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Stunning aerial photograph of Aqaba, Jordan, showcasing the lagoon, city, and distant mountains.

Things to Do in Aqaba, Jordan

Photo made by Samir Smier on Pexels.com

When to visit

MODERATEJan17°5d rain
MODERATEFeb18°4d rain
MODERATEMar22°2d rainBEST
BUSYApr27°1d rainBEST
BUSYMay32°0d rainBEST
MODERATEJun37°0d rain
MODERATEJul39°0d rain
MODERATEAug39°0d rain
MODERATESep35°0d rainBEST
MODERATEOct30°1d rainBEST
MODERATENov24°2d rainBEST
MODERATEDec19°4d rain

Plan your perfect trip to Aqaba, Jordan

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Plan language: English

Most popular attractions in Aqaba, Jordan

Aqaba Fort

1. Aqaba Fort

4.4 (1,727)
CastleHistorical PlacePoint of InterestEstablishment

Obdivujte mohutné kamenné múry a objavte starodávny systém zásobovania vodou. Zažite magickú noc plnú svetiel a zvukov, ktoré vás prenesú do minulosti.

Quick facts: Muriva s hrubými kamennými stenami siahajú až do výšky 12 metrov, čo z nej robí jeden z najrobustnejších hradov v oblasti. Na jej pozemku sa nachádza niekoľko veží a staré cisterny, ktoré kedysi slúžili na zásobovanie vodou počas obliehania.

Highlights: Pod hradom prúdi podzemný kanál, ktorý zásoboval hrad vodou, čo ho robilo takmer nezdobiteľným. V noci sa na hrade odohrávajú svetelné a zvukové predstavenia, ktoré oživujú jeho históriu a atmosféru vietorom času.

Aqaba Marine Park

2. Aqaba Marine Park

4.3 (660)
Tourist AttractionParkPoint of InterestEstablishment

Skvelé miesto na šnorchlovanie a objavovanie farebných koralových útesov. Zažite fascinujúci podmorský život a krištáľovo čistú vodu.

Quick facts: Koraly v parku tvoria fascinujúci podmorský svet s viac ako 400 druhmi morských živočíchov. Môžete obdivovať početné druhy tropických rýb a pestré koralové útesy.

Highlights: Oblasť sa rozprestiera na 27 km pobrežia a je chránenou zónou s jasne modrou vodou, kde žijú korytnačky a vzácne druhy rýb. Navštívte korálové záhrady, ktoré ponúkajú viditeľnosť až do 30 metrov pod vodou.

Underwater Observatory Marine Park

3. Underwater Observatory Marine Park

4.5 (17,323)
AquariumPoint of InterestEstablishment

Explore vibrant marine life up close without diving. Walk through an underwater tunnel and see colorful fish and coral reefs in their natural habitat.

Quick facts: More than 1,000 marine creatures live behind the glass walls of the underwater observatory. Visitors can watch coral reefs up close without getting wet. The observatory descends 16 meters beneath the water surface for spectacular views.

Highlights: The observatory tower allows a 360-degree panoramic view of the Red Sea's vibrant marine life, including colorful corals and rare fish species. A unique underwater tunnel lets visitors feel like they are walking on the sea floor amid shoals of fish.

Our #1 travel tip

Have you heard of free walking tours?

After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Aqaba, Jordan, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Aqaba Flagpole

4. Aqaba Flagpole

4.5 (640)
LandmarkPoint of InterestEstablishment

Vychutnajte si pohľad na najvyššiu vlajkovú tyč sveta. Zažite obrovskú vlajku lobujúcu vo vetre a nádhernú nočnú ilumináciu.

Quick facts: Najvyššia vlajková tyč na svete dosahuje výšku 130 metrov a váži približne 500 ton. Vidieť ju možno z diaľky niekoľkých kilometrov, čo ju robí výrazným bodom v kraji.

Highlights: Každú hodinu sa na vrchole tyče premieta vlajka o rozmere 60x30 metrov, ktorá vánkom tančí ako nadrozmerný tanečník. Pod vlajkou je osadené osvetlenie, ktoré vytvára ohromujúci vizuálny efekt v nočných hodinách.

Aqaba Archaeological Museum

5. Aqaba Archaeological Museum

4.1 (312)
History MuseumTourist AttractionMuseumPoint of InterestEstablishment

Pozrite si fascinujúce rímske nápisy a staroveké artefakty. Prejdite sa časom od rímskej až po islamskú éru v jedinečných exponátoch.

Quick facts: Múzeum predstavuja zbierky artefaktov z rôznych období, vrátane rímskej, byzantskej a islamskej éry. Nachádza sa v bývalej budove, ktorá bola súčasťou bizantskej pevnosti.

Highlights: Najzaujímavejším exponátom je 2 000 rokov starý rímsky nápis vyrytý na kamennom blok, ktorý sa podarilo nájsť počas archeologických vykopávok. Múzeum ponúka jedinečný pohľad na históriu východného cípu Mŕtveho mora cez autentické artefakty a miestne príbehy.

King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque

6. King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque

4.7 (404)
MosquePlace of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint of InterestEstablishment

Veľkolepá modlitebná hala s kapacitou 3 000 ľudí a výhľadom na Červené more. Zažite pokoj a architektonickú krásu v jednej z najväčších mešít pri mori.

Quick facts: Táto mešita pojme až 3 000 verných počas modlitieb, čo z nej robí jednu z najväčších v regióne Akaba. Nachádza sa na prominente s výhľadom na Červené more, čo prináša úchvatný zážitok pri každej návšteve.

Highlights: Unikátny šesťvrstvový minaret dosahuje výšku 25 metrov a je ozdobený farebnými mozaikami, ktoré hrajú farbami hlavne pri západe slnka. V interiéri sa nachádzajú ručne maľované kaligrafické nápisy, vytvárajúce harmóniu medzi svetlom a tieňom počas modlitieb.

Azraq Wetland Reserve

7. Azraq Wetland Reserve

4.2 (1,819)
National ParkNature PreserveTourist AttractionParkPoint of Interest

Discover a freshwater oasis in the desert. Experience thousands of migratory birds and unique reed landscapes.

Quick facts: Azraq Wetland Reserve is a rare freshwater oasis in the middle of the Jordanian desert, covering about 12,000 hectares. It attracts over 280 bird species, making it a top spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Highlights: The reserve is a crucial resting point for migratory birds crossing the Syrian-African flyway, with thousands of birds like the black stork and Basra reed warbler making a stop here each year. Water channels and reed beds create a unique habitat that looks almost surreal against the surrounding desert landscape.

Where to Stay in Aqaba, Jordan

Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions

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Traditional Sweet Dishes

Knafeh

Knafeh

Knafeh is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry, soaked in sweet syrup and layered with cheese or cream. It is especially popular during Ramadan in Aqaba and is known for its vibrant orange color.

Basbousa

Basbousa

Basbousa is a semolina cake soaked in orange blossom or rose water syrup, traditionally enjoyed in Aqaba as a sweet treat during celebrations and family gatherings.

Qatayef

Qatayef

Qatayef are stuffed pancakes filled with nuts or sweet cheese, commonly served during Ramadan in Aqaba, symbolizing hospitality and festive joy.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Sayadiyah

Sayadiyah

Sayadiyah is a traditional fish and rice dish seasoned with spices and caramelized onions, reflecting Aqaba's coastal culinary heritage.

Mansaf

Mansaf

Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan, is a savory platter of lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt sauce served with rice or bulgur, and is a must-try in Aqaba.

Makloubeh

Makloubeh

Makloubeh is an iconic layered rice dish with fried vegetables, meat, and spices that is flipped upside down before serving, creating a dramatic presentation popular in Aqaba.

Traditional Beverages

Jallab

Jallab

Jallab is a sweet drink made from grape molasses, rose water, and dates, traditionally served in Aqaba to refresh and energize during hot weather.

Qamar al-Din

Qamar al-Din

Qamar al-Din is a thick apricot juice drink enjoyed especially during Ramadan for its sweet, tangy flavor and high energy content.

Mint Lemonade

Mint Lemonade

Mint lemonade is a refreshing and widely loved drink in Aqaba, combining fresh lemon juice with fragrant mint leaves for a perfect balance of tart and cool flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aqaba, Jordan

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Most popular day trips

Wadi Rum

60 km 1h by car

Stunning desert landscapes with rock formations and Bedouin camps.

Petra

125 km 2h by car

Ancient Nabatean city famous for its rock-cut architecture.

Dead Sea

120 km 2h by car

Lowest point on Earth with unique salty water for floating experiences.

Comments (8)

D
Dao T.

The underwater marine park is a highlight, definitely bring snorkeling gear. The coral is colorful though a bit crowded on weekends.

2
M
Maxim N.

The Red Sea views here are stunning but the summer heat can be brutal. Two to three days is enough to soak it in without frying in the sun.

11
M
Matteo R.

Food is decent but overpriced in the tourist spots. Try the local falafel stands away from the beach area for better prices and flavor.

9
R
Rebeca H.

I was hoping for more nightlife but it’s pretty quiet after dark, so don’t expect big parties unless you’re staying in a resort.

12
C
Cesar C.

If you're diving, book your spots early. The best dive shops fill up fast, especially in peak season.

3

Getting there

Use taxi or shuttle from Aqaba airport to city center; it takes about 15 minutes.

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Useful information for Aqaba, Jordan

Shopping locationsAyla Oasis, City Mall, SOHO Square
Nightlife locationsSOHO Square
Popular casual restaurantsAl-Shami Restaurant, Rakwet Kanaan
Popular fancy restaurantsAli Baba Restaurant, Fish Fish Restaurant
Popular coffee shopsCelsius Cafe, Books@Cafe
Tap water safe to drinkNo
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appCareem, Uber
Taxi price / km$0.5
Tourists / year4000000
Mobile internet speed10 Mbps
Unemployment percentage15 %
Poverty percentage15 %
Average income / month$500
Average cost of living / month$600
Hotel price / night from$40
Beer price from$2
Coffee price from$1.5
Street food price from$2
Restaurant meal price from$7
Local currencyJOD
Power plug typesType C, Type D, Type F
ReligionsIslam, Christianity
Spoken languagesArabic, English
EthnicitiesArab, Circassian, Chechen
Political orientationcenter-right
Population density300 /km²
Geographical area37500 km²
Possible natural disastersEarthquake, Flood
Dangerous animalsScorpion, Snake
Locations for a nice walkAqaba Corniche, Wadi Rum, Red Sea Beach
Public transportationsBus, Taxi
AirlinesRoyal Jordanian, Air Arabia
Suggested vaccinationsHepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus
Architecture typeIslamic, Modern
Average beer consumption per person / year2 l
Average wine consumption per person / year0.5 l
Tipping cultureExpected around 10% in restaurants
Coworking / day$15
Airbnb / month$400
1BR rent / month$250
Gym / month$40
Daily budget (backpacker)$30
Daily budget (mid-range)$50

Overview for Aqaba, Jordan

English proficiencyAverage
Traffic safetyAverage
Friendly to foreignersGood
Freedom of speechBad
Public transportationBad
HealthcareAverage
EducationAverage
Power grid reliabilityGood
Crime safetyAverage
WalkabilityGood
NightlifeAverage
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyBad
Startup sceneBad
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessAverage
Nature accessGood
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