Discover Jordan

Jordan can be explored through a range of travel interests, from religious history and ancient settlement to hiking trails and handicrafts. The following places and experiences offer concrete starting points.

Pilgrimage history and historical sites

The baptism site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas) comprises two archaeological areas: Tell el-Kharrar, also known as Jabal Mar Elias, and the area of the Churches of St John the Baptist. For the majority of Christian denominations, Bethany Beyond the Jordan is considered the place where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist. Generations of monks, hermits, pilgrims, and priests stayed at and visited the site; evidence of their religious activities dates from the 4th to the 15th century AD. Access is controlled at a single entrance, and designated routes are used for visitor tours and pilgrim processions. Check the latest official visitor information before your trip.

Umm Al-Jimāl developed from around the 5th century AD on the site of an older Roman settlement and remained inhabited until the end of the 8th century AD. Its basalt architecture reflects local Hauran architectural styles for residential and religious buildings. The dates distinguish the older Roman settlement from the later development of Umm Al-Jimāl—a helpful perspective for considering architectural style and settlement history together.

In As-Salt, a narrow pedestrian street runs along the slopes between traditional Ottoman stone buildings considered to be 150 years old. The street’s layout, hillside setting, and stone houses shape the architectural character of the area. In Petra, the Jordan Tourism Board describes the route from the Petra Visitor Center through the Siq to the Treasury as Petra’s most visited route.

Hiking trails and landscapes

The Jordan Trail passes through wooded hills in the north, rugged wadis, and along cliffs overlooking the Jordan Rift Valley, through Petra, and all the way to the Red Sea. The route therefore covers very different landscapes while also passing through Petra.

A short circular trail in Ajloun Forest Reserve starts at the campsite and offers views across the reserve. The Nawatef Trail is also a circular route: it leads from the Al-Barrah area to the Nawatef area and the lodge, as well as to mountains, springs, and ancient ruins. The trail is open year-round and can only be accessed with a licensed guide. Check the latest access information before setting out.

Handicrafts and local experiences

At The Biscuit House, visitors can tour the workshop where Tasali Jordanian delights are made. Check current visitor access if you are planning a visit. The Shaqilah Centre offers workshops and interactive lessons on Nabataean history and the cultural significance of traditional crafts. If you would like to take part in a workshop, it is a good idea to check the current offerings in advance.

Aqaba is known for its local gathering places and historic character, which also appeal to visitors interested in the past. At the Dead Sea, visitors use the rich black mud. These examples offer a different focus from the historical sites and hiking trails, each providing its own starting point for planning a trip.

Choosing a hotel based on your travel interests

When choosing a hotel in Jordan, start with your main travel interest: do you want your trip to focus on religious history, historical sites, handicrafts, or hiking trails? Then decide which places matter to your plans and use them to guide your hotel search.

Discover more destinations: Aţ Ţayyibah, Irbid, Jarash, Kerak, Ma'an, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Ma'an, Zarqa, Amman, Aqaba, Ajloun, Ajloun, Balqa Governorate, Mafraq Governorate, Irbid Governorate, Madaba Governorate, Madaba.

For the broader travel overview: Asia.