10 Best Things to Do in Jordan

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What To Do In Jordan

A country that is sure to wow you from start to finish, discover the 10 best things to do in Jordan for a trip like no other with this Jordan travel guide. Below you’ll find the best things to do in Jordan and some accessible travel tips for travelers with disabilities.

Jordan is easily one of the most magnificent and exciting travel destinations I’ve ever visited. The country is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world, and although it is surrounded by unrest, which can make some travelers hesitate, it still offers a welcoming, safe space for its visitors away from the chaos around.

Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic before visiting Jordan. I had no idea what to expect, and it blew me away! The people were friendly and welcoming, the security was very high, and safety in the country was a top priority; the food was the best I’d had in the Middle East, and the attractions were mind-blowing.

Jordan is a truly magical destination that I will go back to when I have the chance again (which is not something I do often).

Visiting Jordan, you can expect to enjoy historic marvels, beautiful cities, friendly locals, a diverse culture, and natural wonders. It is home to one of the oldest cities on the planet, the lowest point on Earth, and one of the 7 wonders of the world! There truly is no place like Jordan, which is why I want to share my tips for Jordan sightseeing.

Below are the 10 best things to do in Jordan for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Get ready to explore Jordan.

10 Best Things to Do in Jordan

Visit Petra

One of the top things to do in Jordan that you CANNOT miss is visiting Petra. This famous archeological site dates back to 300 B.C., when it was the capital city of the Nabataean Kingdom. A walking tour of Petra is an absolute must-do in Jordan. And yes, there are wheelchair-accessible options.

At its height, it was home to around 25,000 people and was a thriving city with very advanced architecture and designs. It is now one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a wonder, no doubt.

Petra is accessed by walking down a narrow canyon between huge cliffs, also known as “Al Siq”. Even this walk is incredibly impressive with the huge cliffs, smaller temple carvings, and tombs. (Again, there are other options for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility if you opt to take a tour.)

After walking down the Siq through the incredible rock formations, you will reach the most famous and popular attraction: The Treasury. This is one of the most iconic tourist spots in Jordan.

This 45m high ornate, detailed temple is carved into the surrounding cliffs. It truly is a wonder how it was carved and created thousands of years ago. This is easily one of the top photo spots inside Petra, well worth a few shots.

You will notice this is by far the busiest part of Petra due to its popularity. There are also a lot of locals trying to make you pay for camel rides and for them to bring you to the mountain views.

They can get pretty annoying and pushy, so beware. I chose to not go to the viewpoint – even though I wanted to – because of how pushy they were.

After seeing The Treasury, there is a TON more to see in Petra. It is actually quite shocking how huge the entire Lost City is and how much you can see and do here. There are many other temples, ruins, and more. However, the best place to head to next is The Monastery.

This is a cliff-carved temple that looks quite similar to the Treasury but is MUCH less busy. Getting here requires around 45 minutes of walking uphill and is quite the hike. (There are options to traverse this portion by cart if you take a tour and have limited mobility.)

I actually preferred The Monastery over The Treasury. Some people rode donkeys to the top, which was so sad and cruel; I do not support this! Walk and get a little workout in.

If you cannot walk, there are wheelchair-accessible tours available, like the one below. For more information on wheelchair accessibility in Petra, check out my post, “Is Petra worth visiting?”

Tips for Visiting Petra:

➡️ At the entrance, people will say a horse ride is included in your ticket. They will give you a horse ride and demand a “tip,” so don’t do it.

➡️ The animals in Petra are NOT treated well. Camels, donkeys, horses. Do not ride them and support unethical treatment.

➡️ The entrance price is 50 JD (54.28 USD) or INCLUDED in the Jordan Pass (More about this at the end of the article)

➡️ Budget around 4-5 hours to see as much of Petra as you can. You won’t see all of it, but quite a bit.

➡️ Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM in summer and 6 AM – 4 PM in winter.

Enjoy Petra by Night

Petra by Night is an occasional event where you can enjoy the magic of Petra after dark. The only source of light is thousands of candles, which makes the entire adventure all the most exciting and magical. This experience only runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm, and the entrance price is 17 JD (25 USD). Visiting this iconic tourist attraction in Jordan by night gives you an entirely new perspective.

Explore Wadi Rum

One of the most famous sights in Jordan and one of the top places to go in Jordan, Wadi Rum is a vast red sand desert in Jordan that attracts visitors from around the world. The name “Wadi Rum” translates to Moon Valley, which makes sense with the huge valleys and red sands; however, it looks more like Mars than the moon.

There is an entrance fee of 5JD (7.35 USD), which is not included in the Jordan Pass, but this fee is well worth it.

Heading to Wadi Rum is one of the best things to do in Jordan for travelers looking to immerse themselves in one of the most beautiful and scenic places in the country. You can find an amazing wheelchair-accessible combo tour of Wadi Rum and Petra.

Here you can camp in a traditional Bedouin Camp, go on (ethical) camel rides, embark on jeep tours, sand hikes, and more. It is easily one of the most beautiful places in Jordan and is best visited overnight since it is a 3-4 hour drive from Amman.

Spend a Night in a Bedouin Camp

The best way to spend a night in Wadi Rum is at a Bedouin Camp. These are traditional camping compounds in Wadi Rum that offer stays to visitors where you can sleep under the stars and soak in a warm Jordanian welcome.

The types of camps and tents vary quite a bit, from the famous bubble tents to private tents to shared tents. All have their pros, cons, and experiences, so choose what you feel most drawn to.

I found the camps much more modern than I had imagined, with heat, AC, running water, plumbing, electricity, and even WIFI! Everyone on my tour had thought it would be completely roughing it, but it was quite the opposite for our camp.

Nonetheless, the experience was amazing. With a full dinner and breakfast prepared for us in the traditional Bedouin way. The experience was 100% worth it, and this is easily one of the best things to do in Jordan. However, it is not recommended for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

Swim in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is another one of Jordan’s amazing natural attractions that you cannot miss while here. And yes, there are fantastic wheelchair-accessible tours of the Dead Sea. This salt lake is shared by Jordan and the West Bank and is actually the lowest point on Earth at 430.5 meters below sea level.

That’s not the only reason the Dead Sea is so amazing but also the fact that it has a 35% salt content level. This means that nothing can live in it, not plants or sea animals, which is why it is called dead.

More so, it is so salty that you can float in it incredibly easily. The experience of sitting in the water and floating to the top as if you were sitting on a chair is amazing! Just note that not all of the Dead Sea looks blue and beautiful like this.

You can search for the blue, clear areas, as some are darker and not so pretty. This is one of the best things to do in Jordan for families, couples, and more- a truly remarkable experience. You can easily see why this is one of the top Jordan tourist spots.

Visit Jerash

Jerash is home to some of the most well-preserved and largest Ancient Ruins in the world outside of Greece and Italy. The ruins have a history dating back almost 7, 000 years, with ruins like amphitheaters, fountains, cathedrals, and even an archeological museum. It’s one of the most famous sights in Jordan and one of the top Jordan attractions.

The ancient city of Jerash is more than just one ruin; it is a massive set of ruins you can spend a few hours walking around and admiring. Wheelchair-accessible tours of Jerash are available.

Visiting Jerash is a great idea if you have 10 days in Jordan and want to fit in as much as possible during your stay!

Visiting Jerash is one of the best things to do in Jordan after Petra for history lovers. You’ll learn all about this ancient Roman city and its ruins. The best way to learn and understand as much as possible about Jerash is with a tour.

See Amman Citadel

Visiting and exploring the Amman Citadel is one of the top things to do in Jordan to immerse yourself in the history of Amman.

With the capital city of Jordan, Amman, being one of the oldest cities in the world, there are PLENTY of historic places and sites to see and enjoy. One of the best is the Citadel.

This large archeological site is home to a museum, ruins, and some of the very best views of Amman! It is the perfect place to explore for an hour or two and delve into the history of Jordan and one of the best things to do in Amman, Jordan.

The archeological museum has artifacts dating back to 800 B.C., and it is UNBELIEVABLE! The best thing is that the Amman Citadel is included in the Jordan Pass, so if you get the Jordan Pass, you benefit here.

Eat Amazing Local Food

The food in Jordan was the best I’ve had out of anywhere else in the Middle East. It was fresh, unique, and oh-so-tasty! From the hummus to falafel to halloumi, everything was top-notch.

I don’t usually fall in love with a place more because of food, but the food really brought Jordan over the top for me. My favorite restaurant in the city was Jubran with incredible food and an even better view.

Heading out to enjoy local, delicious food from top-notch restaurants to street food is easily one of the best things to do in Jordan.

Venture to Aqaba

Easily one of the top 10 things to do in Jordan is visiting the city of Aqaba. Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city where visitors can enjoy the mountains, history, and water! It sits along the Red Sea and has been inhabited since 4000 B.C.

Head here to enjoy the popular beach and water activities like windsurfing and snorkeling. Aqaba is also one of the top destinations for snorkelers, with it being close to the Yamanieh coral reef.

I recommend this 3-hour wheelchair-accessible tour of Aqaba.

Explore Amman

Amman, the capital city of Jordan, is one of the best cities to stop in and explore in Jordan. It is HUGE and packed with historic sites, lively streets, and hidden gems. Taking a walking tour of Amman is the best way to see the city.

Exploring Amman is one of the best things to do in Jordan to see and experience local life and feel the energy of the country.

Jordan Pass

The Jordan Pass is a complete sightseeing and entrance package for visitors to Jordan. It is not ideal for EVERYONE to buy, as it depends on where you are from. If you are a visitor from a Western country, then purchasing this pass BEFORE arrival will save you money during your visit.

The Jordan Pass provides free entrance to over 40 attractions in Jordan, a 1-day visit to Petra, and waives the entrance visa fees. The price for the smallest package (which is all you need) is 70JD (102.45 USD). It’s a great value and gets you into all the top places to see in Jordan.

Without the Jordan Pass, you will pay the visa fee of 40 JD (58.55 USD), and if you go to Petra, 50 JD (73.18 USD). So even with just these two things, you save money with the Jordan Pass. If you have limited mobility, you will be better off purchasing tours individually, as you may need some adaptive assistance to sites such as Petra that will not be included in your Jordan Pass.

For more information and to look into if this is right for you, check out the Official Jordan Pass Website.

How to Get Around Jordan

The best way to get around Jordan is by tour! There are a ton of amazing tours that will bring you all around the country, showing you the top attractions along the way. This is not New York, so getting around by public transport is very difficult. It’s best to join a tour to make things easy.

A guide knows their country inside and out and will give you the best experience possible.

Where to Stay in Jordan

The best place to stay in Jordan is Amman if you want to enjoy city life, or in Wadi Rum to enjoy the desert.

Best Things To Do In Jordan – In Conclusion

Jordan is an incredible country with many things to see and do. While it may be challenging for some with mobility issues, there are plenty of tours that make the main sites accessible. You just have to plan ahead and make sure you lock in your tour dates.

With so many amazing things to do in Jordan, an amazing adventure awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Jordan

What is Jordan best known for?

Jordan is best known for Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, but the country also offers Roman ruins, Red Sea beaches, desert camps and outstanding food. Its relatively compact size allows visitors to experience ancient cities, mountains, desert and coastline during one trip.

What are the best things to do in Jordan?

First-time visitors should prioritize Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Jerash and Amman. Other memorable experiences include sleeping in a Bedouin camp, visiting Aqaba, exploring the Amman Citadel, and eating an entirely reasonable amount of hummus in the name of cultural research.

How many days do you need in Jordan?

Seven days is enough to see several major attractions, while 10 days allows for a more comfortable pace and additional time in Aqaba or the Dead Sea. Travelers with chronic illnesses or limited stamina should avoid changing hotels every night and build at least one rest period into the itinerary.

What is a good itinerary for a first trip to Jordan?

A practical route begins with Amman and Jerash before continuing to the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba. Travelers with seven days may need to shorten their time in Amman or Aqaba. Those with 10 days can add rest days and explore each destination without treating the vacation like a competitive archaeological event.

What is the best time of year to visit Jordan?

Spring and autumn generally provide the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summer can be extremely hot, particularly at Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, while winter may bring cold nights, rain, and occasional snow at higher elevations. Travelers with temperature intolerance should choose dates based on their health needs.

Is Jordan currently safe to visit?

Conditions in Jordan and the surrounding region can change quickly. As of September 2026, the U.S. Department of State advises travelers to reconsider travel to Jordan and identifies some areas where Americans should not travel. Review the complete Jordan Travel Advisory and guidance from your own government before booking.

Do I need a visa to visit Jordan?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport, and entry point. Many visitors can obtain a visa on arrival or use the visa benefits associated with an eligible Jordan Pass, but this does not apply to every traveler. Confirm the current requirements with an official Jordanian embassy or immigration authority before departure.

Is the Jordan Pass worth buying?

The Jordan Pass can offer excellent value if you are eligible, purchase it before arriving, stay at least two full nights—three days—and plan to visit Petra. It includes admission to more than 40 attractions, including Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, and the Amman Citadel. Compare the available packages and eligibility rules on the official Jordan Pass website.

Does the Jordan Pass include a visa?

The Jordan Pass is not itself a visa. It may waive the tourist visa fee for eligible visitors who purchase it before arrival and remain in Jordan for at least two full nights. Nationality, entry point, and immigration status still matter, because international paperwork rarely misses an opportunity to be complicated.

Does the Jordan Pass include Wadi Rum?

Yes. Admission to the Wadi Rum Protected Area is included in the Jordan Pass. Jeep tours, guides, meals, camps and other activities must be booked and paid for separately.

How do you get around Jordan?

Renting a car or hiring a private driver provides the most flexibility, especially when visiting Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Intercity buses connect some popular destinations but may not suit every itinerary or accessibility need. Taxis and ride-hailing services are useful in Amman, although traffic can make journey times unpredictable.

Should I rent a car or book a guided tour in Jordan?

Renting a car provides independence, while a private driver or guided tour removes the stress of navigation, parking, and unfamiliar roads. A private tour may be especially helpful for travelers who need assistance, frequent rest stops, or door-to-door transportation. Confirm the vehicle type, step height and mobility-device storage before booking.

Is Jordan wheelchair accessible?

Jordan is not consistently wheelchair accessible. Modern hotels and some visitor facilities offer step-free access, but historic sites frequently contain sand, gravel, steep slopes, stairs, and uneven stone. Arrange accessible transportation and ask detailed questions about the complete route rather than relying on the word “accessible” alone.

How can I visit Jordan with a chronic illness?

Plan fewer activities than you believe you can manage and schedule your most important attraction when your energy is usually highest. Protect yourself from heat, carry medication and water, and avoid changing accommodations every day. Jordan is magnificent, but Petra will still be there if you need to sit down.

How much time should I allow for Petra?

Allow at least one full day for Petra and preferably two if you want to explore beyond the Treasury. The archaeological site is enormous, and distances are much greater than photographs suggest. Visitors with limited stamina should select a few priority landmarks rather than attempting every trail.

How much walking is involved at Petra?

Reaching the Treasury through the main entrance involves a lengthy journey through the Siq, followed by additional walking if you continue into the ancient city. The Monastery requires climbing hundreds of steps. Heat, uneven surfaces, and the return journey can make Petra considerably more tiring than a standard city walking tour.

Is Petra wheelchair accessible?

Petra is only partially accessible. Golf-cart transportation may help some visitors travel between the visitor center and the Treasury area, but availability, routes and mobility-device accommodation should be confirmed in advance. Sand, stones, slopes and crowds continue beyond the Treasury, so an experienced accessible tour operator can be extremely valuable.

Is the Monastery at Petra wheelchair accessible?

The traditional route to the Monastery includes approximately 800 uneven steps and is not independently wheelchair accessible. Do not assume that a golf cart serving another part of Petra can transport you to the Monastery. Discuss the exact route and your transfer requirements with a specialist operator before booking.

Should I ride a horse, camel or donkey at Petra?

Working animals are widely offered for transportation at Petra, but concerns have been raised about their treatment and working conditions. Travelers who prefer not to support animal rides can use approved motorized transportation where available or arrange assistance through a tour operator. Clarify all prices before accepting transportation.

Is Petra by Night worth seeing?

Petra by Night can be atmospheric, but it involves walking through the Siq after dark and requires a separate ticket from daytime admission. Its schedule and operating status have changed repeatedly. The official Petra by Night website currently advises visitors that performances are paused and may operate according to demand, so confirm directly before planning your evening.

Can I visit Petra and Wadi Rum on the same day?

It is physically possible, but it creates a rushed and exhausting schedule. Petra deserves at least one full day, while Wadi Rum is best experienced with a jeep tour, sunset, and overnight camp. Spend the night near Petra before continuing to Wadi Rum the following day if your schedule permits.

Is Wadi Rum accessible for wheelchair users?

Accessibility varies between tour operators, vehicles and camps. Jeep tours commonly use pickup trucks with high steps, and the desert terrain is sandy, uneven and extremely bumpy. Ask whether the operator can provide transfer assistance, secure a mobility device and stop at viewpoints that do not require scrambling over rocks.

Are Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum wheelchair accessible?

Some modern camps have ground-level tents, private bathrooms and relatively firm paths, while others require movement across deep sand or steps. Request photographs and measurements of the entrance, bathroom, and route from the vehicle to the tent. Never assume that “luxury camp” automatically translates into “accessible camp”—luxury has occasionally been known to include a decorative staircase.

What should I pack for Wadi Rum?

Bring sun protection, water, sturdy shoes, and layers for changing desert temperatures. Nights can become cold even after a hot day, and wind may increase the amount of sand attempting to accompany you home. Travelers with pain conditions should also ask how rough and long the jeep tour will be.

Can you really float in the Dead Sea?

Yes. Its extremely high salt concentration makes the water unusually buoyant. Enter slowly, avoid splashing, and do not put your face underwater because Dead Sea water in the eyes is an experience best omitted from the vacation scrapbook.

How long should you stay in the Dead Sea?

Short floating sessions of approximately 10 to 20 minutes are normally sufficient. Rinse off afterward and avoid entering with fresh cuts or immediately after shaving because the salt can sting intensely. A resort day pass can provide easier access to showers, changing facilities, pools and shaded seating.

Is the Dead Sea wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility depends on the resort and its changing shoreline access. Some properties provide ramps, beach wheelchairs, or staff assistance, while others have steep paths, steps or unstable surfaces near the water. Contact the resort directly and confirm how visitors enter and exit the Dead Sea—not merely whether the hotel lobby has a ramp.

Is Jerash worth visiting?

Yes, particularly for travelers interested in Roman history and archaeology. Allow at least two or three hours to explore its plazas, theaters, temples and colonnaded streets. Jerash can be combined with Ajloun or visited as a half-day trip from Amman.

Is Jerash wheelchair accessible?

Jerash contains extensive stretches of uneven ancient stone, gravel and slopes. A wheelchair user may be able to experience selected areas with assistance, but touring the complete site can be difficult. Ask an accessible guide to design a shorter route that prioritizes the most manageable landmarks.

Is the Amman Citadel wheelchair accessible?

Vehicles can reach the Citadel entrance, making it easier to access than climbing from downtown Amman. Inside, however, visitors encounter uneven ground, slopes, and archaeological surfaces. The views and museum may still make it worthwhile if you plan a shorter visit and arrange appropriate assistance.

Is Amman easy to explore with limited mobility?

Amman is extremely hilly, traffic is heavy, and sidewalk conditions vary. Taxis or a private driver can reduce the amount of climbing and help connect attractions such as the Citadel, Roman Theatre, Jordan Museum and Rainbow Street. Group nearby stops instead of attempting to cross the city repeatedly.

Is Aqaba worth visiting?

Aqaba is worth visiting if you want to relax beside the Red Sea, snorkel, dive or recover after a busy tour of Petra and Wadi Rum. It also offers resorts, restaurants and a warmer winter climate. Travelers with a short itinerary may prefer to devote the extra time to Petra.

Are snorkeling and boat trips in Aqaba accessible?

Accessibility depends on the boat, marina and operator. Ask about boarding steps, railings, seating, transfer assistance, and whether a mobility device can remain safely onboard. Some travelers may prefer a glass-bottom boat or an accessible resort beach if entering the water is difficult.

What food should I try in Jordan?

Try mansaf, falafel, hummus, mutabbal, maqluba, mezze, knafeh and freshly baked bread. Jordanian meals are often generous and social, so arriving hungry is useful. Leaving the country without consuming your body weight in bread is theoretically possible but shows a puzzling lack of commitment.

Is Jordan suitable for vegetarians?

Yes. Falafel, hummus, salads, lentil soup, stuffed vegetables, breads and many mezze dishes are naturally vegetarian. Vegan travelers should ask whether dishes contain yogurt, cheese, butter or meat stock. Learning a few Arabic food phrases can make ordering easier outside major tourist areas.

What should women wear in Jordan?

Jordan does not require tourists to cover their hair, but modest clothing is respectful outside resorts and beach areas. Covering the shoulders and knees is generally appropriate at religious sites and in smaller communities. Loose, breathable layers also provide protection from the sun.

Can women travel alone in Jordan?

Women do travel independently in Jordan, but should follow current safety guidance, arrange reliable transportation, and exercise normal precautions. A local guide or driver can make remote areas and complicated transfers easier. Solo travelers should share their itinerary and avoid isolated locations after dark.

What currency is used in Jordan?

Jordan uses the Jordanian dinar, commonly abbreviated as JOD or JD. Cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and major attractions, but cash remains useful for small businesses, tips and remote areas. ATMs are easiest to find in cities and tourist centers.

Can you drink tap water in Jordan?

Many visitors choose bottled or properly filtered water. Ask your accommodation about local water quality, avoid dehydration, and carry more water during desert excursions than you expect to need. Travelers with sensitive stomachs may also prefer bottled water for brushing their teeth.

Which Jordan attractions should I reserve in advance?

Reserve accessible tours, Wadi Rum camps, private drivers, popular Petra hotels, and special transportation well in advance. Petra by Night should be confirmed directly because its operating status can change. Leave enough space between bookings for travel delays, meals, and rest—your itinerary does not receive bonus points for becoming physically impossible.

Author bio:

Samantha Karen is the owner and author of the travel blog Sam Sees World, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the world’s most beautiful and unique travel destinations. As a full-time traveler, she has visited over 50 countries with more on the way.

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