Jordan, a country rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, offers an array of breathtaking sites for travelers. From ancient cities to vast deserts and rejuvenating seas, Jordan is a treasure trove of discoveries. Here’s your definitive travel guide to the top 10 must-visit attractions in this mesmerizing Middle Eastern kingdom.
### 1. Petra
Undoubtedly Jordan’s most famous attraction and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is an ancient city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs. Enter through the narrow Siq to encounter the majestic Treasury (Al-Khazneh), explore royal tombs, and climb up to the monastery for a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys.
### 2. Wadi Rum
Known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum offers landscapes so surreal that it often doubles as Mars in movies. This desert wilderness is best explored by a 4×4 jeep tour or camel trek. Stay overnight in a Bedouin camp for an unforgettable experience under starlit skies.
### 3. The Dead Sea
Floating in the Dead Sea is a quintessential Jordanian experience. Its hyper-saline water makes swimming more like buoyant lounging. Bordering Israel and Palestine, it is the lowest point on earth and its mineral-rich mud is famed for its health benefits.
### 4. Amman
The capital city Amman embodies a beautiful contrast between ancient and modern. Explore historical gems like the Citadel and Roman Theatre, then dive into vibrant city life at Rainbow Street or one of its many contemporary art galleries.
### 5. Jerash
For those who appreciate Roman architecture, Jerash boasts some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy. Its colonnaded streets, amphitheaters, and temples like those dedicated to Zeus and Artemis provide deep insights into ancient civilizations that thrived here.
### 6. Aqaba
Jordan’s gateway to the Red Sea, Aqaba is perfect for water sports enthusiasts. The coral reefs teeming with marine life make this city a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers alike.
### 7. Mount Nebo
An important pilgrimage site, Mount Nebo is believed to be where Moses viewed the Promised Land he would never enter. It offers serene vistas over the Dead Sea towards Israel and Palestine.
### 8. Madaba
Known as “the City of Mosaics”, Madaba features numerous Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics found throughout its churches and museums; most notably, an ancient map of Palestine at St George’s Church.
### 9. Dana Biosphere Reserve
As Jordan’s largest nature reserve encompassing diverse ecosystems from sand dunes to mountainside forests, Dana provides opportunities for hiking enthusiasts seeking encounters with nature and wildlife sightings including ibexes and gazelles.
### 10. Aljoun Castle
Perched atop Jabal Auf near Jerash resides Aljoun Castle – built by Saladin’s general in AD1184-1188 during his battles against Crusaders; this castle presents another fascinating peek into Islamic military architecture while offering stunning views over Jordan Valley below.