Aqaba Old Town: Walking tour with food tastings & guide

Summary

Explore Aqaba’s fort, souk, and seaside with a local guide

You’ll stroll along Aqaba’s lively seaside with a local guide, step inside historic Aqaba Fort, wander through the bustling Old Souk, and sample fresh bakery treats plus famous local fries. With every stop you’ll hear real stories and taste authentic flavors — it’s an experience you’ll remember every time you catch a whiff of cardamom or sea breeze.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — warm bread mixing with sea air as we started our walking tour of Aqaba. Our guide, Fadi, waved us over by the waterfront and handed out tiny cups of cardamom coffee. He joked that it would “wake up our feet” for the walk ahead. I don’t know if it worked but I liked the ritual. The Red Sea looked almost unreal in the morning light, all blue-green and busy with fishing boats.

We wandered towards the old Mamluk Castle (Aqaba Fort), which honestly I’d only seen in photos before. Up close, you can see how weathered the stones are — Fadi pointed out bullet marks from past battles and told us about Lawrence of Arabia (I didn’t expect that story to come up here). There were kids playing nearby, shouting in Arabic, and for a second it felt like time folded in on itself — old walls, new laughter.

After that we crossed into the Old Souk. It’s noisy in a good way: vendors calling out prices, someone slicing fruit, spices everywhere. We ducked into a spice shop where I tried to guess what was what by smell alone (failed spectacularly). At a bakery around the corner, we got handed warm sesame bread straight from the oven. I burned my fingers a little but didn’t care — it tasted nutty and fresh. Someone offered us Aqaba’s famous fries too; they’re crispier than any fries I’ve had back home.

I kept thinking about how everyone seemed to know our guide — people waved or stopped him to chat for a minute. Maybe that’s just Aqaba. By the end of the tour my shoes were dusty and my stomach full of bread and stories. There’s something about walking through a city like this that sticks with you long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aqaba History, Culture & Food Tour

• Meet and introduction
• Seaside walk with city history
• Visit Aqaba Fort (Mamluk Castle)
• View from Arab Revolution Plaza
• Explore Aqaba's Old Souk
• Visit spice shop
• Sample local bakery treats
• Try Aqaba’s fries and drinks

Top questions

How long is the Aqaba walking tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed but covers several stops including the seaside, fort, plaza, souk, spice shop, and bakery.

Does this tour include food tastings?

Yes, you’ll try fresh bakery treats and Aqaba’s famous fries during the walk.

Is there a local guide on this tour?

Yes, a knowledgeable local guide leads the entire experience.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation is available near the meeting point.

Is this walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What sites will we visit on this day trip in Aqaba?

You’ll visit Aqaba Fort (Mamluk Castle), Arab Revolution Plaza for Red Sea views, Old Souk market area, spice shop, and bakery.

Are drinks included on this Aqaba walking tour?

You’ll get to try refreshing local drinks during your walk.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks along Aqaba’s seaside promenade with stops at historic sites like Aqaba Fort and Arab Revolution Plaza. You’ll enjoy tastings at both a spice shop and local bakery — including fresh bread and famous fries — all led by an experienced local guide who shares stories along every step.