The 8 best things to do in Jordan

Jordan is home of the world famous wonder of the world Petra. However, the country has so much more to offer. Jordan consists of beautiful landscapes, archaelogical sites and delicious food. If you ever thought about visiting Jordan but still haven't been. This will change your mind.

1. Spend your day at Petra

Petra is since 2007 selected as one of the 7 wonders of the world. And after my visit there I totally understand why it is part of this. What a lot of people don't know, is that Petra not only consists of the 'Treasury'. It is an ancient city consisting of approximately 800 tombs with the 'Treasury' known as the most famous. So, if you visit Petra you can choose different routes what brings you to different tombs. You will start at a central point and from there you walk through a narrow gorge to the 'Treasury'. Even this is already very impressing with the colours of the rocks. You also feel the excitement because you are not sure when you will enter the 'Treasury'. When you enter this place you would be amazed about how they have build this. From this point you can choose different hikes. Some are tough and other hikes are more easy. It can be very crowded in Petra so be sure you are early in the morning already there.

2. Jeep tour and night stay in Wadi Rum desert

Wadi Rum is not a desert like all the deserts. It is one of the most beautiful deserts in the world. There is not only sand but it also consists of rugged landscapes with big rock formations consisting of sandstone. Wadi Rum is also called 'The Valley of the Moon'. If you visit Wadi Rum you definitely have to do a jeep tour where you drive through the desert. You will see the colours of the sand changing while you're driving. To have a full experience you can sleep at night in the desert. There are a lot of places where they build camps where you can stay in the night. Don't forget to go outside and see the sky being full of stars. It depends a bit of the phase of the moon. If there is a new moon, it is more dark, so the sky will be full of stars. If there is a full moon, you will see stars but not as much as with a new moon. However, it is still very beautiful. Be prepared that it can be very hot during the day in the desert. During the night it can become very cold. So take clothes for hot and cold weather with you.

3. Take a day pass in a resort at the dead sea

Swimming in the dead sea is an experience that you cannot miss during your visit at Jordan. The sea is so salt that you will float no matter how hard you try to do not. It is actually not a sea but a lake and it is located 400 m under sea level. The salinity level of the dead sea is 33,7% while a normal sea has a level of around 6%. So, if you enter the dead sea make sure you don't have any open wounds. Also, don't shave a few days before. You're gonna be in a lot of pain if you do. But what you really need to do is, use the mud for your skin. Before you enter the dead sea, you can put the mud from the dead sea on your skin. You can apply it everywhere on your body. However, be careful around your eyes and mouth. You can let it dry and then you're gonna wash it off in the sea. The mud works healing for your skin but also for joint disorders. After your visit at the sea your skin will feel like a baby. To make your visit at the dead sea a full day. You can buy a day pass at some resorts at the dead sea. You can stay the whole day at the resort and make use of the facilities of the hotel.

4. Visit historical buildings in Jerash

Jerash is one of the biggest and best kept Roman ruins outside of Italy. You will find ruins of around 2000 years old. Jerash was one of the biggest cities of the Roman empire. If you walk around here, you will be amazed by all the old architecture. What you would see in Jerash is old temples, columns, theatre and the main road. It is really big and you can spend a few hours here to see all the old buildings. Make sure that you have a map or that you go with a guide. You can be easily lost here.

5. Sightseeing in capital Amman

The capital Amman is one of the oldest cities that exist in the world. The city has a lot of contrasts between old and new. The center is crowded and traditional with restaurants and shops. In the restaurants you can eat very traditional with good quality. You will find the old Roman theatre also here. It will cost around 3 dinars but be aware of 'guides' who guide you around for 10 dinars. We were confused so we thought we had to buy the tickets at him. In the end he showed almost nothing and we had to pay 10 dinars.

Another old sight you need to visit is the citadel of Amman. It is located 850 m above the sea level and also gives you an amazing view of the city of Amman. You will find here remains of the bronze age. From here the politics, religion and governance were controlled.

In Amman you will also find the King Abdullah I mosque that you cannot miss. From outside it has a beautiful mix of white and blue colours. The inside is also very impressive. Be aware that you need to follow the rules. Women need to hide their hair and knees and shoulders. You can get special clothes there aswell.

Amman also has a very big shopping mall known as city mall of Amman. Here you will find modern shops and restaurants.

6. Snorkeling in the red sea Aqaba

Aqaba is located in the south West of Jordan. Most of the people go here to relax at the Red Sea. There are a lot of resorts where you can stay with big swimming pools. However, Aqaba is also the perfect place for snorkeling and diving. Along the Jordan coast of the Red Sea you will find a reef protected by the Aqabe Marine Park. Here you will find a variety of coral reefs and marine life. If you like diving, you are also on the right place. At the coast of Jordan you will find an underwater military museum. If you go diving here, you see 21 different objects of battles. So, if you like diving, this must be a worth visit.

7. Hike in Wadi Mujib

Wadi Mujib is a canyon where a river goes through. You will be very impressed by the high canyon walls of coloured layered rock. You can make a hike through the canyon. There are 4 different trails that you can do. They all differ in difficulty so you need to know your own strengths. The shortest trail takes you in around 2 hours to a beautiful waterfall. To come there you need to climb through waterfalls and swim in very flowing water. So, don't think because it is the easiest trail that everybody can do it. You need to have a general condition and strength to climb. If you enter the waterfall you need to walk the same trail back. This part is fun but also a bit scary. You need to slide down natural water slides from higher rocks. For this hike you need shoes where you can walk with on rocks but also can swim with. Don't bring too much stuff with you because you need to swim. You can rent a waterproof backpack at the reception there but they are not very big. And wear of course clothes that can be wet.

8. Drive on the Kings Highway

The Kings Highway is the most beautiful route to drive to Petra. You will have view on the Grand Canyon of Jordan, Wadi Mujib dam and other landscapes. It is the ancient trade route and holy way to Mekka. It is the longest route you can take from North to South but definitely the one with the most beautiful views.