15 Best Things to Do in Aqaba, Jordan
Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, and it packs an extraordinary amount of history, natural beauty, and adventure into a compact and welcoming destination. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest, there is always something new to discover in this Red Sea gem. Our concierge team at City Tower Hotel has put together this comprehensive guide to help you plan unforgettable days during your stay.
1 Scuba Diving in the Red Sea
Aqaba is one of the world's premier diving destinations, and for good reason. The Red Sea waters here are exceptionally clear, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters. The Aqaba Marine Park, stretching along the southern coastline, protects a stunning underwater ecosystem of coral gardens, sea fans, and over 500 species of tropical fish.
Popular dive sites include the Cedar Pride, a deliberately sunken Lebanese freighter that now serves as an artificial reef teeming with marine life, and the Japanese Garden, known for its pristine hard and soft corals. For beginners, many dive centers offer PADI certification courses starting from the Open Water level, with introductory "Discover Scuba" experiences available for those who just want to try it out.
2 Snorkeling Along the Coral Reefs
You do not need to be a certified diver to enjoy Aqaba's underwater world. Some of the best coral reefs are accessible directly from the shore, making snorkeling one of the most popular and affordable activities in the city. The South Beach area, particularly around the Aqaba Marine Park, offers shallow reef systems where you can spot parrotfish, clownfish, lionfish, and even sea turtles just meters from the beach.
Snorkeling gear can be rented from beachside vendors for a few dinars per day, or many hotels and dive centers offer guided snorkeling tours that take you to the best spots with expert commentary on the marine life you encounter.
3 Day Trip to Petra
No trip to Jordan is complete without visiting Petra, the ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is approximately a 2-hour drive north of Aqaba via the modern Desert Highway.
The most iconic sight is Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), a magnificent facade that served as a royal tomb. Beyond The Treasury, the ancient city stretches for several kilometers, featuring the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, the Colonnaded Street, and the Monastery (Ad-Deir) — a 45-minute climb that rewards you with one of the most breathtaking views in all of Jordan.
4 Wadi Rum Desert Experience
Known as the "Valley of the Moon," Wadi Rum is a vast protected desert wilderness just 60 kilometers north of Aqaba. Its dramatic landscape of towering sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, natural rock arches, and ancient Nabataean inscriptions has captivated travelers for centuries — and served as a filming location for movies like Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, and Dune.
The most popular way to explore Wadi Rum is by 4x4 Jeep tour with a local Bedouin guide, typically lasting 2 to 4 hours. Other activities include camel riding through the desert valleys, rock climbing and scrambling up the sandstone formations, and hot air balloon rides that offer a bird's-eye view of the entire landscape. For the ultimate experience, spend a night in a Bedouin desert camp, sleeping under some of the clearest and most star-filled skies in the world.
5 Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
If you want to see Aqaba's coral reefs without getting wet, a glass-bottom boat tour is the perfect option. These tours depart from the main marina and cruise along the coastline, passing over coral gardens and reef systems while you watch the colorful underwater world through transparent panels in the boat's hull. Tours typically last 1 to 2 hours and are suitable for all ages, making them a great family activity.
6 Visit the Aqaba Fort (Mamluk Castle)
Located near the waterfront in downtown Aqaba, the Aqaba Fort (also known as the Mamluk Castle) dates back to the early 16th century during the Mamluk period. The fort was later used by Ottoman forces and played a role in the Arab Revolt of 1917, when forces led by Sharif Hussein captured it from the Ottomans. Today, visitors can explore the fort's restored walls, courtyards, and inscriptions. It is a short walk from City Tower Hotel and makes for an easy cultural stop between beach activities.
7 Explore the Ayla Archaeological Site
The ancient city of Ayla, located just a few minutes' walk from the modern downtown area, is one of the oldest purpose-built Islamic cities in the world. Dating back to the 7th century CE, Ayla was a thriving trade hub connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Levant. Archaeological excavations have revealed city walls, residential buildings, a mosque, and market structures. The site is open to the public and provides a fascinating glimpse into Aqaba's long history as a crossroads of civilizations.
8 Try Traditional Jordanian Cuisine
Aqaba's food scene is a delicious blend of traditional Jordanian cooking, Bedouin influences, and fresh Red Sea seafood. Must-try dishes include:
- Mansaf — Jordan's national dish: slow-cooked lamb served on a bed of rice with a tangy fermented yogurt sauce called jameed
- Sayadieh — A spiced fish and rice dish popular in Aqaba's coastal restaurants, made with locally caught fish
- Zarb — A Bedouin barbecue where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked underground in a sand pit, producing incredibly tender and smoky flavors
- Falafel & Hummus — Available at street stalls and restaurants throughout the city, freshly made and served with warm pita bread
- Knafeh — A popular Jordanian dessert made with shredded pastry, soft cheese, and sweet syrup, best enjoyed warm from a local bakery
For a curated dining experience, Rihan Restaurant at City Tower Hotel offers a daily menu of traditional Jordanian and international dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
9 Shopping in Aqaba's Souks
Aqaba's downtown area is dotted with traditional souks (markets) where you can find everything from spices and perfumes to handmade jewelry, woven textiles, and Dead Sea products. The main downtown souk near the Aqaba Fort is a great place to browse for authentic Jordanian souvenirs, including hand-painted sand bottles, olive oil soaps, and traditional Bedouin crafts. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience. For modern shopping, the City Center Mall and Aqaba Gateway Mall offer international brands, cafes, and a cinema.
10 Relax on the Beach
Aqaba's beaches range from public stretches of sand in the city center to private beach clubs further south. The South Beach area is particularly popular for its cleaner water and proximity to the reef. Several beach clubs offer day passes that include access to sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, and sometimes food and drink packages. For a quieter experience, head to Tala Bay, a resort area about 20 kilometers south of the city, where the beaches are less crowded and the water is crystal clear.
11 Visit the Aqaba Heritage Museum
Housed in a beautifully restored building near the Aqaba Fort, the Aqaba Heritage Museum tells the story of the city's rich history from ancient times to the modern era. Exhibits include archaeological artifacts from the Ayla excavations, traditional Bedouin clothing and jewelry, historical photographs, and displays about Aqaba's role in the Arab Revolt. The museum is small but well-curated, and admission is affordable. It is an excellent rainy-day activity or a complement to your visit to the nearby fort.
12 Water Sports & Adventure Activities
Beyond diving and snorkeling, Aqaba offers a full range of water sports for thrill-seekers. Jet skiing, parasailing, water skiing, and flyboarding are all available at various operators along the South Beach strip. For a more relaxed experience, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking along the coastline, where you can paddle over shallow reefs and enjoy the views at your own pace. Kitesurfing is also growing in popularity, with Aqaba's steady winds providing ideal conditions during spring and autumn.
13 Watch the Sunset from the Waterfront
One of the simplest yet most memorable things to do in Aqaba is to watch the sunset from the waterfront promenade. As the sun drops toward the horizon, the Red Sea turns shades of gold and crimson, and the mountains of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia's Hejaz range are silhouetted against the sky. The best vantage points are along the corniche (waterfront walkway) near the main flagpole, or from the upper floors of hotels and restaurants in the city center. It is a perfect way to end a day of exploration before heading to dinner.
14 Take a Day Trip to the Dead Sea
While the Dead Sea is more commonly visited from Amman, it is also accessible as a day trip from Aqaba (approximately 3 hours by car). The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth, sitting at about 430 meters below sea level, and its hyper-saline water makes it impossible to sink — the famous "floating" experience. The mineral-rich mud along the shoreline is believed to have therapeutic properties for the skin. Several resort-style beaches along the Dead Sea offer day-use facilities with pools, showers, and restaurants.
15 Camp Under the Stars in the Desert
For many visitors, spending a night in the Jordanian desert is the highlight of their entire trip. Both Wadi Rum and the surrounding desert areas offer overnight camping experiences ranging from basic Bedouin tent camps to luxury "glamping" sites with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms, and gourmet meals. The evening typically includes a traditional Zarb dinner cooked underground, Bedouin music and storytelling around the campfire, and the chance to stargaze under one of the darkest and clearest night skies you will ever see. Our concierge at City Tower Hotel can arrange the full experience, including transport, guide, meals, and accommodation.
Plan Your Aqaba Adventure
Aqaba is a destination that rewards both the adventurous and the laid-back traveler. Whether you are diving deep into the Red Sea, trekking through ancient ruins, or simply relaxing by the pool at City Tower Hotel, there is no shortage of things to do. Our team is here to help you make the most of your time in this incredible city.
For more detailed information about Aqaba, including transportation tips, seasonal advice, and day trip logistics, visit our Complete Aqaba Travel Guide. If you have questions or need help planning your itinerary, contact our concierge team — we are always happy to help.