Famous Sights and Interesting Facts About Jordan

Jordan is one of those countries that seems to hold the whole history of the Middle East in its borders—ancient cities carved into rock, sweeping desert landscapes, lively markets, and surprisingly modern touches in between. It’s small enough to explore in a week or two, yet every day feels like peeling back another layer of history and culture.

If you’re planning a trip, or just curious about what makes Jordan so captivating, make sure to apply for Jordan eVisa in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry. Here’s a mix of its most famous sights along with some fascinating facts that might surprise you.

Do You Need an eVisa to Visit Jordan?

If you’re planning a trip to Jordan, you’ll likely need an eVisa before you go. This online travel permit makes entering the country much easier—no embassy visits, no long lines. Most visitors, whether for sightseeing, business, or a short stopover, can apply quickly from home. The process is straightforward, and once approved, you can focus on your trip instead of paperwork. Getting your Jordan eVisa Online**** ahead of time ensures peace of mind at the border and lets you enjoy everything from Petra’s ancient ruins to the Dead Sea without stress.

Petra – The Rose-Red City

If you know only one thing about Jordan, it’s probably Petra. This ancient Nabatean city, carved straight into rose-colored cliffs, is easily one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

Walking through the narrow canyon (the Siq) and then suddenly coming face-to-face with the Treasury is something you never forget. But Petra is more than just one façade—it’s a vast city of tombs, temples, and trails that take hours (or even days) to explore.

Fun fact: Petra was unknown to the Western world until the 19th century, when a Swiss explorer disguised himself to gain entry. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.”

Wadi Rum – The Valley of the Moon

Step into Wadi Rum, and you’ll understand why filmmakers keep using it as a stand-in for Mars. Its desert landscapes are filled with towering sandstone cliffs, natural arches, and endless stretches of golden-red sand.

Bedouin tribes still live here, guiding visitors through the desert on camel rides or in jeeps, and evenings often end with music, tea, and a sky so full of stars it doesn’t look real.

Interesting fact: Wadi Rum has appeared in movies like Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, and even Dune.

The Dead Sea – The Lowest Point on Earth

Floating in the Dead Sea is one of those bucket-list experiences that feels almost magical. Because the water is so salty, you can lean back and float like you’re in a pool chair—without even trying.

People also love smearing themselves with the mineral-rich mud, said to be good for the skin. The landscape itself is striking: calm, shimmering water bordered by desert mountains.

Fun fact: The surface of the Dead Sea lies more than 400 meters below sea level, making it the lowest point on Earth.

Amman – A City of Contrasts

The capital, Amman, is where ancient history meets modern living. One minute you’re wandering through the Roman Theater or the Citadel, the next you’re sipping coffee in a trendy café or exploring the buzzing downtown markets.

Amman is also a great base for day trips to nearby treasures like Jerash and Madaba.

Interesting fact: Amman was once called Philadelphia during the Greco-Roman era—a name given by King Ptolemy II Philadelphus.

Jerash – Rome Away from Rome

Just north of Amman, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy. Its colonnaded streets, grand theaters, temples, and plazas make it feel like you’ve stepped back 2,000 years.

It’s especially atmospheric in the early morning before the crowds arrive, when the sun lights up the ancient stones.

Fun fact: Jerash hosts an annual cultural festival with music, dance, and theater—bringing ancient ruins back to life in a very modern way.

The Jordan River & Bethany Beyond the Jordan

For those interested in religious history, the Jordan River is deeply significant. Many believe this is where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, and today, pilgrims from around the world come to visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan—a UNESCO site marking the spot.

Even if you’re not religious, the sense of history here is powerful.

Interesting fact: The Jordan River is mentioned nearly 200 times in the Bible.

Madaba – The City of Mosaics

Madaba might look like a small town, but it’s home to one of Jordan’s artistic treasures: a 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, found in the floor of St. George’s Church.

The town is filled with mosaic workshops, and walking its streets you’ll find small studios where artisans still practice the craft.

Aqaba – Where the Desert Meets the Sea

On Jordan’s tiny slice of the Red Sea coast, Aqaba offers a completely different vibe. It’s the place for diving, snorkeling, or just relaxing by the water after days of hiking and ruins. Coral reefs here are rich and colorful, and the town itself has a laid-back beach-town feel.

Fun fact: Aqaba is only a short distance from four different countries—you can see Israel and Egypt across the water, while Saudi Arabia is just down the coast.

Mount Nebo – A Sacred Viewpoint

Mount Nebo is believed to be the place where Moses first saw the Promised Land. Today, it offers sweeping views across the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and on a clear day, even Jerusalem in the distance.

The site also has a church with beautiful mosaics that date back to early Christian times.

King’s Highway & Dana Biosphere Reserve

Driving along the King’s Highway is a journey through history and landscapes—from ancient castles to rugged valleys. Along the way, Dana Biosphere Reserve stands out as Jordan’s largest nature reserve.

Hiking trails here wind through mountains and gorges, and the reserve is home to hundreds of plant and animal species. It’s a reminder that Jordan isn’t just about ruins and deserts—it has a surprising amount of biodiversity too.

Extra Interesting Facts About Jordan

• Hospitality is central. Jordanians are famous for their warm welcomes, and it’s common for strangers to invite you in for tea.
• Camel traffic jams are real. Especially in Wadi Rum, don’t be surprised to see camels casually crossing the road.
• The national dish is mansaf. A hearty meal of lamb cooked with yogurt sauce, served over rice and flatbread—often eaten with the hands.
• Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East. Despite being surrounded by conflict in the past, it has remained remarkably stable and welcoming to visitors.

Final Thoughts

Jordan is one of those destinations that leaves a deep impression. It’s not just about checking off Petra or floating in the Dead Sea—it’s about the mix of ancient wonders, dramatic landscapes, and the hospitality of its people.

You’ll come for the famous sights, but it’s the small moments—sharing tea with a Bedouin guide, watching the sunset over desert cliffs, or wandering through Amman’s backstreets—that stay with you the longest.

Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure traveler, or simply curious, Jordan has a way of making you feel like you’ve touched a place where past and present meet beautifully. For those planning their trip, here’s a guide to the Top Destinations for Jordan eVisa holders to help you make the most of your journey.