Possibly the first time you ever heard or saw something about Jordan was the incredible images from Petra, one of the world’s 7 modern wonders. Still, this Middle Eastern country has so much to offer. Keep reading this Jordan bucket list to learn about the best places to visit in Jordan.
First of all, don’t feel daunted by the instability of the region. Surely the multiple conflicts in the neighboring countries are no joke but after I went twice to Jordan in the past few years I can say that I felt safe at all times and met some really friendly locals on my travels. In my opinion, Jordan is the best country in the Middle East to go traveling as it offers a combination of historical sites, natural wonders, delicious food, and friendly people. My recommendation for a Jordan itinerary would be starting from Amman and departing from Aqaba so you don’t retrace your steps back north but it’s also easy to get your flights in and out of the capital.
This Jordan bucket list was written by Juan from Planet of Adventures.
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Good to Know Before Visiting Jordan
Make sure to buy the Jordan Pass before you arrive in the country. With the pass you will waive the visa fees plus you will get free entry to dozens of incredible sights all over the country, including Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, and several attractions in Amman. It’s seriously a no-brainer. I personally recommend getting at least the “explorer” pass as it allows you to visit Petra for two consecutive days. If you enjoy hiking, one day might not be enough in Petra.
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The Ultimate Jordan Bucket List
Visit the Ancient City of Petra
Let’s start with the most obvious one. You simply cannot visit Jordan and not make it to Petra. Every traveler’s bucket list should have the Seven Wonders of the World added to it and this is one of them. I can vouch for it, this is a magical place. Petra was flourishing over 2000 years ago, when the Nabateans developed the rock-cut architecture typical of Petra and this will be what you see the most, starting with The Treasury which is its most famous sight.
I recommend you dedicate at least two full days of your trip to Jordan as you can go hiking in Petra until you cannot take another step! There are plenty of trails and the more you move away from the crowds the more you will see the magnificence of the place.
Good to Know 💡
Being the most visited place in Jordan, prepare for the crowds and aim to go as soon as the visitor center opens (6:00 am or 6:30 am depending on the time of the year). It will be worth it.
Explore Amman on Foot
The Jordanian capital has an eclectic mix of wonderful sights. You can wander all around on foot to appreciate even more the daily life in the city. So put on those comfy shoes as there are so many things to do in Amman!
Within walking distance from where most hotels and guesthouses are located, you can go to the Citadel, the Roman Theatre, the Nymphaeum, and the Instagrammable Rainbow Street. Start with the Citadel which has been occupied since the bronze age. You will be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.
When you go to the Roman Theatre ask at the gate if there are any performances happening as sometimes they do traditional music concerts in the evenings. Also, do not miss the chance to eat the most delicious hummus of your life in pretty much every restaurant in Amman as well as the famous Knafeh dessert.
Go on a Day Trip to Jerash
This is a perfect idea for a day trip from Amman as you can catch either a tour or even a public bus that takes less than an hour to get there. The entry fee is included with your Jordan Pass.
The so-called City of 1000 Columns is one of the best-preserved Roman architecture in the world outside of Italy. Even though Jerash is one of the most famous places to visit in Jordan, I didn’t feel it crowded at all when I went as it’s quite spacious and everyone spreads all over the place. The most striking sights are the Oval Forum and the Colonnaded Street. I didn’t do much research before going to Jerash and I was left speechless by the beauty of this place.
Go Hiking in Dana
Almost in between Amman and Petra, you will find the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Here you will find lots of trails and no crowds so you can easily spend a few days hiking and admiring the stunning landscapes.
Although it’s a lot less touristy than the other famous places to visit in Jordan, you will still find a few options for accommodation in Dana. It’s also possible to hire a local guide if you like hiking but are not too confident about route planning.
Explore Wadi Rum Desert
Live like a Bedouin and stay in the middle of the desert where you will be able to join multiple adventurous tours in Wadi Rum and have the opportunity to do some of the most beautiful stargazing in your life!
Wadi Rum was one of my favorite places to visit in Jordan as the camps where you can stay are mostly managed by Bedouin families so you can have a great cultural immersion into their traditions. When I was there, the evenings in the camp were filled with traditional live music which felt more authentic rather than a gimmick for the tourists. I also tried there Mansaf which is the national dish in Jordan. It was cooked in a traditional way with an underground “oven”.
Make sure to check the location of the Bedouin camps when you look for a place to stay in Wadi Rum. Some camps are literally out of the desert which is quite misleading.
See the Mosaics in Madaba and Visit Mount Nebo
This is another day trip from Amman, and again you can join an organized tour or even go by public bus as it’s just some 30 Kilometres from Amman. There are lots of temples (including churches) that contain incredibly detailed mosaics that are over 1500 years old.
The town itself does not have much more to see but from here you can continue the day trip for a further 10 Kilometres and go to Mount Nebo. Mount Nebo is said to be in the Bible where Moses was granted a view of the promised land. Whether you’re religious or not, I enjoyed walking along the arid landscape with views of the Dead Sea. Apparently, on clear days you can see the cities of Jericho and Jerusalem. Unfortunately I was not able to see them when I went.
Swim in the Dead Sea
This is one of the weirdest feelings to experience in your life. Floating in the Dead Sea makes you feel like a child again. The density of the water allows you to stay vertically on water without sinking. And if you try to swim deep you will be quickly pushed back up. You can also easily float while you read a book without getting it wet at all. You can make a day trip from Amman or Petra or stay along the shore as there’s plenty of accommodation in the Dead Sea for different budgets.
Beware, the water tastes disgusting and it can burn horribly if it gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth. I knew that and still tried it anyway as I was curious to my regret. If you decide to do the same don’t tell me later I didn’t warn you not to do it!
Go Scuba Diving in the Red Sea!
Aqaba is fairly close to the Wadi Rum desert so it’s a quick journey for yet another fantastic place on your Jordan bucket list. Did you know that the Red Sea is one of the best places in the world to go diving? There’s rich biodiversity, reefs, wrecks, and calm waters with great visibility year-long, perfect! If you don’t know how to dive, this would be an incredible place to get your PADI certification. Alternatively, you can also go snorkeling or on a boat tour. When you’re not in the water, you can explore the archaeological remains around the town.
Jordan Bucket List Special: Hiking the Jordan Trail
Above I mentioned that you can go hiking in Dana and Petra but have you ever heard of the Jordan Trail? This one is for those who want a proper challenge. This long-distance hike goes right from the north of Jordan in Um Qais to Aqaba in the south. It’s 650 kilometers long and takes about 35-40 days to complete. I personally still have it pending on my Jordan bucket list but it’s definitely on my plans to tackle someday!
Jordan Bucket List: Final Words
This Ultimate Jordan Bucket List will surely fill up your holidays for several days. But there are so many other places to visit in Jordan that are included with the Jordan Pass. If your trip allows for even more exploration make sure to check them out!
Don’t forget to save this Jordan bucket list for your next trip!
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