Colonnaded Street - A narrow street with buildings on both sides
1 / 10

Colonnaded Street

4.6
·491k reviews·, Jordan

An ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New7Wonders of the World.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Morning (7-9 AM)

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Colonnaded Street - A narrow street with buildings on both sides

Colonnaded Street

Best Time

Early Morning (7-9 AM)

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New7Wonders of the World.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Petra is an absolute must-see, a city carved from rock that will leave you speechless."

Vertical photo
TIP

Go Early to Avoid Crowds

Arrive before 8 AM to experience Petra's wonders with significantly fewer people.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking miles on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

Petra's main entrance

The iconic facade carved into sandstone cliffs. A breathtaking first glimpse of Petra's ancient grandeur.

Colonnaded Street

Colonnaded Street

Heart of ancient Petra

The main thoroughfare of Roman Petra, once lined with shops and homes. Imagine the bustling city life.

The Monastery (Ad-Deir)

The Monastery (Ad-Deir)

High in the mountains

A monumental facade, larger than the Treasury, reached by a challenging but rewarding hike.

The Theatre

The Theatre

Near the main entrance

A Roman-style amphitheater carved directly into the rock face, capable of seating thousands.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Petra can get incredibly hot, especially midday. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak sun and thinner crowds. Many travelers recommend arriving before 8 AM to experience the magic with fewer people. TikTok

Plan Your Petra Exploration

Petra is vast! Allocate at least a full day, ideally two, to truly explore beyond the iconic Treasury. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Instagram

Best Times

When
Early Morning (7-9 AM)
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon (4-6 PM)
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Shmee city Petra is suuuuper empty at the moment #petrajordan #americanabroad #travel #traveltok #solotravel #solofemaletraveler #blackgirltiktok #blacktravel #blackwomentravel #blacktravelfeed #blacksolotravel #bipoctravel #woctravel
@sowonthego
107K likes • 894.8K views

Go Early to Avoid Crowds

Arrive before 8 AM to experience Petra's wonders with significantly fewer people. TikTok

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking miles on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort for a better experience. Instagram

Petra ruined by high heat event #petra #dayofthelord #millennialkingdom #satanlittleseason
@igobywilliam_2
35.2K likes • 299.3K views
An amazing trek 😍 through Colonnaded Street, making my way to the Theatre and on through the streets of Facades before arriving at the Treasury. A must place to visit for sure 🇯🇴 . . . #petrajordan #petra #jordan #visitjordan #travel #travelphotography #jordania #wadirum #travelgram #desert #shareyourjordan #traveljordan #wanderlust #giordania #visitpetra #ig #travelblogger #amman #instatravel #...
markmccalla
14 likes • 326 views

Stay Hydrated!

Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The sun can be intense. TikTok

Consider a Guide

A local guide can offer historical insights and help you navigate the vast site. Reddit

Would you visit?🇯🇴 10 THINGS TO SEE IN THE ANCIENT CITY JERASH👇🏽 1. Arch of Hadrian 2. Hippodrome 3. South Gate 4. Oval Plaza 5. Temple of Zeus 6. Southern Theatre 7. Colonnaded Street 8. Nymphaeum 9. Temple of Artemis 10. The North Theatre 💰Entrance fee: 10JD ⏳Time: 2-3 hours 🚘: 40 min drive from Amman to Jerash What is so special about Jerash? ✨one of the largest and most well preserved si...
nikitabathia
0 likes • 20.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Go Early to Avoid Crowds

Arrive before 8 AM to experience Petra's wonders with significantly fewer people. TikTok

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking miles on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort for a better experience. Instagram

Stay Hydrated!

Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The sun can be intense. TikTok

Consider a Guide

A local guide can offer historical insights and help you navigate the vast site. Reddit

Book JETT Bus in Advance

If using public transport from Amman, book your JETT bus tickets early as they sell out. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking scale and intricate beauty of Petra, calling it a true wonder of the world. The Treasury and Monastery are standout highlights, offering unforgettable views. However, some find the extensive walking challenging, and the midday heat can be intense. Be prepared for crowds during peak times.

What People Like

Incredible ancient architecture
Breathtaking Treasury facade
Sense of historical wonder

What People Dislike

Intense midday heat
Extensive walking required
Crowds during peak hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is the JETT bus, which runs once daily from Amman to Petra and back. Book tickets in advance as they are popular. Taxis and private drivers are also options but more expensive. Reddit

While possible, it's a very long day with early travel. Most visitors recommend at least one overnight stay to fully appreciate Petra. Reddit

The main site requires extensive walking. You can hire donkeys, camels, or horse-drawn carriages for certain sections, but be prepared to negotiate prices. Instagram

Petra is about a 2-hour drive from Aqaba, making it a feasible day trip or stopover if you're traveling between Aqaba and Amman. Instagram

You can drive to the Visitor's Centre in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra. Parking is available there. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary depending on your length of stay in Jordan. For tourists staying at least one night, a one-day pass is typically 50 JOD. Instagram

Petra is generally open from 6 AM to 6 PM during the summer months and 6 AM to 4 PM in winter. Always check the official website for the most current hours. TikTok

It's advisable to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to save time at the entrance. Reddit

Yes, the Jordan Pass often includes your visa fee and entry to Petra along with many other historical sites in Jordan, making it a cost-effective option. Reddit

Typically, a one-day ticket allows for a single entry. If you plan to visit for multiple days, multi-day passes are available. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Petra is a vast archaeological site. Expect to walk many kilometers, especially if you plan to visit the Monastery or High Place of Sacrifice. Comfortable shoes are essential. Instagram

The Colonnaded Street is a central part of Petra, leading from the Theatre towards the Great Temple. It's best explored on foot to appreciate the ancient architecture and imagine its past. Instagram

The main path to the Treasury is relatively flat, but many areas involve stairs, uneven terrain, and steep climbs, making full accessibility challenging. Reddit

Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. A hat and sunglasses are crucial for sun protection. Modest dress is appreciated out of respect for local culture. TikTok

Yes, there are restrooms and some vendors selling water and snacks at various points within the site, but it's wise to carry your own water. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are a few restaurants and cafes within the archaeological park, offering meals and refreshments. However, options can be limited and pricier. Reddit

You'll find local Jordanian dishes like mansaf, falafel, and shawarma, as well as international options. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own snacks and water is highly recommended, especially if you want to save money or have specific dietary needs. Reddit

The town of Wadi Musa, just outside the Petra entrance, offers a wide range of restaurants catering to tourists, from budget-friendly to upscale. Reddit

Food and drinks inside the archaeological site tend to be more expensive than in Wadi Musa. Packing your own is a good strategy for budget travelers. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden glow on the sandstone. TikTok

Drones are generally prohibited within the Petra archaeological park for safety and preservation reasons. Always check current regulations. Reddit

Beyond the Treasury, the Monastery, the Royal Tombs, and the view from the High Place of Sacrifice offer stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram

It's polite to ask for permission before photographing people, including the local Bedouin vendors. Some may expect a small tip. Reddit

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grand facades, and a telephoto can be good for details. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Petra can be an amazing adventure for families, but requires some planning. The initial walk through the Siq is relatively flat and exciting for kids, with towering rock walls. Instagram However, the sheer size of Petra means a lot of walking, so consider bringing a stroller for younger children or renting a donkey for parts of the journey. Reddit

Focus on the highlights that capture young imaginations, like the Treasury and the Theatre. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options inside can be limited and expensive. Make it a treasure hunt to find different carvings or animal shapes in the rock. Reddit The Monastery hike might be too strenuous for very young children, so assess your family's stamina. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Visiting Petra on a budget is achievable with smart planning. The Jordan Pass is your best friend, often covering your visa fee and entry to Petra (if you stay at least one night in Jordan), plus many other sites. Reddit Opt for the JETT bus for transportation from Amman, which is significantly cheaper than private taxis. Reddit

Pack your own food and plenty of water to avoid inflated prices inside the archaeological park. Reddit While hiring guides or transport within Petra can add up, consider sharing costs with other travelers if possible. Reddit Look for budget-friendly guesthouses or hostels in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra, for accommodation. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Adventurers

Petra is a dream destination for solo travelers, offering a profound sense of discovery and personal connection with history. TikTok The vastness of the site allows for quiet contemplation and the freedom to explore at your own pace. TikTok

Safety is generally excellent, but always remain aware of your surroundings. Engaging with local Bedouin vendors can offer cultural insights, and you might find fellow travelers to share experiences with. TikTok The journey through the Siq and the reveal of the Treasury is a moment of pure magic that’s even more impactful when experienced solo. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Petra's Vastness

Petra is not just the Treasury; it's an expansive ancient city covering over 264 square kilometers. To truly experience it, you need to be prepared for significant walking. The main path from the Visitor's Centre through the Siq to the Treasury is about 1.2 km. From there, the Colonnaded Street stretches further, leading to the Great Temple and Qasr al-Bint. For those seeking more adventure, the hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) is an additional 800 steps, a challenging but incredibly rewarding trek. Instagram Many visitors underestimate the scale and end up missing key areas. Planning your route based on your fitness level and interests is crucial. Reddit

Consider breaking your visit into sections. You might dedicate the morning to the main trail and the Treasury area, then tackle the Monastery in the afternoon, or vice versa. Alternatively, if you have two days, you can explore different zones each day without feeling rushed. Remember that the sun can be relentless, so pacing yourself and taking breaks is essential for enjoying the exploration. TikTok

The History and Significance of the Colonnaded Street

The Colonnaded Street was the vibrant heart of Roman Petra, serving as its main thoroughfare and commercial center. Imagine this wide, paved street bustling with activity, lined with shops, temples, and public buildings. It connected the Theatre to the Great Temple and Qasr al-Bint, showcasing the city's prosperity and sophisticated urban planning under Roman rule. Instagram

Walking along the Colonnaded Street today, you can still see remnants of its former glory: the bases of columns, the foundations of shops, and the impressive facades of surrounding structures. It offers a tangible link to the daily lives of the Nabataeans and later Roman inhabitants, providing a glimpse into the city's economic and social fabric. Instagram This street was not just a path; it was the pulse of ancient Petra, where trade flourished and citizens gathered. Reddit

Experiencing Petra Solo

Petra is an incredible destination for solo travelers, offering a sense of awe and personal discovery. Many find the vastness of the site allows for introspection and a unique connection with history. TikTok The sheer scale means you can often find quiet moments even amidst other visitors, allowing for personal reflection. TikTok

Safety is generally high for solo travelers in Petra, with a strong tourist presence and helpful local staff. However, as with any travel, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in more secluded areas. Connecting with other travelers can also enhance the experience, whether through shared tips or simply exchanging awe-struck glances at the magnificent sights. TikTok The opportunity to explore at your own pace, linger at your favorite spots, and truly immerse yourself in the ancient city makes Petra a fantastic solo adventure. TikTok

You may also like