Forget the clichés. Jordan is far more than camels and sand. This Middle Eastern gem offers dramatic mountains, ancient castles, biblical ruins, beach resorts, and one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites (yes, Petra). If you’re into adventure, culture, or both, there's plenty to keep you hooked. Read on for the best things to do in Jordan and start planning your trip.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Jordan, your essential guide for visiting Jordan.
If you're looking for adventure while reading a trip planning guide to Jordan, don’t overlook the country’s deserts and coastline. The vast eastern deserts are all limestone and basalt, while the south shifts to sand, hinting at the endless dunes of Arabia. But at the very southern tip, Jordan’s only coastline offers a complete contrast – Aqaba, a lively port city set against the warm, wildlife-rich waters of the Red Sea.
Snorkeling here is a must. You don’t need to be a diver to get up close with sea turtles – just dip beneath the surface, and you’ll find coral reefs teeming with colorful fish in some of the clearest waters anywhere.
Aqaba is easily reached by domestic flight from Amman, which takes under an hour. If you prefer the scenic route, it’s a four-hour drive from the capital through desert landscapes. There are also regular buses and private transfers.
The best time for diving and snorkelling is from April to June or September to November, when the water is warm and visibility is at its peak. Summer can be sweltering, and winter, though mild, brings cooler water temperatures.
Snorkelling in the Red sea is one of the best things to do in Jordan © blue-sea.cz/Shutterstock
Few landscapes in the Middle East hit as hard as Wadi Rum. With sheer cliffs of granite, basalt, and sandstone rising up to 800m from the desert floor, this is one of the best places to visit in Jordan – and one of the most unforgettable.
The wadi (rhymes with “dumb”, not “doom”) is part of a chain of north–south valleys carved by ancient fault lines just south of the Shara Mountains. You can explore it by jeep, camel, or on foot, but either way, it feels like stepping onto another planet.
Wadi Rum is about a four-hour drive from Amman or just over an hour from Aqaba. You’ll need to switch to a 4WD at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center – local Bedouin guides handle the rest. Tours can be booked in advance or on arrival.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal. Expect warm days and cooler nights – perfect for stargazing. Summer is brutally hot, and winter can bring surprise rain and cold desert winds.
Wadi Rum desert, Jordan © EyesTravelling/Shutterstock
The Baptism Site is a pilgrimage spot alongside the River Jordan at the place where Jesus was baptized, commemorated by dozens of ancient churches and hermitages. Archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of sites – 21 at the last count – along Wadi Kharrar, a small side valley of reeds and flowing water that runs for 2km from its source down to the River Jordan.
These discoveries – eleven Byzantine churches, five baptismal pools from the Roman and Byzantine periods, caves of monks and hermits, and lodges for pilgrims rapidly convinced both Jordanian and international opinion as to the veracity of the site.
The Baptism Site is an easy 45-minute drive from Amman. You’ll need to join a guided tour from the visitor center, as access to the riverbank is restricted. Tours run regularly and cover the key ruins and the river crossing point.
The site is open year-round, but the best time to go is between October and April when the weather is cooler. Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to dodge the crowds and catch the softest light for photos.
Greek Orthodox St. John baptist church in Jordan © vvoe/Shutterstock
Often skipped by travelers chasing ruins and relics, Amman surprises with its low-key charm and growing creative energy. It’s no Cairo or Damascus – and that’s exactly the appeal. Instead of ancient grandeur or old-world chaos, you’ll find a youthful, buzzing capital where new cafés, galleries and studios are breathing life into old neighborhoods.
Break away from the typical circuit and explore Rainbow Street and its surroundings, where 1920s stone villas have been given new purpose. Try local dishes at Sufra, then pop into the beautifully restored NOFA Creative Space for live music, talks or just a peaceful moment in the garden. This is Amman at its best – modern, open, and quietly confident.
Queen Alia International Airport is the country’s main gateway, around 45 minutes from the city center. From there, taxis and airport buses are easy to arrange. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Jordan, Amman is well connected by bus, car, and even day tours.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spots. Summer is dry and hot but manageable if you stick to shaded streets and cooler evenings. Winter brings rain and chilly winds, though it rarely lasts long.
Roman theatre in Amman, Jordan © Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock
A few kilometres west of Amman’s city limits, the rugged highlands of central and northern Jordan drop away dramatically into the Dead Sea Rift. This giant valley marks a geological dividing line as well as a political one, with the Arabian plate to the east shifting a few centimetres a year northwards, and the African plate to the west moving slowly southwards.
Between the two is the River Jordan, defining Jordan’s western border as it flows into the large, salty inland lake of the Dead Sea, famed as the lowest point on Earth. Taking a dip here and relaxing on the beaches is one of the best things to do in Jordan, not least because of the world-class luxury resort hotels dotted along the shore.
The Dead Sea is an easy one-hour drive from Amman. You can rent a car, book a tour, or grab a taxi. Public transport is limited, so private transport is your best bet if you're not staying at a resort.
Aim for spring or autumn, when the weather is warm but not blistering. Summer can hit 104°F (40°C) or more, and winter, while mild, can bring cloudy skies and cooler temperatures that take the fun out of floating.
Lying on the water surface of the Dead Sea is one of the unique things to do in Jordan © Shutterstock
Boardwalks lead through reed beds amid the Azraq oasis, in the deserts east of Amman – perfect for nature walks and bird-watching excursions. Before the oasis dried up, this whole area of marshes and lakes, in the midst of Azraq’s qa, or depression, was the scene of vibrant life.
The water you can see gushing into the pools between the reeds has come from Amman: it’s the minuscule amount that the government is pumping back into the wetlands as a gesture towards eco-friendliness. Overlooking a water hole near the end of the trail is a hide built of mud-brick, from where you can watch the birdlife – and, if you’re lucky, the water buffalo which roam the reed beds.
Azraq is about a two-hour drive east of Amman. You’ll need your own wheels or a private tour, as public transport options are limited. Combine it with a visit to the nearby desert castles for a full day trip from Amman.
Spring and autumn are best for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons when species stop here en route between Africa and Europe. Expect mild weather, around 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), and better chances of spotting wildlife.
Azraq Wetland reserve, Jordan © Tala Dabain/Shutterstock
Petra isn’t just one of the best things to do in Jordan – it’s one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites on the planet. Hidden deep in the rugged Shara Mountains, this ancient Nabataean city still feels secretive and surreal, despite the crowds it draws.
Once a major trading hub rich enough to challenge Rome, Petra was carved from rose-red rock over 2,000 years ago. Time and weather have softened its grand Classical facades, revealing swirls of color in the sandstone and giving the city a dreamlike glow. Enter through the narrow Siq and you’ll hit the Treasury – but that’s just the start. Petra stretches for kilometers and rewards those who venture beyond the main drag.
From Amman, it’s around a three-hour drive to Petra. JETT buses run daily, or you can hire a car or driver. The town of Wadi Musa, just outside the site, has plenty of accommodation options. Buy your ticket at the Petra Visitor Center.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer ideal conditions – temperatures hover around 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Summer gets scorching, reaching up to 104°F (40°C), and winter can bring rain or even snow. For the best light and fewer people, enter the site early in the morning.
Petra, Jordan © Shutterstock
Walking in Moses' footsteps to the summit of Mount Nebo is one of the essential things to do in Jordan – and one of the most moving. From this windswept hilltop above the Dead Sea, legend says the prophet looked out over the Promised Land before his death.
This is one of Jordan’s most sacred sites, with spiritual significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. While the exact location of Moses’ burial remains uncertain – with Muslim tradition placing it near Jericho – Mount Nebo still commands awe. At the summit, you’ll find the remains of a Byzantine church and sweeping views across the Jordan Valley, sometimes stretching all the way to Jerusalem on a clear day.
Mount Nebo is about a 40-minute drive from Amman and just 10 minutes from Madaba. It’s often combined with visits to Madaba’s mosaics and the Dead Sea. You’ll need a car or a private tour, as public transport doesn’t go all the way to the site.
Visit in spring or autumn for the clearest views and mild temperatures, typically around 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Summer can be dry and hazy, while winter occasionally brings fog or rain, which can obscure the view.
Mount Nebo, Jordan © VLADJ55/Shutterstock
If you’re after raw, untamed nature, Dana Biosphere Reserve is your spot. Jordan’s largest nature reserve stretches from rocky highlands down to sun-scorched desert, offering everything from challenging hikes to peaceful moments of stillness. Whether you're here for the landscapes, the wildlife, or just the solitude, you’ll find it hard to leave.
Perched on the edge of a canyon, the stone-built Dana village overlooks the V-shaped Wadi Dana, the heart of the reserve. The terrain plunges from 1500m (4920ft) at the top to below sea level near Feynan, shifting through limestone, sandstone, and granite. You’ll pass through juniper forests, arid plains, and surprisingly green slopes – all in one hike. The biodiversity here is off the charts, with rare plants and endangered animals making this a true wilderness refuge.
Dana village is around a three-hour drive from both Amman and Aqaba. There’s no public transport, so you’ll need your own vehicle or to book a private tour. Many visitors stop here en route to or from Petra.
Spring (March to May) is ideal, when wildflowers bloom and temperatures are comfortable – around 59°F and 77°F (15°C and 25°C). Autumn (September to November) is also good for hiking. Summer gets hot at lower elevations, while winter can bring snow and chilly winds in the highlands.
Wadi Dana, Jordan © Case60/Shutterstock
Madaba might look like a sleepy market town, but its churches hide some of the most important mosaics in the Middle East. Top of the list? A sixth-century mosaic map of the Holy Land – the oldest known geographic floor mosaic – laid out inside St George’s Church.
Yes, it gets crowded, especially in high season when tour buses roll in by the dozen. But even with the tight space and tourist chatter, the map is worth your time. It’s packed with detail, from the walls of Jerusalem to tiny depictions of boats on the Dead Sea. Beyond that, Madaba’s narrow lanes, Ottoman-era buildings, and other lesser-known churches, like the Church of the Apostles, are perfect for slow wandering.
Madaba is an easy 45-minute drive from Amman. There are regular minibuses from the capital, or you can take a taxi. It's also a handy stop if you're heading toward Mount Nebo or the Dead Sea.
Visit in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant – around 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) – and the town is lively but not swamped. Try to get to St George’s Church early in the day to beat the crowds and get a clearer view of the mosaic.
Mosaic, Madaba, Jordan© Lukiyanova Natalia frenta/Shutterstock
Don’t let the regal name fool you – the King’s Highway might sound grand, but today it’s a winding backroad that cuts through some of the most scenic and historic parts of Jordan. Once a vital trade and pilgrimage route, it’s now a quiet, sometimes bumpy drive across highland ridges and past rural villages.
The route links major sights like Madaba’s mosaics, the dramatic Crusader castles at Karak and Shobak, and the wild beauty of Dana Biosphere Reserve. But part of the charm lies in the in-between – olive groves, roadside produce stalls, and tiny hilltop towns that give you a glimpse into everyday Jordanian life. If you want to slow down and see the country from a different angle, this road delivers.
You can drive the King’s Highway between Amman and Petra – allow at least a full day, more if you plan to explore along the way. A rental car or private driver gives you the most flexibility, since public transport along this route is patchy.
Spring and autumn are ideal for a road trip, with daytime temperatures around (68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) and lush green hills in spring. Summer can be dry and hot, while winter occasionally brings snow to the highlands and muddy conditions on parts of the road.
King Highway, Jordan© geogif/Shutterstock
If you're looking for things to do in Jordan that stray from the usual route, put Umm Qais on your list. Perched at the northern edge of the country, where Jordan meets Israel and the Golan Heights, this windswept village offers ruins, history, and views you won’t forget – without the crowds.
The main draw is Gadara, one of the ancient cities of the Decapolis. Its Roman ruins stretch across a hilltop, scattered among the black basalt homes of an abandoned Ottoman village. From here, you can see the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights on a clear day. While Friday afternoons bring in a few picnicking families, the rest of the week it’s all yours – quiet, atmospheric, and wildly underrated.
Umm Qais is about two hours by car from Amman and 30km northwest of Irbid. Public transport options are limited, so self-drive or a private transfer is your best bet. You can also base yourself in Irbid and visit on a day trip.
Spring (March to May) is ideal – expect wildflowers, cool breezes, and temps around 59°F and 77°F (15°C and 25°C). Autumn is also a good time. Winter mornings can be misty and chilly, while summer gets dry and dusty, especially in the afternoon.
Ruins of early christian basilica at Umm Qais, ancient Gadara, Jordan © Shutterstock
If you're after ancient ruins with a side of mystery, head east of Amman into the stony plains and discover Jordan’s Desert Castles – a mix of early Islamic palaces, forts, caravan inns, and hunting lodges scattered across the desert.
The most impressive are Qasr Kharana and Qusayr Amra. The first looks like a fortress straight out of a movie set; the second is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with 8th-century frescoes, including images of bathing women, animals, and zodiac signs – rare survivors from the Islamic world’s early artistic heyday. Both are easy to reach by regular car, and they sit close to the road that runs between Amman and the oasis town of Azraq, which is worth a stop for its wetlands, eco-lodge, and T.E. Lawrence connections.
Most visitors tackle the Desert Castles on a looped day trip from Amman, using a rental car or private driver. Public transport doesn’t serve the sites directly. The main castles – Qasr Kharana, Qusayr Amra, and Qasr Azraq – are all reachable in a few hours.
Visit in spring or autumn for cooler weather, with temperatures around 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Summer can be punishing, climbing above 104°F (40°C), and the exposed desert offers little shade. Mornings and late afternoons are best for photos and cooler walks around the ruins.
Qasr al Kharana, desert castle, Jordan © Claudio Soldi/Shutterstock
Wadi Mujib cuts a dramatic scar through central Jordan – and it’s no exaggeration to call it the country’s own version of the Grand Canyon. Dropping over 1,200m (3,940ft) from the highland plateau to the Dead Sea, this deep gorge is one of the most breathtaking natural features in Jordan.
Driving the King’s Highway between Madaba and Karak means winding your way to the canyon’s rim, where you’ll get jaw-dropping views from both sides. But it’s not just about standing back and admiring it – there’s adventure too. In the warmer months, the Mujib Biosphere Reserve opens its trails for canyoning, including the popular Siq Trail, where you wade, scramble, and swim through the gorge.
Wadi Mujib sits off the Dead Sea Highway, around 90 minutes from Amman. The canyon viewpoints are accessible by road via the King’s Highway, while the entrance to the adventure trails lies near the Mujib Bridge. A car or tour is essential, as there’s no direct public transport.
The canyoning season typically runs from April to October, when temperatures stay warm enough for water activities – think 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C). Spring and early autumn offer the best balance of heat and water flow. Trails close in winter due to flash flood risk and colder conditions.
Wadi al Mujib canyon, Jordan © Achiedegids/Shutterstock
Hole up at this beautifully designed eco-friendly desert hotel, miles from the nearest road, for rugged walking, fascinating cultural encounters and epic star-gazing. The Feynan lodge’s green credentials are impeccable. It is not connected to the grid, and generates all its own electricity through solar panels – but only the reception office, bathrooms and kitchen have power; the rest of the building is lit by candles.
And the place has atmosphere. Sit out on the terrace, lounge on the sofas, try a spot of star-gazing on the roof, and walk in the hills – it’s bewitchingly calm and contemplative. Set down below stony crags under a scorching sun, the lodge feels remote, but crucially not cut off from its surroundings. This is no luxury tourist hidey-hole planted down amid rural poverty.
Feynan is about a three-hour drive from Amman or Aqaba. You’ll need to park at the visitor center near the village of Greigra, where a 4WD transfer (included with most bookings) takes you the final 8km to the lodge. Self-driving all the way isn’t recommended unless you’ve got off-road experience.
Best times are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), with daytime temperatures between 68°F and 86°F (20°C and 30°C). Summer can hit 104°F (40°C) in the midday sun, though evenings cool off fast. Winter nights can be cold, but the crisp air makes for unbeatable stargazing.
Feynan eco lodge, Jordan © outcast85/Shutterstock
Sample some of the Middle East’s finest restaurants in Amman – or try Jordan’s national dish, mansaf, at a bedouin gathering in the desert. The cheapest budget diners will generally only have one or two main dishes on view – fuul, stew with rice, roast chicken and the like – but you can almost always get hummus and salad to fill out the meal.
In better-quality Arabic restaurants, the usual way to eat is to order a variety of small starters (meze), followed by either a selection of main courses to be shared by everyone, or a single, large dish for sharing. Good Arabic restaurants might have thirty different choices of meze, from simple bowls of hummus or labneh up to more elaborate mini-mains of fried chicken liver (kibdet djaj) or wings (jawaneh).
Mansaf - the national dish in Jordan © bonchan/Shutterstock
Even if you’re all ruined out, Jerash will grab your attention. Just 50km north of Amman, this sprawling site is one of the best-preserved Roman cities anywhere in the eastern Mediterranean – a real surprise for first-timers and a highlight of northern Jordan.
Set in a green valley, Jerash blends monumental Roman grandeur with unexpected intimacy. Think colonnaded streets, crumbling temples, and huge theatres, all balanced by quiet corners and small details – like the grooves in the stone left by ancient chariot wheels. The site is big enough to fill a whole day, but even with just a couple of hours, you’ll want to cover the Oval Plaza, the Cardo Maximus, the Temple of Artemis, and the North Theatre. Time it right, and you might catch a Roman-style chariot show in the hippodrome – yes, it’s touristy, but it’s fun.
Jerash is an easy one-hour drive from Amman. There are frequent minibuses from the capital, but a rental car or private tour gives you more flexibility. The entrance is just outside the modern town, with parking and basic facilities on site.
Spring and autumn are the best times, with temps between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) and fewer crowds. In summer, it can get hot and dusty – aim for early morning or late afternoon. Winters are cooler and quieter, though occasional rain can make paths slippery.
Jerash, Jordan © Shutterstock
Set amidst the northern hills is a magnificent Crusader-period castle, within easy reach of a tranquil nature reserve. In the Ajloun region around the highland market town of the same name, to give plenty of walking and picnicking possibilities in what are some of the most southerly natural pine forests in the world.
Use the town – or, better, the rural tourism projects around the Ajloun Forest Reserve nearby – as a base to get way off the beaten track for a day or three, walking silent hillside tracks and exploring the magnificent Crusader-period castle perched among the olive groves.
Ajloun is around 75km (about 90 minutes) north of Amman by car. It’s possible to visit on a day trip, often combined with Jerash. Public transport exists but is infrequent, so your own vehicle or a guided tour is the easiest option.
Spring is ideal – the hills are green, wildflowers bloom, and daytime temps hover around 64°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). Autumn is also great for walking. Summer is cooler here than elsewhere in Jordan, but it still gets busy on weekends. Winter brings occasional rain and chilly winds in the highlands.
Ajloun castle, Jordan © Cortyn/Shutterstock
Tucked into a deep, rocky valley 30km southwest of Madaba, Ma’in Hot Springs is where you go to soak, steam, and switch off. Hot water pours from cliffs into pools and waterfalls, fed by geothermal springs that heat up to 140°F (60°C). It's dramatic, slightly surreal, and deeply relaxing – if you time it right.
The site has long been a weekend favorite for locals, especially on Fridays when the place gets busy. But come midweek and you can often have a steaming corner of the canyon to yourself. There are natural pools, a few makeshift saunas, and spa facilities at the nearby hotel if you want something more polished.
From Madaba, it’s a scenic 40-minute drive down steep switchbacks into the Wadi Zarqa Ma’in. It’s also accessible from the Dead Sea in under 30 minutes. There’s no public transport, so you’ll need your own car or a private transfer.
Spring and autumn are ideal, with daytime temperatures around 68°F and 86°F (20°C and 30°C). The water stays hot year-round, but summer can be scorching and crowded, and winter occasionally brings flash floods that may close access temporarily. For the best experience, avoid Fridays and arrive early or late in the day.
Hammamat Ma'in hot springs, Jordan © Shutterstock
written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 06.05.2025
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Jordan
