First-Time Adventures in Jordan: Amman and the Dead Sea
After 48 hours of travel from Dallas through London, we finally made it to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan! This was a completely new country for both of us, and we were excited to explore despite being absolutely exhausted from the long journey.
We stayed at the Amman Marriott, which provided excellent service and a great breakfast to fuel our adventures. After getting some much-needed rest, we were ready to explore this fascinating capital city.
Our first major stop was the Amman Citadel, perched on top of one of Amman’s seven original hills. Getting there cost just 2 Jordanian dinars via Uber, which is about 3 US dollars for a 10-15 minute ride. The location offers stunning views overlooking the entire city.
The Citadel is truly amazing and well worth the admission fee. This site has been occupied by people since 1650 BC, which puts its incredible age into perspective. Walking through ruins that were built on top of each other by different ancient civilizations was absolutely mind-blowing.
One of the highlights is the Roman Temple of Hercules, with its massive columns and impressive architecture. The Citadel also contains the ruins of a mosque, a church, and ancient water cisterns that show how sophisticated their plumbing systems were thousands of years ago.
We walked down a Colonnade built in 730 AD, which means we were stepping on stones laid down 1,300 years ago. The preservation is incredible, and you can still see evidence of the daily lives of the people who lived here centuries ago.
Even though visiting the Citadel is touristy and exactly what you’re supposed to do in Amman, there’s a good reason for that. It’s genuinely fascinating and shouldn’t be missed. Make sure to budget time for this experience.
King Abdullah Mosque
Our next stop was the beautiful King Abdullah Ben al-Hussein Mosque. Construction began in 1982, and this impressive complex can hold 10,000 worshippers total, with the main prayer hall accommodating 3,000 people. The entire facility covers about 6,700 square meters.
The mosque was built in memory of the king who founded modern Jordan. Admission costs about 3 US dollars, making it very affordable. If you’re a woman, they provide a hijab free of charge that you return when you’re done. They also have head scarves available if needed.
The mosque is absolutely beautiful and worth the visit. The architecture is stunning, and it’s a peaceful place to learn about part of Jordan’s religious heritage.
The Dead Sea Adventure
About an hour’s drive west of Amman lies one of the world’s most unique natural wonders: the Dead Sea. This is the lowest point on land on Earth, and the experience of floating here is unlike anything else.
The sensation of floating in the Dead Sea is truly unbelievable. You literally just sit there and float without any effort. Normal swimming doesn’t work at all because the salt content is so high. Standing up is almost impossible, and you find yourself just bobbing around effortlessly.
We tried the famous Dead Sea mud treatment, which supposedly has health benefits for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and eczema. The mud has a distinct smell and feels very strange when you apply it all over your body. We avoided putting it on our faces since you need to rinse it off thoroughly afterward.
The entire Dead Sea experience was surreal. You’ve probably seen videos or heard about it, but until you actually experience floating without any effort, it’s hard to truly understand how unique this place is.
Why Jordan Should Be Your Next Destination
Jordan combines ancient history with natural wonders in a way that few countries can match. From Roman ruins that are thousands of years old to unique geological phenomena like the Dead Sea, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
The country feels safe and welcoming, with excellent infrastructure for tourism. English is widely spoken, and the hospitality is genuine.
Whether you’re interested in archaeology, natural wonders, or cultural experiences, Jordan delivers on all fronts. We’re already planning our return trip to explore more of this incredible country.
The Dead Sea alone is worth the trip to Jordan. Where else can you effortlessly float while reading a book and cover yourself in therapeutic mud? Combined with the rich history of Amman and the warmth of the Jordanian people, this destination exceeded all our expectations.
Want to see us floating helplessly in the Dead Sea and exploring ancient ruins? Watch our full Jordan adventure on our YouTube channel:
