Places to visit in Petra Jordan

Would you believe us if we stated that there is a city influenced by the Nabateans, the Romans, and then a Swiss adventurer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt? In case you’re wondering, Petra is the city that is being discussed. 

Who wouldn’t want to travel to such an intriguing location? The town was named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” in 2008 has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic era and is partially carved into the rock and partially constructed.  It has been on the new Seven Wonders List as the city is renowned for its water conduit system and rock-cut architecture. Petra is also known as Rose City because of the colour of the stone used to carve it.

The “Rose City,” located between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, is also famously known by the name of its numerous caves, temples, and tombs.

See also: Best places to visit in Russia

 

How to reach Petra Jordan

By air: The closest airport to Petra is King Hussein International Airport. Many airlines fly to and from cities in Jordan and other countries, including Jordan Aviation, Nordwind Airlines, Amman Meridiana, Finnair flies, Jetairfly, etc.

By bus: The desert highway connects Petra with Amman, the country’s capital, at a distance of 233 km. Every day, buses leave for Petra from the Wahedat bus station in Amman. However Friday is a holy day for Muslims and is off due to the area’s predominately Muslim population. But some buses still run on Friday mornings.

 

When to visit Petra, Jordan?

The most comfortable seasons for long days of exploration are the spring (March through May) and fall (September through November). In terms of weather, exploring the ruins in the summer and winter can be less pleasant because you’ll be more likely to experience intense heat or erratic rainstorms.

However, if you’re willing to brave the weather, you’ll be rewarded with much less traffic. Having such a well-known tourist destination all to yourself is something special and deserving of consideration. 

Regardless of the season, make sure to pack appropriately. To avoid the heat in the summer, visit Petra in the morning or late in the day. If you go in the winter, pack extra clothing and rain gear.

 

8 Places you must visit in Petra, Jordan

01. Siq

The mysterious passageway known as As-Siq or Siq leads to Petra. Siq, which translates to “shaft” in English, was created when a mountain split in two due to tectonic forces. 

It will be nothing less than a magical and slightly frightful experience to walk down this corridor, where the walls tower over your head. But it’s all worthwhile because As-Siq is one of Petra’s most significant and desirable tourist destinations.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

02 Al Deir

If you consider an excursion incomplete without trying something new, hike to Al-Deir Monastery in Petra, one of the most incredible sites to see in Petra, Jordan. You’ll be surprised by how well-preserved the location is. 

Not only that, but you can also savour some delicious treats while looking out. Try a cup of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice if you prefer eating healthy—you’ll be grateful you did.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

03. Collonaded Street 

To believe it, you must see it. 

Collonaded Street is one of the places to visit in Petra if that’s how you roll. The street, constructed around 106 AD, shows the city’s Roman influence. You can take advantage of this one because Colonnaded Street has shops on both sides and follows the typical layout of an east-west oriented decamanus.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

04. Al- Khazneh

The Al Khazneh, one of the most well-known Petra attractions, is considered the city’s most elaborate and extravagant treasure. Exploring the place will feel like going from light to darkness, but we bet you’ll feel enlightened when you leave. Al Khazneh, which in English translates as “The Treasury,” is one of Petra’s most stunning and serene tourist destinations.

Timings: 9 am– 5 pm (Monday to Thursday and Sunday); closed on Friday and Saturday

 

Source: Pinterest

 

05. Royal Tombs

Have you heard of any unusual cemeteries? If so, that’s awesome! If you haven’t, you ought to go to Petra as soon as possible. Although it has significantly suffered from time and erosion and has somewhat lost its allure, the location is still significant as a historical site. 

This location, which was first constructed as a church and then as a tomb some 400 years apart, was initially constructed for the Nabatean King Malichus II in the first century AD.

Timings: 6:30 am- 6:00 pm

 

Source: Pinterest

 

06. Qasr Al-Bint

One of the most intriguing places to visit in Petra is a 76-foot structure that is thought to be the city’s most significant temple. 

It is known that the walls of Qasr Al-Bint were once brightly painted and embellished with carvings of numerous god busts. 

One of the city’s main Petra attractions and the only freestanding structure is the Qasr al-Bint.

 

Source: Wikipedia

 

07. Petra Theater

The Petra Theater is a rock structure constructed in the first century AD by the Nabateans. It can initially accommodate 3,000 people. When the Romans arrived, the theatre was expanded, and its capacity rose to 7000. 

Unfortunately, the theatre was damaged by an earthquake that occurred in 363 BC, and it was later further dismantled to make way for other buildings. But it continues to rank among the most significant Petra tourist attractions.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

08. High Place of Sacrifice

The High Place of Sacrifice is the one location in Petra you must visit if you want the best views of Jordan. You can hike to the High Place of Sacrifice, one of the most amiable and convenient places to see in Petra, Jordan. 

If you don’t feel like walking, you can ride a donkey for JD 10 instead (Rs 1015). When animal sacrifices were still practised, and there was a need to channel the blood, the location was constructed atop Jebel Madhbah.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

FAQs:

What should be the ideal budget for visiting Petra?

The ideal budget for a week in Petra would be 60JD/day. (1JD-Rs. 114)

Does Petra have a dress code?

Men should avoid wearing shorts because it is considered disrespectful, regardless of whether they are in Amman, visiting Petra, or hiking through the desert. Just be sure to pack pants made of appropriate materials for the weather. Light cotton or linen pants can keep you feeling cool and comfortable even in warm weather.

How much time do you need to spend in Petra?

When visiting Petra, Amman, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, most visitors to Jordan schedule a 5–6 day trip. If you don't want to take advantage of those extensions, a visit to Petra should only take two to three days.