top things to do in jordan

Introduction : 19 Top Things to Do in Jordan | Your Ultimate Adventure Guide

Ever stared at those Instagram photos of red deserts and ancient cities carved into cliffs and thought, “Is this place even real?” Well, spoiler alert: Jordan is not only real, but it’s even more breathtaking in person! I still remember standing at the Treasury in Petra for the first time, mouth hanging open like a complete tourist – and I regret nothing.

Jordan packs an incredible punch for a country you can drive across in less than a day. From floating in the Dead Sea to camping under the stars in Wadi Rum, this place has seriously stolen my heart. So grab your sense of adventure (and a good sunhat) as I walk you through the 19 absolute best things to do in this magical Middle Eastern gem!

1. Stand in Awe at Petra, the Rose City

Let’s kick things off with the superstar – Petra! This ancient Nabataean city carved into pink sandstone cliffs is the reason most people visit Jordan, and trust me, it lives up to every bit of hype.

The moment you walk through the narrow Siq canyon and glimpse that first peek of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is pure magic. I actually got goosebumps! But here’s what most people don’t tell you – Petra is HUGE. The Treasury is just the beginning. You can easily spend two full days exploring the hundreds of tombs, the Monastery (which IMO is even more impressive than the Treasury), and hiking the lesser-known trails.

Pro tip: Stay for “Petra by Night” where they light up the Treasury with thousands of candles. Yeah, it’s touristy, but watching that rose-colored stone glow under candlelight while Bedouin music plays is something I’ll never forget.

2. Float Effortlessly in the Dead Sea

You know those photos of people reading newspapers while floating? They’re not fake! The Dead Sea is so salty (like, ten times saltier than normal seawater) that you physically cannot sink. It’s the weirdest, most hilarious feeling ever.

I spent half my time laughing uncontrollably at how my body kept popping up like a cork whenever I tried to swim normally. Just remember – DO NOT get this water in your eyes or any cuts. I made that mistake and… let’s just say I invented some creative new dance moves while running for the freshwater showers!

Don’t forget to slather yourself with the famous Dead Sea mud too. You’ll look ridiculous, but your skin will thank you later.

3. Camp Under the Stars in Wadi Rum

Ever wanted to feel like you’ve landed on Mars? Wadi Rum Desert is your chance! This vast red sand desert with towering rock formations was literally used as a filming location for “The Martian” – it’s that otherworldly.

Spending a night at a Bedouin camp here was easily one of my top Jordan experiences. You can ride through the desert in the back of a pickup truck (way more fun than it sounds), scramble up massive sand dunes, and watch the sunset paint the whole landscape in impossible shades of orange and pink.

But the real show starts after dark. Without light pollution, the stargazing here is INSANE. I saw the Milky Way with my naked eyes for the first time here, and may have gotten a bit emotional about it. No regrets!

4. Wander Through Roman Ruins at Jerash

Hold up – massive Roman ruins in Jordan? Yep! Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy, and it doesn’t get nearly enough attention.

Walking down the colonnaded streets, you can almost hear the chariots rumbling by. The Oval Plaza, the massive hippodrome, the theaters – they’re all incredibly intact. I spent hours here just soaking it all in, imagining toga-clad Romans going about their daily business 2,000 years ago.

FYI – they sometimes hold mock gladiator fights in the hippodrome, which are equal parts cheesy and awesome. Worth checking if they’re happening during your visit!

5. Explore the Desert Castles Loop

Ready for a road trip? Jordan’s Desert Castles are scattered throughout the eastern desert – a collection of hunting lodges, pleasure palaces, and caravan stops built by the Umayyad caliphs in the 7th and 8th centuries.

Qasr Amra is probably my favorite, with surprisingly well-preserved frescoes including (scandalously!) some nude figures. Not exactly what you expect to find in a conservative Muslim country, right? History is always more complex than we think!

The castles make for a perfect day trip from Amman, and you’ll have most of them practically to yourself. I saw more camels than tourists at several stops!

6. Savor Traditional Jordanian Food

Can we talk about Jordanian food for a minute? Because OH. MY. GOODNESS.

Mansaf is the national dish – lamb cooked in fermented yogurt served over rice and topped with nuts. It sounds simple but tastes divine. Watching Jordanians eat it traditionally (with their right hand, rolling the rice into little balls) is an art form I failed miserably at trying to replicate.

Don’t miss trying kanafeh for dessert – a sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup that will make you question all other desserts you’ve ever had. I may have eaten it daily. For research purposes, obviously.

7. Snorkel in the Red Sea at Aqaba

Need a break from ancient history and desert adventures? Head to Aqaba on Jordan’s tiny slice of Red Sea coastline. The coral reefs here are stunning, with some of the best-preserved marine ecosystems in the world.

I’m not even a strong swimmer, but I couldn’t resist jumping in to see the kaleidoscope of colorful fish and coral. There are plenty of boat trips that will take you to the best snorkeling spots, or you can simply walk in from certain beaches.

The contrast between spending a morning floating in the Dead Sea and an afternoon swimming among tropical fish is peak Jordan magic!

8. Trek Through Dana Biosphere Reserve

For nature lovers like me, Dana Biosphere Reserve is pure heaven. This massive nature reserve spans four different climate zones, from sandy desert to scrubby highlands, creating an incredibly diverse ecosystem.

The Wadi Dana Trail is one of Jordan’s best hikes – a full-day descent from the stone village of Dana down to Feynan. The landscapes shift dramatically as you descend, and if you’re lucky (I was!), you might spot some of the rare wildlife that calls this place home.

Staying at the eco-lodge in Feynan is another unforgettable experience. They use only candlelight at night, make bread with the local Bedouin women, and serve incredible vegetarian food. Sustainability goals, seriously!

9. Marvel at Mosaics in Madaba

Known as the “City of Mosaics,” Madaba houses some of the world’s most impressive Byzantine and Umayyad tile work. The star attraction is the Madaba Map – a 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land on the floor of St. George’s Church.

As a geography nerd, I was totally geeking out over this ancient map showing Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and other biblical sites with surprising accuracy. It’s basically the world’s oldest surviving map of the region!

The Archaeological Park nearby has even more incredible mosaics depicting everything from mythological scenes to everyday life in ancient times. The level of detail in these tiny tiles is mind-blowing – no Instagram filter can compare!

10. Take in the View from Mount Nebo

According to the Bible, Mount Nebo is where Moses got his first glimpse of the Promised Land before he died. Religious significance aside, the panoramic views from up here are absolutely spectacular.

On a clear day, you can see all the way to Jerusalem and Jericho across the Jordan Valley. I’m not particularly religious, but standing there looking out over this ancient landscape gave me serious goosebumps.

The small church at the summit houses more beautiful mosaics (sensing a theme in Jordan?), and the symbolic serpentine cross sculpture outside makes for a powerful photo op against the valley backdrop.

11. Get Lost in the Streets of Old Amman

Jordan’s capital might not have the immediate charm of some European cities, but dig a little deeper and Amman will surprise you! The old downtown area, nestled between the city’s famous seven hills, is a maze of narrow streets, spice markets, and cafés.

Start at the Citadel for amazing city views and Roman ruins (including the massive Temple of Hercules), then make your way down to the restored Roman Theater. From there, just wander! The gold market (souk) is dazzling, and the street food scene is incredible.

My favorite memory? Sitting in a tiny café playing backgammon with locals who insisted on teaching me (and then thoroughly destroying me at) their favorite game. The hospitality of Jordanians is next level!

12. Soak in Hammamat Ma’in Hot Springs

After days of hiking and exploring, your body will be BEGGING for this. These natural hot springs cascade down the mountainside in a series of steaming waterfalls, creating natural hot tubs of varying temperatures.

The minerals in the water are supposed to have healing properties, but honestly, I was just there for the blissful feeling of soaking in hot water while looking out over dramatic desert landscapes. The contrast of lush greenery around the springs against the stark mountains is stunning.

There’s a resort that’s built up around the main springs, but you can also find some more secluded pools if you’re willing to hike a bit. Worth every step!

13. Follow the Jordan Trail

For serious adventurers, the Jordan Trail is the ultimate experience – a 400-mile hiking route that runs the entire length of the country from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south.

Now, I didn’t hike the whole thing (it takes over a month!), but I did tackle the section from Little Petra to Petra proper, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip. Approaching the Monastery from the “back way” means you get this incredible monument almost entirely to yourself – a stark contrast to the crowds at the Treasury.

Even if you just do a day hike on a small section, the trail gives you access to landscapes and villages you’d never see otherwise.

14. Visit Jesus’s Baptism Site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan

Whether you’re religious or not, there’s something powerful about visiting the place where John the Baptist is believed to have baptized Jesus. This UNESCO World Heritage site sits right on the Jordan River, marking the border with Israel.

The site itself is surprisingly humble – the river is much narrower than I expected, and the archaeological remains are modest. But that simplicity makes it feel more authentic somehow. Watching pilgrims fill bottles with Jordan River water or even get baptized themselves is a moving experience.

Just don’t expect to take a dip yourself – the actual baptism spot is protected. But you can touch the water a bit downstream!

15. Shop for Treasures in Jordan’s Souks

I dare you to leave Jordan without at least one souvenir! The traditional markets (souks) are treasure troves of handcrafted goods – from intricate mosaics and Dead Sea products to colorful sand art bottles and traditional Bedouin jewelry.

In Amman, head to the Balad for the most authentic experience. In tourist areas like Petra, prices will be higher, but you can still find quality items if you know how to bargain (hint: always start at about 40% of the asking price).

My prized possession? A hand-embroidered pillow cover made by women in a local cooperative. Supporting local artisans AND getting a beautiful souvenir? Win-win!

16. Take a Cooking Class in Petra

Jordanian cuisine deserves more international recognition, and what better way to bring a taste of Jordan home than learning to cook it yourself? Several places near Petra offer cooking classes where you can learn to make classics like maqluba (an upside-down rice and vegetable dish) and proper hummus (which will ruin store-bought versions for you forever, just saying).

I took a class with a local family, and it turned into one of those magical travel moments – three generations of women showing me their family recipes, lots of laughter despite language barriers, and of course, a feast at the end. The recipes I learned have become regular features at my dinner parties back home!

17. Experience Bedouin Hospitality

The Bedouin people have inhabited Jordan’s deserts for centuries, and their culture of extreme hospitality is legendary. Whether you’re visiting a traditional goat-hair tent for tea or staying overnight in a Bedouin camp, prepare to be treated like family.

I’ll never forget sitting cross-legged in a tent in Wadi Rum, drinking unsweetened sage tea (careful – refusing a refill is considered rude!) while my host shared stories of desert life. There’s nothing quite like gathering around a fire under the stars, eating zarb (meat and vegetables cooked underground) and listening to traditional oud music.

These cultural exchanges are often the moments that stay with you long after the vacation photos have been filed away.

18. Hike to the Monastery in Petra

I know I already mentioned Petra, but the Monastery (Ad-Deir) deserves its own entry! While most tourists see the Treasury and call it a day, those who make the climb up 800+ steps to the Monastery are rewarded with an equally impressive facade – and a fraction of the crowds.

The hike takes about an hour, and yes, it’s challenging in the heat. But the trail is lined with Bedouin ladies selling tea and souvenirs, offering the perfect excuse to catch your breath (and support local women entrepreneurs!).

The real magic happens when you reach the top, round a corner, and suddenly – BAM! – this massive 150-foot-tall monument appears carved into the mountain. I actually gasped out loud. Find a spot at the small café overlooking the Monastery, order a fresh pomegranate juice, and just soak it all in. This is what travel is all about.

19. Watch the Sunset from Umm Qais

In Jordan’s far north, the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gadara (modern Umm Qais) offers something truly special – sunset views over THREE countries! From this strategic hilltop, you can see Syria, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and the Sea of Galilee all at once.

The black basalt ruins create a striking contrast against the surrounding green hills (yes, northern Jordan is surprisingly lush!). I recommend arriving a couple of hours before sunset to explore the impressive columns, theaters, and ancient streets before finding the perfect spot to watch the sun go down.

The onsite restaurant built into an Ottoman-era building serves delicious mezze and offers the best views in town. Ending your Jordan adventure here, watching the golden light fade over this crossroads of civilizations, feels like the perfect bookend to an unforgettable journey.

Phew! We’ve covered a lot of ground across this amazing country! Jordan packs so many diverse experiences into a relatively small space – from world wonders and ancient cities to natural phenomena and warm cultural encounters.

The best part? Despite growing tourism, Jordan still feels authentic. The hospitality is genuine, the experiences are immersive, and the moments of wonder are around every corner. Whether you’re a history buff, adventure seeker, foodie, or just someone who loves breathtaking landscapes, Jordan delivers in spades.

So… when are you booking your ticket? 🙂