Amman is the capital of Jordan and is also its largest city. Amman is the best base to explore Jordan. The city is built of white stone and has a few historical and cultural sites that impress travellers. West Amman is fairly more modern and east Amman houses residential areas.
The Citadel or Jabal al-Qal'a is located in the centre of the city. Towards the north of the citadel is the Ummayad Palace that offers excellent views of the city. The National Archaeological Museum in the citadel houses antiques from all over Jordan. The Roman Theatre houses a folk fare museum and a cultural museum.
The other historic places to visit include a Roman era Nymphaeum, Ammonite-era watchtower and Darat al Funun. The Rainbow street, close to Jabal Amman is excellent to take a walk. Travellers can enjoy a wonderful shopping experience in Amman. The Balad, Wakalat Street, Makkah Street, City Mall and Sharia Rainbow are some of the places worth shopping in.
Aqaba is the only port city of Jordan and is located on the Gulf of Aqaba. The Aqaba Fort built in the 14th century is an excellent place to visit. Aqaba is a great place to enjoy deep sea diving in the Red Sea.
Ajlun located in northern Jordan is famous for its castle. The Ajlun Castle is an Islamic Fortress built on a mountain in the outskirts of the city. There are interesting mazes for travellers to explore. It was built during 1184-1185 AD and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.
Irbid is the industrial and administrative centre in the northern part of Jordon. It is also one of the best points for travellers to explore historic sites of Pella and Gadara. The main landmark of the town is the University Street. The Natural History Museum, Irbid Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Jordanian Heritage are some of the best sites for travellers to visit. Along the University Street there are several shops selling antiques, jewellery, clothing and souvenirs.
Jerash is famous for its Greco-Roman city of Gerasa. The Jerash Archaeological Museum is a lovely site to visit. Some of the ruins in the outskirts of the city are Hadrian's Arch and Hippodrome. Other points of interest include Oval Plaza, Nymphaeum, South Theatre and the Temple of Artemis. Agora is the main food market in the city. The Cardo is a colonnaded street that moves along the length of the city. Travellers can shop for some lovely local handicrafts and souvenirs at the souq just outside the archaeological park.
Petra is one of the famed attractions of Jordan. Recognized by, UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Petra is known across the world for its splendour and spectacular ruins. The town itself is an archaeological park. The entrance to Petra is through a wide canton known as the Siq. Leaving the Siq travellers can see the Treasury. After the treasury is the outer Siq or the Street of Facades. At the end of this street is the Roman Theatre. Opposite to this theatre are the Royal Tombs. Further from these tombs is the Monastery, the biggest carved monument in Petra. The High Place of Sacrifice is also a popular destination in Petra. The Mount of Aaron is the tallest peak in the area.
Other places worth visiting in the country are Madaba, Kerak, Wadi Rum, Danan Nature Reserve and Azraq.
Jordanian food is quite similar to Arabian cuisine. The national dish of the country is mansaf made of jameed. Other delicacies include khobes, hummus, labaneh, zatar and falafel. Travellers can also gorge on shawarma. There are several restaurants serving halal food throughout Jordan.
Travelling from Damascus, Ibn Batutta, passed through a number of cities which are part of the present day Jordan and reached Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
