Tourist Places to Visit in Ma’an
Ma’an’s iconic Petra ruins structures are what people mostly think of when they think of Jordan. Ma’an host’s the country’s most iconic landmark, and in 2007 it was included among New Seven Wonders of the World. The best places to visit in Ma’an are also some of the best historical icons of the world.
The foundation of Ma’an was laid by a people called “Ma’in”, this was a tribe branched out from Yemen. But they are not responsible for the iconic Petra and other places for sightseeing in Ma’an. The Petra was a created by the Nabataean people and it was the capital of their kingdom, long before the “Ma’in” people came here. The Nabataean kingdom was responsible for the structures which are now the most popular places to visit in Ma’an.
The ruins of Petra, Jordan were re-discovered in 1812. But this iconic structure owes its fame to Steven Speilberg’s film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”. Petra was the location where the climax of the film was shot. This made Petra one of the biggest reason for Ma’an travel of most tourist. But Petra is not the only tourist attraction in Ma’an. Overshadowed by the fame of Petra are many tombs, structures, and temples which are worthy places to visit in Ma’an. Like many other cities in Jordan, Ma’an also bears reminiscent of the greek & roman architecture which was once the ruling empire of the land.
Ma’an is a mix of various ancient civilizations. The desert where Petra and other historical tourist attraction in Ma’an are located is called Wadi Musa or The valley of Moses. The story goes that prophet Moses passed through this valley, hence the name Wadi Musa. But, that’s not all, one of the major historical as well as religions things to do in Ma’an also revolves around the tale of Moses. It is said that when Moses passed through here, he struct a rick & water emerged, the location is called Ain Musa or Moses’s Spring and is one the most important religious tourist places in Ma’an. It is said that the Nabataean people, the same guys who built Petra, carved channels to bring the water from this spring to their city. Drinking water from this spring is popular among things to do in Ma’an, especially for those with a religious heart. Besides this, Wadi Musa is also a popular for sightseeing in Ma’an at night.
Ma’an travel by localists and tourists is also done indulgence in adventures & hiking tours, both popular things to do in Ma’an. The Petra hiking trail, Al Siq hiking trail, and ad dear hiking trail are some of the most popular hiking trails in Wadi Rum. These trails generally revolve around popular tourist places in Ma’an. You can also enjoy jeep tours, biking tours, camel ride tours and desert adventures, all of which are popular adventurous things to do in Ma’an. If you feel like shopping for souvenirs, you can check out the Town Bazar, Little Petra, Made in Jordan and most interestingly Indiana Jones Gift Shop.
You can also enjoy Turkish baths and spa in Wadi Rum, many of which are located near tourist places in Ma’an. Two of the most interesting hangout spots which are sightseeing in Ma’an within themselves are the Cave Bar and the Red Cave Restaurant. There are many tourist attraction in Ma’an, especially historical ones and most of them are located close to Petra. There are also museums close to these places to visit in Ma’an, which you should check out to learn more about the history and story about these places & the people associated with them. Truly when you visit Ma’an, you will feel like you are part of a fantasy or historical film.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Ma’an, Jordan
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Ma’an, Jordan
- Petra
- Montreal Crusader Castle
- Al Beidha / Little Petra
- Street of Facades
- Byzantine Church
- Urn Tomb
- Ad Deir Monastery
- Temple of Dushares
- Al Siq
- Tomb of Prophet Aaron
- Lion Triclinium
- Petra Royal Tombs
- Nabatean Theatre
- Tomb of Unayshu
- Renaissance Tomb
- Lion Fountain
- The Treasury Petra / Al Khazneh
- Obelisk Tomb
- Mosesquelle / Ain Musa / Moses’s Spring
- Petra Museum
- High Place of Sacrifice Petra
- The Great Temple
- Djinn Blocks
- Temenos Gateway
- Tomba di Seta
- Sextius Florentinus Tomb
- Silk Tomb Petra
- Temple of Winged Lions
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Ma’an, Jordan
- Wadi Musa Desert
- Al Siq
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Ma’an, Jordan
- Al Yakhor Turkish Bath
Shopping in Ma’an, Jordan
- Town Bazaar
- Little Petra
- Mosa Spring Gift Shop
- Made in Jordan
- Indiana Jones Gift Shop
Offbeat Places & Adventure Things to do in Ma’an, Jordan
- Ad Deir Hiking trail
- Al Siq Hiking trail
- Desert Hike
- Wadi Rum Star Gazing
- Wadi Rum Desert tour
- Mountain Biking
- Cycling Trails
- Camel trails
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Ma’an, Jordan
- Petra Kitchen
- The Basin
- Cave Bar
- Al Saraya Restaurant
- Al Qantara Restaurant
- Al Maqa’ad Bar
- Red Cave Restaurant
How to Reach Ma’an, Jordan?
By Air
The nearest airport for Ma’an travel is the King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba at a 2 hour drive distance. The second nearest Airport to tourist attraction in Ma’an is the Queen Alia International Airport. Once you reach the airport, your only option to go about exploring things to do in Ma’an is by road.
By Road
You have the option of private and public options to visit Ma’an by road. Ma’an travel routes are well connected to all cities in Jordan. You can even try camel ride tours to visit Petra, even horse rides are an option for Ma’an travel. Some people also opt for renting bikes and jeeps instead of cars for a more adventurous things to do in Ma’an.
By Water
Ma’an is all land in the north, south, east, and west. There are no water routes taking you for sightseeing in Ma’an.