Aqaba
Country: Jordan · Region: Middle East
Aqaba is Jordan's only port city on the Red Sea, located at the extreme south of the country adjacent to Israel's Eilat. It serves as a gateway to Red Sea diving and snorkeling with improved modern infrastructure.
Top sights
Aqaba Castle, Sheik Zayed Mosque, Marine Science Center Aquarium, Aqaba Church, Ayla, Aqaba Flagpole
Things to do
- Aqaba Castle
- 14th-century fortress at the southern end of the city beach, built by the Mamluke sultan Qansawh el-Ghawri, costs 3 JD or free with Jordan Pass.
- Sheik Zayed Mosque
- Mosque located east beyond the highway offering great overview of the Aqaba area.
- Marine Science Center Aquarium
- Small aquarium located 5 km south of Aqaba with local and exotic fish, costs 7 JD.
- Ahlan Aqaba Scuba Diving Center
- Full-service diving center on Al Nahda Street offering snorkeling, try dives, fun dives, shore and boat dives, and beginner courses through Dive Masters.
Beaches
- Al-Ghandour Beach
- Public beach near downtown Aqaba with eating and showering facilities.
- Public beaches south of Aqaba
- Several public beaches south of the city with eating, showering facilities and sometimes watersports.
Where to eat
- Abu Baker for Fish
- Most famous traditional fish shop on Al-Afran Street (the fish market) offering fresh catch of the day or fixed-price standard meals, 5-10 JD per dish.
- Captain's Restaurant
- Prestigious seafood restaurant with menu options and specialties like Captain's Salmon, 10-15 JD per dish plus 17% service fee.
Bars and nightlife
- Ali Baba
- One of few restaurants outside resorts serving alcohol, though at higher prices than wine shops.
Getting around
Taxis are readily available throughout the city with rides costing 2 JD within town or 5 JD to nearby beaches; walking is also practical for most points of interest.
What to eat
Local seafood dominates dining at the Al-Afran Street fish market and masmakeh shops where fresh catch can be grilled or fried (5-10 JD), while budget meals including falafel, hummus, and shawarma are available throughout the city center.
Tips
Negotiate taxi prices upfront and clarify whether quoted fares are per-person or total to avoid surprises at the end of your ride.
Best for
Scuba diving and snorkeling