Best things to do in Petra

Petra's Absolute Essentials

This collection highlights the architectural achievements of the Nabataean Kingdom within the Rose City. It spans the 1.2-kilometer Siq gorge leading to the Al-Khazneh treasury and the 800-step ascent to the massive Ad Deir monastery. The selection includes the Roman-style amphitheater, the Royal Tombs carved into the eastern cliffs, and the Cardo Maximus, showcasing the blend of Hellenistic and local engineering dating from the 4th century BC.

Berthold Werner / Public domain

Monastery (Ad Deir)

Ed-Deir, also spelled el-Deir and ad-Deir/ad-Dayr, is a monumental building carved out of rock in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra.

hikinginjordan / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

Al-Khazneh is one of the most elaborate temples in Petra, a city of the Nabatean Kingdom inhabited by the Arabs in ancient times.

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

Al Siq

The Siq is the main entrance to the ancient Nabatean city of Petra in southern Jordan.

Tomas / CC-BY-SA

The Theater

Petra Theater is a first century AD Nabataean theatre situated 600 m from the centre of Petra.

Jerzy Strzelecki / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Street of Facades

This path leads to the center of the ancient city and is surrounded by carved tombs. Tall tombs belong to the rich and short to the poor.

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

Little Petra

Also known as Siq al-Barid, this site served as a trading post for caravans. It features rock-cut dining halls and a rare surviving Nabataean ceiling painting within the Painted Biclinium.

Tomas / CC-BY-SA

Colonnaded Street (Cardo Maximus)

Although the former main street is badly damaged, it is partially preserved. Its remains are about half a kilometre long.

Royal Tombs

A series of grand facades carved into the Jabal al-Khubtha rock face. The group includes the Urn Tomb, which was later converted into a Byzantine church, and the multi-story Palace Tomb.

Sasuke6 / CC-BY-SA

Roman Soldier's Tomb

The tomb is named after the statue of a soldier wearing Roman clothes. It dates back to the 2nd century.

Tousleso / CC BY-SA 3.0

Silk Tomb

The most attractive tomb in the area. The rich colour of sandstone is said to be changing during the day!

Sasuke6 / CC-BY-SA

Triclinium

Located opposite the Roman Soldier’s Tomb, this rock-cut chamber served as a ceremonial dining hall. The interior features carved architectural elements and niches used for funerary banquets.

Sasuke6 / CC-BY-SA

Lion Monument

A fountain in the shape of a lion carved into sandstone. Unfortunately the head is missing now, but you can see where the water once flowed.

Boris Debic / CC BY-SA 4.0

Treasury from above

A panoramic viewpoint reached via the Al-Khubtha hiking trail. It provides an overhead perspective of the Al-Khazneh facade and the crowds entering from the Siq.