Aqaba, Jordan, is one of the few places in the world where the desert, mountains, and sea come together in a stunning natural setting. Offering you a glimpse of the Red Sea, Aqaba Mountains, and the stunning Wadi Rum’s sand dunes. Jordan’s only coastal city is located in the far south of the country on the northeastern tip of the Red Sea. Aqaba serves as Jordan’s primary port.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Aqaba?
Aqaba is known as the Jordanian sun escape. It’s an all year round sunshine. However, if you are not a fan of the coastal heat the best time to visit is through September to February. You will enjoy the warmth of the sun while a breeze of air tickles your face. It is very important to note that while planning your vacation avoid visiting during Islamic or national holidays as it will be overly crowded with people from all over Jordan enjoying their time in Aqaba.
How Can You Get to Aqaba?
Aqaba has its own airport, King Hussein International Airport (AQJ). The airport connects Aqaba to various destinations in the Middle East and Europe. If you’re not planning to travel directly to Aqaba, there are other options available. Direct flights from Amman to Aqaba take around one hour. Flights are available through Royal Jordanian and Turkish Airlines. One-way fare starts at around $122, with round-trip tickets averaging $236. If you are traveling on a budget you can take JET Bus from Amman to Aqaba typically ranges between $14 to $21, depending on the class of service (VIP or regular). The journey usually takes around 4 to 5 hours.
What Do You Need to Know About Your Stay in Aqaba?
The main SIM card providers in Jordan are Zain, Umniah, and Orange, you can find their kiosks at AQJ. The cost of a SIM card typically ranges from $7 to $15, and it usually includes some initial balance for calls or data. You can also use eSIM cards. Airalo runs on the Zain network and Holafly runs on Umniah.
If you are looking to rent a car, there are several reliable car rental agencies that offer a variety of vehicles at competitive prices. Your options are available at both King Hussein International Airport and in the city center. At the airport, you can find Sixt Rent a Car, Hertz, and Budget Rent a Car, with prices ranging from $30 to $100 per day. In the city center you can find Discount Rent A Car Jordan, Al Thuraya Rental Cars, and Car Rental King Hussein with prices ranging from $20 to $80 per day. Both areas provide a variety of vehicle types, from economy cars to SUVs. Don’t forget to check Google for reviews and location!
Aqaba offers a variety of hotel options both by the beach and in the city center. Beachfront resorts like Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, InterContinental Aqaba Resort, and Ayla Resort provide luxury accommodations, with prices ranging from $150 to $500+ per night. In the city center, hotels such as DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba and City Tower Hotel offer more budget-friendly options, with rates ranging from $60 to $150 per night.
Step Back in Time: A Historical First Day in Aqaba
The Arab Revolt Plaza is a light, yet rich, way to start your trip. Where modernity meets history. Even though this place holds a historical significance, it is also a lively area surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. You can enjoy a cup of coffee from Dimitri’s Coffee while the kids riding their bikes or running in the wide area that overlooks the sea. The most remarkable landmark is The Arab Revolt Flagpole which is about 130 meters (427 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest flagpoles in the world.
On your left, you will find the house of Sharif Hussein Bin Ali the great-great-grandfather of Jordan’s current King Abdullah II. The house is built in the style of Hijazi homes. This house now serves as Aqaba Antiquities Museum that showcases items related to the Great Arab Revolt, as well as different artefacts from Aqaba. For example, it currently houses an inscription of Ayat Al Kursi, a collection of gold dinars from the Fatimid period, ceramic artefacts and a coronary of sand and stone uncovered in Ayla. The Arab Revolt Plaza is open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM from Saturday to Thursday, and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Fridays. The entrance fee for Jordanians is usually $1.40, while for non-Jordanians (tourists), the fee typically ranges from $2.80 to $4.20.
Right next to this royal house, enjoy a glimpse of a different era by visiting and exploring Aqaba Fort (also known as Mamluk Castle). Originally it was built in the 16th century during the Mamluk period. This fort played an important role during the Arab Revolt in 1917. It offers visitors an insight into Jordan’s rich history and strategic importance. Ticket prices may vary slightly, For Jordanians, the ticket costs 1 JOD (around $1.40), while non-Jordanians (tourists) pay 2 JOD (around $2.80). This site is open to visitors Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During the winter months, closing time may be earlier, around 4:00 PM.
While still in The Arab Revolt Plaza, discover Dar Ne’meh! A community-driven initiative that empowers women, youth, and orphans by providing job opportunities. You can enjoy their authentic, locally sourced Jordanian cuisine at the restaurant, or explore unique handicrafts at the market. With both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Red Sea, the space accommodates groups of all sizes year-round.
Sea, Tours, and Tasty Bites: Your Ultimate Second Day in Aqaba
Rise and shine! Start your day early and head to the city center, there you will find Al Mohandes Cafeteria. It offers few vegan items as plates or sandwiches – hummus, fatteh hummus, foul, falafel, tahini salad, and fries. This place is famous for its cheap prices and its flavorful food. Since it is always busy, I recommend getting your meal as a takeaway and head to Al-Hammamat Al-Tunisiyah garden where you can set and enjoy your breakfast.
Near the garden you will find a bus stop that offers exciting tours on their red buses where you can explore the city. City Sightseeing Aqaba known for their affordable and fun rides. Some of their well-known routs: The Southern Beach Tour is priced at $5 for adults and $2 for children under 8 years. The Aqaba Inside Tours costs $3 for adults and $1.5 for children under 8 years. The Ayla Oasis & Resorts Tour is available at $5 for adults and $2 for children under 8 years. For more details on schedules and booking check their website.
Once you finish your tour you must give Al-Ghandour Beach a visit. This is a free public beach and the most famous amongst locals. You can experience either the Glassed-floor boat or the fast boat. For a relaxed and comfortable experience go on the glassed floor boat and enjoy watching the rich marine life. If you are a thrill-loving person the fast boat will be your choice no doubt! Both options cost around $20 – $40 per person. The beach is very vibrant and lively. There are some certain things you cannot do on this beach, such as sunbathing and wearing revealing clothes (for both genders). Most locals are used to seeing tourists. Thus, you will not be eyed with curiosity as long as you respect the social cues on public beaches.
If you’re looking for the Jordanian authentic seafood experience after your long day, you can never go wrong with The Ocean! This place is a great choice for a luxurious Jordanian seafood meal. The restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, allowing you to pick the fish you want them to cook. Plus, its location lets you enjoy Aqaba’s vibrant nightlife. Stacoza Restaurant is a great option for people on a budget, it offers you an affordable dining experience. You should defiantly try their Sayadieh! Both of these restaurants are just a short distance from the Arab Revolt Plaza and Al-Ghandour Beach.
Sea or Desert: Your Perfect Third Day in Aqaba
Head south for some fun! The southern part of Aqaba has three public beaches where you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing beach day. Most of the diving schools are located in the south, offering diving sessions and lessons for all levels of divers at a range of prices. Arab Divers provides options such as introductory dives starting at around $56 and boat dives at approximately $127 per person. Red Sea Dive Center offers shore dives for around $35, with two dives priced at $50. For a more guided experience, Dive Aqaba offers shore dives starting at $35 and boat dives at $70. For the latest pricing, check the dive centers’ websites or contact them directly. Enjoy the rich marine life and several sunken wreck sites, including military hardware such as tanks and a plane.
For a more private experience where you can enjoy sunbathing, head to Ayla Oasis, a large development area that includes resorts, shopping, and dining options. You can visit one of its private beaches, such as the B12 Beach Club, a modern, youth-oriented spot. Entrance is $28 per person, rising to $42 on weekends. The Ayla Oasis also features a modern water park, offering a variety of water-based activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. For the latest information on entrance fees and opening hours, it’s recommended to visit their official website.
Aqaba is a small city that can be explored in less than three days. Thus, most people visit Wadi Rum or Petra during their trip to Aqaba. While it is fun to take thing slow and enjoy every minute of your visit, feel free to mix and match your activities to tailor your perfect trip. Wadi Rum, Petra, and Aqaba form a triangle of tourism that attracts people from all around the world. Wadi Rum is 75 minutes away by car (72km), whilst Wadi Musa, the gateway town to Petra, is just over two hours away (129k). Wadi Rum is known as the Valley of the Moon, you can take a jeep tour, go hiking, rock climbing or even taking a hot air balloon ride to watch the sun rise. Book one of the bubble hotels and enjoy your night under the starry sky of the desert.
Petra, known as the Rose City, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient rock-cut architecture. The most famous attraction is the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), a magnificent structure carved into the cliffs. Visitors can explore the winding Siq, a narrow canyon that leads to the Treasury, and discover other monumental sites like the Monastery (Ad-Deir), the Roman-style Theater, and the Royal Tombs. You can choose to visit either Wadi Rum or Petra, as each of these destinations requires a full day to explore.
Aqaba offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and relaxation, making it the perfect destination for any traveler. Whether you’re diving into the Red Sea, exploring ancient ruins, or simply enjoying the landscapes, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the beauty of Jordan’s coastal gem!
