Things to do in Petra

Things to do in Petra

Petra is established around 6^th century B.C by the Nabataean Arabs and a major caravan centre during the Hellenistic and Roman period.

Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

This spectacular treasure of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a huge site with impressive inscriptions and history.

A standard tour in Petra mainly covers; the Siq, Treasury, Street of Facades, Royal Tombs and Pharaoh’s Castle (Qasr Al Bint). 

This post will give you an idea of other suggested things that might interest you to do while in Petra.

Hike the Monastery Al Deir

The Monastery is beautifully carved although less decorated than the Treasury. The size of the Al Deir is 50m in high and 45m in wide. The path starts behind the Basin restaurant and Nabatean Museum. It’s about an hour climb (about 800 steps). 

Monastery Al Deir

Hike the High Place of Sacrifice & Wadi Al-Farasa

If you feel a bit adventurous, wants to avoid the crowd and get an idea of the size of Petra then hike the High Place of Sacrifice, the main steps begins before the Amphitheatre. The High Place is situated at the top of a mountain. You’ll see some less visited monuments as you walk back down to Wadi Al-Farasa. 

High Place of Sacrifice

Hike to view the Treasury from above (Al-Khubtha trail)

After the Royal Tombs follow the signs to Khubtha, until you find a stairs with wide steps at the start and gets a little steeper as you continue. Keep on walking up until you come to the top of the stair way. Here you’ll have a nice view of the Theatre below. To view the Treasury you take the trail downhill to the left of the tea shop until you reach the rewarding view of the Treasury from above.

Treasury from Above

Hike from Little Petra to Monastery Al Deir

From the bizarre landscape of Little Petra we cross the Baida region towards the Petra gorges to arrive at the Monastery, high above the main site. Enjoy the views of the Rift Valley of Wadi Araba as we walk. 

Little Petra

Dinner with a Jordanian Family

Enjoy a home-cooked dinner and the hospitality of a modern Bedouin family. Being introduced to Jordanian culture through interaction with locals is an amazing experience that is not included in regular Jordan tours. Jordanians are at their best when hosting you at their home. Enjoy traditional dishes like Maglouba or Mansaf. 

Maglouba

Mansaf

Participate in a Cookery Course

Cook and eat your dinner at the Petra Kitchen, learning the secrets of the Jordanian/Arabic cuisine and preparing your meal alongside local women, under the supervision of a trained chef.

Petra Kitchen Cookery Course

Experience Petra in the evening

Experience the magic of the red-rose city Petra in the night! You walk through the mysterious Siq, the narrow canyon, only lit by candles and the stars and in front of the Treasury you listen to Bedouin music and stories. The special aura of this evening puts you into Nabataean times.

Note: We are not the organizer of the Petra by night

Petra by night