Petra, Jordan is an ancient city located in the heart of the Arabian Desert that is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This mysterious city, often referred to as the "Rose City" because of the warm pink hue of its sandstone, is one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. With its iconic rock-cut architecture, Petra was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Middle East.
Petra was founded around 312 BC by the Nabataean Arabs and was a major trading hub on the Silk Road. The city is home to many fascinating monuments, including the impressive forty-meter-high Treasury building, the Great Temple, the Royal Tombs, and the Roman-style amphitheater. The city also boasts spectacular desert landscapes, with deep canyons, hidden waterfalls, and winding trails.
A visit to Petra is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The city is easily accessible from Amman, Jordan's capital, and there are a variety of tour options available for travelers, including traditional walking tours, jeep safaris, and horseback rides. Whether visitors explore the city's ancient monuments or take in the stunning desert landscapes, a trip to Petra is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. The Siq: The Siq is a narrow canyon that serves as the main entrance to Petra, and is a popular area for visitors to stay due to its proximity to the main attractions.
2. The Treasury: The Treasury is a two-thousand year old temple carved into the sandstone rocks and is one of Petra's most iconic sites. It is a popular area to stay in due to its close proximity to the Siq, Royal Tombs, and other major attractions.
3. The Royal Tombs: The Royal Tombs are a collection of tombs carved into the sandstone cliffs. This area is popular for visitors to stay in due to its proximity to the Siq and Treasury, as well as the breathtaking views of the Dead Sea.
4. Wadi Musa: Wadi Musa is the village that serves as the gateway to Petra, and is the closest area to the city center. This is a great area for visitors to stay in due to its close proximity to the other attractions, as well as its traditional Jordanian restaurants and markets.
5. Little Petra: Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid, is a lesser known area of Petra located around 2km north of the main city. This area is popular for visitors to stay in due to its secluded and tranquil atmosphere, as well as its breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
1. Al Khazneh (The Treasury): This stunning Hellenistic-style temple is the most iconic and recognizable structure in Petra and is carved directly into the sandstone cliffs.
2. Royal Tombs: This area contains the largest and most elaborate of Petra’s tombs, including the Urn Tomb and Palace Tomb.
3. The Monastery (Ad-Deir): This is the second largest monument at Petra and is made up of a fifty-meter-high façade with intricate carvings and a large courtyard.
4. The Siq: This is the entrance to the city of Petra, and is a narrow canyon with tall cliffs and beautiful carvings.
5. High Place of Sacrifice: This is a large area with several temples, altars and other buildings, and provides stunning views of the city below.
1. Maqluba: A traditional Jordanian dish consisting of rice and vegetables cooked in a unique upside-down style.
2. Kebab: Grilled meats, such as chicken, lamb or beef, served with vegetables, rice and hummus.
3. Hummus: A classic Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil.
4. Manakeesh: A type of flatbread topped with a variety of savory toppings, such as cheese, za'atar, and minced meat.
5. Foul: A popular breakfast dish made from mashed fava beans, garlic, lemon, and olive oil.