The 10 things to do in Aqaba

A planned trip to Jordan? Discover the 10 best things to do in Aqaba, in the extreme south of the country!

Located on the Gulf which bears its name, in front of the Israeli seaside resort of Eilat, Aqaba is a Jordanian city known for the beauty of its seafront. It is also the only city in the country to have a port. Visiting Aqaba is discovering its ruins, witnessing its rich past, its important biodiversity and the aquatic activities it offers.

Moreover, it is also frequently visited because it is the ideal starting point for a getaway in the desert of Wadi Rum at the border of Saudi Arabia.

Are you planning to visit Aqaba on your trip to Jordan? Take a look at our top 10 things not to be missed in this pretty city!

1. The souk of Aqaba

Because any discovery of a city of the Arab world that respects itself begins of course by surveying its souk, start your visit to Aqaba. Let yourself be surprised by the multiple colors and odors floating in the tiny alleys inlaid with all kinds of echoes.

This is the time to make some purchases: spices, softness, and why not Jordanian craftsmen to bring back to your loved ones. A little hollow? Also enjoy it to snack something on the thumb.

2. Aqaba Castle

One of the first things you think about when you visit Aqaba is of course his castle, which is the oldest fort in the region. A military history lover, you will appreciate his visit which will be all the more rewarding if you pay the luxury of being accompanied by a guide that will comment on the stones and the role of this building built in the early 16th century.

3. The archaeological museum

With its four small rooms, this small museum is one of the places to visit in Aqaba to discover in depth the city's heritage. Retracing the Roman, Byzantine and Nabatean epochs, it houses pieces that attended the rich shopping past of the city. Allow a maximum of one hour for the visit of this museum whose entrance is free .

4. Ayla’s ruins

In the northwest of the city centre are planted the ruins of the city that was once called Ayla during its Islamic era. Dating from the 6th century, pillars and walls are still present and create in the imagination of curious visitors the images of what could then look like this important city.

The site is not very large, but it is worth a visit to capture the issues of the past of the city. A few explanatory signs pass the course, but the best of course will be to accompany you with a guide for this visit to Aqaba.

5. Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque

As with all other Jordanian mosques, the Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque of Aqaba can be visited outside the hours of prayer. On the heights of the city, this religious building whose whiteness piercees the blue of the sky is surely the most beautiful mosque in Aqaba.

It embodies the greatness and splendor of Islamic architecture. Its breathtaking view of the bustle of the souk and the city centre contrasts with the calm and atmosphere conducive to meditation. A must-see place to visit in Aqaba to immerse yourself in Jordanian lifestyle and customs!

6. The public beaches of Aqaba

The long sunny beaches extending to the horizon are one of the reasons why it is interesting to visit Aqaba. If they are not specially adapted for swimming (prefer for this the private beaches of the big hotels), they come to enjoy their unparalleled atmosphere and to walk on their long sand banks.

Speaking to one of the street vendors, enjoy it to rent one narguiled , enjoy a shawarma or sip a fresh drink.

7. Private beaches and clubs

Like any seaside resort, Aqaba has a rather large number of private clubs with access to the sea. A relaxing experience that will mark a short break in your visit to Aqaba.

The Berenice Beach Club

Divided in two spaces, the Berenice Beach Club has access to the sea where you can try diving, waterskiing or boarding for a cruise that will lead you to the Egyptian island of Pharaoh.

The second part of this resort has a swimming pool, a bar-restaurant and countless sun loungers. In short, if you come to the Berenice Beach Club by visiting Aqaba, it is above all to run it soft and spend a relaxing moment.

Ayla Oasis

Composed of a huge golf course, several idyllic private beaches and bars and restaurants, the Ayla Oasis is a unique experience to live in Aqaba. A true village in the city, it even includes shops. You can also book excursions: hot-air balloon or scuba diving, impossible to get bored!

8. Wildlife

Perhaps surprisingly, one of the great unsuspected assets of the city is the wealth of its fauna. Here are some ideas of outings to be done in Aqaba to admire it in all its splendor.

Ornithological Observatory

This observatory is in fact an artificially created wetland that has become, in the spring and autumn, one of the major rendezvous points of several migratory bird species during their journey between Africa, Asia and Europe.

On the other hand, it houses of course birds living on Jordanian soil permanently. The observatory has a total of 390 species, including ducks and squanders, which give heart to joy among small lakes and low bushes.

The marine park

The park was established in 2004 to protect the vast diversity of coastal seabeds, covering 7 kilometres. Approximately twenty diving sites are located inside the park. With an underwater excursion, you will have the opportunity to observe a multitude of different corals and fish.

The aquarium

Discover the treasures of the Red Sea by visiting the Aqaba Aquarium! Located inside the Marine Science Station, which was founded in the 1970s to give impetus to research on the seabed, this aquarium will give you a good idea of the fauna that you will have the opportunity to observe if an adventure will give you to snorkeling or diving during your visit to Aqaba.

9. A boat ride full of glass

One of the most original things to do in Aqaba is probably a getaway in one of its famous boats full of glass. Késako?

It is simply a small boat whose hull has a glass surface. It allows to observe the seabeds, and luckyly: those of Aqaba are surprisingly pure and rich in marine fauna. In particular, you will see many colored fish and other corals. An unforgettable experience for your stay in Jordan!

10. Jordanian specialties

One of the memories of your stay that will stay long in your mind is of course the sweetness of the country's culinary specialties. Tasting a typical Jordanian meal is one of the things to do in Aqaba. Widely influenced by that of its neighbours, Jordanian cuisine, delicately spicy, has several faces. Here are some emblematic specialties to taste absolutely during your trip:

• ♪ mezzés : hot or cold inputs influenced by the kitchen Lebanon. You probably know the houmous, which is part of it;
• The pins: Jordanians often taste their meat, cooked to perfection, with bread (khobz), which is one of the basic foods;
• ♪ baklavas : difficult not to melt for these sweet delights at the end of meals. To almonds, pistachio and much more, you will tell us about it!

How to get to Aqaba?

Aqaba Airport is one of the three largest in Jordan. In other words, find a flight landing at Aqaba should not be too difficult. If you are already in Jordan and want to make a detour to Aqaba, the easiest thing is to use the car rental . Otherwise, you can also get in one taxi collective : this means of transport is both fast and low costly.

Finally, an airline connects Amman to Aqaba. The landscapes overflowed during this route are so beautiful, and the journey rate is very reasonable. In order to find the best deals, do not hesitate to use a comparison of flights as Skyscanner For example.

Where to stay in Aqaba?

The hotel offer in Aqaba is made up of many large establishments. One thing to say: you will be well housed in Aqaba! To stop your choice, do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels . Otherwise, you will also find accommodation offers on Airbnb .

In the city centre you will find many cheap options to sleep in Aqaba. If your budget is more important, don’t hesitate to opt for a large complex seaside : in addition to the beautiful view, you will find comfort and unmatched reception.

So, are you more clear about your Aqaba visit program?