Is Jordan Worth Visiting? Petra, Wadi Rum & Top Reasons to Visit

Is Jordan worth visiting? It’s a question many travelers ask when dreaming about the Middle East, and one we’re excited to answer by sharing our own journey through this remarkable country.

This guide is structured in two parts, each revealing different reasons why Jordan captured our hearts. In this first post, we take you to Petra and Wadi Rum, two places that define Jordan’s sense of wonder – from ancient stone cities to vast, cinematic desert landscapes. Along the way, we’ll share our personal reasons for falling in love with Jordan, what to taste and eat in Petra and Wadi Rum, and where we stayed to fully experience the magic of both places.

In the second part, we’ll slow things down and explore a different side of the country, guiding you through the Dead Sea region, Aqaba’s Red Sea coast, and the lively streets of Amman. Together, these destinations complete the picture of Jordan’s diversity, warmth, and joy.

By the end of this two-part journey, you’ll have a heartfelt answer to whether Jordan is worth visiting – and, if it is, exactly why Jordan deserves a place on your travel bucket list.

Please note: for privacy reasons, some names mentioned in this article are not original and have been changed.

1. Wadi Musa

After picking up our rented car at the airport, we set off straight toward Wadi Musa, the lively mountain town that is home to Petra. The drive itself felt like the beginning of something special – the landscape slowly changing, the air warming, and a quiet excitement building with every kilometer, until we were greeted by a sundog glowing in the sky.

A sundog is a rare atmospheric phenomenon that appears as a bright, rainbow-tinted spot beside the sun, created when sunlight passes through ice crystals in the atmosphere, and it is often seen as a symbol of good fortune and new beginnings.

2. The Cave Bar – Is Jordan worth visiting?

After arriving in Wadi Musa, we checked into our hotel and then headed to the Cave Bar, one of the town’s most iconic spots. Built inside a 2,000-year-old Nabataean tomb, the bar opened around 1997 and has since become a popular meeting place for travelers just steps away from Petra’s entrance.

However, as quickly as we went in, we stepped back outside, as cigarette smoke filled the cave-like space. In Jordan, smoking is allowed in pubs, so non-smokers usually sit outdoors – the opposite of what we’re used to in Europe, and luckily, the Cave Bar offers heated tables outside where we could still enjoy the atmosphere.

Food Tip: Try Jordanian Mezze

We truly recommend trying Jordanian mezze. Although mezze is technically a starter, the portions are generous and more than enough to leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Mezze usually arrives as a colorful spread of small dishes meant to be shared. You’ll often find hummus, tabbouleh – a fresh salad made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, lemon juice, and olive oil – and fattoush, a vibrant mixed salad finished with crispy pieces of toasted flatbread. Olives and baba ganoush, a smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon, are also common favorites, and we’ll share a little more about this delicious dish in Part 2 of our Jordan journey.

3. Petra Night Restaurant

Petra Night Restaurant feels welcoming from the moment you step inside. They serve excellent tea, stay open for long hours, and make it easy to stop by at almost any time.

The food tastes fresh and comforting. Their hummus is smooth and flavorful, while maqloubeh – a classic Jordanian dish of rice, vegetables, and meat cooked together and flipped upside down before serving -stands out as a favorite. Above all, the staff makes you feel genuinely welcome, and the non-smoking indoor area adds to the comfort after a long day in Petra.

4. Petra itself

Beyond the Treasury – Is Jordan worth visiting?

Petra is much more than its most famous monument. While many visitors stop at the Treasury, the ancient city stretches far beyond it.

Go Early and Feel the Silence

We strongly recommend entering Petra as early as possible. At that hour, the site feels calm and untouched. The crowds are still asleep. If you enter first, you can actually hear the silence.

That morning, we also gained an unexpected companion. A friendly local dog joined us at the entrance and guided us forward. She stayed with us almost the entire way. We only split up on the way back.

See the Treasury from Above – Is Jordan worth visiting?

When you reach the Treasury, don’t stop at ground level. Climb the nearby rocks to capture the view from above. Later in the day, locals sometimes block paths and ask for payment. However, early visitors avoid this completely.

At that moment, Petra feels pure. Nothing interrupts the experience. The beauty stays unbroken and free of disappointment.

Walk Further and Respect the Morning – Is Jordan worth visiting?

After your visit, return to the Treasury and turn right. You will soon pass the amphitheater, but keep going. If you arrive early, please stay quiet. Many Bedouins sleep inside their shops along the path.

Climb a few free viewpoints along the way. They reward you with stunning views. With the amphitheater on your left, continue straight ahead.

Where the Journey Slows Down – Is Jordan worth visiting?

Near ancient tombs, you’ll find a small Bedouin family shop. A fire burns gently inside. Hot tea waits for visitors. At that moment, Petra settles quietly into your heart.

Petra Travel Tips

• Arrive early at Petra to enjoy silence, soft light, and fewer crowds.
• Explore beyond the Treasury to see the true scale of Petra.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for long and uneven paths.
• Bring enough water, even during cooler seasons.
• Stay quiet in the early morning and respect resting Bedouins.
• Use free Petra viewpoints instead of paid access paths.
• Climb viewpoints early to avoid heat and crowds.
• Dress in layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
• Take your time and experience Petra at a slow pace.

If you loved exploring Petra’s ancient stone city carved into rose-red cliffs, you’ll be captivated by Cappadocia in Turkey. Like Petra, Cappadocia offers surreal landscapes shaped by nature and history, from fairy chimneys to hidden cave dwellings. Both destinations invite early morning adventures, breathtaking viewpoints, and a sense of timeless wonder. Check out our full guide to Cappadocia to plan your next unforgettable journey.

5. The R. family

When the R. family invited us in for hot Bedouin tea by the fire, time seemed to slow down. We sat on low cushions, warmed our hands, and finally allowed ourselves to rest. They welcomed us without hurry and without expectation.

We asked questions about life in Jordan, about Petra, and about their daily routines. They answered every single one with patience and quiet passion. Nothing felt rushed. Nothing felt staged.

We could also observe in action an additional sense that Bedouins seem to be programmed with – predicting rain. Without checking the sky or a forecast, they quietly moved their belongings under the roof. A few seconds later, the rain began to fall. How did they know?

We stayed under the shelter, close to the fire, listening to the rain. In that moment, we truly understood why Jordanian hospitality feels so special. It is slow. It is respectful. And it is defined by a real presence you can genuinely feel.

Grateful for the tea and the wonderful company, we admired a few more of Petra’s quiet miracles. Then, slowly and without rush, we made our way back toward the entrance. Another adventure was waiting for us – Wadi Rum.

6. One Night in Wadi Rum with a Desert View

As the sun began to set, we arrived in Wadi Rum, the desert of endless skies and towering sandstone cliffs. Our camp waited, tucked into a quiet corner of the vast landscape.

We stepped out to take in the view. The sands stretched far and wide, glowing orange and gold as the last light faded. Silence surrounded us, broken only by the whisper of the wind. Even though it hadn’t started raining yet, we could sense it was coming – the sky gave subtle signs.

They say experiencing rain in the desert is something truly special. Rain in Wadi Rum is rare, happening only a few days each year. When it does come, it transforms the landscape completely. Locals see it as a blessing – a sign of relief from heat, nourishment for grazing lands, and sometimes even waterfalls tumbling down the sandstone cliffs. For travelers, it creates a unique and memorable sensory experience, one of the highlights of visiting the desert.

7. Wadi Rum Desert Exploration with A.

After a night in a tent – don’t worry about the weather, all the tents are bricked – with a large front window that let us admire the desert in front of us, we set out to explore Wadi Rum with A., our friendly Bedouin guide. Why didn’t we sleep in a famous bubble tent? Simply put, it was too expensive.

Wadi Rum is famous for its vast open landscapes, towering sandstone cliffs, red sand dunes, and dramatic rock formations. Its otherworldly scenery has starred in films like Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, and Star Wars: Rogue One. The desert welcomed us with endless skies, golden sands, and a sense of timeless wonder.

Unique Rock Formations – Is Jordan worth visiting?

The first stops revealed unique rock formations, each carved by wind and time. Some looked like natural towers, others like arches or sculpted faces. Every formation had a story, and A shared local legends tied to the desert’s shapes. If you want to climb some of them, the best approach is to follow established paths or ask a local guide for advice. The sandstone can be soft and crumbly in places, so careful footing is essential. Always start early in the day when the rock is cooler, wear sturdy shoes, and take your time to enjoy the view safely.

Sandboarding – Is Jordan worth visiting?

Next, we tried sandboarding on the dunes. Sliding down the soft, warm sand felt thrilling and almost surreal. The desert shifted under our boards, and every descent left us laughing and wanting more.

Bedouin whisky Stop

After sandboarding, it was time for Bedouin whisky. Cushions and rocks under a natural rock overhang offered shade from the sun. Sweet, spiced tea warmed the hands while dunes stretched quietly all around.

A small story made the moment even more memorable. In a country where most people are Muslim and alcohol is uncommon, French visitors once began calling Bedouin tea “Bedouin whisky.” The name stayed.

Conversation flowed easily. Questions about desert life met patient answers, followed by a short Arabic lesson and insights into Bedouin culture. There was also admiration for the art of adaptation within A.’s family. For generations, they cared for camels and lived by the rhythm of the desert. Today, they share that heritage by offering unforgettable tours, guiding visitors through desert landscapes and Bedouin life.

The warmth of the tea and the slow rhythm of the desert created a feeling of deep grounding. Truly priceless moments.

Driving in the Desert – Is Jordan worth visiting?

Suddenly, an idea appeared – what is it like to drive a car in the desert?

At first, driving an old pickup across the sand felt exciting. The wind brushed our faces, and the dunes seemed endless. But the desert quickly reminded us who was really in charge. The surface shifted constantly. Soft dunes gave way to packed tracks, then jagged rocky patches. Each change demanded careful adjustment.

Then came the moment to park – and that’s when things got tricky. The brake felt unresponsive, and panic crept in. I will never forget the moment I finally asked A. about the handbrake when I managed to stop. He simply said it doesn’t work – you just leave the car with the wheels turned so it doesn’t roll down the hill. But it wasn’t his words that touched me – it was the way he said them. Such calmness, as if he were stating one of the most obvious things in the world, like when he had just been teaching us Arabic words by the fire a moment earlier, while we slowly sipped Bedouin tea.

It became a quick lesson, a nervous laugh, and an unforgettable reminder: out here, you never stop learning from the land.

Unique Canyons – Is Jordan worth visiting?

Next, we explored narrow canyons tucked between the cliffs. Walking through them felt like entering another world. Sunlight filtered from above, casting warm patterns on the rocks. Each twist revealed new colors, textures, and quiet corners of the desert — along with traces of the past carved into the walls.

Every stop, every dune, and every canyon reminded us why Wadi Rum is called the Valley of the Moon. Its vastness, silence, and raw beauty linger in your memory long after you leave.

Where to Stay in Jordan

Finding the right place to stay in Jordan can be tricky. Many hotels and guesthouses allow cigarette smoke, so non-smokers need to read reviews carefully. In Wadi Rum, it’s common to see very low advertised prices, only to be asked for much more upon arrival. Since options in the desert are limited, travelers often end up overpaying. Our advice: avoid properties with very few reviews or suspiciously low prices. Choose accommodations with a reasonable number of verified reviews to know what to expect and ensure a smooth stay.

Wadi Musa (Petra)

For Petra, we recommend La Maison Hotel. It’s clean, smoke-free, and just a five-minute walk from the Petra entrance – perfect for early morning visits. The rooms are comfortable, and the staff is attentive, making it a relaxing base after a full day of exploring Petra. Staying here allows you to enjoy the site without the hassle of long transfers or crowded areas.

🌟 Check Availability & Book La Maison Hotel

Wadi Rum Desert Adventures

For Wadi Rum, we stayed at the last camp in the desert, and it was unforgettable. The views from the tents are spectacular, the food for both dinner and breakfast was excellent, and the service went above and beyond. When our heating didn’t work one evening, the staff fixed it quickly, and the owner personally came to check that everything was okay. This attention to detail and genuine hospitality made our desert experience even more memorable.

🏜️ Check Availability & Book Your Desert Camp

Is Jordan Worth Visiting?

After exploring Petra and Wadi Rum, the answer is clear: yes. Jordan surprises at every turn. Ancient stone cities, silent mornings, and vast deserts leave you in awe. The landscapes are breathtaking, but it’s the warmth and hospitality of the people that make the experience unforgettable.

From sipping Bedouin tea by the fire to sandboarding on golden dunes or navigating narrow canyons, every moment feels unique. Jordan blends history, adventure, and culture in a way that stays with you long after you leave.

Part 2 of our guide (coming soon) will take you to the Dead Sea, Aqaba, and Amman – revealing even more reasons to fall in love with this remarkable country. For now, Petra and Wadi Rum have already shown us why Jordan belongs on every traveler’s bucket list.

More Journeys You’ll Love

If Petra and Wadi Rum sparked your curiosity, these posts on JourneyJoy.org offer similarly inspiring travel experiences:

• Northern Ireland by Car Itinerary – A mindful road trip through dramatic coastlines, lush greens, and timeless myths, perfect for slow travel and quiet wonder.
• Okinawa: Between Sea and Story – Explore an island that balances cultural history and peaceful pace, ideal for travelers who love deep, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
• Tokyo: Hidden Gems and Travel Tips – Discover bustling city life alongside serene cultural corners, for those who enjoy contrasts similar to Petra’s mix of adventure and tranquility.
• Marrakech & Ourika Valley, Morocco – Wander colorful souks, historic palaces, and the lush Ourika Valley, offering a sensory experience that echoes Jordan’s ancient cities and dramatic landscapes.
• North Sardinia Road Trip – Explore wild coastlines, medieval villages, and slow wandering, perfect for travelers who love open horizons like Wadi Rum.
• Travel Tips: Choosing the Perfect Accommodation – Learn how to read reviews and avoid surprises when booking your stays, essential before any journey.

Ready to go?

For more practical guidance, check out our How to Book Your Holiday Online guide – step-by-step tips to plan, book, and enjoy your next adventure with confidence.