50 Things To Do in Jordan

In no particular order, we’ve come up with fifty things to do on your trip to Jordan. We’ve tried to come up with a good mix of adventurous activities, culinary experiences, interesting historical encounters, and more. Some of these activities are almost certainly already apart of your Jordanian itinerary whereas others are more off the beaten path. If you have a suggestion for something that should be included on the list, please send us a note to let us know!

50 Top Experiences in Jordan


#1

Climb Jabal Umm ad Dami, Jordan’s highest peak.

View from the top of Jabal Umm ad Dami, Jordan’s highest peak. Photo taken by Roupicou, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

View from the top of Jabal Umm ad Dami, Jordan’s highest peak. Photo taken by Roupicou, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#2

Eat mansaf, the national dish of Jordan.

Traditional Jordanian mansaf. Photo taken by Evan Carroll, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Traditional Jordanian mansaf. Photo taken by Evan Carroll, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#3

Visit the Amman Citadel at sunset and listen to the call to prayer echo across the city.

The Amman Citadel. Photo taken by Davric, distributed under under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

The Amman Citadel. Photo taken by Davric, distributed under under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#4

Stop and have a rest at Amman’s Roman Theater which is over 1800 years old.

The Roman Theater in Amman. Photo taken by Bernard Gagnon, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

The Roman Theater in Amman. Photo taken by Bernard Gagnon, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#5

Hike from Little Petra to Petra.

Little Petra. Photo taken by Orionis.

Little Petra. Photo taken by Orionis.

#6

Walk on the Jordan Trail.

The Jordan Trail is a long distance hiking path that starts in the north of Jordan at Um Qais and finishes at the Red Sea near Aqaba.

The Jordan Trail is a long distance hiking path that starts in the north of Jordan at Um Qais and finishes at the Red Sea near Aqaba.

#7

Go sandboarding in Wadi Rum.

Slide down some of the steepest dunes in Wadi Rum on a sand board. You can try sand boarding during our Wadi Rum Jeep Tour.

Slide down some of the steepest dunes in Wadi Rum on a sand board. You can try sand boarding during our Wadi Rum Jeep Tour.

#8

Go diving in the Red Sea near Aqaba.

Aquatic life in the Red Sea near Aqaba. Photo taken by Joi Ito, distributed under CC BY 2.0 license.

Aquatic life in the Red Sea near Aqaba. Photo taken by Joi Ito, distributed under CC BY 2.0 license.

#9

Sleep under the stars in Wadi Rum.

For all of our tours, you can decide to sleep under the stars in the open air beneath the starry desert sky.

For all of our tours, you can decide to sleep under the stars in the open air beneath the starry desert sky.

#10

Explore the Umayyad Palace on top of Jabal al-Qal'a, Amman’s Citadel Hill.

The Umayyad Palace in Amman. Photo taken by Tonitech, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

The Umayyad Palace in Amman. Photo taken by Tonitech, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#11

Eat zarb, a tasty Bedouin dinner cooked beneath the sand.

Our chef Hassan clearing the sand away from the pit where zarb is cooked. Photo taken by Matthew Cruickshank, @mfcruickshank on Instagram.

Our chef Hassan clearing the sand away from the pit where zarb is cooked. Photo taken by Matthew Cruickshank, @mfcruickshank on Instagram.

#12

Take a day trip to Qasr Amra, one of the best known desert castles.

Frescoes inside Qasr Amra. Photo taken by David Bjorgen, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Frescoes inside Qasr Amra. Photo taken by David Bjorgen, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#13

Check out Qasr Azraq, a desert castle built by the Romans, used by the Ottomans, and Lawrence of Arabia’s desert headquarters in 1917.

Qasr Asraq. Photo taken by Teo Gomez.

Qasr Asraq. Photo taken by Teo Gomez.

#14

Have a relaxing float in the Dead Sea.

Floating in the Dead Sea. Photo taken by Audrey Sel, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Floating in the Dead Sea. Photo taken by Audrey Sel, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

#15

Tour Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the baptism site of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist.

The baptismal site of Jesus Christ. Photo taken by Faraheed, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

The baptismal site of Jesus Christ. Photo taken by Faraheed, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#16

Summit Mount Nebo for a panoramic view over the Holy Land.

Mount Nebo. Photo taken by Berthold Werner, distributed under CC BY 3.0 license.

Mount Nebo. Photo taken by Berthold Werner, distributed under CC BY 3.0 license.

#17

Visit Wadi Mujib and go canyoning in the Mujib Nature Reserve.

Hiking trail in Wadi Mujib. Photo taken by Hiking In Jordan, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Hiking trail in Wadi Mujib. Photo taken by Hiking In Jordan, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

#18

Learn about the biodiversity and rare species in the Dana Biosphere Reserve.

A Palestine Sunbird in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Photo taken by Charles J Sharp, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

A Palestine Sunbird in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Photo taken by Charles J Sharp, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#19

Go for a nature walk in the Dibeen Forest Reserve near Jerash.

Dibeen Forest Reserve. Photo taken Ldud, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Dibeen Forest Reserve. Photo taken Ldud, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

#20

Try birdwatching in the Ajloun Forest Reserve.

A Sardinian Warbler in the Ajloun Forest Reserve. Photo taken by Andreas Trepte, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

A Sardinian Warbler in the Ajloun Forest Reserve. Photo taken by Andreas Trepte, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

#21

Visit the Madaba Map mosaic which depicts Jerusalem and the layout of the Holy Land in the 6th century.

A section of the Madaba Map mosaic. Photo taken by Jean Housen, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

A section of the Madaba Map mosaic. Photo taken by Jean Housen, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

#22

Visit the remains of several Byzantine churches at the Madaba Archaeological Park.

A church in the Madaba Archaeological Park. Photo taken by Freedom’s Falcon, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

A church in the Madaba Archaeological Park. Photo taken by Freedom’s Falcon, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

#23

Take a journey to Umm ar-Rasas and admire the mosaic floor at the Church of Saint Stephen.

A section of the mosaic floor at Umm ar-Rasas. Photo taken by xorge, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

A section of the mosaic floor at Umm ar-Rasas. Photo taken by xorge, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

#24

Spend an evening sampling the street food in Amman.

Street food in Amman. Photo taken by yeowatzup, distributed under CC BY 2.0 license.

Street food in Amman. Photo taken by yeowatzup, distributed under CC BY 2.0 license.

#25

Stop at an arabian bakery and try their baklava.   

Trays of fresh baklava. Photo taken by E4024, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Trays of fresh baklava. Photo taken by E4024, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#26

Try kanafeh, and try not to drip any syrup on your shirt.

A tray of fresh kanafeh. Photo taken by Maor X, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

A tray of fresh kanafeh. Photo taken by Maor X, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#27

Sample many local dishes by ordering a mezze.

A typical mezze. Photo taken be Dan, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

A typical mezze. Photo taken be Dan, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

#28

Try Arabic coffee, prepared with coffee beans and cardamom, served in a traditional Arabic coffee pot.

Preparing arabic coffee. Photo taken by Mervat Salman, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Preparing arabic coffee. Photo taken by Mervat Salman, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

#29

Get addicted to tasty Bedouin tea, the perfect blend of black tea, sage, and sugar.

Preparing Bedouin tea next to the fire. Photo taken by Rob Oo, distributed under CC BY 2.0 license.

Preparing Bedouin tea next to the fire. Photo taken by Rob Oo, distributed under CC BY 2.0 license.

#30

Try the different varieties of locally grown dates.

Dates at the market. Photo taken by Noblevmy, distributed under CC BY 3.0 license.

Dates at the market. Photo taken by Noblevmy, distributed under CC BY 3.0 license.

#31

Mix our delicious, locally produced olive oil with your zaatar, labneh, and hummus.

Old olive trees in Jordan.

Old olive trees in Jordan.

#32

Hum the Indiana Jones theme song as you exit the Siq and see the Treasury at Petra for the first time.

Your first glimpse of the Treasury. Photo taken by David Bjorgen, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Your first glimpse of the Treasury. Photo taken by David Bjorgen, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

#33

Sit and enjoy the sunset near the Monastery at Petra.

The Monastery at Petra. Photo taken by Brad Mering.

The Monastery at Petra. Photo taken by Brad Mering.

#34

While visiting Petra, follow the trails to the High Place of Sacrifice.

View from the High Place of Sacrifice. Photo taken by LiAnna Davis, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

View from the High Place of Sacrifice. Photo taken by LiAnna Davis, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

#35

Ride an Arabian Camel in the desert.

An arabian camel in Wadi Rum. Photo taken by Jorge Lascar, distributed under CC BY 2.0 license.

An arabian camel in Wadi Rum. Photo taken by Jorge Lascar, distributed under CC BY 2.0 license.

#36

Take a stroll down Rainbow Street in Amman.

Rainbow Street in Amman on a quiet morning.

Rainbow Street in Amman on a quiet morning.

#37

Learn about Jordan’s long history at The Jordan Museum in Amman.

A display demonstrating the evolution of writing systems in Jordan. Photo taken by Davide Mauro, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

A display demonstrating the evolution of writing systems in Jordan. Photo taken by Davide Mauro, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#38

Make a stop at Falafel al-Quds on Rainbow Street in Amman to see if the ‘best falafel in the Middle East’ lives up to its reputation.

Al Quds Falafel in Amman.

Al Quds Falafel in Amman.

#39

Take a walk down The Cardo, a 600m collonaded street at the ruins of Jerash.

The Cardo at Jerash. Photo taken by Jean Housen, distributed under CC BY 3.0 license.

The Cardo at Jerash. Photo taken by Jean Housen, distributed under CC BY 3.0 license.

#40

Climb the stairs of the impressive Temple of Artemis at Jerash.

The Temple of Artemis at Jerash. Photo taken by Jean Housen, distributed under CC BY 3.0 license.

The Temple of Artemis at Jerash. Photo taken by Jean Housen, distributed under CC BY 3.0 license.

#41

Visit the Ajloun Castle, a Crusades-era construction with panoramic views over the Jordan Valley and the north Jordan highlands.

The Ajloun Castle. Photo taken by Hiking in Jordan, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

The Ajloun Castle. Photo taken by Hiking in Jordan, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

#42

Visit the Citadel of Kerak, a former Crusader stronghold later conquered by Saladin.

Kerak Castle. Photo taken by Dosseman, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Kerak Castle. Photo taken by Dosseman, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#43

Get off of the beaten path and go hiking in Wadi bin Hammad.

Tiny waterfall in Wadi bin Hammad. Photo taken by Majdiq, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Tiny waterfall in Wadi bin Hammad. Photo taken by Majdiq, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

#44

Explore the ruins of the Shobak Castle, perched atop the former hill known as Montreal (Royal Mountain).

Shobak Castle. Photo taken by xorge, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Shobak Castle. Photo taken by xorge, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

#45

While in Aqaba, try a glass of Jordanian Arak, a traditional flavoured liquor made from anise.

Arak, when mixed with water, becomes cloudy and white. Photo taken by Mica.

Arak, when mixed with water, becomes cloudy and white. Photo taken by Mica.

#46

Wake up early and go for a hot air balloon ride in Wadi Rum.

View over Wadi Rum from the hot air balloon. Photo taken by Anark75, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

View over Wadi Rum from the hot air balloon. Photo taken by Anark75, distributed under CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

#47

Take a day trip to the roman ruins of Umm Qais and enjoy the view over the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights.

An ancient street in Umm Qais after the rain. Photo taken by xorge, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

An ancient street in Umm Qais after the rain. Photo taken by xorge, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

#48

Explore the ancient ruins of Pella in the Jordan River Valley.

Pella. Photo taken by IGEO Map, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pella. Photo taken by IGEO Map, distributed under CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

#49

Stop in at the city of Salt, the capital of Jordan under Ottoman rule.

Salt (or As Salt), Jordan’s former capital.

Salt (or As Salt), Jordan’s former capital.

#50

Do a Jeep Tour with Wadi Rum Nature Tours.

We had to finish this list with our most popular tour, our Wadi Rum Jeep Tour - One Day and One Night. We hope to see you soon in Wadi Rum!

One of Wadi Rum’s many beautiful landscapes. Photo taken by one of our guests, Simon Walser, @walser.simon on Instagram.

One of Wadi Rum’s many beautiful landscapes. Photo taken by one of our guests, Simon Walser, @walser.simon on Instagram.


Wadi Rum Nature Tours offers tours and accommodation in the Wadi Rum Desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the south of Jordan. If you are planning a trip to Jordan, click here to read about our tours and our accommodation in beautiful Wadi Rum.