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15 Most Instagrammable Places in Jordan in 2025 (With Secret Photo Spots)

Discover the 15 most Instagrammable places in Jordan for 2025, from Petra's hidden viewpoints to the otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum and the floating sensation of the Dead Sea.

The Beauty Beyond the Photos: My Jordan Journey

The first time I stood at the Treasury in Petra, I completely forgot to take a photo. I was literally frozen in awe, my camera hanging uselessly around my neck. After visiting Jordan six times since 2016, including my most recent trip in early 2024, I’ve learned that while Jordan is ridiculously photogenic, the most magical moments often happen between the Instagram shots.

During my last visit, a Bedouin guide named Mahmoud taught me the phrase “Yalla” (let’s go!) as we hiked at dawn to a secret viewpoint above the Monastery. We arrived just as the first light hit the massive facade, completely alone with this wonder of the world. My hands were shaking so much from excitement that half my photos came out blurry!

This guide features my handpicked selection of the most stunning photo locations across Jordan, complete with specific GPS coordinates, best times for lighting, and those little details that will make your Instagram feed truly exceptional. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way (like that time I hiked two hours to a viewpoint only to find my camera battery dead), so you don’t have to.

The Ancient City of Petra: Beyond the Treasury

Everyone comes to Petra for that classic Treasury shot, but there’s so much more to photograph in this ancient city that stretches over 60 square kilometers.

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – The Classic Shot with a Twist

Yes, it’s the most photographed spot in Jordan, but that doesn’t mean you can’t capture it uniquely.

  • Secret viewpoint coordinates: 30°19’22.6″N 35°27’08.2″E
  • Best time: Either at opening (6:00 AM in summer, 7:00 AM in winter) or late afternoon around 4:00 PM when the crowds thin out
  • Insider tip: Instead of the front-facing shot everyone takes, climb the small trail to the left of the Treasury (ask any local guide to point it out). For 5 JOD (about $7), a Bedouin guide will lead you to a stunning overlook that provides a unique aerial perspective.

My costly mistake: I once waited until noon to photograph the Treasury, and the harsh sunlight created terrible shadows across the facade. Early morning or late afternoon provides that soft, golden light that photographs beautifully.

The Monastery (Ad Deir) – Worth Every Step

The Monastery sits at the end of a challenging 850-step climb, but the photographic rewards are worth every drop of sweat.

  • Coordinates: 30°20’26.3″N 35°25’55.7″E
  • Best time: Midday to early afternoon when the facade is fully illuminated
  • Photo tip: There’s a small tea shop on a cliff opposite the Monastery that offers the perfect perspective. Order a mint tea (1.5 JOD) and use their elevated terrace for stunning shots.

I once made the mistake of hiking up in flip-flops (don’t ask), resulting in blisters that lasted my entire trip. Wear proper hiking shoes, bring at least 2 liters of water, and start early before the midday heat sets in.

The Royal Tombs – Best for Golden Hour

This magnificent row of facades carved into the rose-colored cliff face provides some of the most dramatic lighting conditions in Petra.

  • Coordinates: 30°19’51.0″N 35°26’57.4″E
  • Best time: Late afternoon, ideally 2-3 hours before sunset
  • Composition tip: Use the winding path leading up to the tombs as a leading line in your composition. The contrast between the red rock and the blue sky is particularly striking during this time.

For a truly special shot, time your visit during Petra by Night (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday). The path to the Treasury is lit by thousands of candles, creating an absolutely magical atmosphere that photographs beautifully with long exposure settings.

The Martian Landscapes of Wadi Rum

After visiting dozens of deserts worldwide, I can confidently say that Wadi Rum’s otherworldly beauty stands apart. No wonder it’s been used as a filming location for Mars in multiple Hollywood productions!

The Seven Pillars of Wisdom

This massive rock formation was made famous by T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) and offers incredible photo opportunities.

  • Coordinates: 29°34’58.4″N 35°25’15.0″E
  • Best time: Early morning or late afternoon
  • Insider tip: Most tourists photograph this from the visitor center parking lot. Instead, hire a guide to take you to the backside view which is far more dramatic and usually devoid of people.

Bubble Tent Glamping

Wadi Rum’s bubble tents offer one of the most Instagram-worthy accommodations on earth. Imagine a transparent dome with a comfortable bed inside, surrounded by endless desert and beneath a blanket of stars.

On my second trip to Wadi Rum, I booked the cheapest tent option available, which turned out to be in the center of the camp with zero views and lots of light pollution. It’s worth spending a bit more for the tents on the perimeter with unobstructed desert views.

Red Sand Dunes at Sunset

Wadi Rum is home to several large red sand dunes that create magnificent play of light and shadow during golden hour.

  • Coordinates: 29°35’35.2″N 35°25’21.8″E (for the main large dune)
  • Best time: 1-2 hours before sunset
  • Action shot tip: Bring a scarf or shawl to toss in the air while someone captures the photo. The flowing fabric against the desert backdrop creates a dramatic effect.

Bedouins often say “Ma’a salama” (goodbye with peace) when you leave. I’ve found that learning even basic Arabic phrases opens doors to incredible photo opportunities with locals who appreciate the effort.

The Dead Sea: Defying Gravity in Photos

Floating in the Dead Sea ranks among life’s truly unique experiences, and it makes for wonderfully playful photos that always perform well on social media.

The Classic Float

The Dead Sea’s extreme salinity (almost 10 times saltier than the ocean) makes floating effortless and creates instantly recognizable photos.

  • Best public beach: Amman Beach (entry fee: 20 JOD)
  • Best time: Early morning before 9 AM or late afternoon after 4 PM to avoid harsh sunlight
  • Photo tip: Bring props! A book, newspaper, or coffee cup make for fun floating photos.

I learned the hard way that even tiny cuts burn intensely in the Dead Sea, and getting that salty water in your eyes is excruciatingly painful. Bring fresh water to rinse off immediately if this happens.

Salt Formations at Sunset

The crystallized salt formations along the Dead Sea shoreline create an alien-like landscape that photographs beautifully.

  • Best location: The northern shore near the Kempinski Hotel
  • Best time: Golden hour, just before sunset
  • Composition tip: Get low to the ground and use the salt formations as foreground elements with the colorful sunset sky reflected in the still water.

Amman: Urban Photography Paradise

Jordan’s capital city offers a photogenic blend of ancient ruins, modern architecture, and vibrant street scenes.

The Citadel with City Backdrop

Perched on the highest hill in Amman, the Citadel offers panoramic views that showcase the city’s unique topography.

  • Coordinates: 31°57’16.9″N 35°56’00.2″E
  • Entry fee: 3 JOD
  • Best time: Late afternoon before sunset
  • Composition tip: Use the ancient columns of the Temple of Hercules to frame the modern city sprawling in the background.

Rainbow Street Cafés

This trendy area is filled with cafés, boutiques, and galleries housed in historic buildings with plenty of colorful details.

  • Best spots: Caffe Bene for its balcony view or Romman Restaurant for its traditional interior
  • Best time: Early evening when the street lamps turn on
  • Local dish to photograph: Knafeh from Habibah Sweets, a photogenic cheese dessert soaked in sweet syrup

On my first visit to Rainbow Street, I made the rookie mistake of going during daytime hours when most shops were closed. This area truly comes alive after 4 PM, especially on weekends.

Jerash: Rome Away from Rome

The ancient Roman city of Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world and offers incredible architectural compositions.

Oval Plaza and Colonnaded Street

The massive oval plaza connects to a long colonnaded street, offering endless photo opportunities.

  • Entry fee: 12 JOD
  • Best time: Early morning before tour buses arrive (opens at 7:30 AM)
  • Composition tip: The oval plaza is best shot from an elevated position near the Temple of Zeus. For the colonnaded street, get as low as possible to emphasize the impressive rows of columns.

Money-saving tip: If you plan to visit both Jerash and multiple sites in Petra, the Jordan Pass (starting at 70 JOD) includes your tourist visa fee and entrance to over 40 attractions. It saved me nearly 50 JOD on my last trip.

Off-the-Beaten Path Instagrammable Spots

Moving beyond the most famous locations, these lesser-known spots offer equally stunning photo opportunities with far fewer people.

Umm Qais: Sunset Over Three Countries

Located in the very north of Jordan, the ancient ruins of Umm Qais offer a truly unique panorama.

  • Coordinates: 32°39’28.7″N 35°41’11.3″E
  • Entry fee: 3 JOD
  • Best time: One hour before sunset
  • What makes it special: From one vantage point, you can capture a sunset view spanning Jordan, Israel, Syria, and the Sea of Galilee.

The nearby Umm Qais Resthouse serves delicious traditional meals with the same spectacular view.

Dana Biosphere Reserve: Jordan’s Hidden Gem

This diverse nature reserve offers stunning landscapes ranging from sandstone cliffs to lush valleys.

  • Best photo spot: The view from Dana Guesthouse terrace
  • Best time: Golden hour just before sunset
  • Wildlife tip: The reserve is home to the Nubian ibex, which can occasionally be spotted on cliff faces during early morning hikes.

I once planned just a quick afternoon stop at Dana, which was a huge mistake. The lighting and atmosphere change dramatically throughout the day, and the stargazing opportunities at night are phenomenal due to minimal light pollution.

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid): Petra Without Crowds

Just a few kilometers north of Petra, Little Petra offers similar Nabataean architecture with a fraction of the visitors.

  • Coordinates: 30°22’11.7″N 35°27’48.5″E
  • Entry fee: Free!
  • Best time: Late afternoon when the warm light illuminates the sandstone
  • Must-see: The Painted House with rare surviving Nabataean frescos

Seasonal Instagram Opportunities

Depending on when you visit, these seasonal spots can add unique elements to your Jordan photo collection.

Wadi Mujib in Spring (March-May)

Known as Jordan’s Grand Canyon, this spectacular gorge with a flowing river is perfect for adventure shots.

  • Coordinates: 31°27’12.4″N 35°34’43.3″E
  • Best activity to photograph: The Siq Trail (water hiking through the canyon)
  • What to bring: Waterproof phone case or GoPro, as you’ll be wading through chest-deep water at points

Note that Wadi Mujib is typically only open from April 1 to October 31, and can close during flash flood conditions. Always check the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature website before planning your visit.

Desert Wildflowers (February-April)

For a few short weeks in early spring, parts of Jordan’s deserts burst into bloom with vibrant wildflowers.

  • Best locations: The northern highlands near Ajloun and parts of Dana Reserve
  • Best time: Mid-March to early April, depending on rainfall
  • Composition tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the contrast between flowers in the foreground and arid landscapes in the background
Location Best Season Crowd Level Photography Challenge
Petra March-May, Sept-Nov High People-free shots
Wadi Rum Year-round (avoid summer) Medium Capturing scale
Dead Sea Year-round Medium Harsh light at midday
Amman Year-round Low (for tourists) Finding elevated viewpoints
Dana Reserve Spring & Fall Very Low Weather variability

Camera Gear and Photography Tips

After multiple trips photographing Jordan in various conditions, here’s what I’ve learned about equipment and techniques.

Essential Gear for Jordan

  • Wide-angle lens: Crucial for the narrow canyons of Petra and vast landscapes of Wadi Rum
  • Polarizing filter: Reduces glare and enhances the rich red colors of Jordan’s landscapes
  • Dust protection: Bring a good camera bag and lens cleaning kit; the desert dust is very fine
  • Portable tripod: Essential for low-light situations and long exposures

Money-saving tip: Instead of buying expensive bottled water throughout your trip, bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. Most hotels and restaurants will let you refill for free, saving you around 3-5 JOD daily.

Technical Tips for Challenging Conditions

Jordan’s lighting conditions can be tricky, especially in the desert and slot canyons.

  • For canyon shots (Siq at Petra): Use bracketing to capture details in both shadows and highlights
  • For desert landscapes: Shoot during golden hour when the red sands glow dramatically
  • For architectural details: Use a telephoto lens to isolate intricate carvings on facades
  • For night sky in Wadi Rum: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider), ISO 3200-6400, and 15-25 second exposures

Sustainable Photography Practices

Jordan’s archaeological sites and natural landscapes deserve our respect and protection.

  • Never climb on or touch ancient structures for photos
  • Stay on marked paths in Petra to prevent erosion
  • Avoid flying drones without proper permits (illegal in many sites)
  • Consider sharing educational information alongside your beautiful images

Many sites now restrict tripods during peak hours, so check regulations before planning elaborate setups.

Creating Your Perfect Jordan Photography Itinerary

After multiple visits, I’ve refined what I believe is the optimal route for capturing Jordan’s most photogenic spots while avoiding the worst crowds.

5-Day Photography Action Plan

  1. Day 1: Arrive in Amman, photograph Citadel at sunset, blue hour shots of Rainbow Street
  2. Day 2: Early morning at Jerash (arrive at opening), afternoon drive to Dead Sea for sunset salt formation shots
  3. Day 3: Early drive to Petra, enter at opening, photograph Treasury, explore until sunset
  4. Day 4: Sunrise hike to Monastery in Petra, afternoon drive to Wadi Rum for golden hour and overnight in bubble tent
  5. Day 5: Sunrise in Wadi Rum dunes, morning jeep tour to rock bridges, return to Amman via Kings Highway with stops at scenic viewpoints

If you have more time, I highly recommend adding Dana Biosphere Reserve (1-2 days) and Umm Qais (1 day) to your itinerary.

Budgeting for Your Trip

Jordan isn’t a budget destination, but there are ways to save while still getting amazing photos.

Expense Category Budget Option Mid-Range Option Luxury Option
Accommodation 25-40 JOD/night 60-100 JOD/night 150+ JOD/night
Transport Public bus (5-10 JOD) Shared taxi (15-25 JOD) Private driver (70-100 JOD/day)
Food 5-10 JOD/day 15-30 JOD/day 40+ JOD/day
Photography Petra 1-day pass (50 JOD) 2-day pass (55 JOD) Jordan Pass (70+ JOD) – best value!

Insider money-saving tip: The neighborhood of Weibdeh in Amman has excellent boutique hostels that are both photogenic and affordable, with rooftop terraces offering skyline shots. I particularly recommend The Retreat Hostel where private rooms start at 35 JOD.

Cultural Considerations for Photographers

Jordan is a relatively liberal Arab country, but respecting local customs will enhance your experience.

  • Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially women
  • Dress modestly when photographing in local communities (shoulders and knees covered)
  • Avoid photography during prayer times near mosques
  • Learn the phrase “Mumkin akhod sura?” (May I take a photo?)

One of my worst photography mistakes was absent-mindedly walking into a village mosque during prayer time with my camera out. A simple awareness of prayer times (particularly Friday afternoon) will help you avoid such uncomfortable situations.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Perfect Instagram Shot

The most meaningful photos I’ve taken in Jordan weren’t necessarily the ones that got the most likes. They were the ones that captured genuine moments: sharing tea with Bedouins in Wadi Rum, the look on my face when I finally reached the Monastery after that brutal climb, or the surreal feeling of floating in the Dead Sea as the sun set over the hills of Jerusalem in the distance.

Jordan has experienced significant changes since the pandemic. Petra has implemented a new timed entry system to reduce crowding at the Treasury, the Dead Sea continues to recede at an alarming rate (approximately 3 feet per year), and many parts of Amman have undergone rapid development. Visiting in 2025 means experiencing a country in transition, preserving its incredible heritage while embracing necessary changes for sustainability.

Here’s my actionable 5-step plan for creating meaningful photographic memories in Jordan:

  1. Research and plan your must-have shots, but leave room for spontaneous discovery
  2. Wake up early to capture iconic locations without crowds and in the best light
  3. Connect with locals who can show you perspectives no guidebook includes
  4. Look beyond the lens occasionally to truly experience the moment
  5. Share respectfully, providing context and education alongside your stunning images

When you return home with your memory cards full of incredible images, remember that the stories behind them are equally valuable. Jordan isn’t just photogenic—it’s a place that changes how you see the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel around Jordan with expensive camera equipment?

Yes, Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East. I’ve traveled solo numerous times with professional camera gear without issues. Common-sense precautions apply: use a non-descript camera bag, be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, and don’t leave equipment unattended. Theft targeting tourists is extremely rare.

What’s the best time of year for photography in Jordan?

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant temperatures and softest light. Summer (June-August) brings harsh sunlight and extreme heat (often exceeding 40°C/104°F), especially in Petra and Wadi Rum. Winter (December-February) can be surprisingly cold with occasional rain and even snow in higher elevations, but dramatic cloudy skies can enhance landscape photography.

Do I need permits for drone photography in Jordan?

Yes, drone regulations are strict in Jordan. Flying drones near archaeological sites, military installations, borders, and populated areas is prohibited without special permits. These permits must be obtained before arrival through the Jordan Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission and the process can take several weeks. Many photographers have had drones confiscated at the airport, so research thoroughly before bringing one.

How should I dress for photography in conservative areas?

While tourist areas are accustomed to Western dress, when photographing in local villages or non-tourist areas, modest dress is recommended. For women, shoulders and knees covered, avoiding tight-fitting clothes. For men, long pants rather than shorts in conservative communities. In major tourist sites like Petra and Wadi Rum, practical outdoor clothing is perfectly acceptable.

What’s the best way to get around Jordan for photographers?

For photographers seeking flexibility, renting a car is ideal. Roads are generally well-maintained, signs are in Arabic and English, and having your own vehicle allows you to chase the light. If self-driving isn’t your preference, hiring a driver (approximately 70-100 JOD per day) gives you freedom without navigation concerns. Public transportation reaches major sites but restricts your timing and ability to stop at scenic viewpoints.

How can I photograph Petra by Night effectively?

Petra by Night requires special techniques. Bring a tripod (essential) and use manual settings: ISO 1600-3200, aperture f/2.8-4, shutter speed 5-15 seconds. Position yourself early to secure a good spot, as hundreds attend. Consider attending on your first night in Petra, then use what you’ve learned about the terrain to plan your daytime photography more effectively the next day.

References

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