Ahlan, Jordan!
Discover Jordan’s Hidden Gems
By Isabel Morford-Cheibub
Ahlan and welcome to the first of our travel guides to Middle Eastern countries! Through this series, you can venture off the beaten path to learn about the lesser known parts of different countries and cities. Whether you are looking for an escape from the hum-drum of work from home and quarantine life or you are already planning your first post-COVID-19 trip, these guides have something for you!
First up is the Royal Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, located right in the heart of the Levant. Due to strong diplomatic ties with the United States, Jordan is one of the more popular Middle Eastern tourist destinations for Americans. A quick Google search will offer you a variety of travel guides with the basics about getting to the ancient city of Petra and how long to spend in the pink desert of Wadi Rum. One of the best things about Jordan is that it is relatively small, so in between hitting the major tourist spots, you can easily see some of the lesser known offerings.
Best Spots in Jordan
Jordan EcoPark: Located in northwest Jordan, the EcoPark was started as a project by EcoPeace Middle East as a way to educate Jordanians and foreigners alike about the biodiversity and environment in Jordan. Visitors can take a bike tour, ride the zip line, hike, or even spend the night.
Qasr al-Azraq: The origins of this castle are debated, but most people agree that it was originally a Roman fort that was developed into a castle by the Ayyubid dynasty. The castle sits in Jordan’s eastern desert, which is relatively uninhabited. Those who are interested in visiting it should visit Wild Jordan in Amman to arrange a private tour.
Hammamat Ma’in: Nestled between Jordan’s mountains and about 10 kilometers inland from the Dead Sea are the Ma’in hot springs. The Ma’in Spa Resort allows for day visits or overnight stays, and you can choose to enter the natural springs, swim in the pool overlooking the waterfall, or just lounge on the terrace and take in a beautiful view.
Dana Biosphere Reserve: Jordan’s largest nature reserve holds over 300 square kilometers of hills, valleys, and wildlife to explore. The reserve is located in the south of Jordan and is only an hour’s drive from Petra, making it an easy addition on a weekend trip.
Wadi al-Mujib: Tired of the desert? Take an exhilarating day trip to this canyon for a chance to splash and swim. The trail starts along a shallow stream, but the water soon widens and deepens until visitors can only wade and swim their way to the big waterfall at the end. With opportunities to climb waterfalls, jump off cliffs, and slide down rocks, this is the perfect excursion for adventure-seekers!
Wadi Zarqa Ma’in: This canyon opens to the Dead Sea and is good for an intermediate level day hike. Visitors are rewarded with a natural pool at the end of the trail, so be sure to wear a swim suit. Depending on the time of year, you may have to climb up a waterfall along the way, so it is best to go with a guide. Facebook is the best place to find hiking groups leaving from Amman!
Around Amman
Al-Jubeiha: This neighborhood in the north of Amman is home to the University of Jordan, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, and some of the best restaurants in the city! The main gate of the University of Jordan is a bustling hub of busses, street vendors, and students, and requires a student ID to enter the university grounds. However, the north gate is often open between 9 am and 5 pm and leads right into a couple of the gardens. After exploring the campus, grab a quick meal of falafel, hummus, and foul (beans) at Abu Jabarah, right outside the north gate. Or, if you’re ready for the best meal of your life, go to Bab al-Yemen and order lahmeh fahseh, foul bil beid, and djaaj mandi.
Hamza Garden for the Birds: Located in northeastern Amman, this family-friendly park and garden has a variety of birds for kids to marvel at, and plenty of space for a picnic. It provides a nice bit of green in a predominantly beige city!
Downtown Amman: While downtown Amman will probably appear on most Jordan travel guides, this one will encourage you to diverge from their recommendations, which probably include getting breakfast at Hashem Restaurant, trying kanafeh at Habibah or Nafisah, and seeing Grand Husseini Mosque. Downtown Amman, or al-balad, is the best place to see historic buildings, stumble upon art galleries, and discover new tastes and smells in antique, perfume, and spice shops. Turn down alleys, climb up the colorful stairways, and wander off the main thoroughfare to see more of the heart of the city.
King of Bahrain Kingdom Forest: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to this quiet park in southeastern Amman. If you go on Friday or Saturday, you will be joined by families who are barbecuing and having picnics. It is a great way to meet Jordanians, see some nature, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.
Amman Running Club: Any serious runner will tell you that the best way to get to know a new place is by going for a run. However, visitors to Jordan will quickly notice that unlike most capital cities, Amman does not have a big running scene. If you do decide to go running, the worst that will happen is getting a few weird looks, but if you feel more comfortable running with a group, then the Amman Running Club is for you! This group of Jordanians and ex-pats meets Monday and Wednesday evenings, as well as Friday mornings, for a group run. The Friday runs are the best because they cycle through 4 different neighborhoods and always end with a group breakfast. Check the group’s Facebook page for a schedule and meet-up instructions. If you are there for the Sweifieh neighborhood run, be sure to order the brioche at Foron Rex afterwards!
SheFighter: Whether you are an experienced kick-boxer or have always wanted to try it, taking a class or two at SheFighter is a great experience to fit in to your Amman visit. This gym is the first female-only kick-boxing gym in the Middle East and the instructors know how to make you sweat! The first class is free, and they are doing online classes during COVID-19, so you can join in from anywhere in the world. **This recommendation is only for women.