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Things to see and do in Petra

Petra – The City That Makes Indiana Jones Look Underwhelmed

Petra is not a place — it’s a miracle carved by a lost civilisation into blood-red sandstone cliffs. You walk a narrow canyon for twenty minutes, heart pounding, then the Siq suddenly opens and the Treasury punches you in the soul. Two thousand years ago the Nabataeans turned solid rock into palaces, tombs, and temples while controlling the incense trade of the ancient world. Then they vanished. Today, Bedouin tea sellers whistle in doorways older than Jesus, candles flicker along 2,000-year-old steps, and every corner feels like the set of the greatest movie never made. This is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — and it still feels like the best-kept secret on Earth.

Top Activities and Experiences in Petra

These are the moments that ruin all other travel forever.

First Glimpse of the Treasury through the Siq

Walk the 1.2 km canyon as the walls close in to barely a metre wide, then watch Al-Khazneh slowly appear like a mirage — the single most cinematic moment in archaeology.

Monastery (Ad-Deir) at Golden Hour

Climb 850 ancient steps carved into the cliff, turn the final corner, and stand speechless before the largest façade in Petra while the sun turns the mountain rose-gold.

Petra by Night

Walk the candle-lit Siq under a blanket of stars, sit in front of the Treasury glowing by 1,800 paper lanterns, and listen to Bedouin flute and rababa echo off 2,000-year-old stone.

Sunset from the Royal Tombs

Climb to the Urn Tomb balcony and watch the entire valley turn molten red while the call to prayer drifts up from Wadi Musa below.

Tea with a Bedouin in a 2,000-Year-Old Cave

Accept any invitation — suddenly you’re drinking cardamom tea inside a tomb painted with Nabataean frescoes while goats bleat on the roof.

Back Door Hike (Little Petra to Monastery)

Enter through Siq al-Barid with almost no tourists, walk a secret Bedouin trail, and arrive at the Monastery from above like the ancients did.

Ready to Walk Through 2,000 Years of Silence and Wonder?

Petra doesn’t reveal itself — it lets you discover it, one breathless step at a time. Ahlan wa sahlan — welcome to the rose-red city!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Petra

What are the absolute must-do experiences in Petra?

The first glimpse of the Treasury through the Siq, the Monastery hike at golden hour, Petra by Night, sunset from the Royal Tombs, and drinking tea with a Bedouin inside a 2,000-year-old cave are the experiences that people remember for a lifetime.

How many days should I spend in Petra?

You need a minimum of two full days: one day for the classic route (Siq → Treasury → main trail) and one day for the big hikes (Monastery, High Place of Sacrifice, or the back-door trail). Three days is perfect if you want to explore slowly and catch different light.

When is the best time to visit Petra?

The best times are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when temperatures are pleasant and the light is golden. Summer can exceed 40 °C at midday, and winter nights are cold.

Is Petra by Night worth doing?

Yes, it is one of the most magical experiences on Earth. The Siq is lit by 1,800 candles, the Treasury glows under lantern light, and Bedouin music echoes off the rocks (only on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday).

What are the best day trips from Petra?

Wadi Rum (1.5 hours), Little Petra (15 minutes), Dana Biosphere Reserve, and Shobak Castle are the most popular and spectacular day trips.

Where is the best place to stay near Petra?

The Mövenpick is literally steps from the entrance gate and perfect for luxury. For a cave experience, try Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp. Budget travellers love Rocky Mountain Hotel, and Petra Moon has excellent rooftop views.

Is Petra safe for tourists?

Petra is extremely safe. The Bedouins are protective of visitors, and tourism is the lifeblood of the region.

Should I buy the Jordan Pass?

Yes, absolutely. The Jordan Pass includes your visa, entry to Petra (1-, 2-, or 3-day options), and entry to over 40 other sites in Jordan. It saves a lot of money and time.

What are the best photo spots in Petra?

The classic Treasury reveal through the Siq, the view from above the Treasury on the Al-Khubtha trail, the “best view” rock opposite the Monastery, and the Royal Tombs at sunset are the most breathtaking photo locations.

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Places to Visit

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

The iconic 40-metre façade that appears like a hallucination after the Siq — carved in the 1st century BC, still perfect after 2,000 years.

The Monastery (Ad-Deir)

Even bigger than the Treasury, reached by an 850-step climb — worth every drop of sweat.

The Siq

1.2 km natural canyon with walls up to 200 m high — water channels, votive niches, and colours that change every minute.

Royal Tombs

Four massive tombs glowing pink and orange at sunset — the Urn Tomb has a cavernous interior you can walk inside.

High Place of Sacrifice

Steep but short hike to an altar with 360° views — the place where Nabataeans sacrificed to their gods.

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)

Free mini-Petra 15 minutes north — painted ceiling in the “Painted House” and almost no tourists.

Suggested itineraries featuring Petra

Escape to Petra

Escape to Petra

3 Days | From $549

Jordan
Amman | Petra
Magic of Jordan

Magic of Jordan

6 Days | From $1149

Jordan
Amman | Petra | Wadi Rum | Dead Sea
Gems of Jordan

Gems of Jordan

9 Days | From $1599

Jordan
Amman | Petra | Aqaba

Accommodation choices for Petra

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Taybet Zaman
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Introducing Taybet Zaman Hotel & Resort Village, a uniquely modern interpretation of 19th Century Jordan nestled in a luxurious five-star setting. True to the style of the village homes in which Taybeh's original inhabitants once lived, each of the stunning resort's 102 guest rooms and suites, including a grand Royal Suite, are unique. Imagine. Constructed of thick stone walls that magically keep cool through the harsh summers and warm during the winters, the houses' windows and doors are adorned with rustic shutters of weathered arrowroot wood. Inside, supporting arches are still blackened by fires of long ago. Furnishings are comfortable, yet remain true to 19th Century style with an exotic dash of Arab indulgence. Luxurious modern amenities complement the rustic accommodations. All of Taybet Zaman's climate-controlled rooms feature private bathrooms with hairdryers, satellite televisions with remote control, direct-dial telephone service, well-stocked mini-bars, 24-hour room service, and access to secure safe-deposit boxes. Well-tended walkways meander through the resort, ultimately leading to the old village center, with its original water-well and marble benches. Vivid bougainvillea vines cascade over the stone walls and grand archways, creating vibrant natural artwork at every turn. The area comes alive every night, with regularly scheduled entertainment and a wide variety of food and beverage establishments to fulfill a guest's every need.

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Petra Palace
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A 5-minute walk from the entrance to the ancient rock-cut city of Petra, this casual, stone-built hotel is also a 5-minute walk from the Petra Visitor Center. Straightforward rooms with simple furnishings offer satellite TV, minifridges and safes. Some overlook the Petra Mountains; others have pool, courtyard and/or garden views. Kids age 6 and under stay free with a paying adult. Breakfast and parking are complimentary. Other amenities include a rustic bar, and a buffet restaurant serving Jordanian, Middle Eastern and international cuisine. There's also a hammam, 2 outdoor pools and a landscaped garden.

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Hyatt Zaman
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Formerly an ancient village called Taybeh, this 5-star resort offers stunning views of the Sharah Mountain Range. Facilities include a fitness room, a traditional hammam, and an outdoor pool. The air-conditioned rooms at Hyatt Zaman Hotel & Resort feature modern amenities combined with traditional decorations. All rooms have a seating area, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar. Some rooms have an en suite bathroom with a whirlpool. Hyatt Zaman has several restaurants offering authentic Arabian dishes as well as international cuisine. Guests can enjoy an evening cocktail at the garden bar. The resort’s hammam features original Ottoman features and offers professional massages. There is also a handicraft souk, and a small shop selling a selection of incense, tea, hand soaps, and body creams. The well-tended walkways of the resort lead to the old village center, with its original water-well and marble benches.

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