Experience the Best of Jordan: 10 Unforgettable Activities

 

Experience the Best of Jordan: 10 Unforgettable Activities

 

Jordan, a land steeped in history and enhanced with natural beauty. From the ancient wonder of Petra to the shimmering Red Sea, it's a place that will take your breath away. In this top 10 list, we'll be revealing the absolute must-see attractions and experiences that Jordan has to offer. Discover the wonders of Petra, immerse yourself in the historic Roman theatre of Amman, and tantalize your taste buds with some of the most mouth-watering Jordanian cuisine. Fancy taking a plunge into the Red Sea or exploring the Crusader Castle in Karak? Well, Jordan has got you covered. It's a destination that's simply unmissable. So, without further ado, let's dive straight into the top 10 things to do in Jordan!

1. Discover Petra

An ancient city carved into the rock and one of Jordan's top tourist attractions. Now, while it's recommended to take a guided tour, we managed just fine without one thanks to the information from our eccentric taxi driver Mumhed. Although, I must admit, we did feel a bit lost at the start of the trek. But fear not, my friends, for I have a word of advice: wear good shoes, bring plenty of bottled water, and pack a lunch or snack. You'll need the energy for this adventure!

 2. Explore Wadi Rum

A stunning desert landscape with towering sandstone mountains and red sand dunes that'll leave you gobsmacked. You can either take a guided jeep tour or channel your inner cowboy and go for a camel ride.  Or go rogue like us and hop onto the back of a truck with a seemingly unofficial tour company organised by a cabbie. Go climb the rock sculptures, let out a few shouts in the middle of two rock faces for some top-notch echoes, and capture some fantastic snaps. Don't forget to catch the sunset while you're at it. If you're feeling adventurous, give the Bedouin Camp a go - something I deeply regret not doing myself.

3. Float in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, folks, is the lowest point on earth and boasts a high salt concentration which makes floating easy as pie. Immerse yourself in its mineral-rich waters and soak up the stunning desert vistas. Now, this is one of the first items on the list that we didn't get to tick off, which is a great good reason to make a return trip. In fact, if you happen to Google 'things to do in Jordan,' this experience usually ranks second, right after the mighty Petra. Even Karl Pilkington gave it a go and enjoyed it – sort of.

4. Behold the grandeur of the Roman theatre in Amman

An impressive sight that's not for the faint-hearted. This wasn't in my previous article not because it wasn't worthy, but because I wanted to keep things fresh. We braved the heights and explored this popular tourist destination before our flight later that evening and let me tell you, the UK's health and safety department would be in hysterics at all the possible drops. But with a fascinating museum showcasing Jordan's rich history with the Romans and Bedouin heritage, it's definitely a must-visit - just be sure to watch your step!

5. Indulge in Jordanian cuisine

Now, I'm not just talking about your average kebab and chips, folks. Jordanian cuisine is a feast for the senses, with a range of delicious dishes to try. Make sure you don't miss out on classics like mansaf, a succulent lamb and rice dish, and makloubeh, a hearty combo of rice, veggies, and cuts of lamb or chicken. And of course, there's falafel and hummus, which are pretty much mandatory. As someone who always thought hummus was a bit bland, Jordan proved me wrong - although I'm still searching for hummus that comes close back in the UK. Whether you're dining solo, with a pal, or in a group, make sure to order a variety of dishes to share and get a true taste of Jordanian cuisine.

6. Take a plunge, sail away, or dive deep into the Red Sea

An opportunity not to be missed! Which we kind of missed. Although we did dip our toes in the water and say we've ticked it off the list, we never quite made it to the proper experience of renting out a glass-bottomed boat or scuba diving amongst the vibrant marine life. It's second only to the Great Barrier Reef for an unparalleled view of marine creatures in their natural habitat. As someone who used to sell marine and tropical fish, I really regret not having more time to fully immerse myself in the wonders of the Red Sea.

7. Take a stroll along the Aqaba beach promenade

Now, here's a point that's slightly cheating, as I've already mentioned dipping our toes in the Red Sea, but the Aqaba beach promenade deserves its own spotlight. Take a stroll along the promenade, soak up the stunning views of the clear blue waters and relax on the sandy beach. The promenade is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops selling local handicrafts, making it a perfect spot to grab a refreshing drink or indulge in some souvenir shopping. It's a great place to unwind after a day of exploring Jordan, and the perfect way to take in the relaxed atmosphere of Aqaba.

8. Enjoy a pint of Petra at a Coronation Street themed pub

I have to say, this next point might raise a few eyebrows. It's a Coronation Street-themed pub called The Rovers Return. Yes, you heard me right. A British soap-themed pub in Jordan. Now, before you start shaking your head, hear me out. It's an experience, even if you're not a fan of the show. You can enjoy a pint of Petra, the local beer, and admire the décor, which is a tribute to the long-running soap. I know this might not be on most top 10 lists for Jordan, but we found it amusing, and the staff were pleasant. We tried another bar nearby and watched some football highlights with a cocktail, but it wasn't nearly as interesting as Jordans' very own Rovers Return.

9. Visiting the Crusader Castle in Karak

Ah, the Crusader Castle in Karak, a site that we never got around to visiting but is definitely on my list for next time. It's an awesome example of Crusader architecture, with its imposing walls, maze-like passageways, and underground halls. For those of you who may not know, the castle was originally built by the Crusaders in the 12th century and was later used by the Mamluks in their fight against the Crusaders. As someone who studied the Crusades at university, this is a place that I'm itching to explore. Although I must admit, it also brings back traumatic memories of losing constantly to the Caliph on Stronghold Crusader. Nonetheless, the historical significance and stunning views from the castle make it an essential stop on any visit to Jordan.

10. Meet the locals and other travellers

Acting on a whim and stepping outside the typical tour group experience can lead to unforgettable memories when traveling to Jordan. Meeting locals and other travellers, like our eccentric taxi driver Mumhed or the two Germans we shared a tour with at our hostel, can give you a deeper appreciation and understanding of Jordanian culture. The kind and accommodating hostel staff, as well as the pub and restaurant staff we encountered along the way, made our trip even more enjoyable. And let's not forget about the countless stray cats that roam the streets - they may seem friendly but be a little cautious! Overall, interacting with the people of Jordan was one of the most rewarding things we did on our trip and created memories that will last a lifetime, proving that sometimes the best experiences come from stepping out of your comfort zone.