Aqaba
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Jordan
Did you know?
- The city center is walkable, but local maps may be outdated.
- Falafel sandwiches are listed at 0.50 JD, while fish-market seafood runs about 5–10 JD per person.
- The castle, Ayla ruins, and an early Christian church fit into a compact historic circuit.
See also
Overview
Jordan’s Red Sea gateway offers walkable streets, inexpensive street food, historic ruins, and access to diving, Wadi Rum, and Petra. Spend time around the fish market and waterfront, then use it as a border and desert base.
Languages: Arabic
Why go?
Aqaba is Jordan's window on the Red Sea. Historically the same city as Eilat, it has seen development improving infrastructure. It is a base for diving and trips to Petra and Wadi Rum.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
When entering Jordan in Aqaba you may be entitled to a free visa (ASEZA). Check the Jordan article for details.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The city center is walkable. Taxis are available. Maps may be outdated.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Budget hotels cluster near the city center. Dorm beds at Dune Village from 7.5 JD, singles at Beach Hotel for 12 JD, doubles at Amer Hotel for 15 JD. Mid-range options include Golden Rose Hotel for 25 JD single.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Street food is cheap: falafel sandwiches for 0.50 JD, shawarma for 1.50 JD. Fresh seafood at the fish market (masmakeh) on Al-Afran street, 5-10 JD per person. For drinks, fresh juices and lemon mint are common; alcohol available at wine shops on An-Nahdah Street. Tea and shisha at Ayla Circle park area for 0.5 JD tea, 2 JD shisha.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Visit Aqaba Castle (3 JD, free with Jordan Pass), the Aqaba Heritage Museum, Ayla ruins (1 JD), the oldest Christian church, and the 130m flagpole. Diving with Ahlan Aqaba Scuba Diving Center. Hike Mount Um al Nusaylah for views. Public beaches are available but may be dirty.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Beware of the Aqaba airport security check mafia, which may confiscate items on departure. Public beaches can be dirty.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
ATMs charge high fees. Alawneh Exchange in the city center offers low-fee credit card withdrawals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily backpacker budget might be around 20-30 JD including dorm accommodation, street food, and one attraction. Dorms from 7.5 JD, meals from 0.50 JD.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Wadi Rum (50 km), Petra (2.5 hr), Dana Nature Reserve, Kerak, Madaba, Dead Sea. Many can be done as day trips; Petra often requires two days.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Aqaba, head to Wadi Rum, Petra, or north to Amman. Minibuses are scarce on Fridays.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Ahla Talla Hotel
Looks very decent.
Recorded price: 20 JD single/double
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Al-Naher Al-Khaled Hotel
Recorded price: 20/27 JD single/double
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Al-Safa Tourist Hotel
Looks fine from the outside.
Recorded price: 20/25 JD single/double
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Amer Hotel 2
Same owner as Amer 1, but the interior seems to be a little newer and nicer. Sat, tel, fridge, bathroom, WiFi.
Recorded price: 20/25 JD single/double
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Amer hotel
Clean, satellite tv, no breakfast, no internet, fan/ac, bathroom, very very noisy (near mosque, shops, restaurants, some strange phone calls).
Recorded price: 15/25 JD single/double
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Amira Hotel
Only doubles available here.
Recorded price: 25 JD double
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Beach Hotel
Recorded price: 12/20 JD single/double
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Dune Village
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.
Recorded price: 7.5-17 JD pp
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget hotels from 10 JD single.
Day trips
Wadi Rum and Petra accessible as day trips.
Food
Street food from 0.50 JD; fish market meals 5-10 JD.
Money
ATMs charge high fees; use Alawneh Exchange for low-fee credit card withdrawals.
Safety
Airport security may confiscate goods on departure.
Transport
City walkable; taxis available.