Top Jordan travel attractions today? Rent a car and drive the Desert Castle Loop to visit the sites. You’ll get the chance to see Quseir Amra, a squat building with interiors covered with beautiful frescoes; Quseir Hallabat, a Roman fort that features volcanic basalt rock and a well-preserved mosaic; Quseir Al-Kharanah, a castle-like structure that has dozens of rooms, but whose original function has been lost to history; and Azraq Castle, an ancient walled fort known as the place where T.E. Lawrence sought shelter in 1917-1918. Situated just 20 kilometers northwest of Jerash, Ajloun makes a worthwhile trip for tourists who want to see some of the best natural scenery in all of Jordan. Plan to spend a day hiking around the Ajloun Forest Reserve, a 13-square-kilometer expanse of pristine, open woodlands. In the spring, the area is blanketed by wildflowers, which makes for spectacular photo opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled for the crested porcupines and striped hyenas that live in the area. Be sure to visit the Ajloun Castle on the summit of Mount Auf. It was built in the 12th century in the footprints of an even older Byzantine monastery to protect against the Crusader attacks. Its mountaintop location offers sweeping views of the Jordan Valley. Find even more details at Day tours from Amman.
One of the holiest sites in Jordan, Mount Nebo is the mountain where it is believed Moses first saw the Promised Land. Around 10km (6mi) from Madaba and around 1,000m (3,281ft) tall, the mountain is also believed to be Moses’ burial site, although this has never been proven. Pilgrims of all religions have travelled here since the 4th century CE and visitors can now visit a small church with an astonishing display of preserved Byzantine mosaics.
Amman is a great place to feel the beating pulse of Arabia, and get a sense of the deep histories and cultural strands that inform Jordan as a whole. Head to the warren of streets that weave and wind through the hectic center of the capital to see the mosaic of frenetic souks and echoing mosque minarets that make up the famous area of Balad. Or, go to Abdali, where leafy boulevards give way to chic cafes and high-street boutiques. There’s a clutch of must-see sights and landmarks to add to the menu too: that colossal Roman Theatre; the occasional remains of Ammonite fortifications; the medley of mosques and churches and palisades that make up the Jabal al-Qal’a citadel…
But Jordan’s not solely rooted in the past. Its hilly capital, Amman, brims with bustling restaurants and cafés, swanky shopping, and impressive art galleries. Then, there’s the Dead Sea – where you can kick up your feet after days of sightseeing and dig in to some much-needed pampering at the many luxe waterfront resorts. Plan your vacation to the Middle East and see the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions in Jordan. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. Consider spending the night at one of the luxurious “glamping” (glamorous camping) sites in Wadi Rum. With almost zero light pollution, the park offers incredible stargazing opportunities. No wonder visiting Wadi Rum is one of the top things to do in Jordan. Find additional information on alextravel.world.
At Mount Nebo, there’s an incredible mosaic in production. It depicts The King’s Way, a route that runs from Aqaba and the Red Sea north to Bosra Sham. When complete, it will run for more than 30 metres involving more than 3.5 million pieces and expects to earn the record of being the largest mosaic in the world (if you look closely, you’ll find a piece with my name on it. And one there from the Queen). We’re not special, though. The city of Madaba invites every guest to take part in the project, no matter your birthplace or background. It’s a beautiful project in a fractured world.