Whenever Jordan is mentioned, everyone immediately thinks of Petra but there is more to Jordan than Petra.
Just lately I have had a rush of people asking where they should go in Jordan so here are my suggestions….
Amman
More than likely, you will fly into Amman but don’t race off. Stay and explore.
Start at the Citadel where ruins of the ancient capital of Rabbath Ammon lies and the Jordan Archeological Museum.  Zigzag  down the hill  to the ancient Roman Theatre before heading into the alleyways and streets of the market area of the city. You might not get far as the Jordanians are very friendly people. They will stop you to welcome you to their city and thank you for visiting. Don’t leave before you have tried the knafeh at Habiba Sweets!
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Jerash
Forty five minutes from Amman lies the ancient city of Jerash, one of the best Roman ruins I have seen outside of Italy. It’s a site not to be rushed…the walk will take you two or three hours. Excavation only started in 1925 and continues today. The Roman Ruins of Jerash will tell you a lot more about Jordan’s second most popular tourist attraction.Â
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Salt
This old historic town, about 30 minutes from Amman, was the administrative capital of Jordan during the time of the Ottomans. It’s a town that has stood still for a long while but be quick, times are changing. Tourism is increasing and there are rumours that Aman Hotels are opening a hotel here. Wander through the streets before heading to Al-Qala’a Lookout where you will be rewarded with stunning views.
Read about my day trip to Salt here
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Dana Biosphere
Jordan’s largest nature reserve protects many species of flora and fauna. There are quite  few places to stay but for me Feynan EcoLodge is where I would go. I love the fact that as well as trying to leave no footprints they also help support the local Bedouin tribes.
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Wadi Rum
The film ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ has certainly been a catalyst for a lot of people to want to see this amazing landscape. Â An early morning balloon ride gives you a fabulous perspective. A camel ride into the desert gives another but nothing beats the fun of flying over the dunes in jeeps driven by crazy bedouins!
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The Dead Sea
Everyone who comes to Jordan wants to float in the Dead Sea. For the ultimate experience cover yourself in mud and then float around in the salty water.
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Petra
Yes, I’ve saved the best for last. It really is as mind blowing as you read! The walk though the Siq to the Treasury is quite long. I kept wondering if that famous glimpse would be just around the corner. Allow a couple of days to see it properly. Choose your days carefully remembering that only on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday can you see Petra by Night. The sight of thousands of candles leading you down the Siq and then lighting up the Treasury building is one I won’t forget in a hurry.
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Would you like to go to Jordan?
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Jenny, We loved Jordan, which we did by car. You are right the people are wonderful! I loved it all.
Travelling by car would have been fun Corinne. I was blown away by the friendliness of the people. I loved how they would welcome you to their country. Shame more countries aren’t this friendly!
Corinne- did you rent a car and drive yourself? Or hire a driver? I can’t decide which to do.
Hi Stephanie. We had a driver which was great as he was a guide as well. I’m actually considering driviing ourselves for our visit at the end of the year!
Jordan has never been high on my list, but your pictures make it very tempting.
It is definitely one that should be up there with Turkey Denise! It’s a fascinating country…such history and amazing sights.
Jordan looks very interesting. I was surprised by the photo of Amman. Looks nothing like I thought it would. More Modern I guess. Salt looks fantastic.
Jordan is fantastic Jan…you would love it. Yes parts of Amman are modern but the market area is still fabulous old Amman! The traffic is as busy as any city!
Petra has been at the top of my bucket list for far too long. Actually every one of the places you mentioned in Jordan is on my list, although I always imagined I would visit the dead sea from the Israel side.
Hi Jenny, isn’t Jordan beautiful? You make me want to go back! Yes, the people were truly wonderful. We didn’t make it to Dana Reserve, but hey there’s always good reasons to return. Nice post.
I would love to go to Jordan! That last photo of Petra fulfills all my expectations of what a visit there will be like. But I’ll definitely make sure to see more of the country during my visit 🙂
I was always going to love this post! You’re right, you can never forget the Treasury once you’ve seen it! Wish I was there again… the people are so fun and friendly too.
Hey Jenny! I really want to go to Jordan now.. Lol. Looks special 🙂 Hope I get to visit soon. Your post sure gives a better idea as to which places to go to. The candle-lit scene at the treasury is incredible!
Jordan is amazing Nita…go you’ll love it. Plan your itinerary so you don’t miss Petra at night…it’s very special!
Hi Jenny, Jordan has been on my list ever since we cancelled a trip to Egypt and Jordan when all the trouble started. Is Jordan relatively safe to visit now and also what about the refugee camps that I believe are in the area? Update info appreciated. thanks.
I’d certainly visit Jordan at the moment Lyn…it’s safe! There are a couple of large refugee camps in the northern part of Jordan near the Syrian border which is an area you won’t be visiting. You pass a smaller on the way to Jerash but it is not a problem. It’s a fabulous country Lyn..I loved it so much that we’re planning another visit there in November!
Nice clicks ! Jordan is very safe and adventurous place to visit. There are lots of great attractions to see and enjoy. Petra city is my favourite. I really love this place..
Thank you Kemal. Petra is wonderful isn’t it! Infact Jordan is a fabulous country. I loved Amman as well.