The idea of having a meaningful or rather animated conversation about the lost city of Petra will bring a smile to your face. Over the years, Petra has managed to retain its magical aura seen in its historical monuments, waiting to be discovered. Did you know that it’s only after being made famous by Indiana Jones and the last crusade that tourists from around the world come to visit Petra for its treasures? So, if you haven’t been yet, then make a list of all the things to do in Petra and keep ticking it off as you go along.
8 Things To Do In Petra: Rediscover The 200-Year-Old City
Amongst the 7 wonders of the world, the lost city of Petra, discovered 200 years ago, surrounds itself by deserts and mountains. Discovering the hidden valley, walking to the Monastery from the Siq, exploring the stunning rose- colored stone structures are some of the magical things to do in Petra.
- Sightseeing at Obelisks Tomb
- Climb To The Monastery
- Marvel at the Treasury, Al-Khazneh
- Relax at the Mövenpick Resort Petra
- Join a cooking course at The Petra Kitchen
- Shop for authentic souvenirs at Wadi Musa
- Discover Traces of Ancient Grandeur in the Siq
- Relax On The Petra Beach
1. Sightseeing At Obelisks Tomb
Constructed as a funerary symbol by the Nabataeans in the 1st century, the Obelisks tomb with eroded human figures represent the people buried in the tomb. What seems like a multistory tomb at first, was in fact constructed with a Doric columned façade. Here’s something interesting one should know. To pay the dead respect, annual feasts are held, even though it is hard to imagine having a banquet in the silent hollow that remains.
You can always look at the monuments coming into their own at sunset when the obelisks are thrown into relief on the way back, in case you miss it. Tourists can always explore some of the stepped tombs carved into the tops of domed hills.
Location: Petra, Jordan
Attractions: Domed hills, Doric columned façade
2. Climb To The Monastery
Flaunting its majestic façade, carved from a portion of a mountain, the Ad- Deir is one of the most stunning monuments. The native Bedouins gave the name “Ad-Deir” as there were crosses inscribed on the walls during the Byzantine times. With a broken pediment with a circular tholos structure crowned by an urn, Ad- Deir couldn’t have been made a mausoleum.
The monastery was constructed to pay homage to Nabataean King Obodos 11. Surrounding itself with rock chambers, people often felt it was a cultic place. People will find “Let be remembered ‘Ubaydu son of Waqihel and his associates of the symposium of Obodat the God", inscribed on the walls.
Location: 8CQJ+79X, Uum Sayhoun, Jordan
Attractions: Rock chambers
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3. Marvel at the Treasury, Al-Khazneh
The stunning tomb façade erected at the end of the Siq, Al- Khazneh is one of the most stunning places to visit in Jordan. The 130 feet high treasury flaunts its unique and eclectic design which is a bend of the Greek, Roman, Nabatean, Egyptian and Syrian architecture.
One of the most unique features of the treasury is the bullet holes in the stone urn. Here’s something interesting people should know. The treasury was seen as the resting place of the holy grail in the movie Indiana Jones and the last crusade. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and have some fun.
Location: 8FC2+VM5, Wadi Musa, Jordan
Attractions: Bullet holes
4. Relax at the Mövenpick Resort Petra
One of the fanciest hotels in the middle east, Movenpick resort Petra attracts people with its detailed Arabesque interior design, antiques and artwork. People can enjoy their fancy stay at the rooms and suites, restaurants, lounges, bars, roof gardens, library and gift shops. One of the many things to do in Petra, Jordan is to avail of the swimming pool, steam bath and fitness center.
With several ways to pamper yourself, aren’t you eager and excited to pack those bags and stay at the resort? So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and have the best time of your life.
Location: Tourism St Petra Wadi Musa, 71810, Jordan
Attractions: Arabesque interior design, antiques and artwork
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5. Join A Cooking Course At The Petra Kitchen
Are you looking for a place to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing? The Petra Kitchen offers tourists a chance to enjoy authentic local cuisine in a casual atmosphere. On the other hand, to make the experience a little more interesting, people can join cooking classes at the Petra Kitchen.
Besides cooking classes, people can simply tuck into some of the finest drinks and snacks and sheesha. People visiting the restaurant in Jordan can treat themselves to a glass of wine before starting their culinary adventure. So, when are you making plans to visit the restaurant? It is one of the best ways to unwind after a long day.
Location: Tourism St Petra Wadi Musa, 71810, Jordan
Attractions: Sheesha
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6. Shop For Authentic Souvenirs At Wadi Musa
Wadi Musa is absolutely stunning, giving people a chance to lose themselves in its beauty. People can spend hours exploring every corner and not leave ever. Speaking of discovering the place, have you ever been shopping in Jordan? You're in luck.
Nabataean-style pottery, silverware and bead work jewelry are some of the many things people can shop for at Wadi Musa. Shopping for authentic souvenirs is one of the many fun things to do in Petra. One of the most common things people often shop for is custom designed jewelry.
Location: Petra, Jordan
Attractions: Souvenirs
7. Discover Traces of Ancient Grandeur in the Siq
The wondrous experience of allowing the feet to feel a 1000 year old cobblestones and curvy roch face in several colors is an absolute heaven. Tourists visiting the Siq, should look out for traces of old dams and water channels, once used to control the supply of water into the city. Stunning statues and arches along the Siq were built by the Nabateans, something tourists are often awe struck by. Traces of these can be seen but, what could seem like a hump in the rock face could be a camel's carving. Exploring this ancient grandeur should be on the bucket list of things to do in Petra.
Location: Petra, Jordan
Attraction: Statues, Arches, Camel Carvings
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8. Relax On The Petra Beach
The sandy coast, crystal clear sea, absence of strong wind and waves, and shallow water are things that are pleasing to eye. Home to sunbeds, cafes, restaurants, diving center, taverns and souvenir shops, the beach offers the ideal vacation away from home.
For all those adventure enthusiasts, the water sports are waiting for them. There is a lot that once can do and enjoy at the beach with their loved ones. So, what are you waiting for? These are some of the fun things to do in Jordan and so, make it a memorable vacation.
Location: Petra
Attractions: Sunbeds, cafes, restaurants, diving center and taverns, souvenir shops
With so much to do, people will never get bored in Petra. So, make a dash to the ruins of the city and teleport yourself back to the 3rd century. Enjoy the finest Jordanian cuisine and explore the stunning attractions, making it one of the most memorable vacations of a lifetime. So, with a million things to do in Petra, what more can anyone ask for? All you have to do is make a list and keep ticking it off as you go along.
Are you planning a vacation to Jordan anytime soon? Jordan is a stunning place to explore, especially when it comes to giving those taste buds a treat to some of the finest foods. So, when planning a vacation, avail the Jordan holiday package right away.
Things To Do In Petra - FAQs
Tourists can spend at least 5-6 days exploring the rich history and culture of the city. Petra has something for everyone to enjoy right from shopping to eating.
Petra has something for everyone to do right from sightseeing at obelisks tomb, climb to the monastery, marvel at the treasury, al-khazne, relax at the Movenpick resort Petra, join a cooking course at the Petra kitchen and shop for authentic souvenirs at wadi musa.
One of the 7 wonders of the world, Petra is one of the most stunning places in the world to explore at least once.
Known for its stunning rock-cut architecture and water management system, Petra is one of the most stunning cities to visit, surrounded by desert and rugged mountains.
March to May is the best time to visit Petra as the weather is pleasant. People can explore each corner of the city and never have a dull moment.
Nabataean-style pottery, silverware and bead work jewelry are some of the things people can shop for at Wadi Musa.
Petra is one of the most stunning safe places to explore for its cuisine and historical attractions.
Al- Khazneh is known for its unique and eclectic design which is a bend of the Greek, Roman, Nabatean, Egyptian and Syrian architecture. The bullet holes in the stone urn are a sight to see.