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On the western borders of Middle East Africa lies a country that is known as the safest place to visit on earth, Jordan. Officially named the ‘Hashemite Kingdom Of Jordan’, the country attracts many travellers from across the globe. Jordan is known for its many rich historical sites, many of which are on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites. Another gem that makes the country a hub of tourist attractions in Jordan are the world-famous Jordanian shawarmas that to this day have reigned supreme. Below is an interesting read on the 10+ best places to visit in Jordan that rank high on any travellers list.
10+ Best Places to Visit In Jordan!
Aqaba
To the south of Jordan is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Jordan, Aqaba. The port city of Aqaba is the only region of Jordan to share a coast with the Gulf Of Aqaba. The city is popular for its unique cuisine and mind-boggling spread of seafood dishes made in the region. The region is one location in the country which offers one of the best beach locations in Jordan.
Location: Southern Jordan
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
Places to explore: Mamluk Castle, Plam Beach, Aqaba Archaeological Museum
Best Restaurant: Ali Baba, Captain’s, Floka, Burj Al Hamam
Al-Maghtas
On the list of Jordan tourist attractions and 10+ best places to visit in Jordan is the most popular Christain pilgrim site of Al-Maghtas. The word Al-Maghtas literally translates to “the place of baptism” and is a UNSECO world heritage site. The location lies on the eastern bank of River Jordan, 8 km to the north of the Dead Sea. It is the rumoured site where John the Baptist, baptized Jesus of Nazareth.
Location: Juwafat al-Kafrayn, Jordan
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
Places to explore: Deir Hijleh, Mount Nebo, Hisham’s Palace
Best Restaurant: Al Deera, Rovers Return, Me Casa Restaurant
Dead Sea
One of the most influential and popular places in Jordan is the location called the Dead Sea. The location is one of the lowest points of dry land on the planet which is roughly 431 meters. The sea is popular for its high saline water, which over the years has been said to have therapeutic properties. Several tourists flock to the banks of the sea for a reliving mud bath in the saline rich mud found around the sea.
Location: Jordan Rift Valley
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
Places to explore: Mukawir, Sodom, Wadi Mujib
Best Restaurant: Ashur Restaurant, 1312, Buffalo Wings & Rings
Try reading: 10 Reasons Why Jordan should be on Your Travel Bucket-List
Ma’in Hot Springs
The next location on the list of 10+ best places to visit in Jordan is the Ma’in hot springs. The location is home to several mineral hot springs, and waterfalls and serves as a natural spa. Ma’in since Roman times has been a popular location among travellers looking to relax their tiring bodies. The water that flows in the region is said to be rich in minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium. The natural heating of the water up to 60℃ helps in treating ailments of skin conditions and joint pains.
Location: Madaba governorate
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
Places to explore: Karak Castle, The Gulf Of Aqaba, Wadi Musa
Best Restaurant: Adonis, Ayola Cafe, Mrah Salameh
Mount Nebo, Madaba
One of the popular locations that are part of Jordanian history is the destination of Mount Nebo. The location is said to be the location where Moses was first shown the hologram of the promised land. Mount Nebo is around 1,000 meters in height and is also said to be the burial site of Moses, which yet remains to be proven. The location is home to the Memorial Church Of Moses, which houses several preserved Byzantine mosaics to this day.
Location: Abarim mountain range
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
Places to explore: Memorial Church Of Moses, Al Hakaya Museum, Moses’ Spring
Best Restaurant: Fokar & Bhar, Jaw Zaman, Hekayet
Al-Siq, Petra
On the list of 10+ best places to visit In Jordan is one of the most imperative historical places in Jordan, Al-Siq. The destination is one of the most travelled sites in Petra and a UNESCO approved world heritage site. Al-Siq is the captivating rose-hued corridor that leads from Petra’s Dam to the city’s treasury. The corridor is roughly 80 metres tall and houses sculptures in certain stretches. These sculptures are mainly the Nabatean gods that to this serve as protectors of the city of Petra.
Location: Wadi Musa
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
Places to explore: Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street, Ad-Deir
Best Restaurant: Alqantarah, Petra Oriental, My Mom’s Recipe
Roman Theatre, Amman
The best place in Amman is Jordan’s own Roman Theatre which attracts several tourists from across the globe. The theatre dates back to the 2nd century CE made under the reign of Emperor Antonius Pius. The theatre can seat over 6,000 people across three tiers of seating facilities. The restoration work of the ruins began in 1957 and is now open to the public. Some musical performances often take place in the theatre which tends to take one back to the times of the Romans.
Location: Taha Al-Hashemi St., Amman
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
Places to explore: Qasr al Hallabat, As-Salt Folklore Museum, Qasr Mshatta
Best Restaurant: Chipsy Jo, Elul , Almathaq Jo
Al Khazneh, Petra
Of all the family places in Jordan, Al Khazneh or ‘the Treasury’ is one of the most popular destinations in Jordan. The structure is carved inside the rock and is roughly 40 meters in height. The structure adorns the designs of animals, friezes and figures denoting its Nabatean ancestry. The building dates back to the 1st century CE and is a temple of some sort. Although some historians believe that it was a massive storehouse for storing legal and educational documents or maybe even gold and gems.
Location: Wadi Musa
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
Places to explore: Al-Deir, Al-Madbah, Nabatean Amphitheatre
Best Restaurant: Abu Elias, Petra Kitchen, Bahia
You may also read: 30+ Cool And Amazing Things To Do In Jordan
Temple Of Artemis
One of the top places to visit in Jordan on the list of 10+ best places to visit in Jordan brings us to the Temple Of Artemis. The ruins of the temple to this day stand firm in all their former glory and look over the city from its hilltop setting. The temple dates back to between 150 and 170th century CE. The temple was a dedication to the Greek goddess of Artemis revered as the goddess of fertility, wild animals, hunting and vegetation.
Location: Jerash
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
Places to explore: The Cathedral, Nymphaeum, Jerash ruins
Best Restaurant: Agora, Ayasoluk, Mehmet Kebab House
Temple Of Hercules
The next on the list of 10+ best places to visit in Jordan is also one of the top things to do in Amman. The destination in discussion is the the Temple Of Hercules, a Greek demigod and son of the Greek god Zeus. The temple dates back to the Roman era, with only two tall pillars and part of the podium remaining of what used to be the temple. One may also find a stone hand said to have be the remnants of a statue of Hercules, which may have been 12 meters tall.
Location: Museum St 132, Amman
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
Places to explore: The Jordan Museum, Rainbow Street, King Abdullah I Mosque
Best Restaurant: Hashem, Zajal, Al Quds
Wadi Rum
The most visited tourist attraction in Jordan has to be the exquisitely stunning and charming location called Wadi Rum. The location is one of the most sought-out locations in Jordan and is perfect for adventure activities. The location is the theatrical substitute for Mars in several movies which have been shot at the location. Travellers can choose from several activities like camel riding, hiking, desert camping and many more.
Location: Aqaba
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
Places to explore: Jebel Khazali, Lawrence’s Spring, Jabal Umm Ad Dami
Best Restaurant: Crazy Camel, Enjoy Desert, FoodEx
