11 Lovely Things To Do in Aqaba, Jordan

A Guide to the best things to see in Aqaba, Jordan: A Guide with Top Aqaba Tips

Are you looking to experience the unforgettable beauty of Aqaba, Jordan? From snorkeling in the Red Sea to exploring historical ruins, there is something for everyone in Aqaba!

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to relax and enjoy nature, Aqaba has much to offer its visitors.

In this blog post, I’ll take a look at some of the best things to do during your stay in this remarkable city which was actually the last city I visited after spending 10 days in Jordan.

After a spectacular road trip to Jordan’s most important attractions such as Petra, the Dead Sea or Wadi Rum, I couldn’t wait to have some days to just relax.

Read on for insight into everything from water sports and beach activities to cultural sites and historic attractions. Get ready for adventure as we explore all that beautiful Aqaba has to offer!

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Aqaba, Jordan: What to See and Do

1. Visit Aqaba Old Town

Sometimes, the best things in life are for free! A stroll through Aqaba’s old town will give you plenty of impressions and experiences that won’t cost you a dime! Or a diner!

I loved wandering through the streets of Aqaba’s center, doing some window shopping in Aqaba, and exchanging a few words with the locals (“Welcome! Where do you come from?”)

However, I invite you to include shopping in its marketplace and small shops! There are plenty of them and it would be a sin to leave Jordan, or any Middle East country without visiting a traditional “souk”.

There is a wide variety ranging from spice and herbs shops, to local Jordan souvenirs, clothes or incense stalls. Needless to say that I fueled up on tea, infusions (black cinnamon tea!), scarves, and jewelry.

As Aqaba is part of the special economic zone, prices are more competitive.

However, you should still try to negotiate prices. That’s part of the authentic “souk” experience”. It’s a must of any shopping in Aqaba experience.

The main areas for shopping at the souk and strolling through Aqaba city center are the winding streets around Sharif Al Hussein Bin Ali Mosque. It’s one of the main things to do in Aqaba Jordan.

Other Souks:

• Raghadan Street: Fruit & vegetable markets
• Zahran Street: Spice souk

2. Sweet Pastry Shopping

Stocking up on local pastry is a must when visiting Aqaba! There are a few pastry and sweet shops. You’ll thus have a hard time choosing where to buy your Arab sweets.

Why don’t you try all the shops and decide afterward which was your favorite? Indeed, the recipes vary from shop to shop!

Some of the most coveted spots for traditional sweets are Abu Gharbiya Sweets and Pistachio Sweets & Café. I think in 3 days in Aqaba, I visited Pistachio 4 times. 🙂

It’s heaven for those among you who have a sweet tooth or for those who just want to try the local food.

From the moment you step in, you’ll be blown away by their colorful variety of Arab sweets!

And they prepare lovely smoothies too! For many, Pistachio Sweets & Café has the best sweets and is the best bakery in Aqaba.

It’s the perfect occasion to indulge in kunafeh (a popular pastry dessert made of fried cheese, drenched in syrup, and sprinkled with pistachios). It’s very sweet! But still, you should also try some of the nut pastries…

I never saw so many pistachio cakes in my life! All of them are the perfect match with any tea you can buy at the souk! In my opinion, it is one of the best things to do in Jordan.

Pistachio Sweets & Café: Al Hammamet AL Tunisia St

3. Visit the old settlements

Aqaba is not all about shopping! If you are interested in history and architecture, Aqaba holds a few gems for you! Unluckily, you really need to search for these historical gems, as much of Aqaba town is newly built.

The most important historic Aqaba places to visit are the following:

Ayla

Ayla was the first settlement of Aqaba and was the first Islamic town built outside the Arabian peninsula. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by Crusaders and Bedouin attacks.

The remains of the old settlement were only re-discovered in the 1980s. Consequently, the ruins became one of the most popular of Aqaba’s attractions and one of the best things to do in Aqaba.

If you visit, you can still spot the city gates, a mosque, marketplaces, and much more.

Located a stone’s throw from the Aqaba city center, Ayla ruins are a must of every Jordan holiday and are one of the main Aqaba attractions.

Mamluk Castle

Mamluk Castle is one of the most important historic sites in Aqaba and is also known as Aqaba Fort or Aqaba Castle.

The fortress was originally built by the Crusaders in the 12th century and after its destruction, it was rebuilt by Mamluk Sultan.

The fort is located next to the huge flagpole close to the Corniche (beach walk).

The castle became once again the setting for historic events when it became the backdrop of the great victory in the Arab Revolt which was also depicted in Lawrence of Arabia.

The fort is close to the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, an Aqaba must-see, not only for history buffs.

4. Diving and Snorkeling in Aqaba

Aqaba is world-famous for its top diving and snorkeling sites. Located on the coast of the Red Sea, Aqaba attracts divers from around the world that want to enjoy its gorgeous underwater world.

Thus, make sure to add this to your Aqava to-do list and bring your action camera! 

Despite climate change and global warming, the corals and underwater life in the Aqaba Gulf are expanding and getting more diverse over the years.

However, the biggest threat to this precious underwater world still is human beings and pollution.

I was shocked by the number of motorboats in the gulf and the trash on the public beaches! I hope that soon measures will be taken in order to preserve this treasury that attracts people from around the world.

Book here your “clean the ocean” snorkeling tour

The unique ecosystem of the Aqaba Gulf counts on more than 1000 fish species and 240 coral species. You’ll also be able to spot turtles or snappers.

Due to the clear and calm water conditions, many travel to Aqaba in order to make their PADI certificate in Scuba diving.

Many schools in Aqaba offer courses for beginner, intermediate and advanced divers. I heard really good things about the dive club at Berenice Beach Club! Book here your diving experience in Aqaba.

There are over 25 dive sites in Aqaba and some have been enhanced artificially by introducing shipwrecks, tank or plane wrecks. This makes diving in Aqaba even more enjoyable. Thus, make sure to bring your action camera!

Some of the most popular dive sites and the best snorkeling sites in Aqaba are:

• Wreck of Cedar Pride, is probably the most famous dive site in Aqaba. The 80-meter-long cargo ship is the highlight of this site!
• Blue Coral in Tala Bay
• The tank and Seven Sisters (with a sunken American tank)
• Yellowstone Reef in Tala Bay
• Rainbow Reef North

Book here your diving experience in Aqaba

5. Beach Time in Berenice Beach Club

The Berenice Beach Club was my favorite place to hang out in Aqaba. It is located only 15-min drive from Aqaba downtown and it’s the perfect place to relax and spend some quality beach time.

So, why should you opt for a private beach club instead of public beaches in Aqaba?

First, I found the main beach of Aqaba quite dirty and loud. There were tons of people and countless motorboats. On top, it is not recommended to wear a bikini. You should at least wear a t-shirt above your swimsuit.

Boasting warm temperatures even in winter, I’m sure you’ll want to spend some time on the beach. For a perfect beach day in Aqaba, I recommend the Berenice Beach Club.

I spent 3 days in a row here, as it’s the closest you can get to paradise: crystal clear water, breathtaking views on Egypt’s mountains, great, tasty food, several swimming pools, a wide offer of water sports and animation…

The entry fee is 10 JOD (14$ or 12€) and includes a towel, sun loungers, and discounts on water sports.

For 5 JOD, you can rent a snorkel and the beach club comes even with its own diving center! Prices are thus really competitive! Berenice Beach Club is getting increasingly popular and is planning to expand.

The Berenice Beach Club has a shuttle that takes and brings you from Aqaba (15 min of a scenic drive).

There are several beach clubs in Tala Bay, 15 min from Aqaba downtown, but Berenice was the best when it comes to the services offered, the cleanliness of the beach, the tasty food, and the atmosphere.

Tala Bay itself is a coveted destination for its beaches. Located at only 15 minutes from Aqaba, people love it for being calm and away from the buzz in Aqaba.

Check here the best Tala Bay Aqaba Hotels

6. What to do in Aqaba at Night and Souk by the Sea

I loved Aqaba’s nightlife! That doesn’t mean that I spent my nights dancing out in the clubs… Actually, I cannot recommend you any dance club in Aqaba because I didn’t visit any! So what to do in Aqaba, Jordan at night, if you’re not a club kind of person?

It’s at night when the bars, the restaurants, and the terraces fill up. The city gets very lively and there is such a positive, young atmosphere in the streets.

You’ll smell tons of enchanting scents, music everywhere, and happy giggles. There are plenty of restaurants to choose and you’ll be tempted by a shisha after dinner. Shops are open until late, so you should consider a shopping spree at night.

One of the highlights of things to do in Aqaba at night is the Souk by the Sea.

This lively market is a street event that takes place every Friday night in downtown Aqaba.

The market features over 50 local artisans, Jordanian food and drinks, music and much more. This is thus a great occasion to support the local community.

I bought many souvenirs at the Souk by the Sea such as jewelry, bags, scarfs and (more) tea. The souk creates an opportunity for local artisans to show their products and manage their small businesses.

I found it also a great opportunity to get in touch with the locals, as most of the artisans spoke great English and were very interested in your background.

I don’t recommend bargaining as the prices at Souk by the Sea are fair and the vendors have been coached on marketing and pricing.

You may end up staying longer in Souk by the Sea as there will be music, food and an energetic atmosphere.

7. Eat out in Aqaba, Jordan

The restaurants in Aqaba are famous all over Jordan and the Middle East for its fish! Eating out is a must on every list of places to visit in Aqaba.

While eating out in one of Aqaba’s numerous restaurants, you should absolutely try the typical dish from Aqaba: Sayadieh Fish! It’s a dish of grouper served in a tasty sauce with caramelized onions and peanuts. They usually serve rice with it.

The best places to eat Sayadieh are “Captain’s Tourist Restaurant” or the “Ocean Restaurant” in Aqaba.

Are you wondering where to eat in Aqaba or what the best restaurants in Aqaba are? Well, there are numerous restaurants and here’s just a short list of the most popular ones:

• Captain’s Tourist Restaurant: A classic! A great place to eat out, informal, serving traditional Jordanian food and fresh seafood. 
• Ali Baba Restaurant: The most popular place to eat out for tourists. The place is a classic for decades and serves seafood on its large terrace. Ali Baba Restaurant, Al-Raghadan Street, Aqaba,`Ammān, Jordan. +96232013901
• Al Shami: This place is very popular among locals and offers traditional Jordanian food and tasty mezze platters. Al Shami, Al-Raghadan Street, Aqaba, Jordan. +96232016107
• Ocean Restaurant: Famous for its fish and seafood platters! There is a wide range of dishes to choose from and everything was very tasty. This is a more formal place to eat, but still not too formal! 100 Manara Street, Aqaba Jordan
• Al Tarboosh Restaurant: Serves the best shawarma in Aqaba but also pastries! It’s thus a great place for a quick snack. Al Tarboosh Restaurant, Al-Raghadan Street, Aqaba, Jordan. +962 32018518
• Baba Za’atar: one of my favorite places to eat in Aqaba! They serve a type of pizza (Zaatar naan) that is irresistible! On top, they have naan with Nutella… a killer dessert! Al-saada street, Aqaba 77110, Jordan

8. Have fun at Ayla Oasis

Ayla Oasis is one of the biggest projects in Aqaba and it will put Aqaba among the top (luxury) travel destinations in the Middle East.

Located on the border with Israel, the redevelopment project aims to add 17 kilometers of beachfront to Aqaba.

Ayla Island is also home to the prestigious Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort ***** which is one of the best places to stay in Aqaba.

The scenic retreat is nestled amidst mountains and turquoise lagoons, the resort boasts a spa, a gorgeous infinity pool, a beach club, and much more. They even offer sunset yoga free of charge!

For all golf lovers, one of the best things to do in Aqaba is to visit the golf course in Ayla Oasis. The Ayla Oasis is home to a few beach clubs and Jordan’s first green golf course.

It’s supposed to be the most eco-friendly golf courses in the world. The marina will welcome the jet-set and in the marina village, you’ll enjoy a luxury shopping experience.

Ayla Oasis was still under construction during my visit. However, some of the beach clubs, the marina, and the golf course were already operating.

Ayla Oasis will be the place to enjoy some laid-back holidays in Aqaba with a luxury touch.

9. Walk the Aqaba Beach Promenade

The Beach Promenade of Aqaba, known as the corniche should also be on your what to see in Aqaba, Jordan list.

It’s the perfect place for long strolls along the sea and for people-watching. Several merchants sell sweets and local goods.

Thus walking the Aqaba beach promenade is really an activity to forget about time. At night, people bring music and some might even dance.

Even though there are several beaches in Aqaba downtown, most of them belong to luxury hotels such as the Intercontinental, Kempinski, or Mövenpick.

The beach promenade of Aqaba stretches along the Al-Ghandour beach to Al-Hafayer Beach, parallel to King Hussein Street. It will lead you to the Arab Revolt Plaza and the Al Hafayer Park which hosts Aqaba Castle.

However, I don’t recommend taking a swim here as the water seemed very polluted and bikinis are not recommended on public beaches in Jordan.

Strolling along the Corniche is one of the top things to do in Aqaba, Jordan. It’s free and it will be perfect to learn more about the daily grind in Aqaba. On top, the sunset with tea from the Corniche was a memorable experience.

Aqaba Port Jordan, close to the Aqaba beach walk, is yet another highlight to visit on a walking tour in Aqaba. There is nothing more entertaining (for me maybe?) than watching boats.

10. A glass-bottom boat tour (or not!)

The Corniche of Aqaba is also the place where most of the legendary glass-bottom boats depart. Apparently, they are an institution in Aqaba and it’s one of the most popular things to do in Aqaba. Also among the local population!

If you wonder what to do in Aqaba, Jordan, a tour with a glass-bottom boat is on top of the list for one day in Aqaba!

I have to admit that I didn’t go on a glass-bottom boat tour from Aqaba downtown but from Tala Bay.

As the Berenice Beach Club hosts a wide range of water sports and it’s close to some of Aqaba’s most prestigious diving sites, I decided to take the ride from Tala Bay. They even had snorkeling gear onboard!

Glass-bottom boats are a great opportunity to explore the beautiful underwater world of the Aqaba Red Sea if snorkeling or diving is not your thing.

There are different types of glass-bottom boats and you should make sure that the glass surface is wide (and clean) enough to see anything.

The glass-bottom tour was a great experience to see the underwater world. However, it’s not eco-friendly at all!

Honestly, I was disgusted by how much fuel was pumped into the seawater and how other boat drivers raced carelessly…

If I’d known before, I don’t think I’d done it as it’s a major threat to Aqaba’s gorgeous underwater world.

11. Mingle with the locals on Asaba Street

Somehow, the atmosphere in Aqaba was different from what I experienced in Amman, Jerash, or Petra.

Being a coastal town and open to the waterways, a synonym for commerce, new influences, and cultures, Aqaba felt like any town in the Mediterranean.

As you might know, long walks at night and strolling through the streets at nightfall, are one of the most established activities in Mediterranean towns. Well, the same happens in Aqaba!

At nightfall, tons of people from all generations gather in the street in order to enjoy milder temperatures. They meet up for a shisha, a snack or for shopping.

So, where to go in Aqaba for people-watching? My favorite place to stroll around and pop into shops was Al-Saada street. It was crowded, full of smells and music! Just my kind of place to be!

There are plenty of juice stands in the old town and it will be hard to resist!

More things to see in Aqaba, Jordan: Day Trips

1. Day Trip to Wadi Rum from Aqaba

Spending your Jordan holidays in Aqaba has one considerable advantage!

You’re very close to some of the best attractions in Jordan. Indeed, Aqaba forms together with Petra and Wadi Rum the so-called “Golden Triangle”.

As Aqaba is not too big, you’ll have plenty of time to organize day trips to Wadi Rum and Petra.

Wadi Rum was one of the highlights of my 10 days in Jordan. The landscapes are unlike anything I’d seen and the Bedouins, the local community were so warm-hearted that I didn’t want to leave.

Book here your tour from Aqaba to Wadi Rum

I highly recommend spending a night in a Bedouin desert camp as it will allow you to get a unique insight into Bedouin culture.

Some of the classical Wadi Rum tours are the Jeep tour, a camel trekking tour, or hiking in Wadi Rum. Indeed, Wadi Rum is home to some of the best hiking trails in Jordan!

Related: Things to do in Wadi Rum.

2. Day Trip from Aqaba to Petra

The ancient city of Petra is one of the highlights of any Jordan trip.

It is a must-do and I don’t think that your Jordan holiday is complete if you didn’t see the Pink City. Visit Petra from Aqaba is thus one of the best things you can do to make your trip unforgettable.

Petra can easily be visited from Aqaba with an organized day tour.

Some operators even offer combined one-day tours from Aqaba to Wadi Rum and Petra.

However, I recommend, if possible, visiting one destination at a time. Petra and Wadi Rum are very different from each other and huge! You can easily spend up to 2 days in Petra and 2-3 days in Wadi Rum.

Book here your tour from Aqaba to Petra.

It takes about 2 hours from Aqaba Jordan to Petra.

If you visit Petra, please consider the following tips:

• Read about Petra before visiting. You’ll enjoy the visit more and the background of the Nabatean civilization is fascinating.
• Consider visiting in low season (October – March) in order to avoid the crowds and unbearable heat.
• Wear comfortable shoes: you’ll walk a lot! It takes 20 minutes to walk from the entrance to the Treasury and calculate 3 hours (including return) to visit the monastery accessible via 822 steps.
• Bring food and enough water (min 2 l). There are great places for picnics, but please don’t litter! Some hotels offer lunch packages.
• The viewpoints on the treasury are hard to reach and unless you’re a (very) independent traveler, they will be hard to find. We went without a guide following the steps to the High Place of Sacrifice. From here, up to the summit before hiking down a siq (canyon). The entire trail took us about 2 hours. There is a shortcut when you turn left from the Treasury. Many guides will offer their help to get to the viewpoint. As we went without and on a different trail, I cannot tell whether their services are useful or not.

Book here your day tour from Aqaba to Petra

Book here day tours from Aqaba to Wadi Rum and Petra.

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Useful Travel Tips for Aqaba

Where to stay in Aqaba

Best Hotels in Aqaba, Jordan:

Budget Hotels in Aqaba

Taj Hotel ***
Yacht Hotel ***

Mid-Range Hotels in Aqaba

Lacosta Hotel ****
Dweik Hotel 3 ****
City Tower Hotel ****

Luxury hotels and resorts in Aqaba

Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Savaya Aqaba *****
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba *****
Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort *****
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba *****

You can either opt for a downtown hotel or a hotel close to the beach, thus more resort-style. Aqaba is home to many luxury hotels and 5-star resorts that offer high-quality service and will make you feel like a queen or king.

I opted for the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort***** which is located on the Ayla oasis.

The scenic retreat is nestled amidst rolling hills and turquoise lagoons, the resort boasts a spa, a gorgeous infinity pool, a beach club and much more. They even offer sunset yoga free of charge! 

Read more about where to stay in Jordan and the best hotels in Jordan.

How to get to Aqaba:

Option 1

Aqaba has an international airport that was connected to Europe thanks to major low-cost airlines. Flights to Aqaba can thus be really cheap! Check the best prices to Aqaba airport here.

However, schedules and connections are subject to change. 

Option 2

Many visitors arrive in Amman, at Queen Alia International airport. From Amman to Aqaba, you can either opt for: 

• Rental Car. Amman to Aqaba distance is about 4 hours. – Check here the best prices for rental cars in Amman and Aqaba
• By JETT bus from Abdali, Amman to Aqaba – Check schedules here.
• Organized transfer – Book here your transfer from Amman to Aqaba

Is Aqaba safe?

Yes! I didn’t feel unsafe for one single second during these 10 days in Jordan.

And Aqaba was no exception. Even though I was not traveling alone, I had some me-time where I was on my own and I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.

That being said, we never went out of the town center. Okay, some Jordanians are flirty but with a firm “No, thank you!”, they get your point.

The extreme safety in Jordan, despite being surrounded by countries at war, is mostly due to the very severe penalties pending for those Jordanian citizens harming tourists.

So, yes, in retrospect, I would travel solo as a woman to Jordan and particularly to Aqaba.

What makes Aqaba, Jordan so special?

Besides being the only coastal city in Jordan, Aqaba has the largest population in the Gulf of Aqaba. Located between the continents of Africa and Asia, Aqaba port has played a strategic role for centuries.

The city has been ruled by the Byzantines, was under Latin Catholic rule, and was the setting of the Great Arab Revolt’s Battle of Aqaba, depicted in the film Lawrence of Arabia.

Aqaba has thus this bustling mix of cultures that characterizes many port towns.

However, many of its ancient monuments have been destroyed. I found that the main attraction of Aqaba were its beaches, the wonderful weather, its marine life and nightlife.

It’s also interesting to note that Aqaba is a low-tax, duty-free town! You’ll find more liqueur shops here than anywhere else in Jordan!

Due to its status as Special Economic Zone, several mega projects have been built in the last years.

Some of them have the potential and intention to convert Aqaba into one of the top leisure travel destinations in the Middle East.

In total, I spent 3 days in Aqaba, which was perfect to develop a sense of the city. Due to its laid-back but still vibrant atmosphere, I ended up liking this place a lot!

However, there are a few tips and information that you should know in order to make the most of your Aqaba visit.

Being very close to Wadi Rum and Petra, Aqaba forms part of the “Golden Triangle” and is the perfect base to explore Jordan’s most p

Tours and Day tours from Aqaba

For activities, guided tours and day trips from Aqaba, I recommend GetYourGuide. Both have very competitive prices.

• Book here your day trip from Aqaba to Wadi Rum
• Book here your day trip from Aqaba to Petra
• Book here your day tour from Aqaba to Dead Sea and Wadi Mujib

See below, the last point, for more day trips from Aqaba.

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Aqaba City Map

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Before You Go: Top Aqaba Tips for your Trip 

• You’ll snap a ton of photos and I love to take my GoPro in order to shoot even in extreme situations. 
• Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and hiking sandals when traveling to warm countries. 
• Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my eco-friendly sunscreen by Thinksport. 
• I always carry a light rain jacket, just in case. 
• Travel insurance is essential! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel protected against all odds with World Nomads.

To make the most of your Jordan trip, I recommend Lonely Planet Jordan

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FAQ: Best Things to do in Aqaba Jordan