JORDAN

Swim in the Dead Sea

Go experience the surreal natural buoyancy of the Dead Sea when you’re wondering what to do in Jordan, submerging in water ten times saltier than the ocean. Said to be the lowest valley in the world, this landlocked body of water between Jordan and Israel sees an unusual amount of minerals descending into it, caking in the sun to create a salt content of over 30%. Though a visit here won’t see you admiring brightly coloured fish or the usual beach paradise setting, this water is said to heal many bodily ailments - or at the very least give travellers a relaxing float under the Middle Eastern sun.

Sleep in a Bedouin Camp

Here in Jordan you can experience the life of the nomadic Bedouin people by sleeping in their traditional camp. Heading into the desert you are likely to find yourself sipping mint tea and local coffee within the cream tent setting, made exotic and aesthetic with countless red rugs and floor seated dining areas. By night these camps fall under the blanket of a night sky dazzled by stars, sparking lengthy conversations to the tune of traditional music. You may never want to live in a traditional home every again.

Hang out in Amman

Though the desert and and ancient setting of Petra are the country’s big hallmarks, the capital city of Amman is worth taking the time to appreciate. Wander the streets of Al-Balad where artistic flair can be seen on numerous walls, visit the awe-inspiring King Abdullah I Mosque that has the power to fill with 10,000 religious devotees, and smoke shisha with locals at a rooftop bar, bookshop, or elegant cafe. Just a few days here and you’ll be convinced Amman is not getting nearly as much attention from travellers as it deserves.

Visit the magical Petra

Journey into the southwestern desert region of Jordan to take in the archaeological masterpiece that is the city of Petra. With some records saying there are some 11,000 years of history to be found here, it’s impossible to overstate the historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and New Wonder of the World. Attracting some 1 million visitors it is by far the most popular feature of Jordan travel. The rock-carved city is accessible only via a gorge, allowing you to make your Indiana Jones dreams a complete reality.

Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival

Art

Visit the idyllic setting of Jordan’s beachy resort town, Aqaba, and you are likely to catch one of many festivals held here throughout the year. The Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival is one of the most anticipated, which sees the nomadic Bedouin peoples bringing their colourful handicrafts to the seaside for sale.

Azraq Festival

Art, Culture & Crafts

Just 90-kilometres from the Syrian border, the town of Azraq might be best known for its United Nations refugee camp, but its sunnier point of fame is its festival of arts, craft and culture. Held in February, the streets of Azraq transform into a display of music, dance and handicrafts for both visitors and locals to enjoy.

Amman International Theatre Festival

Theatre

Since 1994, Amman has been the centre of Middle Eastern theatrics for over a week in November, hosting the Amman International Theatre Festival. Now held in the Royal Cultural Centre, it showcases both Arabic and English performances across various themes of theatre.

Jerash Festival

Culture

Folk dances, ballet recitals, opera performances and handicraft stalls are just some of the cultural delights that take over the ancient city of Jerash, found by the mountain of Gilead. Held for over three decades, it has grown to become one of the most important cultural events in Jordan.

The Jordan Museum

Jordan travel offers a wealth of significant archeological findings, and nowhere is this more easily accessible than The Jordan Museum. Sprawling over 10,000 square meters in an impressive modern building in the Ras Al-Ein district of Amman, this is one of the most important museums in the country and one not to be missed.