Your ultimate guide to what to do in Jordan — especially handy when you’re looking for Jordan group travel!
Tucked away in the heart of the Middle East, Jordan is a land of contrasts — rugged desert landscapes, ancient wonders and vibrant cities. It’s the perfect destination for Jordan group travel with friends and new faces who love adventure, history and culture.
You’ll discover immersive experiences like floating in the Dead Sea, scaling canyons, exploring Bedouin camps and walking in the footsteps of ancient civilisations. Sounds pretty nice, doesn’t it? We’re only just getting started.
On this page we’ll dive into the best things to do in Jordan, with insider tips from our Best of Jordan Adventure. Seriously, if you’ve been wondering what do to in Jordan, you’re in the right place!
(Want to double check Jordan’s actually safe to visit before getting too excited?! Click here to find out more.)
1. Discover Amman’s ancient heart (and delicious cuisine!)
No visit to Jordan’s capital is complete without a trip to the majestic Amman Amphitheatre (a cheeky stroll downtown for a delicious lunch afterwards never hurt anyone, either).
As the sun dips, head up to the Amman Citadel for a breathtaking sunset with panoramic views. Later, tuck into culinary delights at one of the [literally hundreds of] fabulous local restaurants – then pop down to Rainbow Street for a relaxed evening.
We’ll take you to a fabulous restaurant on day one of our Best of Jordan Adventure – find out more about the itinerary here.
2. Explore the ruins of Jerash & Ajloun Castle
If your group travel Jordan itinerary doesn’t see you swinging by the ancient ruins of Jerash and the mighty Ajloun Castle, you’re seriously missing a trick.
Jerash is like stepping into a real-life Roman city – we’re talking towering columns, grand amphitheatres, and colonnaded streets that’ll have your camera working overtime.
Then there’s Ajloun Castle, perched on a hill with views that stretch for miles – a proper medieval fortress built by the forces of Saladin to fend off the Crusaders. Between the history, the epic views and the feeling that you’ve just time-travelled, it’s a double whammy of Jordanian magic you really shouldn’t skip.
3. Trek in the Dana Biosphere Reserve
Tucked away in the rugged mountains of southern Jordan, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is an absolute gem – and easily one of the best things to do in Jordan. Whether you’re a hiker, wildlife lover or just someone who appreciates a jaw-dropping view, Dana delivers in spades.
Picture dramatic sandstone cliffs, hidden wadis, and a mind-boggling variety of flora and fauna – some of which you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like griffon vultures, desert foxes and hyrax!
The reserve is also home to traditional villages where time seems to stand still. For a proper off-the-beaten-path adventure that combines nature, culture and pure serenity, Dana is the place to be.
On our Jordan group travel adventures, you’ll see the very best of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Mind-blowing stuff.
4. Hike through Wadi Ghweir canyon
If you love an adventurous trek, the Wadi Ghweir hike is hands down one of the best things to do in Jordan.
This stunning slot canyon offers dramatic rock formations, trickling streams and plenty of chances to cool off under waterfalls. Who knew you could find so much water in the desert?!
Be prepared to get wet, scramble over rocks and feel like a true explorer. A local guide can help you navigate safely through the twists and turns, making this hike one of the most unforgettable parts of any Jordan adventure.
5. Bump through Wadi Rum on a Jeep tour
Next up on our list of the best things to do in Jordan is an unforgettable jeep tour of Wadi Rum.
Known as the Valley of the Moon, this otherworldly desert landscape really does feel like you’ve landed on Mars – all rust–red sand, towering sandstone cliffs and surreal rock formations. The best way to explore it? Buckle up in a trusty 4×4 and go hurtling across the endless dunes, wind in your hair and a massive grin on your face.
Stop to admire ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks along the way, scramble up soft sand dunes for jaw–dropping views and perhaps even squeeze through a hidden canyon or two.
As the sun starts to set, painting the whole desert in golden and pink hues, you could end the day in true Bedouin style – sipping sweet tea in a cosy desert camp, watching the stars appear overhead.
6. Epic sights in Little Petra (and Big Petra!)
You simply can’t talk about the best things to do in Jordan without mentioning its most iconic sight – the ancient, rose–red city of Petra – and its charming little sibling, aptly named Little Petra.
Tucked away just a few miles from the main site, Little Petra is the perfect warm–up act. Smaller, quieter and far less crowded, it gives you a tantalising glimpse of what’s to come, with its carved facades, narrow siq (canyon) and even a beautifully preserved Nabataean fresco. Take your time to explore its nooks and crannies – you can really soak up the atmosphere here without the hustle and bustle.
Then it’s on to the main event: Petra itself. Nothing can quite prepare you for your first glimpse of The Treasury, revealed dramatically as you emerge from the winding Siq. Carved straight into the pink sandstone cliffs more than 2,000 years ago, it’s every bit as breathtaking as you’ve imagined from the photos – and then some.
But Petra isn’t just The Treasury – it’s an entire ancient city, with a Roman–style theatre, royal tombs, the Street of Facades and, for the adventurous, the steep climb up to the Monastery for another jaw–dropping view.
Make sure you stick around to see Petra at night too. Some evenings, the Siq and The Treasury are lit by the soft glow of thousands of candles, creating an atmosphere that’s nothing short of spellbinding.Truly a Bucket List experience.
See Petra by candlelight with The Bucket List Company – find out more here.
7. Snorkel in the Red Sea
Time to swap sand for sea… After all those desert adventures, Aqaba’s Red Sea coast is the perfect place to cool off and discover a whole other side of Jordan.
The epic stretch of coastline is home to some of the best snorkelling and diving in the region, thanks to its warm, crystal–clear waters and thriving marine life. Pop on a mask and snorkel and you’ll find yourself swimming above vibrant coral reefs teeming with shoals of tropical fish in every colour imaginable – bright parrotfish, darting angelfish and even the occasional moray eel if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending how you feel about eels!).
For something a bit different, there are also a few fascinating shipwrecks to explore just offshore, now acting as artificial reefs buzzing with life. Snorkelling gives you the chance to slow the pace and enjoy a little seaside serenity after the dust and drama of the desert. And let’s be honest – nothing beats floating in those warm, turquoise waters with the sun on your back and the mountains of Jordan behind you.
8. Relax in the Dead Sea
Last but by no means least: the iconic Dead Sea. You’ve seen the pictures of people lying back, arms outstretched, floating effortlessly on the shimmering, salty water – and we can confirm, it really is as fun (and as surreal) as it looks.
Thanks to the super–salty water, you’ll bob about like a cork without even trying – a unique sensation you’ll be telling people about for years to come. But it’s not just a quirky photo op – the Dead Sea is also famous for its mineral–rich mud, which people have been slathering on for centuries thanks to its skin–soothing properties.
Cover yourself from head to toe, let it dry in the sun, then rinse off in the water – it’s equal parts spa treatment and brilliant fun. With the desert mountains on one side and the calm, glassy sea stretching out before you, it’s also one of the most relaxing spots over there. Definitely one of the best things to do in Jordan.
See all the best bits of Jordan with The Bucket List Company
From bustling Amman to the silent grandeur of Petra, from eco‑treks to coral reefs, the best things to do in Jordan are all packed into our amazing Bucket List adventures.
Pretty dreamy for adventurers and history buffs alike — rammed with culture, camaraderie and desert magic. Whether you’re wandering citadels, sharing bedtime stars or floating in hypersaline bliss, every day is a new story.
Want to do something truly epic and make memories you’ll never forget? Check out our full Best of Jordan Adventure trip page now to see dates, prices and everything that makes this one of the best things to do in Jordan.
If you don’t book it now… Will you ever?
