Petra's Top Sites

Siq- the Siq is a dramatic and awe-inspiring passage between two towering rock walls, and it is the most popular entrance into Petra. It is very captivating to walk as you will marvel at the height of these rocks standing side-by-side with a pathway running through them.
Treasury- at the end of the Siq, you will meet the treasury, a towering and impeccable Nabatean rock preservation. The rock-cut architecture wows many tourists with its unique cut-out.
The Petra Theater and the Colonnaded Street- this theater is a huge, Hellenic-style amphitheater near the Street of Facades. This is what is popularly called the Roman theater. This theater can house up to 8,500 people and it was built before the Roman rule of Jordan in the first century AD. You also get to see Colonnaded Street which is Petra's foremost drag.
Qasr al-Bint- one of the only free-standing buildings in Petra. This gigantic temple is a beauty to behold with its unique stone cut. It was the major place of worship in the Nabatean era.
Royal Tombs and the Street of Facades- this is a major attraction in the Jordan tour of Petra. The Royal Tombs are a collection of particularly large and ornate tombs that are said to have been built for kings and high-class individuals of ancient Jordan. You'll love to see the amazing antique architecture and layout.
The Street of Facades- on the other hand, is a row of more than forty tombs and other structures that cover the cliff walls of the Outer Siq is frequently visited as it allows many tourists to access a few of the royal tombs. So, many tourists ply this route to see some of the tombs.

The Petra Monastery- this is a hilltop temple and the largest structure in Petra. To get to this monastery, you have to trek up 800 stairs. The journey can be very strenuous, but there are spots along the stairway to rest and admire the view of the beautiful Petra expanse.
Petra's High Place of Sacrifice- this site is a ceremonial site and temple that is hoisted on a mountain top. To get to this high place of sacrifice, you'll have to trek up hundreds of stairs near the back of the Roman theater.

Where To Stay in Petra

Wadi Musa is the place you'll most likely reside on your visit to Petra. Petra is known for the high influx of tourists during the busy festive season, which is why there are a variety of lodging options in Wadi Musa. If you especially want luxury and the most exotic lodging, your best bet is Movenpick Hotel. This luxurious hotel sits just outside the Petra expanse. It has elegant five-star rooms and beautiful Arabesque architecture. You could stay here, sipping exotic drinks while overlooking the view of Petra in the rooftop garden.
The new P Quattro Hotel in Downtown Wadi Musa and the Petra Moon Hotel, are all close to the Petra entrance. These hotels are not as expensive and luxurious as Movenpick Hotel, but they offer amazing interior design and top-class services.

If you want to stay closer to Petra, look no further than the Petra Guest House, just as the name has it! The Petra Guest House is located inside Petra. Many tourists usually pick the Petra Guest House over others due to its proximity. That aside, the Petra Guest House has large, comfortable, and beautiful rooms. The Petra Guest House houses the famous Cave Bar, where many enjoy the nights with exotic foods and drinks.
Another option is the Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp. This is the best option for people that love to camp a distance away from the main site. It is about 10km away from Petra. If you also like antique furniture and interior, this is the place for you as it is built with culturally immersive pieces of the Jordanian culture.

The Feel of Petra By Night

Petra feels special at night, which is why many tourists wait till evening to experience Petra at night. At night, you'll have the opportunity to experience the dramatic walls of Siq lit up by candle lights. You can then find a seat in front of the gigantic Petra Treasury for a sip of Jordanian tea while you enjoy the melodies of traditional Bedouin music under the starry clouds!

Best Time To Visit Petra

The summer and winter are especially very hot in Petra. If you visit during those periods, you are most likely going to get uncomfortable. The spring and fall are the best periods to visit Petra as the warm weather is less harsh and more comfortable. On the other hand, some might still choose the winter and/or summer to visit due to the smaller crowd influx. You might want to consider this to enjoy the beautiful scenery in some quiet and tranquility. One thing is certain, you will find Petra worth the while. So, before you visit, examine yourself; can you hope with the heat? Do you prefer fewer crowds? Then choose the time that would best suit your preferences.

Brief History

Petra is a Greek word meaning, "rock." The history of Petra dates back to a hundred centuries of human settlement. In ancient times, Petra was a farm settlement that the hunter-gatherers of the Paleolithic Age gave away, over nine thousand years ago living in the walled farming town of Beidha, north of Petra. The major developmental era of Petra came with the contact attempt between the two great powers of Mesopotamia and Egypt. The desert plateau of Mesopotamia was sealed off by high mountains from the routes both across the Naqab to Gaza and across the Sinai to Egypt. A major transport route had to be built if contact was to be made. Petra then turned out to be the best choice,
taking the spot on the north-south King's Highway, where an east-west passage could connect the two empires.