Must-see attractions in Aqaba

  • Main entrance gate of Aqaba Fortress.

    Aqaba Fort

    Aqaba

    The fort (currently closed for renovation with no set reopening date) was built between 1510 and 1517, as attested by the Arabic inscriptions inside the…

  • Aqaba Bird Observatory

    Aqaba

    Run by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, this bird sanctuary is an artificially created wetland that's become host to a variety of species…

  • Aqaba Museum

    Aqaba

    The museum, closed in 2017 for renovation of the Aqaba Fort complex, was previously the home of the great-great-grandfather of the present king, Abdullah…

  • Aqaba Aquarium

    Aqaba

    This aquarium is part of the Aqaba Marine Science Station, although its location in the shadow of the ferry terminal doesn't make you feel particularly…

  • Arab Revolt Flagpole

    Aqaba

    Standing a massive 137m high and with a flag measuring 20m by 40m, this is Aqaba's most easily spotted landmark by some degree. Look closer, however, and…

  • Public Beach

    Aqaba

    Packed at the weekend and on public holidays, this stretch of rather minimal sand beneath the palm trees offers a fun and sociable way to engage with…

  • Ancient Church at Ayla

    Aqaba

    To the untrained eye, these ruins look unprepossessing to say the least, but archaeologists maintain that the remains of this ancient mud-brick complex…

  • Ayla

    Aqaba

    Located along the Corniche and incongruously squeezed between the marina and the Mövenpick Resort Hotel, Ayla is the site of the ancient port of Aqaba…

  • Aqaba Heritage Museum

    Aqaba

    This free museum, in the shadow of the giant flagpole, is moderately diverting. There are some fascinating period photos of Aqaba, including at the time…

  • Sharif Al Hussein Bin Ali Mosque

    Aqaba

    This grand and beautiful gleaming white mosque – an icon of Aqaba – is named for the great-great-grandfather of the current king, the emir of Mecca who…