Petra, the “Rose City” of Jordan, is one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Carved into red sandstone cliffs by the Nabateans over 2,000 years ago, this ancient city offers breathtaking monuments, hidden trails, and unforgettable desert scenery for every traveler.
1. Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
Why visit: Petra’s most famous monument, with intricate carvings and a majestic façade emerging from the cliffs.
Highlights: – 40-meter-tall rock façade – Carved Hellenistic details – Featured in Indiana Jones
Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry: Included in Petra ticket (JD 50–60)
2. The Siq
Why visit: A narrow, winding gorge that serves as the grand entrance to Petra.
Highlights: – Towering canyon walls – First glimpse of the Treasury – Geological formations
Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry: Included in Petra ticket
3. The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
Why visit: A massive rock-cut monument perched atop a mountain, offering a stunning reward after a long hike.
Highlights: – 800-step climb – Panoramic views – Impressive architecture
Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry: Included in Petra ticket
4. Royal Tombs
Why visit: A cluster of grand tombs carved into cliffs, showcasing Nabatean craftsmanship.
Highlights: – Urn Tomb – Silk Tomb – Corinthian and Palace Tombs
Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry: Included in Petra ticket
5. Street of Facades
Why visit: A dramatic row of burial chambers and houses lining the main entrance after the Siq.
Highlights: – Dozens of rock-cut tombs – Early Nabatean architecture – Photogenic setting
Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry: Included in Petra ticket
6. High Place of Sacrifice
Why visit: A sacred mountaintop altar offering history and some of the best views in Petra.
Highlights: – Ancient sacrifice site – Panoramic lookout – Desert trails
Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry: Included in Petra ticket
7. Petra Church and Mosaics
Why visit: A Byzantine-era church with well-preserved floor mosaics and a rich religious history.
Highlights: – Colorful geometric mosaics – Christian symbols – Excavated columns
Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry: Included in Petra ticket
8. The Great Temple
Why visit: One of the largest architectural complexes in Petra, offering insight into Nabatean urban life.
Highlights: – Restored columns – Stone staircases – Archaeological significance
Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry: Included in Petra ticket
9. Colonnaded Street
Why visit: A Roman-style boulevard that was once Petra’s bustling commercial center.
Highlights: – Stone-paved street – Market ruins – Temples and fountains
Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry: Included in Petra ticket
10. Petra by Night
Why visit: A magical experience where the Siq and Treasury are lit by thousands of candles.
Highlights: – Candlelit path – Traditional Bedouin music – Unforgettable atmosphere
Timing: 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM (Mon, Wed, Thu)
Entry: JD 17 (not included in day ticket)
