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City in Aqaba Governorate, Jordan
Photo: Kht01, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Aqaba (العقبة al-ʿAqabah) is Jordan's only port city. It is on the Gulf of Aqaba in the extreme south of the country, adjacent to Eilat in Israel.
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قلعة العقبة
It dates to the 14th century, although the present structure was built by the Mamluke sultan Qansawh el-Ghawri (1501-1516) and has been revised many times since then. The archaeological museum which used to be here no longer exists.
A simple museum on local history and people.
The old city that was established when Islam came to the area in 622 AD.
The oldest purpose-built Christian church in history. A posted sign (viewed in the right angle) gives a little bit of information on the church and its age.
The sixth tallest freestanding flagpole sits at a height of 130 metres high. It carries the flag of the Arab Revolt.
This mosque in the east beyond the highway gives a great overview of the area and Aqaba.
Small aquarium with a few local and exotic fish. Very small aquarium with limited information, not worth the high price for foreigners, but Jordanians (1 JD) might want to take their kids.
Hike this mountain for a great view of the Aqaba area, Eilat on the other side of the Red Sea and the valley behind the mount.
Adventurous diving trips in the Red Sea area. Highly committed to the conservation of the local reef. Perform weekly surveys of the rubbish on particular dive sites for the PADI Dive Against Debris project. Snorkeling, try dives, fun dives for certified divers, shore and boat dives and beginners courses through to Dive masters. Digital Underwater Photography (which only 4% of instructors can teach!)
Delicious falafel and hummus. Well set-up for foreigners with menus in English and Russian; staff speak some English.
Known for Shawerma and unique snacks with mixed Middle Eastern/international flavours. Don't miss out the lemon chicken sandwich, which comes with refreshing fresh lime peels.
A Jordanian fastfood chain (used to have a few branches in Amman, but they are now closed). Offers plenty of snacks, and is especially known for its quesadilla and lemon chicken sandwiches.
Very humble and very locally-popular sandwich shop, especially known for its chicken liver and beef sandwiches.
Arabic and Western meals presented in hot pottery plates and pans (similar to Tajine). Very popular among locals and tourists alike. Suitable for both breakfast and lunch meals.
Most famous traditional fish shop in the fishmarket area. They offer both a choice from the catch of the day and a menu with fixed prices and standard meals (e.g. sayadieh).
Popular choice for a menu-based fish restaurant. Presents various local and international seafood dishes, including a speciality seafood Tajine.
Although moderately-priced in Western standards, it's a prestigious restaurant in the area and also frequented by locals. Choices include a standard menu for a discount price (sayadieh, calamari, shrimp and side salads) or choices of the restaurant's specilties. One recommendation is the Captain's Salmon, a brilliant dish of a quality fillet stuffed with spinach.
One of the finest places to eat, mostly seafood fresh from the sea, for prices that are reasonable by Western standards. Service is fast and courteous. They are closed all afternoon and reopen for dinner, thus unavailable for a mid-afternoon snack after coming from the beach.
Small rooms, but bathrooms are in good condition. Some rooms have TV, with access to satellite channels, but you do have to get the front desk to tune the satellite for you.
Clean, satellite tv, no breakfast, no internet, fan/ac, bathroom, very very noisy (near mosque, shops, restaurants, some strange phone calls).
Former Belal Hotel
Same owner as Amer 1, but the interior seems to be a little newer and nicer. Sat, tel, fridge, bathroom, WiFi.
Looks very decent.
Only doubles available here.
Looks fine from the outside.
Offers singles, double, and shared rooms with breakfast included. The places also offers scuba diving equipment and guided dives. The place organizes transportation for guests to/from airport and border crossings.
Looks very decent, clean and modern.
High-quality resort hotel, featuring a mix of European and Arabesque designs. All 296 rooms, suites and apartments include self-controlled air conditioning and heating, satellite TV, direct-dial phone with voice mail, public Wi-Fi throughout the resort, coffee and tea-making facilities, hairdryer, complimentary minibar, and a safe. Suites include additional amenities and a balcony or terrace from which you can enjoy remarkable views of the country's world-renowned archaeological sites, the Gulf of Aqaba and neighbouring countries. Guests staying at the residence also enjoy access to all facilities of the resort without limitations. Connecting rooms, non-smoking rooms, and rooms for the physically challenged are also available on request. In addition, the Red Sea Grill is on premises, open 19:00-23:59 during the summer months. It specialises in seafood, including grilled fresh fish and shellfish dishes combined with an Afro-Arab cooking twist, with a magnificent panoramic view of the Gulf of Aqaba from the terrace on the hotel's private beach.
By bus
The Desert Highway terminates in Aqaba. The bus station is about 300 m east of the mosque. There are frequent buses to Amman and other points along the highway.g. Jett).
By car
Amman to Aqaba is about 350 km using the Desert Highway. It will take about 4 hr to travel this distance at a reasonable speed. Service/fuel stops are not very frequent on this road.
By taxi
Minibus rental with driver from Petra costs 45 JD and it takes about 2 hr to get from Petra to Aqaba.
By plane
Served by a few airlines. Royal Jordanian operates between Amman and Aqaba. Duration of the flight is approximately one hour and costs around 50 JD + tax one-way.
From other countries
for details on getting in from other countries and the associated visa requirements.
By bus
Local minibuses connect residential areas with downtown. The fare is 17 piasters (0.17 JD) regardless of the length of the journey. Passengers can get on and off at any point of the route.
On foot
Most points of interest can be reached on foot, and that is really the best way to see the place and experience Aqaba.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Aqaba · International · AQJ
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