Petra
Overview
Venture into Petra, Jordan's legendary 'Rose City,' a breathtaking archaeological marvel carved directly into vibrant sandstone cliffs. Walk through the dramatic Siq gorge to witness the iconic Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) emerge, then explore the vast Monastery and countless tombs that tell tales of the ancient Nabataean civilization.
Best Time to Travel
Best Months
March to May and September to November
During the best months, expect pleasant daytime temperatures (20°C-30°C/68°F-86°F) and cooler evenings. Rainfall is minimal, and the skies are generally clear.
Months to Avoid
June to August - excessively hot temperatures (often exceeding 35°C/95°F) can make exploring uncomfortable; December to February - cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain and flash floods, potentially leading to site closures.
Consider visiting during other months
Peak Season
March, April, October, and November (especially around holidays)
Expect larger crowds and higher prices
Top Things to Do
Ad-Dayr
Petra
Tomb of High Priest Aaron
The Treasury
Petra Museum
Moa Winery - יקב מואה
דרכי מדבר - טיולי גיפים, סנפלינג, מנהלות בערבה, עין יהב
Dana Biosphere Reserve
טיולי תומקר - חוויה מוטורית בערבה desert ride
Shobak Castle
Al-Siq
Nabatean Theatre
Winged Lion Temple
Great Temple
Byzantine Church Petra
Blue Church
Qasr al-Bint
Silk Tomb
Palace Tomb
Tomb of 'Unayshu
Little Petra Bedouin Camp
אירוח פארן B&B כפרי בערבה
Route 90
استراحة الوسط Halfway Rest stop and Bedouin kitchen
Recommended Hotels
Recommended Restaurants
Flower Petra ( Bedouin local food )
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Al-Maeda Restaurant
Local Cuisine
Wadi Musa
Authentic Jordanian dishes served in a traditional setting, perfect for experiencing local flavors. Their mansaf and maqlooba are highly recommended.
My Mom's Recipe Restaurant
Middle Eastern
Wadi Musa
A family-run restaurant offering home-style Middle Eastern cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Expect generous portions and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The Cave Bar
International / Bar
Petra Visitor Center Area
Located within a Nabataean tomb, the Cave Bar offers a unique dining experience with international dishes and a wide selection of drinks. A popular spot for evening drinks and casual meals.
Oriental Restaurant
Local Cuisine / Grill
Wadi Musa
Known for its grilled meats and traditional Jordanian dishes, Oriental Restaurant provides a satisfying and flavorful dining experience. They offer outdoor seating with views of the surrounding mountains.
Basin Restaurant (inside Petra)
Buffet / International
Inside Petra
Located inside the Petra archaeological site, this restaurant offers a buffet-style lunch with a variety of international and Middle Eastern dishes. Convenient for a midday break during your Petra exploration.
Red Cave Restaurant
Local Cuisine / Italian
Wadi Musa
Serving a mix of Jordanian specialties and Italian classics, Red Cave Restaurant caters to a variety of tastes. Their pizzas and local stews are popular choices.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 - Petra wasn't 'lost' as commonly believed; local Bedouin tribes always knew of its existence, though its location remained largely unknown to the Western world until 1812 when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt 'rediscovered' it.
Fact 2 - The Nabataean's sophisticated hydraulic engineering system allowed them to thrive in the arid desert. They carved intricate canals, dams, and cisterns that could store over 40,000 cubic meters of water, a testament to their advanced understanding of water management.
Fact 3 - While numerous tombs exist, only around 1% of Petra's structures have actually been excavated. The vast majority of the city remains buried, holding untold secrets of the Nabataean civilization.
Fact 4 - The Monastery (Ad Deir) is larger than the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), despite the Treasury being more iconic. The Monastery stands at an impressive 45 meters high and 50 meters wide, dwarfing the Treasury.
Fact 5 - The distinctive colors of Petra's sandstone, ranging from deep reds to yellows and purples, are not painted on, but are naturally occurring due to different mineral deposits within the rock itself. These variations create the mesmerizing patterns visible throughout the city.
Fact 6 - While often considered a city of tombs, Petra was a vibrant hub of commerce. Archaeological evidence suggests bustling markets, residential areas, and even wineries existed, proving it was much more than just a necropolis.
Fact 7 - The Nabataean language, spoken in Petra, gradually evolved into a form of Arabic. Many Arabic script features can be traced back to the Nabataean alphabet.
Fact 8 - Legend has it that the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) got its name because locals believed an Egyptian Pharaoh hid his treasure inside the urn at the top. This explains the bullet marks on the urn, made by treasure hunters trying to break it open!