The Most Beautiful Places to See in Jordan

Jordan is like a world of its own with ancient history right at your fingertips. You can spend days wandering around the country taking photograph after photograph! From the Roman ruins in Jerash, to the ancient Citadel in Amman and the Mars like landscape of Wadi Rum, all make for amazing Instagram spots in Jordan.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is one of the most beautiful places in Jordan. It’s a salt lake bordered to the East by Jordan and bordered to the west by Israel and the West Bank.

The Dead Sea is known for being the lowest point on earth and for its floating capacities. 

Some tips for visiting the Dead Sea:

• Don’t shave the day before if you’re planning on getting into the water. Due to the high concentration of salt it will be extremely painful.
• Again, it will be extremely painful if you get into the water with an open wound or sores.
• Don’t stay in the water for longer than 10 minutes at a time.
• Avoid getting your hair wet, as it will be extremely dry for weeks on end due to the high concentration of salt.

Wadi Mujib

Wadi Mujib is close to the Dead Sea, so both can easily be done in one day. It’s an enormous canyon with a river streaming through it. 

Wadi Mujib is the perfect place to combine swimming, climbing and hiking. Go for a swim in the river, and hike and climb a couple of the waterfalls in the back.

If you choose to do these activities, you will have to leave your personal belongings in a locker at the visitors’ centre. 

Before leaving your camera or phone in the locker, first take pictures at the start of the canyon before going to get changed and locking your personal belongings.

Entrance Fee: 21 JOD 

Opening Hours: The hiking season is generally from April 1 till October 31.

The Siq Trail opens at 8 AM and closes at 3 PM.

The Treasury, Petra

The Lost City of Petra is frequented by a lot of people because of the Treasury. Even till today, the Treasury’s original function remains a mystery. 

Some believe that the Treasury is a temple, but recent excavations revealed a graveyard beneath it.  

The Treasury has an overwhelming scale when you’re standing right in front of it. When you see it for the first time, it’s even more impressive than you would have imagined. Its intricate details are absolutely mesmerizing.

Entrance Fee: 50 JOD for a day ticket. If you have the Jordan Pass, it’s free.

Opening Hours: From 6 AM till 6 PM in Summer and from 6 AM till 4 PM in Winter.

Wadi Rum

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Wadi Rum is one of the world’s most famous deserts, and rightfully so. Wadi Rum has been the backdrop for many movies, including The Rise of Skywalker and the live-action adaptation of Aladdin. 

It will feel like you’re setting foot on Mars, with its basalt mountains and dramatic sandstone. Wadi Rum is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Jordan.

One thing’s for sure, Wadi Rum will leave you speechless in awe. I highly recommend you spend at least one night in this stunning dessert.

Enjoy the vastness of Wadi Rum on top of a camel, at the back of a jeep, or in one of the many bedouin camps.

Jerash

Jerash is another Jordanian landmark that offers a beautiful ancient city as its backdrop. This well-preserved Roman city has colonnaded streets, beautiful temples and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. 

Jerash is home to one of the most impressive archways in the world- the Arch of Hadrian. The arch consists of 3 major archways and measures 11 meters high from top to bottom, all with intricate and beautiful detailing. The arch is the entry point to the ancient city of Jerash.

Another must-see in the old city of Jerash is the Oval Plaza. The Oval Plaza offers some of the most impressive views from the top and it’s completely surrounded by columns.

Jerash Entrance Fee: 12 JOD for a day ticket. If you have the Jordan Pass, it’s free.

Jerash Opening Hours: From 8 AM till 8 PM in Summer.

From 8 AM till 4 PM in Winter.

Amman Citadel

Overlooking the capital city of Jordan and perched high on the Jebel Al Qala’a hill sits the ancient Citadel ruins of Amman.

The Citadel dates back to the 8th Century BC and is located near downtown Amman. The spectacular Roman ruins consist of the Jordan Archeological Museum, the Umayyad Palace, a Byzantine Church, and the Temple of Hercules.

The best part is that Amman Citadel is relatively deserted in comparison with the ruins of Petra, and the Citadel is completely free.

While visiting the Citadel, be sure to allow enough time to explore the painted murals, local shops, the nearby Roman Theater and the quaint cafes of downtown Amman.

The Red Sea

A visit to Aqaba is much-needed on your itinerary if you love the water. With tons of sea-life, coral formations and amazing shipwrecks, it’s no wonder that the Red Sea is one of the world’s most popular diving destinations.

Aqaba has approximately 25 dive sites off its coast, and it’s possible to reach them from the shore and from a boat- given the Red Sea is quite narrow.

All of Aqaba’s dive sites are located within a Marine Park, and you are required to dive with a registered guide regardless of your diving experience.

The Red Sea is the perfect spot with year-round warm water and great visibility for both beginners and experienced divers alike.

Umm Qais

Thanks to its close proximity to Yarmouk River and Tiberias Lake, Umm Qais is sprawling with greenery and is a sight for sore eyes. It’s most famously associated with the ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara, reminiscent of the Ottoman era and otherwise locally known as Gadar.

Umm Quais acts as a vantage point, as it’s located high up in the Jordanian hills and overlooks three countries: Israel, Palestine and Syria. Golan Heights, Mount Hermon and the Sea of Galilee can also be seen from up top.

Umm Quais is a perfect short road trip from Amman and has plenty of hiking and biking trails.

Ajloun Castle

One of Jordan’s most off-beat sites worth visiting is the 12th Century Ajloun Castle, otherwise known as Jabal ‘Auf after a Bedouin tribe back in the day. 

Interestingly, the castle stands on the ruins of a former monastery. The castle is open to visitors for exploring and you can even visit the Ajloun Museum which houses artefacts from different time periods.

Ajloun Castle Entrance Fee: 3 JOD for a day ticket. If you have the Jordan pass, it’s free.

Ajloun Castle Opening Hours: From 8 AM till 6 PM in Summer.

From 8 AM till 4 PM in Winter.

Dana Biosphere Reserve

Hiking through the Dana Biosphere Reserve is perfect for solitude and quiet reflection. It’s the largest natural reserve in Jordan which protects many endemic species of animals and plants. It’s the best way to get up close with Jordanian wildlife.

There are lots of animals to spot, with the reserve’s 180 species of birds and 25 species of endangered mammals (including gazelles and caracals). You’ll also find date palm trees and citrus groves between sandstone cliffs, ranging in height from 50 to 1700 meters. In five words- there’s a lot to spot.

Try visit the Dana Biosphere Reserve in spring to revel in the blossoming flowers, or visit in autumn when the thining of the plants reveals the wildlife.

Dana Biosphere Reserve Entrance Fee: 8 JOD for a day ticket. If you have the Jordan Pass, it’s free.

Dana Biosphere Reserve Opening Hours: 24 hours.

Final Thoughts

Jordan is definitely the place to be with its beautiful landscapes and attractions. From stunning beaches to ancient ruins, this Middle Eastern country has something for everyone. So, book your flights, pack your bags and get ready for endless photo-ops in paradise!