From the Siq to the Monastery: what to see in Petra, how long to allow, and tips for visiting Jordan's rose-red city.
Petra is Jordan's greatest treasure and one of the most remarkable places in the world. Carved into rose-colored sandstone cliffs more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans, it was once a thriving trading city. Today it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Here's what to see and how to plan your visit.
Walking the Siq
Your visit begins with the Siq, a narrow, winding canyon more than a kilometre long, its towering walls sometimes just a few metres apart. Along the way, look out for the remains of ancient water channels and carvings. The walk builds anticipation perfectly for what comes next.
The Treasury
At the end of the Siq, the canyon opens to reveal the Treasury, Al-Khazneh, Petra's most famous monument. Its elaborate facade, around 40 metres tall, was carved directly into the cliff face, most likely as a royal tomb. Seeing it appear between the canyon walls is one of the great moments of travel.
The heart of the ancient city
Beyond the Treasury, the valley widens. You pass the Street of Facades, lined with tombs, and the Roman-style theatre carved into the rock. On the hillside stand the grand Royal Tombs, and in the valley below runs the Colonnaded Street, once the city's main avenue, leading to the remains of temples and public buildings.
The Monastery
For those with energy, the climb to the Monastery, Ad Deir, is worth every step. A path of more than 800 rock-cut steps winds up the mountainside to this enormous facade, even larger than the Treasury, with sweeping views over the surrounding mountains. Allow time for the climb and rest along the way.
How much time do you need?
A full day lets you see the main highlights at a comfortable pace, from the Siq and the Treasury to the Royal Tombs and the Colonnaded Street, with the option of the Monastery if you start early. Petra is enormous, and keen hikers could spend two or three days exploring its trails.
Tips for your visit
Start early, both to enjoy the Siq and the Treasury before the crowds and to avoid the midday heat. Wear sturdy walking shoes, since you'll walk many kilometres on sand, stone and steps. Carry water, a hat and sunscreen. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons; summer is hot and winter can be cold, occasionally with snow. Many visitors buy the Jordan Pass, which covers entry to Petra and many other sites and can waive the Jordanian visa fee for eligible stays; check the current rules before you travel.
Combining Petra with Egypt
Petra is just a short flight from Cairo, which makes it easy to combine with Egypt. Egypt & Jordan Discovery includes a full day at Petra in a ten-day trip, while Two Lands of Wonder and Three Ancient Worlds include Petra in fourteen-day journeys. Read our guide to planning Egypt and Jordan together.
