Petra in Jordan: What to see and do in this ancient City
Petra is one of the most impressive and fascinating places in the world. Carved out of the rock by the Nabataeans, this ancient city is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was once the capital of the Nabataean kingdom and served as an important trade route between the Middle East, Asia and Europe. This historic city is a must-see for any traveler who loves history, culture and nature. But how do you prepare for a visit to Petra? What are the most important tips and sights? In this article you can read everything you need to get the most out of your time in Petra.
Buy the Jordan Pass
One of the best tips for visiting Petra is to buy the Jordan Pass. This is a pass that gives you free access to more than 40 attractions in Jordan, including Petra. Moreover, you do not have to pay visa fees if you purchase the pass online in advance. The Jordan Pass costs 70, 75 or 80 JD, depending on whether you want to spend one, two or three days in Petra. A normal ticket will cost you 50, 55 or 60 JD. With the Jordan Pass you can quickly save money and can be purchased directly via the official website.
Read up carefully or take a guide
One of the questions you may ask yourself when visiting Petra is whether you should take a guide or not. A guide can tell you a lot about the history, culture, architecture and help you find your way around Petra. You can book a guided day trip from any city in Jordan. Or find a separate guide (about 50 JD) at the entrance of Petra.
A tour can be quite expensive and it is actually much more fun to explore this beautiful city yourself. We highly recommend that you look up information yourself before your departure to Jordan or perhaps even the evening before your visit to Petra. Also use the offline map of Jordan in Maps.me and pin all the places you want to see. This way you can explore this historic city at your own pace, without being dependent on anyone else. Watching a documentary can really bring your visit to this ancient city to life.
Petra, Jordan | Civilisations – BBC Two
Petra Documentary: Lost City Of Stone – Documentary HD
Visit the most beautiful sights in Petra
These are some of the main attractions in Petra that you should not miss when visiting this wonderful city. There’s plenty more to see and do, so take your time to explore it all. We recommend that you take two full days to visit Petra.
The Siq
This is the narrow gorge that leads to the Treasury and is your first impression of Petra. The Siq is 1.2 kilometers long and has high reddish rock walls that are sometimes only three meters apart. This impressive natural formation gives you the feeling that you have entered another world. Along the way you will come across countless fascinating sculptures and tombs that make you realize how developed this ancient civilization was.
Treasury
One of the absolute highlights of a visit to Petra is the iconic Treasury, also known as Al-Khazneh. This impressive building is carved out of solid rock and serves as the entrance to the city. The Treasury was originally a funerary temple for a Nabataean king, but was later given the name Treasury because it was thought that treasure was hidden in the urn at the top. It is truly breathtaking to see how this ancient masterpiece has been preserved.
Monastery
Another must-see in Petra is the Monastery, also known as Ad Deir. The building is similar to the Treasury, but even larger and more impressive. Originally a funerary temple for a Nabataean deity, it was later used as a church by Christians. To get to the Monastery you have to climb about 900 steps or take the Backdoor Trail via Little Petra. It takes some effort to get there but it is definitely worth it.
The Theater
This is a large theater carved out of the rock in the 1st century AD. It could seat around 8,500 spectators and was used for religious and cultural events. The theater was partially damaged by an earthquake, but still impressive to see.
The Royal Tombes
This is a series of four large and richly decorated facades carved into the rocks along Petra’s main street. The Royal Tombs were probably the final resting places for some Nabataean kings and nobles. Most famous among them are the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb and the Palace Tomb.
The Colonnaded Street
This is the old main street of Petra, which is flanked by columns and buildings. The Colonnaded Street was the center of commercial and social life in Petra. Here you can see and visit the Great Temple, the Nymphaeum, the Byzantine Church and the Archaeological Museum.
High Place of Sacrifice
This is a sacred place where the Nabataeans made ritual sacrifices to their gods. Here you can still see the altars, obelisks and triclinia (banquets) used for these ceremonies. To get to the High Place of Sacrifice, you have to climb about 700 steps. But this is rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of Petra.
Visit Little Petra and take the Backdoor Trail
Another tip for visiting Petra is to also visit Little Petra and follow the Backdoor Trail. Little Petra is free and is located about eight kilometers from Wadi Musa. It is a smaller and lesser known version of Petra. Here you can see some caves and facades carved out of the rocks, but without the tourist crowds. The Backdoor Trail is about five miles long and will take you about two hours. You walk through a beautiful landscape of desert, mountains and cliffs and you encounter few other people. The end of the trail is at the Monastery, one of the highlights of Petra, but also one of the least visited. This way you avoid the long and steep stairs that most tourists have to take to get to the Monastery. You can follow the backdoor trail in three ways:
- Little Petra. The start of the trail can be found on the left of the parking lot at Little Petra. Take a van from the main entrance of Petra or go by taxi.
- The highway. If you come by car or taxi, you can also start at a sign indicating “Petra Hiking Trail” on the side of road. This is approximately the location.
- From Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp. This is a popular accommodation near Little Petra, where you can also start the trail. The starting point is the same as along the highway.
You can do the Backdoor Trail yourself, a guide is not necessary. We recommend that you do this route on the second day of your visit to Petra so that you already have the entrance ticket. Don’t forget to bring your passport and entrance ticket. You will need this to have your Jordan Pass scanned at the checkpoint.
Visit Petra by Night
A special way to experience Petra is to visit it at night. Petra by Night is organized three times a week (on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday). This is a magical event where you walk through the Siq to the Treasury which is illuminated by thousands of candles. At the Treasury you can enjoy traditional music and stories under the starry sky. Petra by Night costs 17 JD per person and lasts approximately two hours. You can buy your ticket at the visitor center or at your hotel. It is mandatory to be in possession of the Jordan Pass or that you have purchased an entrance ticket in advance.
Go as early as possible
To avoid the crowds and the heat, it is advisable to go to Petra as early as possible. Petra is open from six in the morning in both summer and winter. It may seem early, but it’s totally worth it. During the morning, the most important places in Petra – especially the famous Siq and Treasury – start to fill up with tourists. That would really detract from the unique experience. Beat the crowd!
Dress respectfully and comfortably
Petra is located in a desert area, so it can get very hot. Wear light clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, as it is a sacred place for many people. Make sure you dress respectfully and comfortably for your visit to Petra. Wear sturdy shoes because you will be walking and climbing a lot on uneven paths and stairs. Also don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect you from the sun.
Take your passport with you
Another important tip for a visit to Petra is to take your passport with you. You will need this to have your Jordan Pass scanned at the entrance. It is not possible to enter without a passport, even if you have already paid for your Jordan Pass.
Animal rides
If you visit Petra, you will probably get many offers to ride a camel, horse or donkey. While this may sound tempting, there are good reasons not to do this. Many of the animals offered for rides do not receive enough food, water, care or rest. Sometimes they are also treated harshly by their owners. For example, the animals often have injuries or illnesses and usually do not receive the necessary treatment. If you really want to enjoy Petra, we recommend doing it on foot. You will see more, learn more and have more respect for this unique and wonderful place.
Bring water and snacks
Visiting this ancient city can be tiring, so it is important to eat and drink enough. Bring enough water and snacks for your visit to Petra. There are some stalls and cafes where you can buy food and drinks, but they are often expensive and not always of good quality.
Petra will blow you away with its amazing buildings and stunning views. It will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip in Jordan.
