Jordan is a desert country in the heart of the Middle East. A big part of the country is uninhabitable due to intense heat and lack of water, but the parts that are accessible are great places to visit. Old churches and mosques tell the story of this ancient country, and natural phenomenons such as Petra and the Dead Sea are unique places not found in any other area.
The easiest way to get to Jordan is either by plane, flying into Amman or by one of the 3 land crossings from the neighboring country of Israel. Either way, you will probably find yourself in Amman, the capital of Jordan.
Alcohol is hard to find in most cities, but Amman is a huge international city and with plenty of tourists and different cultures, bars and alcohol are more accessible here than anywhere else in the country.
The Amman Citadel and the palace of the Royal Family are two great places to visit in-between visits to the cafes and tasty Middle Eastern street food.
Close to Amman is Mount Nebo, the mountain where, according to the bible, Moses was shown a view of the Promised Land. Churches and plaques line the mountaintop, telling the history of the mountain from different religion’s point of views, while the viewpoint has an incredible view of the Jordan Valley and parts of Israel.
West of Mt. Nebo is the famous Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Due to the high salt content, everything floats in the water, and some of the beaches are eerily quiet because almost nothing can live there. The Ma’in hot springs are located close to the Dead Sea as well, and the pools are a great place to relax in the evening.
In the south is Petra, the most visited attraction in Jordan. This archaeological site is a valley that runs through rock formations and can be dated back to the year 300 B.C. Dozens of tour groups leave every day for simple day trips or longer tours, and rightfully so because Petra was named one of the “New 7 Wonders of The World”.
Don’t forget to eat at a hummus shop in any city you visit and make sure to stop off to chat with the local shopkeepers or Bedouin farmers. Jordanians are known for their hospitality, so chances are you will be offered many cups of delicious, freshly ground coffee every day!
