12 km
from city center
1 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Just beyond the shore lie cool, azure waters, beautiful coves, millions of fish, fantastic visibility and sheltered reefs. They all send a siren call to scuba divers and mark the Red Sea as a world-class scuba diving destination.
1 km
from city center
2 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Aqaba Museum is the official archaeological museum of Aqaba, situated in the former house of Sharif Hussein Bin Ali near the Aqaba Flagpole and Aqaba fort. It houses collections of artefacts dating from around 7000 BC to the 12th century AD.
39 km
from city center
3 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Wadi Rum is a protected area of dramatic desert wilderness in the south of Jordan. There are many ways to enjoy the attractions of Rum, including jeep, camel and hiking tours and you can stay overnight in a Bedouin tent.æ
0 km
from city center
4 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
The market place is a great place to buy traditional spices.æ
0 km
from city center
5 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Get a good scrub down and massage in a traditional Turkish bath.
1 km
from city center
6 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque is a white marble mosque and an icon of Aqaba. It has the largest domes among Jordan’s mosques and is considered the main mosque for Aqaba’s citizens. The mosque is admired for its intricately patterned central dome and minaret, which lights up at night and looks spectacular.
$ 22 onwards
$ 49 onwards
$ 16 onwards
1 km
from city center
7 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Ayla is a historical site with the ruins of the first Islamic city outside the Arabian Peninsula in Aqaba. The remains of the city were excavated around 1989. Archaeologists have discovered fortified stone walls with a length of 165 m and some being as high as 3 m.
5 km
from city center
8 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Aqaba Bird Observatory, located in Al-Salam Forest, is home to many migratory birds. Up to 390 different species of birds can be spotted here, including some vulnerable and endangered species such as Madagascar Grebe, Great Snipe and Marbled Teal. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months.
1 km
from city center
9 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Aqaba Church or the Archaeological Church of Aqaba is the ruins of a 3rd-century church known to be the oldest purpose-built church in the world. It is older than the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, built in the late 320s.
13 km
from city center
10 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Japanese Garden is a well-known dive site in Aqaba located just south of the Cedar Pride shipwreck. With its perfect mix of shallow and deep waters and a sloping reef, it is the ideal place for diving and snorkelling. The dive starts at an easy 10-12m and goes to around 30m. Taiyong, the technical dive site, is safe for all levels of divers or snorkelers, ranging from beginners to the more advanced.
4 km
from city center
11 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
South Beach is a stretch of public and private beaches located south of Aqaba city centre. The beach has a long coastline of 12km with colourful coral reefs and a stunning view of the Red Sea. It is also famous for diving and snorkelling.
1 km
from city center
12 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Al-Ghandour Beach is a free public beach in Aqaba. It’s a great place to dip in the waters of the Red Sea and sunbathe while watching the stunning views of Eilat. There are canopies on the beachside for resting under the shade, a cafeteria, and other small food joints offering refreshments. Popular activities include swimming, boating and snorkelling. It is usually swamped and crowded on Thursdays and Fridays.
0 km
from city center
13 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Aqaba Marine Park, located on the Gulf of Aqaba, is Jordan’s only marine park famous for diving. There are 19 diving sites here, like the Japanese Garden, with more than 127 types of coral reefs and 450 fish species. Other activities include snorkelling, sailing and glass-bottom boat rides. There are also small shopping centres along with the beach and food stalls with fantastic seafood.
1 km
from city center
14 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
The Aqaba Fortress, also known as the Mamluk Castle, is famous for its role in the Arab revolt. The Fortress is mainly intact today, and you can explore the entire two-storey structure, including the stables, the prison and the execution room. The main gate has been beautifully preserved in its original state.
12 km
from city center
15 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
The Aqaba Aquarium is part of the Aqaba Marine Science Station near the Aqaba Port. It is rich and full of rare wildlife that can be seen in the Red Sea. The water in the Aquarium is pumped directly from the Red Sea, allowing you to see the inhabitants of the Aquarium very close to their natural habitats. The octopus is its major attraction, along with colourful parrotfish, stonefish, eels and reef sharks.
2 km
from city center
16 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Al-Hafayer Park is a public park located in Aqaba, Jordan right next to the Al-Hafayer Beach. Close to many attractions of the city, it is one of the oldest places in Aqaba. It is the perfect place for having a relaxing day, walking along the beach, having a family picnic at the park, enjoying the sea view or heading to one of the public cafés and restaurants. There are many shisha bars nearby.
0 km
from city center
17 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Arab Revolt Plaza is a spacious public square in Aqaba. It features the world's sixth tallest flagpole with a height of 130m. The pole stands as a symbol of the Great Arab Revolt of 1916. It has an added historical value of being the house of the revolt leader, Al Hussein Bin Ali, and is the site where the first bullet of the uprising was shot.
0 km
from city center
18 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
Soak in the picturesque views of the Red Sea while you are on a cruise in the glass-bottomed boats of Aqaba. Parrot fish, rainbow fish, stone fish, chicken fish, clown fish and occasionally even the local delight Denis are seen, depending on your luck. These tours usually take 3 to 4 hours of your day, where you can relax and watch the marine life floating as you experience your shared-cruise. You may even travel past the Aqaba Castle, Eliat, and the Ayla Oasis on your journey.
0 km
from city center
19 out of 19
things to do in Aqaba
The Weekly Street market of Aqaba, Souk by the Sea takes is hosted every Friday next to Captain’s Hotel on Nahda Street. This market is organized to promote goods and handicrafts made by the locals and offers a wide range of handicrafts, food, and entertainment for families and children. There are about 30 stands selling exquisitely handmade souvenirs, including jewelry, clothing, bags, wooden gifts, and toiletries. Additionally, you can have temporary hand-painted henna tattoos and drink mint tea.