Petra: The Ultimate Guide to the Lost City

Petra is the crown jewel of Jordan and the most visited tourist destination so no visit to the Middle Eastern country is complete without a visit to this ancient city. Famous for its rock-cut architecture carved into pink stone, Petra was known as the ‘‘Rose City’ at its peak. While the city stood abandoned and forgotten for centuries, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open to travelers year-round.

If you want to know how to get to Petra and what to see while there, here’s the ultimate guide for you! Having survived for thousands of years since its construction in the 4th century BC, Petra is a highlight during any trip to Jordan and is fairly easy to get to via public transportation. Located to the southwest of the tourist-friendly destination, you can rest assured that you won’t have any hiccoughs on your road to Petra. 

Besides Petra and its many monuments, there are many more sites to explore and activities to do in the immediate area so plan to spend at least two to three days visiting everything at leisure. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water as you’ll be walking a lot. Mrhbaan! 

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The Legend

The city that would eventually be known as Petra was first established at the foot of Jabal Al-Madbah Mountain as Raqmu, the capital of the Nabataen Kingdom.  A nomadic people who inhabited the area as early as the 4th century BC, their society would continue to flourish as they set up other successful settlements connected by extensive trade routes that branched from the Euphrates River in modern-day Iraq to the Red Sea. Given the arid and frequently barren condition of their surroundings, their presence dominated the area, leading to a consolidation of their power.

The Nabateean’s prosperity resulted in more growth and expansion and, at the height of their civilization, their kingdom was home to tens of thousands of residents. This wealth sparked the construction of several intricate rock-cut monuments embedded into the rose-tinted stone within the Arabah Valley where their stronghold stood. This architectural style was influenced by their interactions with prominent Hellenistic kingdoms throughout the Mediterranean and its beauty would garner the city the name the ‘‘Rose City.’’

It wasn’t until about the 2nd century AD that the Natabataens’ territory would be annexed by the Roman empire and rebranded as Arabia Petraea, a moniker that would stick for eons beyond its conquest. This assimilation would eventually be Natabataens’ downfall as maritime trade routes began to take precedence over land routes, shifting resources away from the landlocked kingdom. A devastating earthquake in 363 AD would strike the final blow as many inhabitants fled the crumbling infrastructure and, by the 7th century, Petra would remain mostly abandoned, a city lost to time.

Petra would be briefly rediscovered by the Crusaders in the 12th century but, as soon as they left it again, it would stay forgotten for roughly the next seven hundred years. The Rose City would fade into antiquity, earning it the new nickname, the ‘‘Lost City,’’ until 1812 when Swiss explorer, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, uncovered its location once more. Burckhardt’s contribution and courage to history can be understated as his journey to Petra would be long and fraught with peril.

Born to a wealthy family of silk merchants, Burckhardt studied study Arabic at Cambridge Univesity before heading to Syria to deepen his understanding of Arabic culture. On the way there when in Malta, the Swissman heard of the unfortunate tale of a German explorer who’d been murdered while attempting to find Petra. Undaunted by the grisly events, Burckhardt continued on to Syria, adopting the alias ‘‘Sheik Ibrahim ibn Abdallah’’ to conceal his European origins. 

However, during his time in Arabia, Burckhardt would be robbed several times by the guides he’d pay to ensure his safety, including the sheik of Karak, which resulted in the Swissman being deserted in the desert. Luckily, he was ultimately saved by a tribe of Bedouins and carried on his journey southward, undeterred. 

Hearing evermore whispers of ancient ruins in the area, Burckhardt would inevitably stumble upon Petra in August 1812, becoming the first European to lay eyes on the lost city in centuries. His rediscovery would eventually cause the area to be excavated as archeological interest grew and, by 1985, Petra would be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. 

These days you can find the ancient city situated in an area known as Wadi Musa, the ‘‘Valley of Moses,’’ named after the legendary biblical figure who allegedly founded the city with a strike of his staff as he guided the Israelites out of the desert. 

 
 

How to Get To Petra

The most convenient way to get to Petra would be by private car but this option can be incredibly pricy given that Jordan is one of the most expensive destinations in the world, with a currency worth more than the euro. Hence, I wouldn’t recommend hiring a driver unless you’re traveling in a group or are very pressed for time. 

The next fastest way would be to rent a car and drive from either Amman, the capital to the north, or Aqaba, the largest city in the south. Again, this is a great option if you’re traveling in a group and want the chance to explore other regions freely as Petra is only a few hours’ drive in either direction.

However, for my fellow eco-backpackers, I implore you to use public transportation instead as it’s clean, affordable, reliable, and more environmentally sustainable. Depending on your starting point, there are a few ways you can reach Petra by bus. 

From Aqaba

If flying into King Hussein Airport (AKA Aqaba Airport), don’t be surprised to be solicited by taxi drivers as soon as you exit, offering to whisk you away to destinations such as Petra or Wadi Rum. As previously mentioned, the fares that taxis will offer are generally exceedingly exorbitant for solo travelers so alternatively plan to stay in Aqaba overnight. You can always spend the day sunbathing at the Red Sea in the meantime!

Via Local Bus

From Aqaba, you can take the local bus or a coach bus to your final destination. While the first option is the cheapest, with fare costing just a few euros, it’s also the most time-consuming as local buses won’t depart until mostly full. This delay can take up to two hours so the local bus is only advisable for the most budget-conscious travelers or those seeking to immerse themselves fully in the local experience. Buses are scheduled to take off between 7 AM to 8 AM from the local bus station next to the police station just east of Princess Salma Park so drop by the day before if possible to confirm the departure time. With frequent stops, the total journey can last between three to five hours so ultimately you get what you pay for.

Via Coach Bus

On the flip side, I suggest splurging a bit on taking a coach bus serviced by JETT Bus, the main bus operator in Jordan. There’s one departure daily from Aqaba to Petra that leaves at around 8 AM (check the timetable here) from the JETT Office just north of McDonald’s on Hussein Street. Conveniently, you can buy tickets online and reserve your seat weeks in advance to save yourself some hassle down the road, with fares starting at about 15JD (20€). The travel time to Petra is between 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

From Amman

The capital of Jordan, Amman, is situated to the north of the country whereas Petra is nestled much further south, though it takes about the same time to reach as leaving from Aqaba (around 3 hours). Similarly, there is only a single coach bus connecting Amman to Petra that departs at about 6 AM (check the timetable here) from JETT’s Abdali Office and costs about 10JD (14€). Again, it’s best to buy your tickets online in advance to secure your seat as this route tends to sell out fairly quickly in high season. 

 
 

Where to Stay in petra

While the main entrance to Petra is located closer to the valley floor, most hotels and similar accommodations were built right onto the surrounding hillsides. This factor means that the further away your lodgings are from the town center, the farther up you have to hike to get back, which might not be an easy feat after a day of trekking around Petra. 

During the day, there’s a taxi stand stationed in front of Petra’s main entrance but in the evening or late at night, it may be more difficult to hail a cab as drivers head home. Therefore, it would be wise for travelers without cars or with reduced mobility to stay as close to the town center as possible.

I’ve tried to highlight the most conveniently-located digs so even for the most able-bodied travelers who won’t mind a bit of a trek, here are the best places to stay in Petra according to your pocketbook:

Cheapest Backpackers Hostels

Rafiki Hostel

This budget-friendly hostel is just the place to be to make new friends thanks to its large communal living room, kitchen, and glass-enclosed rooftop. Guests can choose from private twin, double or triple rooms with city views or shared dormitories of up to 8 beds with ensuite bathrooms. With free bike hire and high-speed WiFi available, Rafiki Hostel is your next home away from home.

Nomads Hostel & Hotel Petra

A great place to get more bang for your buck, Nomads is a franchise whose name is synonymous with comfort, style, and affordability. Visitors traveling in large groups can book beds in their shared dormitory rooms or reserve a private double or triple room. Every room comes with mountain views, central heating, AC, an ensuite bathroom, a complimentary breakfast buffet, and free parking. Watch the sunset from their rooftop terrace or play billiards in their lounge; either way, you’re sure to have a great stay.

Most Budget-Friendly Hotels

Ata Ali Hotel

For travelers seeking a touch of elegance without an extravagant price tag, Ata Ali Hotel is the ideal balance between expense and comfort. Large groups or families can stay in the double or triple room while solo travelers have the option of single rooms, each with mountain views, a mini bar, central heating, AC, and a private bathroom. Sample the complimentary breakfast to start your day off right or head up to their rooftop cafe to watch the sunset to bookend a perfect day of adventure.

Esperanza Petra

Located a stone’s throw away from Petra’s main entrance, Esperanza provides its guests with a full-service experience, including high-speed WiFi, a complimentary breakfast buffet, a shared lounge, and a rooftop terrace. Every suite is deluxe, from single to triple rooms, with the option to upgrade to a double room with a balcony and mountain views. Apart from offering extra-large beds, each room comes with central heating, AC, and a private bathroom to ensure that your stay is as pleasant as possible.

Petra Sky Hotel

This trendy hotel has all the facilities to help you make the most of your holiday. From free parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace to 24-hour reception and room service, you’ll want for nothing when you stay at Petra Sky Hotel. Besides a shared kitchen, the hotel also provides room service, meaning all your needs will be met with just a request. Choose between a single, double, or triple room, each complete with central heating, AC, and an ensuite bathroom, and then dine at the on-site restaurant to kick your tastebuds into overdrive.

Best Mid-Range Lodgings

Petra Boutique Hotel

This chic boutique hotel screams elegance, providing its guests with a variety of amenities, including 24-hour reception, room service, tour packages, a currency exchange as well as an on-site restaurant where you can try out their breakfast buffet. While staying at Petra Boutique Hotel may be a bit of a splurge, the expense is certainly worth it since every room comes fully equipped with air-conditioning, central heating, a dishwasher, and a private bathroom, along with city views. At less than a three-minute walk from Petra’s entrance, what’s not to like?

Petra Elite Hotel

A prestigious 4-star lodge, Petra Elite Hotel is the ideal place for travelers seeking to stay in the lap of luxury without costing an arm and a leg. The spacious suites open to mountain or city views while also featuring a minibar, a fridge, a coffee machine, air-conditioning, central heating, a private bathroom, plus a patio. Apart from 24-hour reception, room service, and a continental breakfast buffet, this posh hotel also houses a lounge, terrace, bar, restaurant, indoor swimming pool, and on-site spa center. Although it’s a tad far from Petra’s main entrance, the opulence is definitely worth the short trek.

Petra Canyon Hotel

You’re bound to fall in love with the lavish digs when you walk into the cushy interior of this boutique hotel. Tucked further away from Petra’s main entrance, Petra Canyon Hotel is where to stay if you want to live the high life without unnecessarily breaking the bank as the 4-star hotel features several amenities such as 24-hour reception, concierge service, tour packages, free parking, a fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool. Each suite comes with a private bathroom, a minibar, air-conditioning, and central heating, but you can also upgrade to a presidential suite with a kitchen, jacuzzi bath, and mountain views. Bask in the beauty of their shared terrace while savoring their breakfast buffet, the perfect start to any day.

Swankiest Boutique Hotels

Old Village Hotel & Resort

For travelers who tend to spare no expense, this prominent resort is just the place to be! Housed in a complex constructed in the 1800s, Old Village Hotel & Resort boasts loads of facilities, like indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 24-hour reception, room service, free parking, a spa center, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. Choose from single rooms to triple rooms or stay in a garden- or city-view suite, with every unit coming complete with a private bathroom, air-conditioning, central heating, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. What more could you ever ask for?

Petra Moon Luxury Hotel

If you’ve ever wanted to be treated like royalty, you can make your travel goals come true at this sophisticated, 5-star hotel. Besides providing guests with 24-hour reception, room service, tour packages, free parking, a currency exchange, a fitness center, a restaurant, and an outdoor swimming pool, each suite comes equipped with an ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, and central heating. Enjoy the mountain views from your window before sampling the breakfast buffet, which offers fare from across the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the UK. With so much to love about Petra Moon Luxury Hotel, you’ll never want to leave!

Mövenpick Petra Resort

Set right near the main entrance to Petra, this marvelous, 5-star resort is the best place to stay for high rollers looking to make the most of their vacation, no matter the cost. Boasting everything from simple rooms to king suites, every unit sports a private bathroom with AC and central heating. As part of a chain, Mövenpick Petra Resort is known for its high caliber and this venue is no exception, featuring a rooftop terrace, lobby bar, tear room, convenience shop, fitness center, game room, outdoor pool, and multiple collaborating restaurants. Between the extravagant digs and concierge service, you might just end up finding your new home away from home. 

 
 

What to Wear in Petra

Resting at 810 meters (about 2700 feet) above sea level, Petra’s elevation among desert mountains and canyons both mean that keeping an eye on the forecast is paramount. While summers tend to be blisteringly hot yet arid, winters are often cold and wet, resulting in flash floods which have led to the deaths of a few tourists over the years. The high altitude also causes the air to be oxygen-poor, possibly leading to elevation sickness or shortness of breath for more delicate travelers. Moreover, the archeological site is equal parts massive and meandering, with several hiking trails that are not at all suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.

Hence, it’s essential to wear comfortable walking shoes as an average trek across the lost city of Petra can take at least two hours, not including the journey back to civilization. Sun rays are typically quite strong year-round so the use of suncream with a high SPF factor is also advisable while bringing water to quench your inevitable thirst is non-negotiable. If visiting in summer, I recommend wearing breezy clothing as temperatures soar by mid-day, easily hitting 35ºC (95ºF), as well as a hat to prevent heat stroke. 

On the other hand, rainy winter days can also be bone-chilling, with thermostats dropping to 5ºC (41ºF) by nightfall (a huge factor if you plan to attend Petra By Night). Whereas winter mornings can be quite frosty regardless of the weather forecast, sunnier days are usually rather warm by mid-afternoon so the best tactic would be to wear layers that can be conveniently removed throughout the day. You’ll definitely want some long johns come sunset, however, so long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants are preferable. 

The last thing you’ll want to do is lost out on your time in the Lost City because you were overdressed or underprepared. Always check the weather forecast, regardless of the season.

 
 

planning your route into petra

Covering a territory of 264 sq. kilometers, Petra is made up of a massive landscape of majestic monuments, hidden tombs, and scenic hiking trails. While many of the landmarks are not suitable to visit for travelers with reduced mobility, as long as you can have a comfortable pair of walking shoes and plenty of water, you should have no problem getting around the vast region.

Petra has two main entrances to its north and south, with the latter being closer to the Vistors’ Office and the town center. Most visitors begin at the southern entrance since it’s also the closest to the most famous sites such as the Treasury, however, beginning on the northern side has many advantages which is why I’ll start there.

Main differences between Petra’s northern and southern entrances

Northern Entrance

Entering from the northern side of Petra entails a bit more steps than the other option but makes for an easier exit and faster route back to Petra’s town center. To get to the northern entrance, you’ll have to take the free shuttle bus to Little Petra (more on that in a bit), whose primary stop is the parking lot behind the tourist office. There, you can find a fleet of minivans that will whisk you away once it’s full enough. The shuttle buses typically run from 9 AM to 3 PM so make sure to ask about the timetable at the Vistors’ Office the day before if possible. You can alternatively ask the driver, although this option leads to little recourse as you won’t be returning the way you came.

Once the minivan has departed, the almost 8-kilometer ride to Little Petra only takes a few minutes as you cruise through the ruggedly gorgeous Jordan countryside. If you’re lucky, after being dropped off at the entrance of Little Petra, there should already be another vehicle (this time an open-air jeep) waiting to transport travelers onward to Petra. If not, feel free to explore Little Petra for a moment as you wait, which should only be a few minutes since jeeps roll through frequently between pick-ups. The jeep is not included in the Jordan Pass and costs around 5JD, which can be paid at the booth to the right of the drop-off point or directly to the driver. You can expect this ride to be bumpy yet exhilarating as the jeep barrels its way over rocky terrain so just make sure to hold onto your hats (literally).

From here, you’ll be deposited at the base of a mountain where you’ll have to hike the paths oscillating through the rugged surroundings. The hike takes around 30 minutes up to an hour, depending on your walking speed (I averaged 40 minutes), with the way being intercut with a mix of hiking trails and stone steps which you’ll have to navigate up and down. Thankfully, there are many refreshment stands (but no bathrooms) located on this route so you can take frequent stops as necessary to really take in the jaw-dropping views of the mountain valley (your girl was speechless and out of breath). 

Eventually, you’ll stumble upon Petra’s second-most famous site, the Monastery, in front of which you’ll find a large rest stop with a restaurant and outdoor seating area as well as bathroom facilities (costs around 1 JD even with a purchase). Just to the right of the monastery, you’ll find the path heading towards the rest of Petra, which consists of several stairs mostly descending toward the valley floor. After an arduous hike, the remainder of the journey through Petra is quite easy and most of the paths are lined with vendors’ stalls, selling cheaper Petra souvenirs than the ones you can get at the far end of the ruins. The Treasury is the last landmark you’ll come across, making for the perfect end to a day already filled with so much beauty.

SIDENOTE: Noticed how I never mentioned needing to validate your entry ticket after arriving at the Monastery? Wonder why that might be?

Southern Entrance

In comparison, the northern entrance is accessible directly from the town center, just past the red ‘I Heart Petra’ sign. Continuing on, you’ll find the Vistors’ Office in the area to your left where you can purchase entry tickets (entering with the Jordan Pass is the best option, though) as well as book tours with certified local guides (a pricy experience but worth it for gaining more context into Nabaeten society). 

From there, you can continue through the lobby toward the right to get to the turnstile leading into Petra where you’ll have to check your ticket (seemingly not a requirement at the other entrance?). The open terrain is fairly flat on the path at that point but after a few dozen meters, you’ll come upon the mouth of a deep canyon where the walls of the valley tower several meters tall, a passage known as As Siq. 

In total, you’ll have to walk just over a kilometer through the winding cliff faces until you spot a clearing in the distance, bringing you right up to Petra’s most visited landmark, the Treasury. The rest of the ruins lay on the large path to the right of the Treasury but exiting from the other side won’t be nearly as easy as entering the site since most monuments from here on out will be on an upward incline, meaning you’ll have to be prepared to trek from place to place a bit (the increasingly stunning views definitely merit the effort).

The main drawback to entering from Petra’s southern entrance means that there are only two ways to make it back to the town center; either, returning the way you came or hiking up, out, and through the mountains via the northern route (read more on this here) until you come to the stop for the jeep to take you to Little Petra. The only problem is there might not be a guarantee that there is a jeep coming for you, depending on the hour, and the last shuttle bus from Little Petra to the town center usually stops at 3 PM, meaning you’ll have to make it back by then or walk around another 8 kilometers back. However, if you have a car, you can always leave it parked at Little Petra and explore Petra’s sister city afterward. Nevertheless, these issues are all my biggest reasons for recommending that you enter from the northern entrance instead but you can decide whichever route works best for you.

 
 

Top Attractions in Petra

As a Wonder of the Modern World, Petra is full of marvels to visit, each more breathtaking than the last. While I couldn’t begin to them all justice history-wise (here’s an amazing video that does, however), below you’ll find the most notable monuments that just cannot be missed, listed in order from north to south:

Ad Deir (The Monastery)

Measuring over 48 meters tall and 47 meters wide, the Monastery is one of Petra’s signature landmarks and the first one you’ll come across when you enter from the Lost City’s northern entrance. Erected in the early 2nd century AD under the rule of the Nabataen king, Rabel II, the building consisted of a wide central space beset by benches on the sides and an altar at the rear. It also served many purposes during its prolific lifetime, first being used as a meeting place for religious organizations before eventually being converted into a Christian chapel, earning its current moniker.

BONUS TIP: You can find the monastery right across from one of Petra’s only rest stops for the next few kilometers. 

The Lion Triclinium

This monument is revered for the figures carved around its keyhole-shaped doorway, particularly the pair of lions from which it got its name. The space was constructed around the mid-1st century AD as a place for ritual banquets honoring local deities and ancestors, with a necropolis for burials located on the rock terrace just to its left. While the round window at the top of the doorframe has long since collapsed, resulting in the doorway’s current shape, the floral decoration on its main arch still endures.

Qasr al-Bint 

Dating back to the early 1st century AD, these ruins were once Petra’s most prominent temple which was dedicated to Dushara, the god of the Nabataean royal family and the ‘‘Lord of the Mountain.’’ The temple’s squarish shape rests perched on a dais, standing about 23 meters high, and was accessible via a staircase comprising 26 marble footsteps. Roughly translated to the ‘‘Castle of the Pharoah,’’ the temple was a novel example of Nabataean architecture, heavily influenced by Eastern and Greco-Roman elements.

BONUS TIP: The temple is located right near one of Petra’s biggest rest stops that also houses a buffet restaurant and public toilets. 

The Great Temple

Situated in central Petra, the Great Temple was the largest building in the ancient city, spanning over 7000 sq, kilometers, and what remains of the rectangular complex’s 15-meter columns suggests that it once stood at least 18 meters high. The complex was constructed in the 1st century BC though, despite its name, it was predominantly used for administrative purposes rather than as a religious site. Once one of the most stunning buildings in Petra, decorated with vibrant frescoes, detailed floor mosaics, and a colonnaded courtyard, ‘‘the temple’’ is still a wonder to behold even centuries beyond its downfall.

The Church

This Byzantine church is located along Petra’s famed Colonnaded Street and has stood for eons as a prime example of Eastern Roman architecture. The basilica was built in the 5th century AD using a mix of stones from Nabataean and Roman buildings that had been devastated by a massive earthquake in 363 AD. Unfortunately, the church would burn down in the 7th century AD and subsequent earthquakes would bury the site in ruins, ultimately preserving its exquisite mosaics as they waited to be unearthed centuries later. 

FUN FACT: While the church mostly featured rock-carved Nabataean influences, the various mosaics draw their inspiration from Hellenistic and Roman styles.

The Colonnaded Street

One of the most iconic landmarks in Petra, this column-lined pathway is impossible to miss and worthy of reverence. Formerly functioning as Petra’s main shopping street (like Paris’ Champs Élysées), the walkway runs parallel to the valley floor, with a sweeping staircase that starts from the Great Temple’s equally colonnaded courtyard and leads to the Nymphaeum. Although over the millennia it has most of the stone cobbling that earned it its distinction, the Colonnaded Street still acts as the heart of the Rose City, even centuries after it was abandoned to time.

The Nymphaeum

This semi-circular structure formerly functioned as a public fountain located at the junction between Wadi Musa and Wadi Al-Mataha. Only the fountain’s fountains have been left behind over time yet make sure to note the remains of the six decorated Nabataean columns that used to surround it. While it might be hard to envision the once resplendent architecture (visit the Nymphaeum in Jerash for comparison), the fountain’s prominence can’t be overlooked given its key positioning along Colonnaded Street.

FUN FACT: The wild pistachio tree shading the ruins of the fountain is over 450 years old!

The Theater

This grand amphitheater is one of the most striking landmarks in Petra, whose beauty is best observed from above to truly take in its scale. Located at the end of the Street of Facades, the 1st century AD theatre was the largest public venue that was frequently used for cultural events. The structure was carved into the side of the mountain at the base of the High Place of Sacrifice, taking inspiration from Roman architectural styles to better enhance the acoustics. Made up of three rows of seats divided by seven passageways, seven staircases also lead upward, guiding up to 4 thousand spectators at a time.

FUN FACT: While all Roman and Hellenistic theaters are built of stones and other materials, Petra’s theater is the only one in the world to be carved into stones, a distinctly Nabataean trait.

The Royal Tombs

Some of the most impressive monuments in Petra are the Royal Tombs, towering behemoths whose ornate facades were carved into rock right in the heart of central Petra over 2000 years ago. Chiseled directly into the foot of al-Khubtha Mountain, this site is named for the four large chambers that once functioned as mausoleums for the Nabataean elites. Among these chambers are:

  • Urn Tomb - a terraced tomb that eventually served as a Byzantine church; accessible via various flights of stairs

  • Silk Tomb - a tomb noteworthy for the vibrant, swirling colors of its sandstone facade, from which it gets its name

  • Corinthian Tomb - a badly weathered tomb that once bore similar architectural influences as the Treasury

  • Palace Tomb - a massive tomb with a multi-storied facade that might have been used for royal funerals

Perched high on the mountainside, these royal final resting places are easily visible throughout central Petra and are one of the highlights of any trip through the breathtaking ruins.

High Place of Sacrifice

Requiring 800 steps to reach the summit of Jebel Madbah Mountain, the steep climb is certainly worth the view from the top at about 170 meters high. This ancient religious site was primarily used to sacrifice animals to the Nabataean god, Dushara, and features a pool for gathering the rainwater used by priests as well as two altars, one of which could’ve been used for collecting drained animal blood. You can expect the hike up the rock-cut steps to take a solid half-hour if not more, with several breathtaking landmarks along the way including 6-meter obelisks carved right out of the mountaintop.

BONUS TIP: There are two main paths leading to High Place of Sacrifice; the first is via the sandstone steps which start between the Theatre and the Street of Facades (look out for signs) and wind up through a dried ravine; the other is down the western cliff of the ridge just past the dilapidated Crusader walls where you’ll eventually come to another path of steps (spot the Lion Monument, Garden Temple, and Solder’s Tomb on your descent).

The Street of Facades

The most famous street in all of Petra, the Street of Facades connects from the center of Petra to the Treasury via a gorge. The pathway was named after the monumental tombs lining the cliff faces, some of which are false facades and others of which scale up several meters off the ground. Many of these tombs were dedicated to senior officials and minor royal family members, however, a few were allocated for less prominent inhabitants. One of the most scenic sights in the Rose City, this street is impossible to miss.

Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)

The most emblematic landmark in the entirety of Petra, the Treasury has earned its right to grace several postcards since its breathtaking facade began gracing the Lost City in the 1st century BC. The building’s immense stature towers nearly 40 meters high, with its beauty unrivaled throughout the ancient ruins as its intricate facade boasts many carved designs, including floral patterns and figurines. Decorated with a funeral urn at its top, the monument derives its name from a local Bedouin legend about the treasure of an Egyptian pharaoh that was supposedly hidden within the vessel. No matter which route you take to get to this iconic site, it’s sure to take your breath away.

SIDENOTE: You can expect to see many local Bedouins offering tours of Petra as well as guidance to some of its most mesmerizing views. I was lucky enough to get to know a few of them as well as befriend the owner of the cafe just in front of the Treasury (Merhaba, Faesal!). Most Bedouins are quite honest and hospitable so make sure to negotiate a fair rate for a tour, which would still be far cheaper than a similar tour booked through a tourist agency (consider it helping out the local economy). 

BONUS TIP: To take a photo from above, there are two main paths, one to the left and another to the right when facing the Treasury. The right path is the easiest since it's accessible via stone steps while the one on the left (which arguably offers a better view) takes some scaling, made easier by tipping any of the local Bedouins milling within the area.

As Siq (The Siq)

A deep gorge flanked by 80-meter cliff walls that winds its way through to the heart of Petra, the Siq is an ancient passage formed by the fissure of a mountain that measures between 3 to 12 meters wide. Spanning for over a kilometer from the town of Petra to the Treasury, the main entrance into Petra narrows just as it reaches the ruin’s most famous site, opening onto the captivating building. The Siq is also paved with stones laid by its Nabataean founders and decorated with sacred stones known as the Sabinos Statues that are just as enchanting to discover as the rest of the Lost City.

BONUS TIP: The Siq tends to flood during heavy rainfalls and due to its narrow size, the passage tends to fill with water quickly, which has resulted in a few tourist deaths over the years. Make sure to always check for weather advisories before taking this route into or out of Petra.

Djinn Blocks

These gigantic stone blocks were carved right out of sandstone into different square formations embossed with detailings and easily visible on the path between the Siq and the town. Thought to have been constructed somewhere between the 3rd and 2nd century BC; there are some of the oldest relics in Petra, possibly created to house protective spirits for both the living and the dead. Named for the Djinn (ancient genies) contained within, local superstition against angering the magical entities has likely kept these blocks from damage from local intervention. The magnificent sight is bound to capture your attention on the road to or from Petra.

BONUS: Little Petra

Officially known as Siq al-Barid (translating to ‘‘cold canyon’’), the archeological site known as Little Petra is similar to its counterpart in terms of design and was built around the same time as the Rose City. The main difference between the two places is that, as its nickname suggests, Little Petra is only a fraction of the size yet thankfully is typically much less crowded than its more famous sister. About 8 kilometers north of town, Little Petra is free to enter and accessible via a free shuttle bus from the tourist office. From the bus stop, simply cross the parking lot to enter Little Petra and begin exploring this marvelous, deeply-underrated site. 

 
 

Final Thoughts

There are many activities to thrill and delight you in and around Petra, including eating (and dancing) at the oldest bar in the world. While much of the ruins may be inaccessible to travelers with reduced mobility, those physically able to can hire various forms of transport to usher them around, such as golf carts, horses, and camels. Thanks to their ability to navigate the rocky terrain, the latter is the best option to get around rather than on foot.

Moreover, just within the Visitor’s Center is Petra’s main museum, filled with displays dedicated to honoring the ruins’ most precious artifacts and memorabilia uncovered during its extensive excavation. For an even more magical experience, why not attend Petra by Night, a candle-lit affair accompanied by musical performances of traditional instruments? Although some might find the experience overrated, I stayed until Petra closed and the crowds had cleared to watch the locals set up the show, and having the place nearly all to myself before the hoards descended again was truly unforgettable.

If you do attend the weekly event, make sure to stop by the Cave Bar after for the perfect nightcap. Believed to be the longest-existing establishment of its kind, the restaurant offers some tasty local fare before converting into a bar with live music where you can dance the night away. If you want to grab a bite to eat, Mr. Falafel near the town serves scrumptious authentic cuisine for competitive prices.

Whatever attracted you to Petra, you can rest assured that the real thing holds up to expectations, making for a remarkably memorable experience. Write me when you get there!

May you get lost in the wonder,

M