Street of Facades - Amsterdam city, street photography of Holland - a deep curved view in the Sarphatistraat, with its green! tram track and Dutch 19th century house facades. Some are in a construction pahse.Typical Dutch light of early Fall. Free photo of street views in Amsterdam city, The Netherlands - Dutch urban picture by Fons Heijnsbroek.
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Street of Facades

4.6
·491k reviews·, Jordan

Explore Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New7Wonders of the World, famous for its rock-cut architecture and water systems.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
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Street of Facades - Amsterdam city, street photography of Holland - a deep curved view in the Sarphatistraat, with its green! tram track and Dutch 19th century house facades. Some are in a construction pahse.Typical Dutch light of early Fall. Free photo of street views in Amsterdam city, The Netherlands - Dutch urban picture by Fons Heijnsbroek.

Street of Facades

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New7Wonders of the World, famous for its rock-cut architecture and water systems.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Petra is an unforgettable journey into an ancient world carved from rose-red stone."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Allow ample time

5 hours is very short for Petra. Aim for a full day if possible to explore beyond the main sites .

🏨 Stay nearby

Hotels like Movenpick offer prime location, steps from the Petra entrance .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Siq

The Siq

Entrance to Petra

A dramatic, narrow gorge with towering sandstone cliffs, building anticipation for what lies ahead.

Street of Facades

Street of Facades

After the Siq

Impressive Nabatean tombs carved directly into the rose-red cliffs, showcasing ancient artistry.

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

End of the Siq

Petra's iconic, intricately carved facade, a breathtaking sight that defines this ancient city.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Petra is vast! 5 hours is a tight squeeze, especially if you want to see more than just the Treasury. Consider an early start to beat crowds and heat. Many recommend at least a full day to truly explore this ancient Nabatean city.Reddit

Getting to Petra

Petra is a 3-hour drive from Amman.TikTok While you can drive yourself, many opt for a driver. Staying nearby, like at the Movenpick hotel, offers convenient access to the entrance.TikTok

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Beat the crowds and heat
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on stone
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

pov you arrive at one of the seven wonders of the world 🧡 📍petra, jordan #traveljordan #jordan #petrajordan #petrajordan🇯🇴 #petra #jordantravel #jordantiktok
@cass.awad
3.9M likes • 22.6M views

⏳ Allow ample time

5 hours is very short for Petra. Aim for a full day if possible to explore beyond the main sites.Reddit

🏨 Stay nearby

Hotels like Movenpick offer prime location, steps from the Petra entrance.TikTok

Loved our hotel in Petra! #movenpick #petra #jordan #traveltiktok #wegoplacesclub #traveltheworld #travel
@adventuregoddess
252.1K likes • 3.2M views
The Street of Facades in Petra is a row of Nabataean tombs that line the left side of the Siq, the narrow gorge that leads to the heart of the ancient city. The tombs were carved into the sandstone cliffs between the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD, and they are some of the most impressive examples of Nabataean rock-cut architecture. The tombs vary in size and decoration, but they all share...
diggingdeeperwithbruno
25 likes • 485 views

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort!

💧 Stay hydrated

Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Sun protection is key.

Petra Travel Guide Do’s and Don’ts #travel #petra #culture #arab
@arabicmclovin
248.6K likes • 3.3M views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Allow ample time

5 hours is very short for Petra. Aim for a full day if possible to explore beyond the main sites.Reddit

🏨 Stay nearby

Hotels like Movenpick offer prime location, steps from the Petra entrance.TikTok

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort!

💧 Stay hydrated

Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Sun protection is key.

💰 Consider a guide

Local guides can offer deep insights into Petra's history and culture.TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently awestruck by Petra's monumental rock-cut architecture and the dramatic approach through the Siq. The sheer scale and historical significance leave a lasting impression, though many note that 5 hours is insufficient for a thorough exploration, and the site can be physically demanding.

What People Like

Breathtaking rock-carved facades
Dramatic Siq entrance
Historical grandeur

What People Dislike

Limited time for exploration
Physically demanding

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Petra is about a 3-hour drive south of Amman.TikTok You can rent a car, hire a private driver, or take a bus. Many visitors opt for a driver for convenience.

You can drive to the visitor center, but the ancient city itself is a pedestrian-only zone. The main entrance involves walking through the Siq.

The primary mode of transport within Petra is walking. For longer distances, you can hire donkeys, camels, or horse-drawn carriages, but be prepared to negotiate prices.

Yes, there are many hotels located very close to the Petra visitor center. The Movenpick Petra is noted for its proximity.TikTok

Petra is approximately a 2-hour drive from Aqaba, making it a feasible day trip or stopover for those traveling between the two locations.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary depending on your length of stay in Jordan. For tourists staying overnight, a one-day pass is typically around 50 JOD. Day visitors pay more.

Petra is generally open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer months and 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the winter months. Always check the official website for the most current hours.

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially online, can save you time at the ticket counter, particularly during peak season.

Yes, the Jordan Pass often includes your visa fee and entry to Petra along with many other historical sites across Jordan, offering significant savings if you plan to visit multiple locations.

Petra by Night is a special event held on select evenings (usually Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday) where the Siq and the Treasury are lit by thousands of candles. It requires a separate ticket.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Petra is a vast archaeological site. You'll walk through the Siq (about 1.2 km) and then explore various trails. Expect to walk several kilometers, so comfortable shoes are essential.

Yes, Petra can be suitable for children, but it requires a lot of walking. Consider bringing a carrier for very young children. The sheer scale and history can be captivating for older kids.

The Street of Facades is a row of monumental Nabatean tombs carved into the sandstone cliffs, located just past the Siq and before the main city center.Instagram

Yes, reaching the Monastery (Ad-Deir) involves a climb of about 800 steps. It's a strenuous but rewarding hike with incredible views.

Bedouins have a long history in Petra, with some families living there for centuries.TikTok They often offer services like guiding, camel rides, and selling souvenirs. Many are friendly and welcoming.

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful glow on the sandstone. The Treasury is particularly stunning in the morning sun.

Drones are generally not permitted within the Petra archaeological park due to preservation and safety regulations. Always check current rules before your visit.

Beyond the Treasury and Street of Facades, consider the Monastery, the Royal Tombs, and viewpoints overlooking the ancient city. The Siq itself offers dramatic photographic opportunities.

Photography is usually permitted in the exterior areas and on the facades of the tombs. However, flash photography might be restricted inside some structures to protect ancient artwork.

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the Siq and facades. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Petra can be an incredible adventure for families, but it requires planning. The Street of Facades and the Treasury are visually stunning and can capture children's imaginations. Consider bringing a stroller or carrier for younger kids, as there's a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Engaging local Bedouin guides can also make the history come alive for them.TikTok

To make the most of it, start early to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Pack plenty of snacks and water. For older children, the hike to the Monastery can be a fun challenge, offering a sense of accomplishment. Remember that while the main path is relatively flat, exploring further involves more strenuous treks.

🚶 Budget Travelers

While Petra is a world wonder, it can be explored on a budget. The Jordan Pass is highly recommended as it bundles your visa fee with entry to Petra and many other sites, offering significant savings. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid inflated prices within the site. Opt for public transport or shared taxis to reach Petra from Amman if possible.

Consider staying in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra, where you can find more affordable guesthouses and hostels compared to hotels directly at the entrance. Walking is free and the best way to experience the site, so skip paid transport options within Petra unless absolutely necessary.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Nabatean Legacy

Petra, originally known as Raqmu, was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, an industrious Arab people who settled here over 2,000 years ago.TikTok They were masters of water management, carving intricate channels and cisterns into the rock to sustain a thriving city in the desert. Their unique architectural style, a blend of Hellenistic, Roman, and indigenous influences, is most famously displayed in the monumental tombs and temples carved directly into the rose-red sandstone cliffs.

The Nabateans controlled vital trade routes, amassing wealth from incense, spices, and other goods. Their ingenuity allowed Petra to flourish as a major commercial hub. The city's strategic location, hidden within a network of canyons, provided natural defenses. The Street of Facades is a prime example of their architectural prowess, showcasing a series of elaborate tomb entrances that served as final resting places for prominent Nabateans.Instagram

While the Nabatean civilization eventually declined with the rise of Roman power and shifting trade routes, their legacy endures in the magnificent ruins of Petra. The city was largely forgotten by the Western world for centuries, earning it the moniker 'The Lost City,' until its rediscovery in the early 19th century. Today, Petra stands as a testament to the Nabateans' remarkable engineering and artistic achievements, captivating visitors with its sheer scale and beauty.TikTok

Navigating the Siq and Beyond

The journey into Petra begins with the Siq, a narrow, winding gorge that stretches for over a kilometer. Towering sandstone cliffs, some reaching up to 80 meters high, flank the path, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring entrance. The natural beauty of the Siq, with its swirling rock formations and changing colors, is an experience in itself. Keep an eye out for ancient water channels carved into the sides, a testament to Nabatean engineering.TikTok

As you emerge from the Siq, you're met with the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra's most famous monument. Its intricate facade, carved with astonishing detail, is a breathtaking sight. Just beyond the Treasury, the Street of Facades opens up, revealing a series of impressive tomb entrances lining the cliffs.Instagram This area provides a glimpse into the grandeur of Nabatean burial practices and their architectural ambitions.

Exploring further into Petra reveals a vast city with numerous other significant sites, including the Theater, the Royal Tombs, and the challenging but rewarding hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir). The sheer scale of the site means that comfortable footwear and ample water are essential for a fulfilling visit. Many visitors find that even a full day is not enough to fully appreciate all that Petra has to offer.Reddit

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