Aqaba Travel Guide

About Aqaba

Situated at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea, Aqaba (Arabic: العقبة) is Jordan's only port city and its premier beach destination. With a history stretching back over 5,500 years, Aqaba has served as a vital trade hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. Today, it is a thriving city of approximately 200,000 people that seamlessly blends its rich heritage with modern development.

Aqaba enjoys a unique geographical position, bordered by the Red Sea to the south, the Hejaz Mountains to the east, and sharing coastline views with Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. This crossroads location has shaped the city's cosmopolitan character, making it one of the most welcoming and diverse cities in the Middle East.

The city was designated as the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) in 2001, which has driven significant investment in tourism infrastructure, making it an increasingly popular destination for international visitors. The duty-free status of the zone means that shopping in Aqaba is notably more affordable than in other parts of Jordan.

Top Attractions in Aqaba

History

Aqaba Fort (Mamluk Castle)

Built in the early 16th century by the Mamluks, this historic fort was famously captured during the Arab Revolt in 1917, an event depicted in the film "Lawrence of Arabia." The fort features the Hashemite coat of arms above its entrance and offers insight into the region's military history. Located near the waterfront, it is free to enter with a Jordan Pass.

History

Ayla Archaeological Site

The ruins of ancient Ayla, one of the earliest Islamic cities, date back to 650 AD. Located near the Aqaba flagpole, this excavated site reveals the remains of a city gate, mosque, residential quarters, and market areas. It provides a fascinating glimpse into early Islamic urban planning and daily life along the Red Sea trade routes.

Nature

Aqaba Marine Park

Stretching along 7 kilometers of coastline south of the city, the Aqaba Marine Park protects some of the northernmost coral reefs in the world. The park is home to over 500 species of fish and 110 species of hard coral. Snorkeling and diving within the park offer encounters with colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins.

Culture

Aqaba Souk (Market)

The traditional market in downtown Aqaba is a sensory experience not to be missed. Wander through narrow alleys filled with spice vendors, jewelry shops, textile stalls, and souvenir stores. The souk is an excellent place to buy authentic Jordanian products including Dead Sea cosmetics, Arabic coffee, hand-woven rugs, and traditional ceramics. Bargaining is expected and part of the fun.

Landmark

Aqaba Flagpole

Standing at 137 meters, the Aqaba Flagpole was once the tallest free-standing flagpole in the world. It flies the flag of the Arab Revolt, commemorating the Great Arab Revolt of 1916. The flagpole is located in a pleasant waterfront park area and serves as a popular meeting point and photo opportunity for visitors.

Family

Aqaba Aquarium

The Marine Science Station Aquarium showcases the diverse marine life of the Red Sea through a series of well-maintained tanks. It is an educational experience for families and anyone interested in marine biology. The aquarium features live coral displays, tropical fish species, and information about conservation efforts in the Gulf of Aqaba.

Diving & Snorkeling in Aqaba

Aqaba is widely regarded as one of the best diving destinations in the world, thanks to its warm, calm waters, exceptional visibility (often exceeding 30 meters), and remarkably diverse marine ecosystem. The Red Sea's coral reefs here are among the most resilient in the world, having adapted to relatively high water temperatures, which means they remain vibrant and healthy year-round.

Best Dive Sites

Japanese Garden: A stunning shallow reef (6-15 meters) covered in soft and hard corals, teeming with anthias, clownfish, and lionfish. Perfect for beginners and underwater photographers. The site gets its name from the garden-like arrangement of coral formations.
Cedar Pride Wreck: Aqaba's most famous dive site — a 74-meter cargo ship intentionally sunk in 1985 to create an artificial reef. Resting at 12-28 meters, the wreck is now encrusted with coral and home to schools of glassfish, barracuda, and the occasional turtle. Suitable for intermediate divers.
The Tank: An M42 anti-aircraft tank deliberately placed on the seabed at 6 meters depth, now covered in coral growth. Its shallow depth makes it accessible to snorkelers and beginner divers, and it is one of the most photographed underwater attractions in Jordan.
Seven Sisters: A series of seven coral pinnacles rising from a sandy bottom at 15 meters. Each pinnacle is a micro-ecosystem hosting different species, from moray eels and nudibranchs to groupers and scorpionfish.
Power Station: Located near the thermal outflow of a power station, this site attracts large pelagic species including eagle rays, whale sharks (seasonal), and large schools of jacks. The warm water creates unique conditions that support an unusually dense concentration of marine life.

Insider Tip: The best time for diving in Aqaba is from March to November when water temperatures range from 21-27°C (70-81°F). Visibility is generally best from May to September. Even in winter (December-February), water temperatures rarely drop below 20°C, making year-round diving possible. Our concierge can arrange diving trips with certified PADI instructors for all experience levels, from discover scuba sessions for beginners to advanced deep dives.

Day Trips from Aqaba

Petra — The Rose-Red City

No visit to Jordan is complete without seeing Petra, the ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs over 2,000 years ago. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is located approximately 130 kilometers north of Aqaba (about 2 hours by car).

The journey from Aqaba to Petra passes through dramatic desert landscapes and the scenic Wadi Araba valley. Upon arrival, you will walk through the Siq — a narrow, 1.2-kilometer gorge flanked by towering sandstone cliffs — before emerging to see the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra's most photographed monument. Beyond the Treasury, the ancient city extends for several square kilometers, featuring hundreds of tombs, temples, a Roman-style theater, and the impressive Monastery (Ad-Deir) perched high on a mountain.

A full day is recommended to explore Petra's main highlights. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water are essential. Our concierge can arrange private or group day trips including transportation, an English-speaking guide, and lunch.

Jordan Pass Tip: The Jordan Pass (starting from JOD 70) includes entry to Petra (normally JOD 50 for a one-day visit) plus over 40 other attractions across Jordan, and waives the tourist visa fee. It is the best value option for tourists visiting Petra and is available for purchase online at jordanpass.jo before your arrival.

Wadi Rum — The Valley of the Moon

Wadi Rum is a vast desert wilderness located about 60 kilometers northeast of Aqaba (approximately 1 hour by car). This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a surreal landscape of towering sandstone mountains, natural rock bridges, ancient petroglyphs, and sweeping red sand dunes that have captivated travelers for centuries. The area served as a filming location for movies including "Lawrence of Arabia," "The Martian," "Rogue One," and "Dune."

Visitors can explore Wadi Rum by 4x4 jeep safari, camel ride, or on foot with a Bedouin guide. Popular activities include rock climbing, sandboarding on the dunes, visiting ancient Nabataean inscriptions, and watching the sunset from a high vantage point. For the ultimate experience, consider an overnight stay in a Bedouin camp under the stars — the night sky in Wadi Rum, free from light pollution, is one of the most spectacular in the world.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at 430 meters below sea level, is located approximately 3 hours north of Aqaba. Famous for its extremely high salt content (nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean), the Dead Sea allows visitors to float effortlessly on its surface — a truly unique experience. The mineral-rich mud found along its shores has been prized for its therapeutic and cosmetic properties since ancient times.

Day trips from Aqaba to the Dead Sea can be combined with a visit to the hot springs at Ma'in or the ancient fortress of Masada across the border. Our concierge can arrange comfortable transportation and guide services for this memorable excursion.

Local Cuisine & Dining

Aqaba's food scene reflects its position as a crossroads of cultures. The city offers everything from traditional Jordanian street food to upscale international dining. Here are some local culinary experiences you should not miss:

Mansaf: Jordan's national dish — lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt (jameed), served over rice with toasted nuts. It is traditionally eaten communally with the right hand, though restaurants will provide utensils.
Fresh Seafood: As a port city, Aqaba offers exceptionally fresh seafood. Look for grilled hammour (grouper), sayadieh (fish with spiced rice), and fried calamari at waterfront restaurants.
Mezze: A spread of small dishes including hummus, mutabal (smoky eggplant dip), tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel, and stuffed vine leaves. Mezze is a social dining experience meant to be shared.
Zarb: A Bedouin specialty where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked underground in a sand pit. The result is incredibly tender, smoky, and flavorful. Some restaurants in Aqaba offer this dish, or you can experience it authentically at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum.
Knafeh: A beloved dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, sweet cheese, and sugar syrup flavored with rose water. The city of Nablus is famous for knafeh, but Aqaba's versions are equally delicious.
Arabic Coffee & Tea: Jordanian hospitality always includes a cup of Arabic coffee (qahwa) flavored with cardamom, or sweet mint tea (shai). Both are offered as a gesture of welcome throughout the city.

For dining at City Tower Hotel, visit our Dining & Restaurant page to explore our menu and restaurant hours.

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Aqaba enjoys a hot desert climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it a popular winter sun destination for European and regional travelers. The city receives very little rainfall (less than 30mm annually), so you can expect clear, sunny skies during virtually any visit.

Season	Months	Air Temp	Sea Temp	Notes
Winter	Dec - Feb	15-22°C	20-22°C	Pleasant days, cool evenings. Peak tourist season.
Spring	Mar - May	22-32°C	21-24°C	Ideal weather. Best for outdoor activities and diving.
Summer	Jun - Aug	34-42°C	25-27°C	Very hot. Best for water activities. Lower hotel rates.
Autumn	Sep - Nov	26-35°C	24-27°C	Warm and comfortable. Excellent diving visibility.

Packing Tip: Regardless of the season, bring sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. If visiting in winter, pack a light jacket for evenings. For diving and snorkeling, most operators provide equipment, but bringing your own mask ensures a better fit. Modest clothing is appreciated when visiting mosques or traditional areas, though Aqaba is generally relaxed about dress codes compared to other parts of Jordan.

Practical Travel Tips

Currency & Money

The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), which is pegged to the US Dollar at approximately 1 JOD = 1.41 USD. ATMs are widely available in Aqaba, and most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit cards. US Dollars are also widely accepted, though you will receive change in Dinars. Currency exchange offices are found throughout the city center and offer competitive rates.

Language

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Aqaba, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. Most signs are bilingual (Arabic and English). Learning a few Arabic phrases like "Marhaba" (hello), "Shukran" (thank you), and "Inshallah" (God willing) will be appreciated by locals.

Safety

Jordan is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the Middle East for tourists. Aqaba, as a major tourist destination, has a strong security presence and very low crime rates. Normal travel precautions apply — keep valuables secure, be aware of your surroundings, and use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps. The emergency number in Jordan is 911.

Getting Around Aqaba

Aqaba is a relatively compact city that is easy to navigate:

Walking: The city center and waterfront areas are walkable, especially in the cooler months.
Taxis: Yellow taxis are plentiful and affordable. Always agree on the fare before starting your journey, or ask the driver to use the meter. A typical ride within the city costs JOD 1-3.
Car Rental: Several international and local car rental agencies operate in Aqaba. An international driving license is recommended. Driving is on the right side of the road.
Ride-Hailing: Careem (the regional equivalent of Uber) operates in Aqaba and offers a convenient, cashless transportation option.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary in Jordan but not obligatory. A 10% tip at restaurants is standard if service charge is not included. Hotel porters typically receive JOD 1-2 per bag, and it is customary to tip housekeeping JOD 1-2 per day. Tour guides and drivers appreciate tips of JOD 5-10 per day depending on the length and quality of the tour.

Electricity & Connectivity

Jordan uses Type B, C, D, F, G, and J power outlets with a standard voltage of 230V. Travelers from North America will need a voltage converter and plug adapter. Most hotels, including City Tower Hotel, provide universal adapters upon request. Mobile coverage is excellent in Aqaba, and local SIM cards with data plans can be purchased at the airport or from mobile shops in the city for approximately JOD 5-10.

Shopping in Aqaba

As part of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, the city enjoys duty-free status, making it one of the most affordable shopping destinations in Jordan. Popular items to buy include:

Dead Sea Products: Mud masks, mineral-rich creams, bath salts, and soaps from the Dead Sea are popular souvenirs and gifts. Look for reputable brands at pharmacies and specialty shops.
Arabic Spices: Za'atar, sumac, cardamom, saffron, and custom spice blends make wonderful culinary souvenirs. The souk is the best place to buy fresh spices.
Jordanian Handicrafts: Hand-painted ceramics, mosaic art, traditional sand bottles (colored sand layered in glass bottles to create desert scenes), and Bedouin jewelry are unique keepsakes.
Gold & Silver: Aqaba's gold souk offers jewelry at competitive prices. Gold is sold by weight based on the daily international gold price, plus a small craftsmanship fee.
Perfumes & Oud: Traditional Arabic perfumes and oud (agarwood) incense are available at specialty shops throughout the city.

More Aqaba Resources

Looking for even more inspiration? Check out our detailed article on the 15 Best Things to Do in Aqaba, where we cover everything from scuba diving and Petra day trips to desert camping and traditional cuisine in one easy-to-follow guide.