Petra, the Nabataean city in Jordan, is one of those pilgrimage-worthy stops that take travelers to a different place in time. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and New Seven Wonder of the World is a must for any itinerary.
For people that want to know what to do in Petra Jordan, Petra Nights Tours offers this Petra travel guide, with a listing of the top things to do in Petra. So you can plan your visit in advance to have a great experience. Whether you are walking through the Siq or admiring the Monastery Ad-Deir, our Petra tours and activities are designed to ensure every second is memorable.
For those who are planning for Jordan tours these are the seven bests things to see in Petra designed by Petra Nights Tours to set you in the mood to come to Jordan.
Discover its dramatic entryway, the 1.2-km long Siq, a narrow canyon that leads to Petra. Its towering walls curl around Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, made famous in Indiana Jones and a million Instagram photos. That first peep through the rocks is pure magic.
Petra Nights Tours suggests starting at dawn when the temperature is cooler and it is less crowded. The flat 20-minute walk is child’s play, with ingeniously built ancient Nabataean water channels lining the route. This is one of the best things to do in Petra Jordan.
Bring water and sturdy shoes. The shade in the Siq helps, but at the Treasury the sun is fierce. It’s a key site in Petra not to be missed.
The Monastery, also known as Ad-Deir, is Petra’s secret treasure hidden up in the mountains. Taller than the Treasury, and also less busy, it requires 800 steps to get to the top from the main trail. The breathtaking vistas of Petra’s rugged cliffs are worth every step.
Petra Nights Tours recommends this 45-minute hike. For more active travelers there is the option to trek from Little Petra to the Monastery, a less frequented route. After reaching your destination, you find a little cafe where you can buy a refreshing mint tea, which makes a welcome respite.
No additional charge, apart from Petra’s admission fee. Hikes were taken in the morning to avoid the heat of midday. It’s one of the best things to do in Petra if you love adventure.
Make sure to incorporate this into your Jordan tour packages with Petra Nights Tours for insights from the experts. It’s a top thing to do in Jordan.
The Royal Tombs, carved into cliffs along Petra’s main thoroughfare, exhibit Nabataean art. The Urn Tomb, The Silk Tomb and The Palace Tomb have its own distinctive burial designs which likely provide clue of royalty burials in a distant past.
Petra Nights Tours recommends an hour here - no intense hiking required. The rose-red facades receive a golden glow from the sunset and make for great photo ops. These are among the best things to do in Petra for history lovers.
Included in Petra’s entry fee. Our Petra tours, we introduce our guides who give an insight of the tombs’ history.
Pair with other nearby attractions for a day of discovery on our Jordan tours.
4. Visit the Petra Theatre
The Petra Theatre, cut into a cliff, used to hold 8,000 people. Dating to the 1st century, is a mixture of Nabataean and Roman style. Climbing the stairs provides a beautiful view of Petra’s valley.
This brief 15-minute stop is highly recommended by Petra Nights Tours. Imagine performances that sound from deep inside those rocks. It is located along the main trail so it’s an easy trip.
Free with Petra entry. Come midmorning to escape tour groups. It’s a gem among the top things to do in Petra.
Our Jordan tours combine this with other important highlights for a smooth visit.
Beyond the Treasury is the Street of Facades, where smaller tombs and dwellings are carved into the rocks. It’s like walking back in time to an old neighborhood, showcasing diverse designs reflecting daily life as a Nabataean.
The logistics: Petra Nights Tours recommends a leisurely 30-minute stroll to see details such as carved niches. Morning light adds a desirable pop to photos; the flat path is accessible to all types of travelers.
Included in Petra’s entry fee. This is a top choice for what to do in Petra Jordan if you are on Petra tours and activities and are looking for genuine history.
Combine it with the Treasury or theater for a morning loop with. It is a lovely addition to Jordan things to do.
6. Make an Ascent to the High Place
The High Place of Sacrifice, a holy hilltop altar, provides panoramic vistas and glimpses into Nabataean rituals. The 40-minute climb up is steep but well-trodden, an altar and obelisks await at the summit.
Petra Nights Tours recommends early starts to beat both sun and crowds. From here, the descent to Wadi Farasa exposes additional tombs and gardens – an unexpected bonus. Bring water and a hat.
No extra charge other than entry to Petra. This is a must-do adventurous thing to do in Petra Jordan and is one of the best places to visit in Petra.
This hike is part of our Jordan tours for those who are yearning for history and views.
As night falls, it transforms the Siq and the Treasury into a candlelit wonderland illuminated by thousands of candles. And the Bedouin musicians and storytellers conjure up a mystical night ideal for romantics and culture lovers.
If you are here in the warm months on any day from Sunday to Thursday, one of the best things to do in Petra is to experience a magical evening at this spot. The ticket price is 30 Jordanian Dinar per person.
Petra is not a site but instead a journey through history. It is the ultimate attraction, both for its size and beauty and is therefore the main attraction of all Jordan travel packages. Whether you are hiking, photographing or soaking up ancient stories, Petra is irresistible.
We’ve explored every nook of Petra at Petra Nights Tours, from the narrow Siq path that leads to its entrance, through its outer valley and past Al-Khubtha mountain’s summit; there’s no place in Petra that we don’t know, and its minutiae - a carved camel, a concealed cave - never ceases to thrill.
Our personalized Petra tours and activities let you experience the best of the world wonder - your way, from must-does to epic hidden gems.
If you have extra time, check out Little Petra (free, 10 minutes away) for a quieter Nabataean site. The Petra Museum is part of your ticket, focusing on Nabataean culture with intriguing artifacts.
Purchase tickets online to prevent queuing, then take the stony Al-Khubtha Trail towards a top-down view of the Treasury (2 hours, challenging) with the opportunity for a more in-depth trek in the company of a local. Foodies will want to sample Bedouin tea or the national dish Mansaf at one of the local restaurants in Wadi Musa.
You can support the local Bedouin merchants by purchasing their handmade jewelry or a small trinket. Minimize plastic by using refillable water bottles. The carvings are for admiring, not touching, and the hand-chiseled lettering will inspire a few Arabic lessons, like “shukran” (thank you) for striking up conversations with locals.
The combination of adventure, history, space and beauty in Petra is unique. Quieter than other wonders of the world, it comes with the freedom to wander. Our Jordan tour offers and Jordan holidays packages elevates Petra as the centerpiece of your trip, and you can mix in a trip to Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, or Amman’s Citadel for a full things to do experience in Jordan.
Ready to uncover Petra’s wonders? Petra Nights Tours has tailor-made Jordan travel packages as well as Petra tours and activities for independent travelers, families and private groups. From day trips to multi-day expeditions, we deliver a smooth and memorable experience. Get in touch with us to organize your Petra day trip!
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