Things to Do in Aqaba – Activities, Tours & Experiences

Aqaba, the jewel of Jordan on the Red Sea, is a city where history, culture, and adventure come together in perfect harmony. From exploring ancient landmarks and vibrant markets to diving into the crystal-clear waters or lounging on pristine beaches, Aqaba offers an experience for every traveler. The city’s warm, sunny climate makes it inviting year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm and opportunities.


Discover Aqaba Through a Guided Walking Experience

A structured way to understand Aqaba beyond its beaches is through our Aqaba Walking Tour, a private experience designed to connect the city’s history, urban life and coastline into a single, coherent route.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and follows a relaxed walking pace through Aqaba’s historical core. Starting from Al-Hussein Bin Ali Square, the route includes key landmarks such as the Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque, the Islamic archaeological area of Ayla, the historic church surroundings and the downtown streets, offering a clear picture of how the city developed over time.

A highlight of the experience is the visit inside Aqaba Castle, followed by a stop at the iconic Arab Revolt Plaza, an important symbol of modern Jordanian history. From there, the walk continues along the seafront promenade, linking the historical narrative with the coastal setting.

The experience concludes with a 30-minute boat ride along the Gulf of Aqaba, providing panoramic views of the city from the water. On clear days, visibility extends toward Egypt and Israel, adding a unique geographical perspective to the tour. The boat ride returns to the original starting point, completing the loop between land and sea.

For full details or to book the walking tour, you can find the complete experience here.



Relax and Explore Aqaba’s Beaches

Aqaba’s coastline offers a mix of public beaches and private beach clubs, allowing visitors to choose between local atmosphere, marine life exploration, or fully serviced beach facilities. From lively public shores to structured beach clubs with amenities and activities, the area provides different ways to enjoy the Red Sea.

Berenice Beach Club is one of the most established private beach facilities in Aqaba, located along the protected marine reserve. Access is allowed for couples, families, and mixed groups only, as single men are not admitted. The day pass costs 13 JOD for adults and 7.5 JOD for children and includes access to all facilities, a towel, sunbed, umbrella, Wi-Fi, and transportation. The beach offers direct entry to the Aqaba Marine Reserve, known for its coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Berenice also offers a 2-hour boat trip. The first hour focuses on coral viewing, followed by one hour of snorkeling. The rate is 23 JOD per person, with a reduced price of 13 JOD for children aged 4 to 12.

B12 Beach Club at Ayla Oasis provides a more modern and upscale beach experience within a waterfront development. The club features white sand beaches, sun loungers, hammocks, and a large pool area. A wide range of water activities is available, including Jordan’s first cable wake park, paddleboarding, kayaking, and inflatable water parks. Dining is offered throughout the day with international food and premium drinks, and the venue frequently hosts music and beach events. The entrance fee is 20 JOD, including a beach towel, sunbed, and umbrella.

South Beach is a long public stretch of coastline south of Aqaba and is especially popular with local families. It is known for its clear waters and coral reefs located just a few meters from the shore, making it ideal for snorkeling. The beach has shallow, calm waters suitable for families, along with basic facilities such as public showers, restrooms, and small cafés. Visitors are advised to wear water shoes due to gravel and coral near the shoreline.

Local families usually visit South Beach before sunset and during weekends or holidays, often for picnics and barbecues rather than swimming. Tourists can comfortably swim in bikinis, as locals are accustomed to visitors. Women traveling alone may receive more attention, but interactions are generally respectful, and couples or families are rarely disturbed.

Red Sea Adventures: Water Sports, Diving, and Boat Experiences

The Red Sea is Aqaba’s natural playground for water-based activities, offering far more than simple boat tours. Our Trips section includes a wide range of experiences designed for different levels of adventure, from relaxed sea outings to high-adrenaline water sports.

For exploring marine life, visitors can choose between snorkeling trips over vibrant coral reefs or scuba diving experiences that reveal shipwrecks and underwater landscapes unique to the Gulf of Aqaba. These activities are suitable for both beginners and certified divers, depending on the option selected.

Those looking for speed and excitement can enjoy Jet ski rides, parasailing, flyboard sessions, and fun group activities such as the banana boat. For something different, the sea car experience allows guests to combine driving and sailing in a single activity.

Boat-based experiences remain a key part of Aqaba’s appeal, including snorkeling boat trips, glass-bottom boat rides for non-swimmers, fishing trips, and relaxing sunset cruises that showcase the Red Sea’s colors at the end of the day.

Together, these activities offer multiple ways to experience Aqaba’s coastline, whether you are seeking adventure, marine exploration, or a relaxed day on the water.



Where to Eat and Go Out in Aqaba

Aqaba is not a city where you casually walk into a restaurant and expect a good experience. If you improvise, you usually overpay or eat something forgettable. If you know where to go, you eat well, spend the right amount, and actually understand how the city works. Below is a structured but practical guide to where to eat and how to spend the evening in Aqaba, based on real quality, atmosphere, and value.

Fresh Fish, Chosen at the Counter

  • Abu Baker

Abu Baker is the best place in Aqaba if your priority is fresh fish. The restaurant is located on the traditional fish restaurant street, an area where fishermen arrive every day with their fresh catch for local restaurants. This is not a tourist area, it is simple, functional, and very local.

Here you choose the fish directly at the counter, whole and raw, and decide how you want it cooked. No frozen products, no tricks, no unnecessary presentation. The place itself is basic and not luxurious, but the quality of the fish is excellent and prices are reasonable. This is not a tourist trap, and that is exactly why it works.
Abu Baker on Google Maps

Street Food, Pizza and Casual Eating

  • As-Saadeh Street (Pizza Street)

Officially called As-Saadeh Street, but known by everyone as Pizza Street, this is a circular street packed with pizza places, falafel shops, shawarma, and general street food. In the evening the area becomes lively and is one of the few places in Aqaba where you feel a real local street atmosphere.

There is no single best spot here, quality varies, but that is part of the experience. It is ideal if you want to eat something simple, spend little, and stay out in the evening without committing to a formal restaurant.
Start of Pizza Street on Google Maps

Traditional Jordanian Food in the City Center

  • Khubza & Seneya

Khubza & Seneya is one of the best places in Aqaba to try traditional Jordanian cuisine at a fair price. It is located in one of the nicest streets in the city center, full of bars and restaurants and very pleasant in the evening.

The menu focuses on typical dishes, well prepared, without unnecessary reinterpretations. Prices are honest, especially considering the location.
Khubza & Seneya on Google Maps

  • Al Shami Restaurant

Al Shami Restaurant is the right choice if you want to spend very little while eating typical Jordanian food. The place is extremely simple but clean and frequented by locals.

Do not judge it by appearances. The value for money is among the best in Aqaba. Make sure to go upstairs (first floor) and if you can, sit outside in the terrace with view on the Mosque.
Al Shami Restaurant on Google Maps

Coffee, Cappuccino and Italian-Style Breakfast

  • Marouf Café

If you are looking for a proper coffee or cappuccino with muffins, cakes, croissants, and desserts, this café offers a concept similar to Starbucks, closer to an Italian-style breakfast experience. It is comfortable, well organized, and suitable for breakfast or a daytime break.

Prices are higher compared to local standards, but you are paying for comfort and familiarity.
Café on Google Maps

Ice Cream Stop

  • B. Laban

B. Laban is located at Ayla Circle, next to McDonald’s. It is a popular stop for ice cream during an evening walk, easy to reach and consistent in quality.
B. Laban on Google Maps

Ayla Oasis, Dining, Bars and Evening Life

  • Deeritna Ayla

Ayla Oasis is the most organized and comfortable area in Aqaba for dining and evening activities. Deeritna Ayla offers traditional Jordanian food in a relaxed environment with medium prices.
Deeritna Ayla on Google Maps

  • Mirchi

Inside Ayla Oasis you will also find Mirchi, a very good Indian restaurant, useful if you want a change from Middle Eastern cuisine.
Mirchi on Google Maps

The area also includes a game room for kids and teenagers, an escape room, and several small bars. In the evening, one corner of Ayla Oasis feels almost like Miami Beach, with music, cocktails, and people moving between venues.
One of the bars in Ayla Oasis

Marina View, Burgers and Drinks

  • Aqaba Marina Area

The Aqaba Marina area is ideal if you want burgers, drinks, and a view over the boats. Firefly is one of the known spots, but there are several bars and small restaurants in the same area.

At the entrance you pay 2 JOD per person, which is deducted from your bill when you consume inside.
Aqaba Marina entrance on Google Maps

Informal Evening by the Sea

  • Seafront Promenade

Along the seafront promenade you will find many small bars and shisha spots, one next to the other. These places serve drinks and shisha only, no food.

The atmosphere is informal and local, with seating close to the water and music in the background.
Seafront promenade on Google Maps

Evening Drinks and Atmosphere

  • Mamo Resto Café

Located across from Mafouf Café, Mamo Resto Café is a well-designed resto-bar with a pleasant evening atmosphere. Music, small fountains, and a relaxed but social vibe make it ideal for spending time with friends.
Mamo Resto Café on Google Maps

Cultural and Natural Attractions Beyond the Sea

Aqaba is not just about beaches and water activities; the city also offers a rich selection of cultural and natural attractions. The Aqaba Aquarium allows visitors to learn about local marine species and ongoing conservation programs, making it an educational and engaging experience. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Bird Observatory, especially during migration seasons, when numerous flocks of birds stop along the Red Sea coast. To experience everyday local life, the cafés and restaurants along the corniche serve fresh fish and traditional Jordanian dishes. Just beyond Aqaba, the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum offer jeep tours, camel rides, and spectacular sunsets, making the experience truly unforgettable.

The Best Times of the Year in Aqaba

Each season in Aqaba offers different advantages, depending on how you want to experience the city and the sea. Spring (March–May) brings warm days and cooler evenings, making it ideal for exploring the city, strolling at a leisurely pace, and taking part in experiences such as the Aqaba Walking Tour or boat excursions.

Summer (June–September) is hot and dry, with early mornings and late afternoons as the best times to enjoy the coast. Midday activities are perfect for the sea, including snorkeling trips or relaxing in shaded areas during boat outings.

Autumn (October–November) combines still-warm water temperatures with quieter evenings, creating ideal conditions for snorkeling and scenic sunset cruises along the Red Sea.

Even winter (December–February) remains mild in Aqaba, offering calmer and less crowded beaches, perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere while still enjoying outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Combining a walking tour with sea experiences allows you to explore Aqaba’s history, culture, and natural beauty at any time of the year.

Tip: To make the most of your visit, combine the walking tour with boat trips for a full Aqaba experience. All equipment, including life jackets and snorkeling gear, is provided on request, making it easy to enjoy the Red Sea safely.

Top Experiences Throughout the Year

For those planning their itinerary, certain experiences shine at specific times of the year. Snorkeling over coral reefs is best from March to June and September to November, while romantic sunset cruises are particularly spectacular in autumn and spring. If you want to maximize sun exposure, aim for mornings and late afternoons from May to September. For a quieter visit with great value, December to February provides mild weather and fewer crowds, perfect for relaxed exploration and leisurely sightseeing along the Red Sea coast.

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