Top 5 unmissable sights in Jordan

One day at work, a colleague came up to my desk and admired my world map with pins in all the places I had been. Out of nowhere, he randomly asked which of the Seven Wonders of the World I had been to. Surprisingly, the only one I was missing was Petra in the Middle Eastern country of Jordan.

So, being the traveller that I am, I promptly booked a tour for a few months later. I absolutely loved it and want to share my five favorite spots in Jordan:

1. Petra
if you come to Jordan, you must visit Petra! Located in the southern part of the country, this ancient city is more than just the iconic image you’ll see in photos. From the town of Wadi Musa, which sits right beside the entrance, you need to complete a short walk before seeing the beautiful façade of the Treasury. While some tourists will turn around after this point, plan to spend a few hours here to explore the whole city. The food and beverage options are extremely limited inside so be sure to bring some snacks and lots of water in a daypack.

2. Amman
Many see Amman as a place to just fly in and out of, but I saw an amazing city that was ready for exploration. While there are not many official tourist sites in Amman, navigating the curvy and hilly roads and pathways of the city will allow for new discoveries around every turn. I was surprised at how hilly a city in the middle of the desert could be, but I soon learned that each of the major hills created a neighborhood.

My favourite of them all was Jabal Amman which houses a gem known as Rainbow Street. Here you’ll find quaint cafes and delicious restaurants – my recommendation is the Wild Jordan Café located at the Wild Jordan Nature Center. With an amazing menu, a superb view of the city and the wonder that is a lemonade-mint slushee, you may find yourself coming back multiple times during your stay.

3. Dead Sea
Another highlight of my Jordanian adventure was my day at the Dead Sea. Start off at the sea, and for a few Dinars, cover yourself in the mineral-rich Dead Sea mud. After this, head to the water to experience the extreme salinity which allows you to effortlessly float.

After some time in the water, many of the seaside resorts have showers and swimming pools available for use. It’s worth the admission price to gain access for rinsing off and enjoying a meal.

4. Jerash 
Just north of capital city, Amman, is a lesser-known but very well-preserved ancient city called Jerash. Surrounded by the city wall, which actually forms a border with modern day Jerash, you can explore the vast ruins including churches and several theaters.

Between the uneven stones of the ancient roads and the ability to climb the stairs of the theaters, be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes while visiting.

5. Aqaba
Tucked at the very bottom of the country, with views of Saudi Arabi, Israel and Egypt from one vantage point, Aqaba is a coastal town set on the Red Sea. While the beaches are crowded and almost exclusively locals, you can find some sanctuaries to enjoy the hot weather and cool water: Kempinski Hotel Aqaba. Even if you’re not a guest, you are welcome to step inside this luxury property to have dinner or a drink. While the prices definitely reflect the ambiance, it is a nice treat!

If you have had too many falafels and are looking for a change of pace, Aqaba also has a delicious Chinese restaurant called China Restaurant. There really isn’t much of an address but if you use the post office as a landmark it is across the street, a few floors up.

About the author: Kristina Wegscheider is co-founder of Do It While You’re Young, a website for young women interested in travelling, studying, working, or volunteering abroad. Follow her on Twitter and be sure to check out the DIWYY Facebook page.

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Check out all our trips to Jordan, or just browse our list of destinations to start planning your next trip.

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