The ancient city of Petra, surrounded by the town of Wadi Musa, was carved into the rock face by the Nabataean civilization and is one of the most incredible sites we’ve ever visited. Home to sites including the iconic Treasury, the Siq and the Monastery there are lots of things to do in Petra as well as the town of Wadi Musa. After exploring Petra as part of our our Jordan itinerary we’ve put together our sightseeing guide to Petra and Wadi Musa: it’s our guide to the best things to see and do in Petra and Wadi Musa. Enjoy!
Petra and Wadi Musa
Located in the south of Jordan, Petra is an ancient city which was carved into the rock face by the Nabataean civilization, a nomadic Bedouin tribe who roamed the Arabian Desert and who established Petra as a major trading hub. It became the capital of the Nabatean around the 6th Century BC but was hit by a major earthquake in the middle of the first century before being abandoned by all but the Bedouin who inhabited the caves and tombs of Petra and a few of whom remain today.
It’s a Jordan icon and the Treasury is an iconic symbol. The city was immortalised in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as the lost city in Indiana Jones’ hunt for the holy grail. Petra is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Wadi Musa is the town surrounding Petra and serves the tourists who flock to the ancient city with its array of shops, restaurants and hotels.
Where to stay in Petra
- Marriott Petra – We stayed at this fantastic hotel located just a few minutes drive from Petra and loved the panoramic views across the Petra Mountains. The highlight of our stay was a traditional Jordanian meal served in a Bedouin tent overlooking the Petra Mountains – check prices here!
- Candles Hotel – a great budget-friendly option just a few hundred metres from the entrance to Petra – check prices here!
- Mövenpick Resort Petra – Located right at the entrance to Petra, the Movenpick Resort is an excellent choice for those without their own transport and boasts good rooms and an impressive breakfast spread – check prices here!
How to get to Petra
The easiest way to get to Petra is by rental car. Renting a car in Jordan is the best way to explore the country plus driving is relatively easy in the country. The roads are very good quality and fuel is cheap. Having your own car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace a see places that are simply not possible on group tours or public transport – check out our tips for renting a car in Jordan for more information.
We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in almost 50 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Book your car now with RentalCars.com, where you will find the best rental car prices – click here to book now
Things to do in Petra
1 | The Treasury at Petra
Carved out of a sandstone rock face, the Treasury is the most elaborate ruin at Petra. It’s the first sight to greet visitors as they emerge from the long and narrow gorge which marks the entrance to the city and it took our breath away.
Best things to do in Petra tip: If you have time be sure to make the hike to the viewpoint above the Treasury which is accessed by following the path around the Royal Tombs. Keep left of the tea shop as you approach the later stages of the hike and ask the staff to point you in the right direction. The view and the pics are absolutely worth the hike!
2 | Monastery at Petra
The Monastery, Petra’s largest monument, dates from the 1st century BC. It’s a long hike from the entrance but seeing the Monastery in all its grandeur is ample reward!
3 | The Siq
The Monastery, Petra’s largest monument, dates from the 1st century BC. It’s a long hike from the entrance but seeing the Monastery in all its grandeur is ample reward!
4 | Petra Theatre
The impressive theatre was built into the rock of Petra during the first century. Only the facade remains of the tombs visible at the back of the theatre as they were destroyed to allow construction in the theatre.
5 | The Royal Tombs at Petra
The Royal Tombs consist of the Urn, Silk, Corinthian and Palace Tombs and each took their name from the tombs decor. The Urn Tomb is the most distinctive and was named due to the urn adorning its facade. The Silk Tomb neighbours the Royal Tomb and takes its name from the colour of the rich sandstone.
The Corinthian Tomb is next and, although badly damaged, resembles a small version of the Treasury. It takes its name from the Corinthian-style columns and facade. Finally, the Palace Tomb is said to resemble a Palace. It is three stories high and the widest of the Royal Tombs.
6 | The High Place of Sacrifice
Located at the very top of a trail, the High Place of Sacrifice is the most accessible of the dozens of Petra’s High Places.
It is thought the altar was used for animal sacrifices and this is supported by the drains which would have carried blood down the valley. It’s an 800 step climb and the views are incredible over Petra below.
7 | The Street of Facades
The Street of Facades is lined with impressive Nabatean tombs with large facades which were carved into the southern cliff face immediately after the Treasury.
8 | Petra by Night
Petra by Night is a candlelit visit to the Treasury building. The ancient ruins of the rose red city are illuminated by candlelight and it’s incredible to experience Petra after dark. Some visitors feel the experience is very contrived but we loved walking through the Siq guided by candlelight and seeing the Treasury illuminated.
Visit Petra tip: Petra by Night is not included in the standard ticket admission to Petra and only runs on Monday, Wednesdays and Thursday nights. The tour takes around 2 hours and departs at 8.30pm from the Wadi Musa entrance to Petra.
Read more about our visit to Petra by Night!
Things to do near Petra
9 | Little Petra
Little Petra, a much smaller and quieter version of the main Petra site, has buildings carved out of the sandstone rock. It’s a nice alternative to Petra when you want to explore somewhere quieter and off the beaten track.
While it lacks the headline buildings of Petra it’s still worth a visit and a highlight is the Nabatean painted interior of the Painted House which has managed to survive the test of time.
10 | Admire the views of Petra from afar
There are some incredible views of Petra from the surrounding hilltops. Our favourites were the sweeping view of the valley from a spot between the Movenpick Hotel and Little Petra and the view of the Petra Mountains from our hotel, the Marriott Petra – check prices here!
11 | Go for a drink in the oldest bar in the world
Occupying a 2000-year-old Nabataean rock tomb, the Cave Bar in Petra is considered the oldest bar in the world. Sipping a cold drink in an ancient cave really is the perfect end to those perfect Petra days.
For more reading on Jordan
- check out our Jordan itinerary
- take inspiration from our 30 best things to do in Jordan
- read about our week in Jordan
I spent a couple of days in Petra, with and without a guide. It certainly is worth more than one day, although most people arrive by bus and stay only for a couple of hours, visiting just the same few spots near the entrance. That means you can hike a little and be completely alone. Just have a map and plenty of water.
A guide is good for learning about the history and pointing out details you might otherwise miss. But some time alone is good, too, for reflection and appreciation.
This has been on my bucket list for many years and I was certainly not disappointed, a truly amazing magical experience.
Agreed Jessica, it is magical and amazing.