Famous Tourist Attractions to Visit in Zarqa

Zarqa governorate is located on the eastern side of Jordan and shared international border with Saudi Arabia. Majority of the area in the governorate is desert, but there are also patches of wetlands. The Azraq Wetland Reserve is one of the most popular places to visit in Zarqa. The name Azraq means blue in Arabic. The wetlands are the only blue spot in the otherwise arid desert on the eastern side of Zarqa. These wetlands are popular for bird sightseeing in Zarqa. Bird watching is the most popular among things to do in Zarqa in Azraq. The species of birds spotted at these wetlands include cetti’s warbler, marsh harrier, little stint, hoopoe lark, avocet, European honey buzzard, desert finch, and many more. This is the best among tourist places to visit in Zarqa to explore the natural heritage of the region. Historically this region was home to a variety of species migrating from Africa. Most of these species are no longer found in these regions, but you can still see gazelles on Zarqa travel. The wetlands are also popular for hiking among things to do in Zarqa.

Near the town of Azraq is the Shaumari Wildlife reserve, another popular spot among tourist places in Zarqa. This Wildlife reserve focus on regional species of animals like the ostritches, orynx, gazelles, and onagers. Besides the wildlife sanctuary, you can also see animals at the Zoo called The Global Village of the Animal which is among tourist places in Zarqa city.

Azraq, located in east Zarqa, as a region held great strategic position in the empire owing to the water resource. In fact The most popular attraction among places to visit in Zarqa is the Al Azraq Castle or Qasr al Azraq. Lawrence of Arabia was held at this tourist attraction in Zarqa during the Arab revolt. It is one of the largest fortress to see among places to visit in Zarqa. The castle was constructed under Roman rule. This tourist attraction in Zarqa was also utilized by the Byzantines, Ummayads and Ottomans. But the castle is most known as the headquarters for T.E. Lawrence during the Arab revolt in 1917. The other two castles among historical places to visit in Zarqa includes Al Amra Castle or Qasr Amra which is a world heritage site. This castle is now stands as ruins, but was once an important stronghold of the Ummayad dynasty. There are two more castles for historical sightseeing in Zarqa named Qasr Hallabar & Qasr Shabib.

Zarqa is fairly close to the capital city of Amman. So you can club Zarqa travel with the tour of Amman as many people do. Though the primary historical tourist attraction of Zarqa are a little far from the city located in Azraq region. If you plan for things to do in Zarqa, give priority to the castles, wetlands, and wildlife reserve in Azraq first and then you visit tourist places in Zarqa city on your journey back towards Amman or any other Governorate. There are not many places for sightseeing in Zarqa city, so you can also consider Zarqa travel as an extension of tour of Amman city. You wouldn’t have to spend more than one day to explore all popular things to do in Zarqa.

Things to do in Zarqa, Jordan

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Zarqa, Jordan

1. Al Azraq Castle
2. Quseir Amra
3. Arab Mosque
4. Qasr al Hallabat
5. Qasr Shabib
6. Hammam as Sarah

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Zarqa, Jordan

1. Azraq Wetlands Reserve
2. Shawmari Wildlife Reserve

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Zarqa, Jordan

1. The Global Village of Animals zoo
2. The Forest Park

Sightseeing in Zarqa, Jordan

1. Prince Hashim Park

How to Reach Zarqa, Jordan?

By Air

The nearest airport for Zarqa travel is the Queen Alia International Airport in the national capital city of Amman. You would then have to rely on the road for all the places to visit in Zarqa. You will get a bus directly from the Airport itself for sightseeing in Zarqa city. Once you reach the governor ate capital city, you can take the state transport for other things to do in Zarqa.

By Road

From Amman the Highway route 30 and Army Street both lead you to Zarqa city. You also have the option of highway route 25 and route 15 from Mafraq Governorate for Zarqa travel. Majority of tourist attraction in Zarqa Governorate are located towards the outside the city. So you will be exploring the roads quite often to visit tourist places in Zarqa.

By Water

As it is a land locked governorate, there are no direct routes for Zarqa travel by water. You have the option of taking cruise & water routes to other governorates of Jordan, but then you again have to take the road for places to visit in Zarqa.