The 10 Best Historic Sites in Jordan, Jordan

November 5, 2021 Jeremy Dunfee

Jordan (/ˈdʒɔːrdən/; Arabic: الْأُرْدُنّ‎ Al-‘Urdunn [al.ʔur.dunn]), officially The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Arabic: المملكة الأردنية الهاشمية‎ Al-Mamlakah Al-Urdunnīyah Al-Hāshimīyah), is a sovereign Arab state in western Asia, on the East Bank of the Jordan River. Jordan is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north, Israel and Palestine to the west. The Dead Sea lies along its western borders and the country has a small shoreline on the Red Sea in its extreme south-west, but is otherwise landlocked. Jordan is strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe. The capital, Amman, is Jordan's most populous city as well as the country's economic, political and cultural centre.
Restaurants in Jordan

1. Al-Khazneh

Petra - Wadi Musa Jordan
Excellent
90%
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5.0 based on 4,117 reviews

Al-Khazneh

Be prepared for the breathtaking sight of this 2000-year-old monument which resembles a Greek temple with an urn at the top that was once reputed to hold priceless treasures.

Reviewed By manishsW7478IE - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Reminds you of Indian Jones Movie. Very short walk from the visitor center. Really amazing carving done on the rocks. Make sure that you go to the Monastery right after you are done with treasury as treasury is on the way to Monastery. When you buy a ticket you get a free horse ride to near the treasury. Too many people trying to make money off you at the visitors center. So don't discuss anything with them.

2. Petra

Petra - Wadi Musa 77110 Jordan http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/326
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
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5.0 based on 14,198 reviews

Petra

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra (ancient capital city of the Nabataean people) recently proclaimed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Reviewed By StephG851 - Adelaide, Australia

Everyone has seen the iconic image of the Treasury (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade!), but there is so much more to the Rose Red City of Petra. At the time of writing, a 2-day pass to the site is 55 Jordanian Dollars (roughly AUD110), which is not a lot more than the 1-day pass. However - you need to be aware that it is a walk of about 1.6km to get from the ticket office to the Treasury and to walk to the Temple of Dushares at the end of the main path through the City and back to the exit involves about a 10km round trip (our guide said 13km, but I don't think it was that much). Then there the side trips to visit the Monastery, the Royal Tombs and the High Place of Sacrifice, etc. There is a horse ride included in the ticket price, which will take you from the entrance to the beginning of the Siq (the 1km gorge that protects the way into the city itself); if you are an animal lover, it is better to avoid this, as the animals are not well treated (apparently this is improving, as the operators are being monitored by the Tourist Office - but I decided to walk). The same goes for the horse carriages that charge up and down the Siq - besides looking to be a pretty scary ride, the little ponies that pull the carriages are dripping in sweat and mostly look pretty malnourished. Obviously up to the individual, but I also feel that you miss a lot of amazing sights by charging through in a covered carriage. There are camel rides offered from the Treasury further into the City and if you have had enough walking, then these are probably the best option, as camels are pretty resilient! By the way, there are toilets at various intervals throughout the site! We got there at 10 a.m. and expected the crowds to be horrendous, but it wasn't too bad and we managed to get good photos without too many intruders into our shots. Recommended to get there early (it opens at 6 a.m.), but just remember the long walk before you even get to see much! We only managed the one day, but stayed for 6 hours, taking things slowly, and found that was enough - others in our group who had planned to go back the next day felt that they did not need to, as they had seen all they wanted to. We went in December and it was sunny, but the temperature during the day was pleasant (about 23 degrees Celsius). I don't really need to say anything about the site itself - just that it fulfilled every expectation and more - just a bit of a shame about the myriad stalls along the way selling jewellery, souvenirs, and general junk, they did detract from the atmosphere a bit, but it was still awesome and the highlight of our visit to Jordan (which we really liked - there is so much more to see than just Petra).

3. Lilas Tours

Amman Jordan +962 7 9805 0144 http://www.lilastours.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Lilas Tours

Reviewed By suuzaan - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Jordan and wish we had more than 3 days there. For our 3dars tour (2days Amman, 1 day dead sea), Our tour guide, was excellent and really made our trip memorable. He was informative, attentive and a really nice guy. Highly recommend the tour and thanks again Lilas Tours.

4. Wadi Rum Guide

Wadi Rum Village, Wadi Rum Jordan +962 7 7726 2892 http://www.wadi-rum-guide.com/index.html
Excellent
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Wadi Rum Guide

hello I'm Mafleh salem lafi alzalabeh I borne in wadirum desert I can arrange any trip you like and under the stars sleeping or in Camp with hot showers Jeep Camel Hiking Watsup 00962777262892mafleh

Reviewed By barb_eska

I recommend guide Faisal, who made a beautiful trip across desert by his jeep. he took care of us and made great fun. He took us to the sunset and arranged for a camel walk. +9627 7207 8168 Faisal, contact him and enjoy Jordan.

5. The Urn Tomb

Petra - Wadi Musa Jordan http://www.visitpetra.jo/DetailsPage/VisitPetra/LocationsInPetraDetailsEn.aspx?PID=9
Excellent
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

The Urn Tomb

Reviewed By JeremyPC - Hinckley, United Kingdom

The first of the Royal Tombs constructed around 70AD fronted by an impressive and deep courtyard that affords spectacular views over Petra. The real surprise is the interior and spectacular rock colours that you find in there. It really has to be seen to be believed.

6. Roman Amphitheater

Al-Hashemi St., Amman Jordan
Excellent
46%
Good
40%
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4.5 based on 3,164 reviews

Roman Amphitheater

Step back 2,000 years in time with a visit to the ruins of this imposing amphitheater, which once held 5,000 spectators, and is still used today for theater and entertainment.

Reviewed By MohQut - Amman, Jordan

This is a must-see in downtown Amman, enjoy the theater, have some amazing pictures, and make sure to visit the museum inside, then enjoy a meal and a dessert in downtown.

7. High Place of Sacrifice

Petra - Wadi Musa Jordan
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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4.5 based on 1,037 reviews

High Place of Sacrifice

Reviewed By JBG1 - Leicester, United Kingdom

Whilst the site itself takes a bit of getting to most people will say it is worth it especially for the views and photo opportunities. The option of a different route back also makes it interesting.We did this walk with our tour guide which obviously is the best way to do it because of all the detailed information one gains during the trip adding to the interest of a 3/4 hour walk.Obviously you need to be mobile and be wearing the correct footwear, clothing and make you you have adequate water with you.

8. Quseir Amra

Azraq Jordan http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/327
Excellent
56%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 222 reviews

Quseir Amra

The eighth-century castle built on a desert caravan road is most famous for its ornate baths.

Reviewed By LegalRover

Quseir Amra is worth a stop if you are heading east on Hwy 40 towards Azraq. Even though it is referred to as a castle, it was an old hunting lodge and bath house during the Umayyad period - the first Islamic caliphate. Today, the bath house (hammam) remains. It is well preserved and has some beautiful frescoes which include Byzantine style portraits and hunting scenes accompanied by Greek and Arabic inscriptions. The Italians have been working to restore the frescoes for the last 10 years. It takes just over an hour to get to Quseir Amra from Amman. It is referred to as part of the "desert castle loop" but I am not sure why it is referred to as a castle since it is a bath house (maybe the name stuck from over 1300 years ago). You can't miss it while on 40 since the entrance is only a few meters from the highway. Of the handful of sites that are part of the "desert castle loop" I think this is the most worth visiting. The castles in the loop primarily have most of the outer walls remaining and the interior is rubble whereas Quseir Amra has a well maintained exterior and has beautiful frescoes that you will not see elsewhere.

9. The Citadel

K. Ali Ben Al-Hussein St. 146, Amman Jordan
Excellent
46%
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4.5 based on 4,295 reviews

The Citadel

This archaeological landmark features remnants from several different cultures.

Reviewed By jenglos

We were fortunate to arrive at the citadel about 40 mins before sunset which meant we had the most atmospheric experience watching the sunset over Amman while the birds flocked to roost, with the call to prayer playing out from the Mosque. The citadel is a real land mark sitting high above Amman so the views are spectacular over the city. The Roman amphitheater is close by, but if you don't get time to go there you get a good view of it from here. THe site itself is of great archeological importance with Roman remains ( Hercules Temple) , and those of the Palace and church. AT 2JD , this is a must when visiting Amman.

10. Ajlun Castle (Qala'at ar-Rabad)

Ajlun Jordan
Excellent
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Good
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4.5 based on 272 reviews

Ajlun Castle (Qala'at ar-Rabad)

Reviewed By HGhanem

Very nice and very well preserved castle. Standing on a high mountain surrounded by oak, pine trees. Fascinating view from far away and spectacular panoramic views from the top of the towers. I was impressed by the water system in the castle. You get the ticket from the visitor center. There are restrooms inside. Also ask for brochures from Ajlun tourism office there and they will be generous. The posters with information about Ajlun, its history and culture were very informative.. The drive to castle itself is an interesting experience and an enjoyable one.

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