Amman, near to the town of Azraq. It was created by the Jordanian Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). It was first created as a conservation centre for threatened species, and is now home to a thriving community of flora and fauna. These include Arabian oryx, Persian onagers, Goitered Gazelles, and Somali ostriches.