Petra Guide: Ultimate Guide to Visiting This World Wonder
Part of the Travel Missions 7 Wonders of the World Series – Petra Guide
Introduction: Walking Through the Rose-Red City
When I set out on my travel mission to visit the 7 Wonders of the World, Petra was one of the places I knew would be unforgettable and was actually the Wonder that I was most excited to visit (alongside Machu Picchu). Even so, it still completely blew me away. No photo, film scene, or travel brochure truly prepares you for the moment you catch your first glimpse of the Treasury after walking through the winding Siq.
Petra isn’t just one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, it’s a place of mystery, history, and jaw-dropping beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, an Indiana Jones fan, or just here for the dramatic Instagram shots, Petra will leave you speechless.
Visiting Petra comes with a LOT of planning. From planning the 3 hour trip from Amman to making sure you don’t get hassled, I’ve put together this Petra guide to help you enjoy your visit to this amazing world wonder and get the most out of your visit.
Fancy a short Petra Tips Video instead? I’ve got you covered
How to Get to Petra
Petra is located in the town of Wadi Musa, about a 3–4 hour drive from Jordan’s capital, Amman. The most common way to get there is by car or organised tour. If you’re staying in Amman, you can hire a driver for the day, join a group trip, or rent a car and make the drive yourself. I personally booked a tour via GetYourGuide, which included an Amman pick up and drop off.
Another popular route is from Aqaba, which is around 2 hours away and a great option if you’re arriving from the Red Sea or crossing over from Egypt.
There’s no train or direct public bus from Amman’s city centre, but the JETT Bus runs a daily service to Petra: it’s budget-friendly, comfortable, and drops you off near the visitor centre.
If you’re coming from further afield in Jordan, like Wadi Rum or the Dead Sea, you can often arrange transfers through your accommodation. Just bear in mind that roads can be winding, and distances in Jordan sometimes feel longer than they look on a map.
What to Expect When You Visit
Petra is massive , way bigger than you’re probably imagining, so wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water is essential. Most people start their visit by walking through the Siq, a narrow canyon about 1.2km long, with towering rock walls that gradually reveal the iconic Treasury. This first view is pure magic.
Your entry ticket covers access to the main archaeological site, including:
- The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – Petra’s most famous landmark
- The Street of Facades – lined with carved tombs
- The Theatre – capable of seating thousands in its prime
- The Royal Tombs – grand and intricate rock-cut monuments
- The Monastery (Ad Deir) – bigger than the Treasury and worth every step of the climb
Petra isn’t just a quick photo stop: you’ll want at least a full day here, and ideally two if you can. The climbs, especially to the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice, can be challenging but are rewarded with unforgettable views.
A few tips:
Food & drink – there are small cafes inside the site, but prices are higher. Pack snacks if you want to save money.
Arrive early – the site opens at 6am, and the early morning light is magical.
Petra by Night – if you’re there on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you can see the Treasury lit up by over 1,500 candles.
The History Behind Petra
Petra was once the thriving capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, flourishing between the 4th century BC and the 1st century AD. The Nabataeans were skilled traders, controlling routes that connected Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean.
Carved directly into the rose-red sandstone cliffs, Petra’s tombs, temples, and monuments are a mix of Nabataean and Greco-Roman architecture. It wasn’t just a pretty city, it was a sophisticated one, with advanced water channels and storage systems that made life possible in the desert.
The city’s decline began after trade routes shifted and earthquakes damaged much of the infrastructure. By the Middle Ages, Petra had faded from international memory, known only to local Bedouin tribes, until it was ‘rediscovered’ in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.
Why is Petra a New Wonder of the World?
Petra was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007, and with good reason! Its sheer scale, the artistry of its rock-cut architecture, and its historical significance make it unlike anywhere else on Earth.
It’s not just a monument, it’s an entire ancient city hidden in the desert, filled with mysteries still being uncovered by archaeologists. Petra is living proof of the ingenuity and ambition of the Nabataeans, and it’s a place that leaves an indelible mark on everyone who visits.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
How much time do you need to explore?
Give yourself at least 1.5 to 2 hours inside. If you want to check out the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well, plan for at least half a day.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The Siq and Treasury area can be challenging for wheelchairs due to uneven ground, but there are horse-drawn carriages for part of the route. However, please note that higher points of interest such as the Tombs and the High Place of Sacrifice are only accessible via steps and therefore not wheelchair friendly.
Can you bring food and drinks in?
Yes, and it’s a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, particularly water because there is A LOT of walking that can be especially challenging in the heat.
Are guided tours worth it?
Absolutely, a good guide can share Petra’s hidden stories and point out details you might miss on your own. However, I personally didn’t use a guide to visit Petra and enjoyed taking it at my own pace/reading the very informative signs placed around each point of interest, so a guide isn’t a necessity.
What’s Petra like at night?
It’s magical! Imagine walking the Siq lit by candles, then seeing the Treasury glow against the night sky, unreal!
Where are the best photo spots?
– The Treasury from the Siq for the classic reveal
– The Monastery at sunset
– The Royal Tombs from across the valley
– Above the Treasury (the “Secret Viewpoint”) — but only with a guide for safety
Final Thoughts: My Favourite Wonder So Far
Petra isn’t the kind of place you just “see, it’s an experience that wraps itself around you. From the quiet anticipation of walking through the Siq to that heart-stopping first glimpse of the Treasury, every moment feels like a scene from an epic adventure film. But the magic doesn’t stop there. The more you explore, the more Petra reveals itself to you: hidden tombs, intricate carvings, friendly vendors, sweeping viewpoints, and the sheer scale of a city that thrived in the middle of the desert.
What struck me most was how alive Petra feels. Even though its heyday was over two thousand years ago, the site still hums with energy: from local Bedouins sharing stories to the echo of footsteps on ancient stone. You can’t help but feel connected to the generations who walked these same paths.
As part of my 7 Wonders travel mission, Petra was more than just a highlight; It was a reminder of how travel can completely shift your perspective. If you ever get the chance to visit, grab it with both hands. Go early, linger late, and don’t rush from sight to sight. Let yourself get lost in its beauty and its history. Petra rewards those who take their time.
If you’re heading to Petra, don’t rush, ensure you give yourself plenty of time to explore, take it all in and make sure to go beyond the treasury. And if you’ve already been, I’d love to hear about your favourite part! Drop me an email and let’s chat 😊
Book the Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Tour that I did, via GetYourGuide, here
Looking for more wonders? Stay tuned for the next guide in the Travel Missions 7 Wonders series!
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