Top 12 Places To Visit In Jordan

Wondering where to go in Jordan? Check out our recommended 12 best places to visit below before planning your trip.

• Best for: Hiking, cultural exposure

The ancient city of Petra is Jordan's most famous landmark. Known as the "Rose City" for its stunning pink sandstone cliffs, Petra invites visitors on a journey through time, beginning with a walk through the narrow, winding Siq before revealing the awe-inspiring Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Beyond this iconic façade lies an expansive network of tombs, temples, and hidden pathways—including the mesmerizing Street of Facades, where ancient tombs line the pathway, offering a glimpse into Nabataean life. For those seeking adventure, the challenging trek to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) is a must. This remote, rock-carved wonder rivals the Treasury in grandeur, and the climb, though demanding, is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and desert.

Good to know: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and see the sandstone glow in golden light. For a magical experience, attend Petra by Night, where the Treasury is illuminated by candlelight.

For more information, check out our guide on the best time to visit Petra.

• Best for: Wellness, food tour

Amman is more than just the capital city and gateway to Jordan. It is one of the best places to visit in Jordan, with highlights such as the Amman Citadel, home to the ruins of the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace, and the well-preserved Roman Theatre, which still hosts cultural events. For a taste of local life, explore Rainbow Street, lined with cafes, art galleries, and rooftop restaurants. Amman is also a foodie's paradise, offering delicious Jordanian cuisine like mansaf, the national dish made of lamb, rice and yogurt sauce.

Good to know: For a panoramic view of Amman’s skyline, visit the Abdoun Bridge or head to Wild Jordan Center, a café with stunning city views and a mission to support Jordan’s nature reserves. If you're interested in local culture, explore Downtown Amman’s Souk Jara (open in summer), where you can find handcrafted goods, antiques, and street food.

• Best for: Hiking, wildlife and adventure

Wadi Rum, also known as the "Valley of the Moon," is a vast desert landscape famous for its dramatic red sand dunes, towering sandstone mountains, and ancient petroglyphs. This protected area has been home to the Bedouins (desert nomads) for centuries and offers a truly immersive desert experience, making it one of the top places to visit in Jordan. Visitors can explore its breathtaking scenery through jeep tours, camel treks, or even hot air balloon rides. Highlights include the massive rock formations of Jebel Umm Fruth and Burdah Rock Bridge, as well as Lawrence's Spring, named after T.E. Lawrence, who wrote about Wadi Rum in "Seven Pillars of Wisdom."

Good to know: The best way to experience Wadi Rum is by staying overnight in a traditional Bedouin camp, where you can enjoy a starlit sky, local cuisine, and stories by the fire.

• Best for: Relaxation, wellness

The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at 430 meters below sea level, is famous for its hypersaline waters. Rich in minerals, its mud is known for its therapeutic properties, attracting wellness seekers from around the world, making it one of the fun places to visit in Jordan. The region also boasts luxury resorts and spas offering rejuvenating treatments. Visitors can also explore the nearby Mujib Biosphere Reserve, a stunning canyon with hiking trails and waterfalls. For a truly relaxing escape, head to Hammamat Ma'in, a series of waterfalls and hot springs nestled in the hills above the Dead Sea, where mineral-rich waters provide a soothing natural spa experience.

Good to know: Avoid shaving before entering the water, as the high salt content can cause inflation. Sunset is the best time to visit, offering breathtaking views over the tranquil waters.

• Best for: Cultural exposure, history

 Nestled in the hills of northern Jordan, Jerash stands as a remarkable testament to the grandeur of ancient civilizations. Known as the “Pompeii of the East,” Jerash features remarkable ruins including the grand Oval Plaza, the Temple of Artemis, and the impressive Hadrian's Arch built to honor the Roman emperor's visit. Walking through its colonnaded streets, you will see remnants of ancient theatres, bathhouses, and marketplaces that once flourished under Roman rule.

Good to know: Visit in July for the Jeash Festival of Culture and Arts, where the ruins come alive with performances of traditional music, dance and theater.

• Best for: Water activities, beaches, and seafood

Jordan's only coastal city, Aqaba — located along the Red Sea — is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. It's a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The Aqaba Marine Park is home to incredible underwater life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sunken shipwrecks. Beyond the sea, Aqaba offers a mix of history and relaxation, with sites like Ayla, an ancient Islamic city, and the Aqaba Fort. The city is also famous for its fresh seafood, best enjoyed at local waterfront restaurants.

Good to know: The best diving conditions are from April to June and September to November, when the water is warm and visibility is at its peak.

• Best for: Hiking, wildlife

Jordan's largest nature reserve, Dana Biosphere, is a haven for biodiversity, covering four eco-zones ranging from green valleys to desert landscapes. It's home to rare species such as the Syrian wolf, Nubian ibex, and sand cats. The reserve offers excellent hiking trails, including the Wadi Dana Trail ,which takes visitors through breathtaking cliffs and canyons. The area is also known for its eco-lodges, offering sustainable stays in the heart of nature.

Good to know: The best time to visit is in spring (March to May) when the wildflowers bloon, and the weather is also ideal for hiking.

• Best for: Cultural exposure, history

If you want to immerse yourself in Jordan’s rich historical treasures, look no further than Madaba. Known as the “City of Mosaics,” this enchanting destination boasts an incredible collection of ancient mosaic masterpieces. The city is home to the famous Madaba Map, a 6th-century mosaic housed in St.George's Church, which is the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land. Madaba also boasts rich Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad heritage in its numerous churches and archaeological sites.

Good to know: Stop by the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration, where you can see artisans at work and even try your hand at making a mosaic.

• Best for: Religious significance, history

Al-Maghtas, also known as the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage destinations in the world. Located on the east bank of the Jordan River, this Unesco World Heritage Site is believed to be the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. The site features ancient baptismal pools, churches, and ruins dating back to Roman and Byzantine times. Pilgrims and visitors alike can explore this spiritually significant area, and some even choose to be baptized in the river’s sacred waters.

Good to know: The best time to visit is during January, when thousands of Christian pilgrims gather for Epiphany celebrations, with religious ceremonies taking place on the banks of the Jordan River.

• Best for: Hiking, adventure and wildlife

Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Jordan, Wadi Mujib is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers some of the country’s best adventure experiences. This deep canyon, which runs into the Dead Sea, is part of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, home to diverse wildlife, including the Nubian ibex, striped hyena, and over 200 bird species. The highlight for visitors is the Siq Trail, a thrilling water hike that takes adventurers through narrow sandstone gorges, rushing waterfalls, and natural pools.

Good to know: The Siq Trail is only open from April to October, and visitors should be prepared to get wet—water shoes and a waterproof bag are highly recommended!

• Best for: History, religious significance, panoramic views

Mount Nebo is one of Jordan’s most sacred sites, believed to be the site where Moses saw the Promised Land before his death. From its summit, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and even Jerusalem on a clear day. The site is home to the Memorial Church of Moses, which contains well-preserved Byzantine mosaics from the 6th century, depicting biblical scenes and wildlife. Today, Mount Nebo remains an important pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Good to know: Visit early in the morning or at sunset for the best views and a peaceful experience, as the site can get crowded during midday tours.

• Best for: History, cultural exposure, panoramic views

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Jordan Valley, Umm Qais is a hidden gem rich in history. Once known as Gadara, this Greco-Roman city was part of the Decapolis, a group of ten cities that flourished under Roman rule. Visitors can explore its impressive ancient theater, basilicas, colonnaded streets, and underground water tunnels. Umm Qais is also linked to biblical history, believed to be the site where Jesus performed the Miracle of the Gadarene Swine.

Good to know: Visit before sunset to experience breathtaking views over three different countries—Jordan, Israel, and Syria—all from one spot.

Now that you have your list of top places to visit in Jordan, it's time to start planning your trip to Jordan. A typical Jordan itinerary includes famous sites like Petra and Amman, but for a more unique experience, consider tailoring your itinerary with a customized trip to Jordan to match your interests. If you are planning on your own make sure you check out our guides on how many days to spend in Jordan and the best time to visit Jordan.

Useful information:
Things to to in Jordan
One week in Jordan
Jordan budget tours
Jordan group tours