It may have been put on the map for most people by Hollywood blockbusters; Indiana Jones the Last Crusader, The Mummy Returns and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, which featured the infamous Lost City of Petra. Although most people know Jordan for Petra, there are so many other incredible things to do and see in Jordan.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite spots in Jordan to sight-see for the budget traveller, the backpacker, the family vacationer, the off-the-beaten path traveller and the adrenalin junkie, alike.
Downtown Amman
Amman, the capital of Jordan, is an incredibly bustling city with very contrasting landscapes depending on what side of Amman you find yourself in. Downtown Amman is the mecca of culture, religion and history with ample traditional food places including Hashem Restaurant a local favourite since 1952, historical landmarks such as Citadel and the Roman Theatre which dates back to the Roman period and mosques such as Grand Husseini Mosque and King Abdullah Mosque. There is so much to deep dive into the hustling city and so many local gems and secrets to find.
Wadi Rum
Petra usually takes the limelight for the one place you can’t miss when you plan a trip to Jordan, however, for the thrill seekers, adventurers and nature lovers we would put Wadi Rum Desert equally as high on the priority list. Only 1 hour from Petra, but seemingly infinite hours from civilisation, Wadi Rum captures the beauty of the desert life and the Bedouin lifestyle. It’s not only affordable and surprisingly budget-friendly, but probably also one of the most majestic things you could do. Sleep under the stars on the desert floor and count how many shooting stars you see in one hour (we saw 7).
The Dead Sea
Everyone’s come across the photo of the person reading a newspaper, floating on water before and we’re sure everyone has bookmarked it as a place on their bucket list. This place is in fact the Dead Sea and can be accessed from Jordan or Israel. It’s definitely a funny, extraordinary and relaxing experience with so many photo opportunities to be had, so make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to try it out.
Petra
Petra, an archeological and historical site in the south of Jordan was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007- rightly so because it is one of the most incredible places you’ll ever experience. It had been an established city around the 4th century BC, forgotten in the 12th century and then rediscovered in the 19th century by a Swiss traveller. This is why Petra is sometimes referred to as ‘The Lost City of Petra’. Many of the city buildings and monuments that been been covered with sediment and rock and are slowly being revealed and discovered by archeologists- don’t miss out on seeing history being unfolded.
Wadi Mujib
For the real adventurers, water lovers and active travellers, Wadi Mujib is a MUST DO when visiting Jordan. Go canyoning through the most scenic and peaceful, yet sometimes crazy, gorge and find yourself slipping and sliding down rocks, hurling people up boulders and ladders and hanging on for dear life in the water rapids. One of the most thrilling and nature-filled experiences that Jordan has to offer! We would recommend the Siq Trail at Wadi Mujib!
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