With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re reminiscing on all the enchanting destinations we have fallen in love with over the years. One stands out in particular and it may not be what you would expect: Jordan. This vibrant Middle Eastern nation is best known for its incredible natural beauty, historic sites, and mouthwatering cuisine.
If you’ve never traveled to Jordan, it’s time to add this captivating country to your 2023 travel bucket list. Today, we’re sharing some of the most amazing ways to spend your next Jordanian adventure. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, nature lover, or beach bum, there’s truly something here for everyone.
Things to Do – Jordan
Here are our top picks for the best things to do in Jordan this year:
1. Stargaze in Wadi Rum
Stargazing is easily one of the best things to do in Jordan, as anyone who has ever spent time here could tell you. Far removed from the light pollution of major cities, Wadi Rum is a magical nature preserve and Jordan’s only real desert.
The view of the starry night sky from Wadi Rum is unlike any other and is best admired from the comfort of a luxurious clear-top bubble tent. Glamping at its finest, the Wadi Rum bubble tents allow guests to bask in the mesmerizing beauty of an unpolluted sky for a truly unforgettable experience.
2. Visit the Ma’in Hot Springs
Set between Madaba and the Dead Sea, the Ma’in Hot Springs are an idyllic sanctuary of mineral springs and waterfalls. The waters of the Ma’in Hot Springs are believed to have healing properties that can work wonders on aches and pains. Travelers visit from all over the world to experience these mystical healing powers for themselves.
Because the area is 264 meters below sea level, the Ma’In Hot Springs stay warm year-round. If you’re looking for free things to do in Jordan, enjoying a spa day courtesy of Mother Nature is certainly tough to beat.
3. Explore Ancient Cities
No trip to Jordan would be complete without visiting an ancient city or two. From towering cliffs to crusader castles and ancient ruins, ancient cities like Petra and Jersah offer a glimpse at what life was like in the Middle East thousands of years ago. For a quieter and less crowded experience, check out the nearby Little Petra.
The city of Petra, nicknamed “Rose City” after the sandstone cliffs it was carved from, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most famous archaelogical sites. Pro Tip: If you get the chance to enjoy the Petra by Night show, exploring the spectacular landscapes by candlelight is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t miss.
4. Check out the Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan’s largest nature reserve, the Dana Biosphere Reserve spans roughly 320 kilometers of desert plains, canyon scenery, and plateaus. Because the reserve covers four different biogeographical zones, it’s also the home of Jordan’s most diverse array of nature and wildlife.
Dana is best explored on foot, so strap on your hiking boots and choose from the many hiking trails found within the reserve. From ancient copper mines and staggering mountains to quaint villages, the Dana nature reserve boasts endless sights to see.
5. Go Hiking in Wadi Mujib
Located near the east coast of the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib is an enchanting canyon that spans 70 kilometers and towers over the Mujib River. For outdoorsy travelers looking for a hiking adventure that yields awe-inspiring views, hike through the Wadi Mujib Gorge for an up-close at the sandstone canyons and gushing waterfalls.
If you’re visiting Jordan during the springtime, you might even get lucky and spot Jordan’s elusive national flower – the black iris. The Mujib Biosphere Reserve, set between the Dead Sea and King’s Highway, has historically been a good spot to search.
6. Go Snorkeling in Aqaba
The Jordanian port city of Aqaba is home to vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of incredible diving spots. You can explore historic shipwrecks and tropical fish with an afternoon of snorkeling or scuba diving in the Red Sea from Jordan’s only coastal city.
While you can go diving in Aqaba during any time of year, October and November are the months that get the best underwater visibility. Don’t forget to bring an underwater camera to capture your adventures!
7. Eat Your Way Through Amman
Depending on how you choose to look at it, the capital city of Amman is either the most chaotic or energetic city in Jordan. Nevertheless, it’s a must-see part of your Middle Eastern adventure. From street food like falafel to sit-down dishes like maqluba, Amman offers a comprehensive taste of Middle Eastern cuisine.
There are tons of dining venues to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for a hole-in-the-wall gem or a luxurious dining experience. Jordan is known for its vast selection of crave-worthy bites and Amman is the heart of it all, so get out there and try it all. The locals are warm and friendly, so ask around to get advice on the best spots.
8. Float in the Dead Sea
The lowest point on the planet, the Dead Sea is one of the most fascinating world wonders. With salinity levels almost ten times that of the ocean, this isn’t a body of water you would go snorkeling or surfing in. Instead, kick your feet up and go for a float.
Because of the incredible buoyancy caused by the high salt levels, floating in the Dead Sea takes almost no effort. You can even transform this relaxing day trip into the ultimate spa day with a mud bath!
The Dead Sea is renowned for its mineral-rich mud, which many beauty brands bottle to sell around the world. But why pay for what you can get for free straight from the source? That’s right—don’t be afraid to dig your hands in and apply it right to your body.
Visit Jordan for an Unforgettable Adventure
Believe it or not, this blog post hardly scratches the surface of all the incredible things to do in Jordan for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo trip. The best time of year to visit Jordan depends on the type of trip you’re looking for, so we would love to help you plan an epic adventure you’ll never forget.
Connect with travel planner Harsh Patil to learn more about planning a trip to Jordan. Happy travels!
