Discover Umm Qais - An ancient city in Jordan

Discover Umm Qais - An ancient city in Jordan

Nestled in the serene hills of northern Jordan, Umm Qais is a town that lies drenched in history and natural beauty. Known for insane panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, and Jordan Valley, Umm Qais is set atop the ancient site of Gadara important Greco-Roman city known for its archaeological riches. For those fellow travelers finding out about things to do in Umm Qais, here is that potent mixture of ruins, well and less kept, Ottoman streets, and genuine Jordanian hospitality. Whether you are on a Jordan tour or planning it on your own, the Umm Qais travel guide makes this town a must-visit spot, combining cultural heritage with stunning landscapes. Umm Qais gives an unforgettable view of the past and also stands apart as a rather peaceful retreat for those courting both history and nature.

What to Do in Umm Qais ?

1. Discover the Ancient Ruins of Gadara

• Umm Qais rests on the location of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gadara. Wander into staggering ruins featuring:
• Roman theater with breathtaking views
• Byzantine churches and mosaics
• City walls and gates
• Ancient streets with colonnades and cisterns

2. Get Panoramic Views

• From Umm Qais, one can fetch breath-taking views across:
• The Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias)
• The Golan Heights
• The Yarmouk River gorge
• The lush Jordan Valley

3. Visit the Ottoman-era Mansion (Beit Rousan Museum)

The mansion is fully restored and offers a view into Ottoman-style architecture and lifestyle. There is a small museum and café housed within. 

4. Get Lost in the Quaint Village

The modern village of Umm Qais is packed with charm, featuring stone houses, local shops, and cafes where one can simply relax and enjoy the ambiance.

5. Take a Hike Around

A series of hiking trails starts near Umm Qais to places such as the western end of the Yarmouk River gorge, offering a combination of nature and history.

6. Taste the Local Cuisine

Try drawing the tastes of traditional Jordanian food in a local restaurant or café, with freshly baked bread, mezze, and herbal teas as the must-tries.

What is Umm Qais famous for ?

Umm Qais is known and famed as an exquisite northern Jordan must-visit place rich with history and spectacular views. Being ancient Gadara under the Greco-Roman umbrella, it offers astounding archaeological sites such as the Roman theater, Byzantine churches, and the ancient city walls. According to travel guides to Umm Qais, the site was also famed for the awe-inspiring views over the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, Yarmouk River gorge, and Jordan Valley. One of the best things to do in Umm Qais is to wander through the historic ruins, get the ambiance in the Ottoman-era Beit Rousan Museum, hike on splendid trails, and enjoy the thrills of the peaceful village emphasized with local stores and traditional Jordanian cuisine. This blend of history, nature, and culture makes Umm Qais a must on any Jordan list.

Is Umm Qais family-friendly ?

Sure! Umm Qais is a family-friendly environment. Open-air archaeological sites, large ruins, and scenic walking trails make for a great playground and learning opportunity for kids. The panoramic views and picnic areas offer a nice and relaxing ambience for families to hang out together. The village also boasts some comfortable cafes and restaurants to relax and enjoy local Jordanian cuisine.  Don't forget to keep your hunny happy with comfy shoes, water, and sunscreen, especially if you are going in the warmer months. As a whole package, Umm Qais is safe, educational, and fun for all age groups.

Best things to do in Umm Qais?

Best Things to Do in Umm Qais, Jordan

1. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Gadara

Stroll through this tremendous archaeological site of Gadara, where you may behold:

• A large Roman theatre with panoramic views
• Ruins of Byzantine churches and mosaics
• Ancient city walls and gates
• Colonnaded streets and underground cisterns

2. Gaze at the Spectacular Panoramic View

Enjoy the breathtaking display of:

• The Sea of Galilee (or Lake Tiberias)
• The Golan Heights
• The Jordan Valley, together with the gullies of the Yarmouk River

3. Tour the Beit Rousan Mansion

Get in and roam around the newly restored Ottoman mansion-cum-museum-cum-café and enjoy learning the glories of its local people and traditional hospitality.

4. Walk Down Charming Streets

Take a walk around charming shops and meet wonderful locals in the village of Umm Qais. There you will find some fine places to sip on traditional Jordanian tea or coffee.

5. Hiking in the Surrounding Nature

Enjoy scenic hiking trails around Umm Qais, including those going down into the dramatic Yarmouk River gorge and to nearby nature reserves.

6. Taste Authentic Jordanian Food

Taste wonderful local dishes at restaurants and cafes that include fresh bread, mezzes, grilled meats, and sugary treats.

7. Check Out Nearby Places

Try to visit close-by destinations such as:

• Ajloun Forest Reserve: for the nature lovers
• Bani Hamida Women's Weaving Cooperative: for cultural crafts
• View of the Yarmouk River: for sightseeing and natural life

Umm Qais is way more than an archaeological site. It is a wondrous walk through time, customs, and nature. An aficionado of history may find the ruins of ancient Gadara to his taste; conversely, the nature-lover shall drink in the panoramic views; the traveler might be interested in witnessing genuine Jordanian hospitality. Umm Qais offers an experience that amalgamates the past with the present. The best things in the area of Umm Qais to various are scenic trail walks, museums with cultural exhibits, sumptuous local dishes, and charming villages. This makes the stop at Umm Qais a memorable one during any Jordan trips. Let this travel guide to Umm Qais be your starting point for one of northern Jordan's calmest and most enriching destinations.