9 most Instagrammable places in Jordan.
Have you visited the best photo spots in the Middle East?
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is small in size, but it makes up for it with its grand ancient history!
The nation’s highlights are an Instagrammers dream, with their natural beauty, historical charm and unique stories.
Many global tourists choose Jordan as their chosen bucket list destination.
This blog will explore the 9 most Instagrammable places in Jordan, following my experience travelling around the country in June 2023.
Each highlight has its own incredible story, dating back through time, across the many ancient civilisations.
In no particular order, let’s check out the Middle Eastern wonders!
The Treasury in Petra - The most popular Instagrammable place in Jordan.
The Faced Rock - Wadi Rum Desert.
Wadi Rum has been featured in Hollywood for decades, so it’s no surprise that the ‘Valley of the Moon’ makes our list of most Instagrammable places in Jordan.
As you wander around the vast desert you feel insignificant compared to the beautifully carved sandstone mountains. Millions of years of natural formation as a result of ancient oceans, strong winds and tonnes of sand have created some truly remarkable sights.
As Wadi Rum is abundant with natural photogenic phenomena, picking a favourite shot from the sculptured rocks was a very difficult task, however, this ‘faced rock’ was the most Instagram worthy. The rare sight of greenery in the middle of the scorching hot desert offers a scenic backdrop to the picture perfect snap.
The rock resembling a face is a popular Instagram shot.
The Dead Sea.
Floating on the Dead Sea is an iconic photo opportunity for anyone during a visit to Jordan and Israel. As the lowest point on Earth, at 1,358 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is one for the geography fans.
This legendary spot draws in visitors from around the world, all seeking a dip in the mineral-laden water. It is thought to be a source of healing, and has become popular culture for tourists to use the Dead Sea for health, rehabilitation and beauty treatments.
Be warned though, this Instagram spot won’t be around forever. The Dead Sea is expected to dry up in around 100 years due to the mineral extraction projects in Israel and Jordan.
We did visit in the summer when the temperatures were sky high, which wouldn’t be for all travellers.
However, floating on the Dead Sea is a great summer photography idea!
Floating on the famous Dead Sea.
The World’s Smallest Hotel.
How about a hotel inside a VW Beetle? - Surely a contender for the most wacky camera shot in Jordan?
Close to Shobak Castle, and just off the Kings Highway you will find the ‘Smallest Hotel’, which can accommodate two people in a very cosy manner, inside the car.
‘Abu Ali’ is a very welcoming character, who is often seen welcoming passers by wearing his traditional Jordanian Keffiyeh. After you have taken your Instagram shot, make sure you thank and tip the host. He has a famous guestbook, filled with love and gratitude from satisfied visitors in the past, which makes for a good read.
If you want more information to book this crazy travel experience then head to the owners’s Facebook page.
The famous world’s smallest hotel has quirkiness in abundance’.
The Monastery in Petra.
You cannot visit Petra without making the trip to the iconic ‘Monastery’.
Although it is much further and more difficult to reach than the ‘Treasury’, it is equally impressive, so should be on your itinerary. If you aren’t very fit and able, there is the opportunity to ride a donkey up, however, this isn’t something I personally agree with, as the temperatures reach dangerous highs in the summertime.
There is another route to the Monastery, starting from ‘Little Petra’, but this also includes some hiking etc.
Whichever way you decide to go, it is well worth it and will give you an amazing experience - and profile picture!
Petra is full of hidden photo spots!
An iconic landmark which is one of the most instagrammable places in the world.
The Citadel and Roman Theatre in Amman.
An ancient city which spans across seven hills, and more impressively many civilisations, has many treats for your camera.
Amman has witnessed the rise and fall of the Persians, Babylonians and Romans to name a few and still has the landmarks to tell the story. There are many contenders for the best Instagram worthy shot in the Jordanian capital, but the spot on top of the Jebel Al Qala'a hill, where the Citadel sits ticks every box.
You will get unbeatable views of the Roman Theatre & Downtown, and the famous Rainbow Street which make for the perfect backdrop for any profile picture.
You can also catch a glimpse of the famous street art in the city from this spot.
The Citadel is the perfect spot for a historic instagram photo.
The famous ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ train in Wadi Rum.
Another trip into the Wadi Rum desert, but this time for a piece of cinematic history.
What is more Instagram-worthy than a famous green locomotive and a century old railway station in the middle of the desert? Jordan’s Hejaz Railway desert stop was featured in the classic 1960’s film ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, so will be familiar with many visitors.
The iconic locomotive is a reconstructed version of the original Hihazi trains, which would have carried Ottoman soldiers back in 1916.
This Jordanian highlight is a historian’s dream, with the opportunity to be able to step into a bygone era and feel the memories that helped shape the modern Middle East over a century of conflict.
Make sure this stop is on your Instagram bucket list!
This famous train has been around for decades in Wadi Rum.
The Kings Highway Valley.
As you traverse through Jordan via ‘the King’s Highway’, you are presented with delightful views of many different landscapes, across contrasting altitudes, as you head from the Dead Sea up to the top of the Valleys.
Looking over the valleys is an amazing experience, especially if you manage to spot an eagle or two flying by, as we did on our stop. As we were on a tour with a private tour company, we had a pit stop at a hotel for a traditional Jordanian tea and a sit down to admire the awesome views.
You are guaranteed some amazing natural camera shots in this underrated spot.
Overlooking the Valley on the King’s Highway was an awesome experience.
Wadi Mujib Canyon.
The Wadi Mujib Canyon Trail is an awesome natural wonder in Jordan, and a photographer’s dream.
An afternoon of self-guided canyoning is the perfect activity to cool yourself down in the Middle Eastern heat (especially in the summer). You will find yourself wading through water, swimming and climbing up white water rapids, all of which make a great snap.
Be careful with your phone and camera, as you get soaked through during this activity, however, dry bags are available to rent. You will experience different conditions at Wadi Mujib depending on which time of year you visit, and which siq trail you choose.
Taking a selfie in the gorge really puts into perspective the sheer size and scale of mother nature!
Wadi Mujib is an unforgettable experience.
Little Petra.
Little Petra is another natural wonder in Jordan that needs no introduction.
Although it is less known than the main Petra, this archaeological site is full of interesting carvings in the rocks, which all tell a story dating back to the Nabataean period. It is recommended that you put this landmark on your itinerary, the day before Petra, so it is a warm up for the main wonder. You will snap many interesting things in the hour or two you spend exploring this quirky place.
Using a guide at Little Petra is recommended, so you learn more detail about its interesting history.
Another underrated gem in Jordan.
Frequently asked questions about taking photos in Jordan.
Can I take photos of anything in Jordan?
No, there are some places where photography is prohibited, such as military installations, government buildings, and sensitive archaeological sites. It is also illegal to take photos of people without their permission. My first hand experience of this issue occurred when I took a photo of an Embassy building near Rainbow Street and got told this was not allowed.
Are there any other restrictions on photography in Jordan?
Yes, there are a few other restrictions on photography in Jordan. For example, it is illegal to take photos of the royal family or of military exercises. It is also illegal to take photos of certain archaeological sites without a permit.
Here are some additional tips for taking photos in Jordan:
Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Be aware of the restrictions on photography.
Ask permission before taking photos of people.
Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid taking photos that could be considered offensive or disrespectful.
It is advisable that you learn about the Jordan travel tips before arrival, as it will make your visit run smoother.
Insta selfie in the Wadi Rum Desert.
Which is my favourite Instagrammable place in Jordan?
Having visited all of the above places during my 4 day tour of Jordan, it is very difficult to decide on a favourite, as they are all unique in their own way.
The Monastery at Petra takes top spot though!
The reward for climbing the 800 steps up to the Monastery, is the surreal carvings in the rock face, which really gets the imagination racing. Thinking that once upon a time an ancient Nabatean civilisation lived in the lost city of Petra, and yet large sections of it has survived the test of time, to still tell its story is mesmerising.
Learning about the history of Petra is thoroughly recommended!
The Treasury and Monastery in Petra are once in a lifetime Instagram profile pictures, and are both up there amongst the world’s best Instagram locations!
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