Jordan is considered a safe haven for tourism, as it is one of the stable tourist destinations in the region. Jordan abounds with a group of attractions and tourist places within the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient Nabataean ruins carved in Petra. This is in addition to the inspiring desert landscapes. In this article, you will find everything you want to know about tourism in Jordan, the land of the prophets, and its most important cities and tourist attractions.
The history of Jordan goes back thousands of years to the eras of the first humans. “Archaeological findings and research indicate that the history of Jordan dates back to the era of Neanderthals! .” Jordan also includes Roman and Ottoman cities, as well as Persian treasures and Egyptian antiquities from long-vanished dynasties.
Discover tourism in Jordan
Jordan is not only a tourist destination with historical ingredients, but tourism in Jordan is distinguished by the lively streets of Aqaba on the Red Sea for world-class diving, or even in the center of the capital, Amman, where there is a thriving nightlife and modern art.
Jordan is characterized by a variety of tourist attractions, including archaeological, therapeutic, recreational, religious and cultural sites. There are also more than 3,000 5-star hotels in Jordan. You can stay in one of Jordan’s hotels , according to your budget.
In addition to all of the above, Jordan enjoys the diversity of its topography, as it is considered the link between the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. Just as Jordan attracts thousands of tourists annually for the purposes of entertainment and tourism, there are also many who visit Jordan for tourism in hospitalization rooms. This is where medical tourism in Jordan relies on natural elements in the treatment of patients. Such as mineral or sulfur springs in the Dead Sea, Ma’in baths, and exposure to sunlight. In addition to its desert sands, which many people visit for the purpose of recovering from some of the many skin diseases, rheumatism, bone diseases, and others.
The best time to travel to Jordan
The best time to travel to Jordan is the spring season, when the period is between the months of (March-May). The reason for this is due to the mild climate, where the temperatures are pleasant, and wild flowers spread everywhere, even the desert. Despite the many advantages of traveling in the spring, the only obstacle during this period is the desert winds known as the “Khamseen Winds”. Which is laden with dust and gravel.
We advise you to avoid tourism in Jordan in the summer, between June and September. This is where the temperatures in the Jordanian capital sometimes reach 40 degrees Celsius, and in the Dead Sea and Aqaba, the temperature can reach 45 degrees Celsius! Although the summer heat in Jordan is very hot, it is dry, and you can catch some cool breezes amidst the hills.
I also stay away from tourism in Jordan in winter, especially between December and February. This is where the weather is cold with strong winds and heavy rains that reach snowfall. The temperature in Petra may reach minus 8 degrees Celsius. In Wadi Rum, the weather is more moderate. While Aqaba enjoys warm sunshine.
As for the autumn season, from mid-September to mid-November, the weather is ideal for beach lovers. Autumn is also an ideal time to travel to Jordan, as temperatures drop to more tourist-friendly levels in the country.
The most important tourism cities in Jordan
There are more than 40 cities in Jordan, but not all of them are known for tourism. There are 10 tourist cities in Jordan that are worth visiting and including in your tourism program there, including the following
Tourism in the city of Amman
Amman, the Jordanian capital, is one of the most prominent and important tourist cities in Jordan. It is a city full of ancient history, and its streets enjoy the fragrant history of the mosaics and minarets of ancient mosques and others.
Amman is located on a series of winding hills, and is blessed with many modern museums and galleries. The Jordanian city of Amman is also famous for its delicious and famous food. All this in addition to some of the natural and man-made wonders that attract tourists in the Middle East.
The most important landmarks of the tourist city of Amman
- Nebu mountain.
- Roman Theater.
- Amman Citadel.
- King Abdullah Mosque.
- St. George’s Church.
- Temple of Hercules.
- Rainbow Street.
- Royal Automobile Museum.
- Jordan Museum.
- Darat al Funun.
- Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts.
- Jordan Children’s Museum.
- Umayyad palace.
Tourism in the city of Petra
Petra is called the Pink City, and it is a city carved into the rock in a unique and creative way, attracting tourists from everywhere. It is an ancient historical city, and one of the most prominent and popular tourist attractions in Jordan. It has also been officially classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The history of the city dates back to the year 13 BC, when it was established by the Nabataeans, and despite that it was discovered in 1812 AD. Your tour in Petra needs to be explored in one day, where you can walk around and explore it in a period ranging from 5: 10 hours approximately.
It is recommended when visiting Petra for tourism, that you wear comfortable and loose clothes, as well as sports shoes and a hat to protect from the sun. This is where the city of Petra is characterized by a hot desert climate.
The most important tourist attractions in the city of Petra
- the safe.
- Siq Pass.
- monastery.
- Wadi Rum.
- Dana Biosphere Reserve.
- royal tombs
- The Great Temple.
- The girl’s palace.
- Palace Mausoleum.
- Byzantine Church.
- Jar shrine.
- Mount Aaron.
- Temple of the Winged Lions.
Tourism in the city of Jerash
Jerash is less than an hour’s drive from the capital, Amman. A tourism vacation in Jordan is not complete without visiting the Jerash Governorate. It is a governorate that enjoys a group of unique tourist and historical places. It also enjoys many parks and picturesque forests that attract tourists.
Jerash Governorate is also famous for its preserved ruins since the first century AD, with unique columns, squares, temples, and terraces, which are considered among the most prominent shrines of the governorate. In addition, Jerash is an ideal starting point for exploring the nearby nature reserves.
The most important tourist attractions in Jerash
- Southern Theatre.
- Colonnaded Street or Cardo.
- The path of the nymphs.
- hippodrome.
- Amawy mosque.
- Hamidi Mosque.
- Hadrian’s Arch.
- Northern Theatre.
- Temple of Artemis.
- Symposium Square.
Tourism in the city of Aqaba
Aqaba is Jordan’s gateway to the Red Sea, as it is an ancient city inhabited since 4000 BC. Aqaba has some monuments and museums. In addition to the wonderful beach resorts, which offer its visitors many water activities, such as surfing, snorkeling, diving and others.
Aqaba also includes sites rich in Yemeni coral reefs, which are among the most important factors that attract tourism to it. Moreover, you can take a tour to explore its ancient ruins, and enjoy watching its ancient trees in Shatt Al-Ghandour. If you intend to visit Jordan soon, do not miss the opportunity to explore Aqaba and visit its tourist attractions.
The most important tourist attractions in the city of Aqaba
- Aqaba Water Park.
- Aqaba Sea.
- Aqaba Castle.
- Chinese village.
- Aquarium.
- Archaeological Museum.
- Ayla Oasis.
- Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque.
- Ahlan diving center.
- Japanese garden.
- Aqaba Bird Observatory.
- Al-Ghandour Beach.
Tourism in the city of Madaba
The ancient city of Madaba can be found, clinging to the edge of the famous King’s Highway that weaves through the desert and historic hills of Jordan. The city is famous for its glorious, gilded mosque, a collection of minarets, as well as ancient mosaics dating back to the Umayyad era.
There are wondrous Byzantine artworks, lurking in the bays as well as the chapels in St. George’s Orthodox Cathedral. Moreover, it enjoys a group of ancient Roman ruins that permeate the city. You will also be able to taste the Jordanian mezze packed with the spices that Jordan is famous for.
The most important tourist attractions in Madaba
- Madaba Heritage Trail.
- Madaba Archaeological Museum.
- The burning palace.
- Martyrs Church.
- Church of the Apostles.
- Al Hekaya Heritage Museum.
- Church of the Virgin.
- Madaba Institute of Mosaic Art.
- The Ottoman Palace House.
- Makawer Castle.
- Nebu mountain.
- Ma’in.
- John the Baptist Church, “The Latin Monastery”.
- The Church of the Map “Greek Orthodox”
Tourism in the village of Wadi Rum
The Arabian sun, glowing orange, and the breathtaking reach of Wadi Rum in southern Jordan is certainly one of the region’s most remarkable natural wonders. Wadi Rum is an area carved out of rocky limestone, rising and falling dramatically on the eastern fringes of Aqaba.
Called the Valley of the Moon, it is famous for its red and pink sands, stunning mountains, and prehistoric petroglyphs. Wadi Rum is less than four hours’ drive from the capital, Amman, and less than about two hours’ drive from Petra. The area has many famous tourist attractions, which attract tourists to it, including the following.
The most important tourist attractions of Wadi Rum
- Wadi Rum Reserve.
- Lawrence of Arabia springs.
- Camping places.
- Jabal Umm al-Dami.
- Lawrence House.
- Bedouin guide.
- Bedouin Nights Camp.
Tourism in the city of Ajloun
Dominating the green, rolling hills of northern Jordan, the historic city of Ajloun is now just a large collection of individual villages and hamlets. All these small settlements are attached together, with the heights of the famous Ajloun Castle, which attracts many tourists. The city of Ajloun has been known since ancient times, specifically the Roman era. Ajloun has historical importance, due to its privileged location in the mountains of Jordan to the nort
The city of Ajloun is about 74 km away. It is one of the largest tourism cities in Jordan, and also in terms of area, it includes approximately 27 villages. The reason for naming it by this name is due to the origin of the word Aramaic, that name given to the chief king of the city of Moab, who used to rule this region for a certain period in the past.
The most important tourist attractions in the city of Ajloun
- Ashtifana area.
- Caves and high mountains.
- Ajloun Nature Reserve.
- Kufranga Valley.
- Ajloon Castle.
- Mar Elias area.
- Ajloun Tourist Park.
- Dibbin Forest Reserve.
- Umm al-Daraj mountain.
- Barkash forests.
- Shelter reserve for nature and wilderness.
- Zaqeq Valley.
Tourism in the city of Irbid
If you are planning your travel and tourism program in Jordan, a plan to visit the city of Irbid should be part of your tourism program. Irbid has thrived thanks to its prestigious university “Yarmouk University”, and a whole host of other well-known higher education facilities. Tourism in Irbid is also considered one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Jordan, as it enjoys a group of archaeological tourist attractions, such as museums and various Roman and historical monuments.
In addition, Irbid has many natural tourism potentials, with mountains, green spaces, parks and its picturesque nature. One of the most important tourist activities that attract tourists to visit the city of Irbid is mountaineering. The city also has many shopping malls and hotels, in addition to its vibrant streets. All of this made Irbid an important tourist city in Jordan.
The most important tourist attractions in Irbid
- The university street.
- old City.
- Dar Al Saraya Museum.
- Museum of Archeology and Anthropology.
- Irbid City Centre.
- Arar House Cultural Museum.
- Jordan Natural History Museum.
- Waterfall Valley.
- Tabaqat Fahl area.
- Umm Qais area.
- Irbid Aquapark.
Tourism in the city of Zarqa
Zarqa Governorate is one of Jordan’s important tourist cities. When you travel to Jordan for the purpose of tourism, do not miss the opportunity to explore it. It is a tourist city that includes a group of monuments worth visiting. The governorate is divided into 3 main important regions:
- Zarqa District District.
- Rusaifa Brigade.
- Hashemite Brigade.
The city of Zarqa is a treasure rich in various tourist attractions. This is where you find that this city has about 500 famous and prominent archaeological sites in
the city. Zarqa is approximately 650 meters above sea level. The following are the most prominent tourist attractions in Zarqa.
The most important tourist attractions in the city of Zarqa
- Azraq Wetland Reserve.
- Queen Noor Park.
- Royal Urban Village Garden.
- Azraq Wetland Reserve.
- Al-Shaumary Nature Reserve.
- Shabib Palace.
- blue palace
- The Great Arab Mosque.
- Amra Palace.
- Global Animal Village.
- Hallabat Palace.
Tourism in the city of Ma’an
Ma’an Governorate is a good stopover among Jordan’s popular southern regions. It is one of the ideal tourist destinations in Jordan for travelers, especially those making their way to Egypt and the Red Sea. Despite its small size, it is distinguished from the rest of the large and famous Jordanian tourist cities.
Ma’am Governorate includes many ancient historical and archaeological monuments, which are attractions of a special nature that attract many tourists. It is believed that this city dates back to the time of the Nabataeans, and then Ma’an formed an outpost far from Petra and the capital, Amman.
The most important tourist attractions in the city of Ma’an
- Eye of Moses.
- Wadi Musa.
- the safe.
- Al-Shobak Castle.
- Little Petra.
- Diwan.
- royal tombs
Tips before traveling and tourism in Jordan
Planning your tourist vacation in Jordan to be from 7 to 10 days:
If you are wondering how much you need to explore the places of tourism in Jordan? The answer is on average a week. You will need at least a week to see all the tourist places in Jordan, but you can also enjoy seeing a lot if you have less time. At the very least, you can plan your tourist vacation to be 5 days.
Despite this, the ideal time that you can take, for a perfect tourist holiday in Jordan, you need 7 to 10 days. This is because there are so many amazing places to see in Jordan, in addition to many recreational and tourism activities.
Try to rent a car to move around Jordan:
If you’re planning to visit Jordan on your own, it can be frustrating to try to get around without a car. Although Jordan is a very small country, its small population means that there is not much infrastructure when it comes to public transportation.
If you plan to travel from one city to another, for example from Amman to Petra, a Jet bus may suit you. But there are many tourist spots that are not served by buses. These places include Wadi Rum and others.
Be sure to wear a hat and bring a scarf:
Tourism in Jordan is mostly in desert places, and given the hot weather, it may be a good idea to cover your head to avoid sunstroke due to the high temperatures. This is especially the case when visiting a desert tourist site such as Wadi Rum or Petra. Visitors may also need a scarf when visiting a religious site, such as the King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque, which is worth a visit.
Avoid drinking tap water:
Tap water is not safe to drink in Jordan. Unlike many western countries. This is because tap water in Jordan is used only for washing purposes. However, you can get potable water and pick it up at any time of the day with delivery services, or you can buy mineral water bottles from any of the shops located everywhere.
Beware Photography Without Permission:
Jordan is without a doubt one of the most photogenic regions in the world. Locals are often happy to take your photographs. But before trying to take any pictures of them, ask permission first, especially when you are in a place where women and families gather.
Avoid rush hour
Traffic jams peak between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. It is almost impossible to find a taxi at that time, and if you do, the taxi driver will often be reluctant to take you to any remote location to avoid the traffic. Always plan your movements through the city in advance, or choose to walk to nearby tourist destinations and attractions on foot during those times.
Use your hands:
table manners are unconcerned in Jordan. Eating with your hands is a common habit, and it also indicates that you enjoy the food offered. For example, “Mansaf”, which is the traditional and most famous dish in Jordan, is usually eaten with your hands. So he gave up the fork and the knife, so there is no way to use them much.
It is preferable to accompany a tourist guide:
If this is your first trip to Jordan, and you do not know the addresses of the tourist places and the most important attractions. We advise you to follow a tour guide to make your trip easier for you, and to save time so that you can enjoy visiting the largest number of tourist places in Jordan.
Do not miss shopping in Jordan:
One of the most beautiful activities that you can do during tourism in Jordan is a shopping tour. Do not miss visiting the various markets and malls of Jordan, and buying the most beautiful souvenirs. If you intend to go to the capital, Amman, here are the most important recommended Amman commercial malls:
- City Mall.
- Galleria Mall.
- Taj Mall.
- Amman Mall.
- Mukhtar Mall.
- Abdali Mall.
- Al Baraka Mall.
- Avenue Mall.
- Mecca Mall.
- Independence Mall.
- Arifa Mall.
- Marjan Mall.
- Magdy Mall.
Information about Jordan
The capital: Amman.
Currency: Jordanian Dinar.
Language: Jordanian Arabic.
Location: The Kingdom of Jordan is located northwest of the continent of Asia, in the rocky desert region in the north of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered to the southeast by Saudi Arabia, and shares its western border with the State of Palestine. As for the east, it is bordered by the Iraqi Republic, and from the north, it is bordered by the Syrian Republic. Jordan also overlooks the Red Sea from the southwestern side.
