We spent two days in Jordan, exploring Petra. Known as the Rose City, the ancient Nabataean city of Petra is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. It boasts an extraordinary collection of ancient architecture chiselled out of the cliffs, archaeological sites, and breath-taking landscapes. Here is my pick of the top 10 things to do in Petra.
Tickets to Petra are not cheap. In an attempt to boost Jordanian tourism, the government has made a one day Petra ticket more expensive than a two day ticket. So, our two day experience was immeasurably better but, including accommodation, cost about the same as a day trip. A one day ticket for non accommodated tourists is 90 dinar (£93). While for an accommodated visitor, a one day ticket is 50 dinar (£52) and a two day ticket is 55 dinar (£57). One night B&B at the Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp costs £58 for 2 people. In summary – don’t go on a day trip!
We decided against independent travel and booked a tour. I’m not really a tour person – I don’t have the patience for other people. But we decided that organising our own trip to Petra would be too fiddly. If you do wish to travel independently, the border is pedestrian, so you will need to arrange separate transport on either side.
We booked our trip with Fun Times, who offer a range of tour options, mostly originating in Israel. Our two day package from Eilat costs £249 including entry fees and accommodation. (A one day trip costs £161).
In addition to the above costs, there are border fees to fork out. Many nationalities can purchase their visa at the border, in which case, the Jordanian visa is $60. There is also a $65 Israeli departure tax to pay.
Note: Before planning a trip to Jordan, check with your government regarding the current security situation. The British government’s current advice can be found here.
How to get to Petra
We visited Petra from Eilat in Israel. There is a border crossing on the edge of the city, close to Aqaba. From here, it is an 80 mile drive north to Petra. There is another border crossing further north if you are travelling from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. From the Jordanian capital, Amman, Petra is a 150 mile drive south (or 130 miles from the airport).
Where to stay in Petra
Our tour package gave the option of a room in a hotel or a tent in a Bedouin camp for the same price. We opted for the Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp, which was an amazing experience, which I would thoroughly recommend.
The rooms were basic but functional. There was a bathroom block with hot water at specified times. In the evening, the staff cooked dinner over a camp fire.
Best of all, the camp is at the foot of some rocks which are illuminated at night with thousands of fairy lights. It is magical!
Petra: Top 10 Things to do
| 1 | Walk through the Siq for that spectacular first glimpse of Petra |
| 2 | Admire the awesome Treasury |
| 3 | Stroll the Street of Facades |
| 4 | See the Nabataean Theatre |
| 5 | Wonder at the beauty of a Desert Sunset |
| 6 | Walk along the Colonnaded Street |
| 7 | Visit the Royal Tombs |
| 8 | Climb to the spectacular Monastery |
| 9 | Climb some more to the High Place of Sacrifice |
| 10 | Learn more about the region’s history at Petra Museum |
No 1 – Walk through the Siq for that spectacular first glimpse of Petra
A visit to Petra starts by walking down through the Siq into the ancient city. It’s spectacular. A narrow, 1.2 km long gorge deep in the red rocks. It’s also fairly daunting with a constant stream of horse drawn carriages hurtling down laden with tourists who don’t want to walk. It is an acquired skill enjoying the scenery whilst avoiding being run down.
No 2 – Admire the awesome Treasury
The gorge opens up and in front of you, your first glimpse of the Treasury, a huge tomb carved into the sandstone rock. It is indeed one of the wonders of the world.
The Treasury, is in fact the tomb of a king carved out of the rock. Legend has it that an Egyptian pharaoh hid his treasure here while chasing the Israelites.
No 3 – Stroll the Street of Facades
The Street of Facades has around 40 tombs and houses carved into the cliffs.
No 4 – See the Nabataean Theatre
The 2000 year old Theatre was built by the Nabataeans and subsequently enlarged by the Romans to seat over 8000 spectators.
No 5 – Wonder at the beauty of a Desert Sunset
We spent a night near Petra in a Bedouin Camp. After dinner in Wadi Musa, we were collected by a man in a pick up truck. He drove for while, then just as it was getting dark, stopped in a layby. He said we should witness a desert sunset. He was right. It was beautiful.
No 6 – Walk along the Colonnaded Street
The Roman Colonnaded Street is lined by columns which would once have been clad with marble. This imposing street once ran through the heart of the city.
No 7 – Visit the Royal Tombs
The Royal Tombs are carved high up in the hillside of Jebel al-Khubtha, a truly spectacular sight.
No 8 – Climb to the spectacular Monastery
The Monastery is a tomb similar in design to the Treasury, only bigger and somewhat harder to reach. Its name is derived from crosses carved on the inner walls, suggesting it was once used as a church. The climb takes about 45 minutes to an hour and includes around 800 steps (no I didn’t count) but the monument and the view are worth it.
No 9 – Climb some more to the High Place of Sacrifice
The High Place of Sacrifice is reached by a flight of steps close to the Theatre. It’s quite a steep climb (taking around 30-40 minutes) but the effort is rewarded with a spectacular view. If the climb is too much, there are donkey rides available.
No 10 – Learn more about the region’s history at Petra Museum
The Petra Museum is located near the entrance to the complex. The museum offers visitors a selection of artifacts found in and around Petra, as well as interactive animation and original size reconstruction models.
- Trip taken: November 2017
- Updated: July 2025
I hope you found the above information useful. For more top picks from other destinations in the 50+ countries we have visited, check out my full Top 10 Things To Do list here.
Jane's Midlife Journey 
Leave a comment