Hey there, fellow wanderer! If you’re considering your first trip to Jordan, well, you’re in for a treat. This Middle Eastern jewel is part living history book, part stunning natural wonders - read ancient ruins, vast deserts and the world's lowest point where you can float like a cork. I’ve been fortunate to visit Jordan twice and trust me, the kind of place you can’t get out of your head is what it is even after you’ve shaken the red sand out of your shoes. But as a beginner, it can feel overwhelming to determine the best things to do in Jordan. Where do you start? What can't you miss?
And that’s why we have this ultimate guide for first-time travelers a top 10 list of the best things to do in Jordan! We’ll explore the iconic highlights, from Petra to Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea, Aqaba and beyond with practical advice, insider hacks and why these make for amazing experiences for beginners. If you’re asking yourself, “What to do in Jordan? OR the best Jordan tours to have everything taken care of, we are here for you. We will also discuss how Jordan tour packages can make your trip easier. Let’s go! - And trust us, by the time we are done, you will be booking a flight!
Ah, Petra - Jordan’s crown jewel, and where a lot of people go, really. If you’ve watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, you’d recognize the iconic Treasury facade peering through the slit in the canyon. But Petra is so much more than that one photo op.
First Timer: This Nabataean city carved into pink sandstone cliffs will, to put it simply, rock your world. It’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and wandering through it is like going back 2,000 years.
Don’t arrive past 7, or you’ll be swatting people in the face with your camera at every turn. Walk the Siq, that dramatic 1.2 km gorge with which it all began, towards the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), and start to feel the magic in the air. From there, you can hike up to the Monastery (Ad-Deir), 800-odd steps that you’ll hope won’t give way beneath your feet; when you make it, the views will be, naturally, epic. Don’t skip the Royal Tombs or the High Place of Sacrifice for sweeping views.
First-timers should consider an organized tour of the best Jordan tours that include a licensed guide – they will regale you with stories about the Nabataeans’ clever water systems and trading thoroughfares which are nicer than your guidebook can tell. If you like activities in Jordan that combine history and adventure chose a nighttime tour as the candles light up Petra. It’s magical, but wears comfy shoes - the ground is uneven.
Pro tip: Petra can be a hot (32°C at the height of summer), so take water, sunscreen and a hat. Recent Trip Advisor Reviews (as of 2025) rave about the mythical vastness of the site, which demands a minimum of a day visit. If you’re wondering what’s there to do in Jordan aside from sightseeing, combine it with a camel ride or a cooking class in the neighboring Wadi Musa.
Where Petra is the historical heart of Jordan, Wadi Rum is its wild soul. This UNESCO-protected desert, also known as Valley of the Moon, consists of 177,000 acres of red sand dunes, towering stone structures and prehistoric petro glyphs. First-timers and city-dwellers longing for an adventure - and a vacation from city life - will enjoy.
Think jeep tours that bounce you across dunes, wild camels and ascents of natural arches like Burdah Rock Bridge. Come nightfall, the Bedouin camps become a hive of activity, with fire-side storytelling, traditional Zarb dinner (meat and veg cooked underground), and out-of-this-world stargazing: Wadi Rum is a dark sky reserve.
As a person who has camped there, we can say it’s a transformational experience. The silence is heavy, distracted only when the wind pushes the sand. For genuinely interesting things to do in Jordan, book a guided morning hike or a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
Many Jordan tours offer overnight luxury glamping tents - you don’t have to rough it.
Safety note: Summers are blazing, winters chilly, so be sure to check the forecast. How to get there: Entry is around 7 JOD, but tours are worthwhile. Recent updates from VisitJordan (2025) highlight eco-friendly options, like solar-powered camps, making it sustainable for conscious travelers.
Alright, so one of the most unusual Jordan activities: floating in the Dead Sea. At 430 meters below sea level, it’s the lowest place on Earth, and its hyper-saline waters let you float buoyantly on the surface. It’s weird and fun and extremely relaxing - great for first-time visitors seeking a post-Petra chill pill.
Lather up with the mineral-rich mud for a complimentary spa treatment (it’s said to cure skin ailments), then rinse off in the buoyant water. At resorts such as the Kempinski or Mövenpick, guests enjoy private beaches, pools and spas. Pair it with a visit to the neighboring Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land.
For Jordan tour packages, find something that includes transport from Amman - it’s about an hour away by car. Pro tip: Don’t shave before you go; the salt stings! And do not get water in your eyes. There is nothing like it, an otherworldly experience although the winter crowds are huge so book ahead, as per TripAdvisor 2025 information.
Jordan's only coastal city, Aqaba, is your gateway to the Red Sea's underwater paradise. For first-timers, it's a refreshing contrast to the desert - think coral reefs teeming with fish, snorkeling, and yacht cruises. If you're pondering "What can I do in Jordan for some relaxation?" This is it.
Go snorkeling at spots such as the Japanese Garden or the Cedar Pride wreck, or give scuba diving a go if you are certified. On land, poke through Aqaba’s spice and souvenir markets, or hop aboard a glass-bottom boat. It is also a convenient option for day trips to Petra or Wadi Rum.
The best Jordan tours frequently combine Aqaba with multi-day itineraries; incorporating ferry rides to nearby Egypt. Water temperatures are warm year-round (around 24C in summer), but avoid the heat of summertime. There is also an increase in eco-diving programs to help preserve reefs, recent data from Jordan’s tourism board (2025) indicates.
Don’t skip Amman, Jordan’s bustling capital, which crackles with modern energy while holding tight to its ancient past. For first-timers: Begin at the Citadel for Roman ruins and views over the city, and wander the Roman Theater. Foodies: Check out Rainbow Street for falafel, mansaf (lamb in yogurt sauce), and street art.
Activities in Jordan here are either shopping in a souk in Downtown Amman or a cooking class. It’s a destination in and of itself, a great place to decompress at the start of a trip.
Jerash has some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy. Stroll colonnaded streets, view the Oval Plaza and watch a chariot race re-enactment. It is less crowded with people than Petra, perfect for history buffs.
Combine it with Jordan tours from Amman - it’s a quick drive. Festivals such as the Jerash Festival (summer 2025) contribute live music and dance.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan, also the site of Jesus’ baptism, is home to serene trails and churches. For first-timers looking to meditate, it is profound. Guided tours interpret the history and you can soak your feet in the river.
Nicknamed the City of Mosaics, Madaba is home to the celebrated 6th-century map of the Holy Land in St. George’s Church. Pair with a visit to Mount Nebo for a half-day. It’s a soft entry into Jordan’s Christian inheritance.
For nature lovers, Ajloun has oak forests, hiking trails and a 12th-century castle. Hike to spot wildlife, or stay in eco-lodges. It’s cooler than the desert and ideal for summer visits.
And no trip is a trip without food! Go on market tours in Amman or cooking classes in Petra, Amman and Aqaba when you join a Jordan tour take a break from eating your way around the country to explore wonders of the ancient world, like the massive city of Petra. Sample knafeh dessert, Bedouin tea and fresh mezze. It’s a tasty way to meet the locals.
Whew, there’s a lot to do here! For first time visitors, plan for 5-7 days so that you have enough time to do everything without rushing. Both spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are great with moderate weather.
Transportation? Rent a car for flexibility, but for the winding roads, Jordan tours are safer. Search for best Jordan tours with English speaking driver. Visas are available on arrival for the majority of nationalities, though confirmations may vary.
Health and safety: Jordan is stable (at least according to 2025 U.S. State Department advisories), but stay hydrated and play the game - that is, respect customs, such as wearing modest dress at religious sites.
Sustainability tip: When possible, select companies that support local communities, such as Petra Nights Tours, the operator of Abdul’s itinerary.
If the prospect of patching it all together doesn't sound like fun, Jordan tour packages are a revelation. They package lodging, guides and transportation, typically at a better rate. If you want a custom option, consider Petra Nights Tours, which prides itself in customizing trips - whether you’re in the market for luxury glamping or budget hikes. It’s the surest way to make the most of your time.
Jordan is more than a place; it’s a mood that redefines what you think you know about the Middle East. From Petra to Wadi Rum, the mysteries contained by the country’s desert landscape are nothing short of extraordinary, here are the top 10 things to do in Jordan that will leave a lasting impression. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up one of those Jordan tour packages, don’t forget to bring along a sense of adventure, and jump in. If you have any questions or if you need more personal recommendations – please leave a comment in comment section below or feel free to contact us at Petra Nights Tours. Safe travels - Jordan is calling!
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