Jordan’s jaw-dropping “Rose City” is carved in fiery crimson cliffs. Built by the Nabataeans (nomadic traders) around the 4th–2nd century BC, Petra quickly became a caravan hub for frankincense, spices, and silk. The clever Nabataeans even mastered water-wizardry, building dams and cisterns to harvest rain in the desert.
At its peak (1st century AD), Petra boasted 20,000 residents and monumental rock-cut buildings. Today Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World – proof that it’s not just a pretty face!
Step into a city carved from desert stone — a masterpiece of ancient engineering and enduring mystery. From royal tombs to lost legends, Petra’s story is one of artistry, ambition, and timeless wonder.
More than an archaeological wonder, Petra is a place where history and legend intertwine, creating a unique and captivating experience. Every monument has a myth, and every carving tells a story. Below are some reasons that will make you want to book your trip to Petra.
Ever wanted to step into a movie? Indiana Jones fans, rejoice! The Treasury facade at Petra was Indiana Jones’ “temple of the Grail” in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. In the film, the Holy Grail is hidden right behind that rock facade.
Every corner of Petra tells a story carved in stone — from its dramatic entryway through the Siq to its towering temples and hidden mountain monasteries. Here are the landmarks that define this ancient wonder.
The journey into Petra begins at the Siq, a 1.2 km narrow gorge with towering sandstone walls. Don’t rush through – carved water channels, shrines, and niches containing Nabataean baetyls decorate the route, and fascinating relics, such as the Sabinos Alexandros Station and a camel caravan relief, reward the observant.
At the end of the Siq, you glimpse the Treasury framed by rock – one of travel’s most memorable reveals. Built in the 1st century BC, the 37 m-high facade is adorned with Corinthian columns, friezes, and sculptures, including Castor and Pollux, dancing Amazons, and an Isis-Tyche figure. Bedouins once shot at the urn on top, believing it contained treasure – bullet marks are still visible.
Beyond the Treasury lies the Street of Facades, a row of tombs carved into the cliff with pilasters and crow‑step motifs. Nearby, the Theatre, carved directly into the mountainside, held more than 8,000 spectators and resembles a Roman arena but is entirely hewn from rock.
Continue along the Collonaded Street – Petra’s ancient shopping avenue – past the Great Temple, whose 7,500 m² complex includes a propylaeum, a collonaded courtyard, a small theatre and an upper hall. On the slopes above sit the Temple of the Winged Lions, named for the winged lion capitals discovered there, and the Byzantine Church, a 5th‑century basilica featuring colourful animal mosaics.
Climbing to the Monastery (Ad Deir) is a challenging yet rewarding experience. The 1.6 km trail climbs about 200 m via roughly 800 steps, with vendors selling snacks along the way. Dating from the mid-1st century AD, its monumental façade is 48.3 m high and 47 m wide, with a broken pediment, a central tholos crowned by an urn, and ornamental columns; the structure may have served as a hall for ritual banquets. The Monastery’s remote setting means fewer crowds; sit on the rocks opposite to appreciate its grandeur and take the short trail beyond to a viewpoint over Wadi Araba.
On Jabal al‑Khubtha, four Royal Tombs overlook the city centre. The Palace Tomb impresses with its lavish three-storey facade, pilasters, and pediments; the Corinthian Tomb resembles the Treasury but is more eroded; the Silk Tomb displays colourful bands of sandstone; and the Urn Tomb features a collonaded courtyard and a triangular pediment topped with an urn. Further along, you’ll find the plainer Unayshu Tomb before returning to the Street of Facades.
Step beyond the main trail and discover Petra’s most magical experiences — from candlelit wonders to panoramic hikes that reveal the city’s hidden heart.
Whether you have one day or three, Petra rewards curiosity and preparation. Start early, pace yourself, dress respectfully and support the local community. By combining essential tips with an exploration of Petra’s iconic monuments and enriching experiences, you’ll leave with memories as enduring as the rose‑red city itself.
Visiting Petra requires planning, as the UNESCO-listed site sprawls across rugged desert terrain. Here are some tips and tricks for a seamless trip to Petra.
Gates open at 6 am in summer and 7 am in winter – to avoid crowds and the punishing midday heat. Many bloggers recommend spending two or three days exploring the city, with a midday rest back at your hotel when the sun is at its strongest
It covers both visa and entry fees, saving money and time. The Jordan Pass is worth buying; it covers the visa fee and includes entry to Petra, Wadi Rum and other sites. Purchase a two‑day ticket (about 55 JD) because the Monastery hike alone can take most of a day.
Bring plenty of water and snacks; food is available inside the park, but it is often pricey, and the long trails have few vendors. A scarf can help protect against dust and sun, and an eSIM or local SIM ensures connectivity, as Wi-Fi in Wadi Musa can be weak. Take cash for entrance fees and small purchases. Travel light but prepared. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, long‑sleeved clothing and sunscreen are essential.
Jordan is predominantly Muslim, so it is advisable to wear modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. Women aren’t required to cover their hair, but should avoid revealing outfits. Do not ride overworked donkeys, camels or horses – everything in Petra is walkable, and animal welfare is an issue.
Be cautious of scams such as “guides” offering access to Bedouin caves or high viewpoints; politely decline them. Instead, support local Bedouins by buying tea or juice at legitimate stalls and by visiting Marguerite’s stand near the Royal Tombs, where a New Zealander who married a Bedouin sells her book.
Whether you’re an adventure-seeking family, a history buff or a luxury traveller with a taste for the exotic, Petra delivers. It’s simultaneously a UNESCO treasure trove, a legend-laced ruin, and a blockbuster location. From the mysteries of hidden tombs and ghost stories, to the thrill of “Indiana Jones discovered it” – Petra proves that truth is sometimes just as crazy (and a lot cooler) than fiction. So get ready to rock your world – Petra style!
March–May and September–November offer pleasant daytime temperatures and clearer skies. Summer can be very hot (especially mid-day), while winter mornings/evenings are cold and days are shorter. Start early to beat crowds and heat.
Two days is ideal: Day 1 for the Siq, Treasury, Street of Facades and the Theatre; Day 2 for hikes like the Monastery (Ad-Deir), Al-Khubtha Treasury overlook, or High Place of Sacrifice & Wadi al Farasa. If you have one day, begin at gate opening time.
Yes if you enjoy ambience over detail. The candlelit Siq and Treasury look magical, but it’s short and can be crowded. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a light jacket, and don’t expect the same level of exploration as daytime.
Highly recommended. It covers your visa fee and entry to major sites (including Petra and Wadi Rum). Choose a 2-day Petra option if you plan to hike the Monastery and explore side trails at an easy pace.
Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered), wear breathable layers, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Carry water and snacks. Avoid riding overworked animals—Petra is walkable. Buy tea/juice from licensed stalls and politely decline unofficial “shortcuts” or cave/viewpoint offers.
