Are you searching for the most spectacular World Wonder? In this post, we’ll talk all about the ancient city of Petra in Jordan and why – out of all seven – it’s the best, most impressive wonder in the world, bar none.
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It may surprise you that Petra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the New Wonders that is! You may be curious about how to visit this mesmerizing place or how it was even created.
Petra, the oldest city in the world, is super easy to visit today and just as breathtaking as ever. However, there are tips and tricks that you’ll want to know about this wonder before you visit.
Whether you’re here to learn all about the ancient city of Petra or to get more information to plan your own trip, I’ve got you covered. Here are all the fantastic reasons that Petra is the best wonder in the world – and also my favorite!
Check out my reel to see the full walking into Petra experience!
History of Petra
Petra is a spectacular archeological and historic city known as the oldest city in the world. This ancient city is located in southern Jordan – a country in the middle east, close to Egypt.
The Nabateans built the city over 2,300 years ago. Not only did Petra become the capital of the Nabatean Empire but also a powerful trade city along the popular trade routes into Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Nobody quite knows why the city was abandoned but somewhere along the way, it became empty for centuries. Perhaps it was the earthquake that struck the city or simply changes in the trade routes. This is why it’s also known as The Lost City.
However, in 1812, Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt discovered Petra and this is how it became well-known in the Western world. Following the discovery, Petra became a Unesco World Heritage site in 1985.
This obviously increased its’ popularity and tourism in Jordan. Then in the early 2000s, Petra was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Since then, it has become one of the most visited archeological sites in the world.
Petra Wonder of the World
Just to clarify, there are multiple lists of different wonders of the world. Some of these include ancient wonders, natural wonders, and city wonders.
Petra is on the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The other six include – the Roman Colosseum in Italy, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, and Chichen Itza in Mexico.
It’s also important to note that the Pyramids of Giza are the last surviving Ancient Wonder of the World. Because of this many people think it’s on the list or even characterize it as the Eighth World Wonder.
Having been to six of the seven myself, I was most mesmerized and astonished at the beauty of Petra. I truly believe it’s the most spectacular and impressive one on the list.
Visiting Petra, Jordan Today
Petra, also known as the rose city, was carved into the stunning pink sandstone cliffs. This ancient city is filled with astounding tombs, monuments, and houses truly making it a sight to see.
Today, it’s easier than ever to visit Petra the World Wonder. This ancient city is located in the town of Wadi Musa in the southern region of Jordan.
How To Visit Petra?
Jordan has two main international airports. One is in the northern capital city of Amman and the other is in the southern tip of Aqaba. You will most likely fly into Amman airport even though Aqaba is closer to Petra.
Jordan is a small country in which you can drive from one end to the other in just about five hours. Renting a car will definitely be the best, easiest, and cheapest way around the country.
From Amman, it’s about a three-hour drive south to get to Wadi Musa. If you happen to be driving from Aqaba, it’s only a two-hour drive. It’s best to plan to stay the night in Wadi Musa so you can get to Petra as early as possible.
Once you arrive at the Petra ticket center, you will park your car for the duration of your visit. From here you will walk into the ancient city.
Tickets & Prices
There are a few ticket options depending on how many days you’d like to visit Petra the World Wonder. However, I believe the Jordan Pass will be your best option.
There are ticket options for one, two, or three days. One day is 50 JD ($70 USD), two days is 55 JD ($77 USD), and a three-day ticket is 60 JD ($85 USD). I only visited for one day and I got to see all the main attractions so I was content with my one-day visit.
However, if you really want to explore all of the tombs and hike the whole area two days may be necessary. I think three days might be overkill – unless you’re super into the history or the culture of the place.
The Jordan Pass is a sightseeing package that is available for 50 – 60 JD ($99-$112 USD) and gives you access to over 40 top attractions, museums, and castles including Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, and Aqaba Castle.
The price is dependent on how many days you want to spend in Petra. Plus the Jordan Pass also waves the $55 USD entry visa fee making the cost well worth it. So if you plan on visiting all of Jordan and not just Petra, then definitely look into getting the Jordan Pass.
Lastly, they also offer tickets to Petra By Night. Petra By Night is a beautiful way to see the Treasury by candlelight lit with over 1,500 candles. This event starts at 8:30 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday night. These tickets are sold separately but require a day pass (or the Jordan Pass) and the cost is 17 JD ($24 USD).
I did not do Petra By Night and totally wish I did. If you have an extra day or are able to plan your visit so you can see this, I highly recommend it!
What to Expect
There is a reason Petra is a World Wonder and you will understand why as soon as you walk through the Siq. There are many facades, temples, and tombs in Petra. However, below I will cover just the main attractions.
The Siq
The Siq is the ancient main entrance as well as the road leading to the Treasury. It’s a narrow gorge nestled in between two towering rocks on both sides forming a canyon-like area just without the water.
This approximate one-mile walk is absolutely stunning and the perfect entryway that opens up to the Treasury at the end. Most of it was naturally formed with some parts carved by the Nabeteans.
Here you will notice water channels on both sides. This shows exactly how the Nabeteans were able to capture and store water for the whole city’s consumption. It’s actually quite brilliant and interesting to see how they were able to make this desert city thrive.
Take your time as you walk through The Siq and admire the blushed pink rock all around you. I promise you the view at the end is even better than this already remarkable walk into the city.
The Treasury (Al Khazna)
The Siq ends and opens right up to this spectacular view of the Treasury. It truly is a breathtaking sight and the build-up is so worth it.
The Treasury is impressively carved into the sandstone mountain and stands over 130 feet tall. The purpose of the Treasury is uncertain but some think it was a temple. Regardless, it doesn’t need to have a purpose for you to admire its grandiose beauty and allure.
You cannot go inside the Treasury but it’s also just an empty chamber so you’re not missing much. Recently, they have discovered tombs in there but you can’t see much by peeking in.
Check out my reel to see the view of the Treasury up close!
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
The Monastery is one of the last and furthest destinations in Petra. The hike is about 3.5 miles in total and has about 800 steps at the end to reach the top.
Petra is a large city with a lot to see in between so as long as you take your time you’ll get there just fine. The worst part of it can be the heat but if you’re a somewhat healthy human you will survive.
They do have donkeys available to take you up there but I urge you not to take this option. If you don’t want to walk up 800 stairs, what makes you think a donkey does while carrying you?
Animals are not treated the best in this part of the world and it’s not fair for humans to exploit them. If you are not fit enough or unwilling to walk the whole way, then just skip this hike. It may be harsh but someone has to speak up for the animals.
However, if you do make it up there it’s absolutely marvelous and dare I say even better than the Treasury. It’s very similar but a little bit larger and you can walk into this Monastery. However, just like the Treasury, it’s pretty much just an empty chamber.
I preferred it because it was a lot quieter up there with a lot less people. Actually, there was nobody taking photos when I took my picture there but keep in mind, I also visited right after Covid.
There is a little cafe up there with seats so you can enjoy some snacks and coffee while gawking at this incredible masterpiece. It’s also a great place to relax and rest up before walking all the way back out to your car.
Petra Tips & Fun Facts
Tips
- Stay the previous night in Wadi Musa that way you can wake up early and arrive in Petra as soon as it opens. This way you avoid the crowds.
- Bring some snacks, water, and good hiking shoes with you because it will be a long day out in the heat and on your feet. My favorite pair of hiking boots, if you don’t already know are Oboz. (They’re not only super comfy but they’re waterproof and make for a great all-day shoe).
- Avoid buying any antiquities like rocks or coins because there is no way of knowing if they are genuine.
- Do not walk on any monuments or off trails. This is to preserve the site for future visitors and to keep it beautiful.
- In order to get the famous picture sitting on the rock in front of the Treasury, there will be a local standing there charging you for it. It’s only 1 JD ($1.5 USD) but just be aware. How someone can charge you to sit on a rock I don’t know but they do.
- There will be a ton of shops for you to buy things inside Petra. Don’t be fooled like I was and buy a headscarf as soon as you walk in. The shopowner charged me $25 USD for a headscarf that others sell for $5 USD. He told me his mother made it by hand which was obviously a lie. Just be aware and don’t spend more than $10 USD for a headscarf. They will also wrap it around your head for you if you’d like!
- Make sure you talk to the local people to learn about Petra. Jordanians are very friendly and that’s all part of the experience!
Fun Facts
- Before Petra became a Unesco World Heritage Site, there were over 500 families living inside the city in caves. But afterward, the Jordanian government relocated them to the town of Wadi Musa. Nowadays, there are only 32 families living there.
- There are so many shops all throughout Petra that only local Bedouins are allowed to run. No one else from Wadi Musa is allowed to sell within the ancient city.
- Petra has more tombs than the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Petra has over 600 while Valley of the Kings has 63 tombs.
- Before Covid, there were about 10,000 visitors there per day. The day before I visited in February of 2021, there were only 100 visitors. (We got so lucky when we visited. The place was practically empty)
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed in Petra and that’s what really put it on the map. It became way more popular after that.
- The Nabateans didn’t call this city Petra. They knew it as Raqemo.
Petra is truly one of the most stunning places I’ve ever visited and it should be extremely high on your bucket list if not at the very top. There just isn’t anything like this ancient city anywhere else. I hope you learned some things about this marvelous place and why I think Petra is the best Wonder of the World!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Petra?
One day is more than enough to see the main attractions like the Siq, the Treasury, and the Monastery. However, if you really want to experience all of the major facades, temples, and tombs or hike more trails, then two or three days may be necessary.
This really depends on how much time you have to spend and how interested you are in experiencing and learning about the history and culture of the Nabateans.
Why was Petra Abandoned?
It is unclear exactly why Petra was abandoned but it was likely due to changes in trade routes. As Petra was a powerful trade city, this would have led to its’ demise.
Another possibility is that the earthquake that struck Petra in 693 A.D., had damaged their water system so badly that it was irreparable. This would have been a reason to abandon the city as well.
Can you go inside Petra?
Yes, you can definitely visit the inside of this ancient city. After all, Petra is a World Wonder. However, you can not physically walk inside the Treasury ‘temple’. It’s only an empty chamber so you won’t be missing much anyway.
There are other similar structures at Petra, Jordan that you can go inside if you want to see what it looks like.
For more Jordan information, you may also like:
- Wadi Rum Rock Climbing – Everything You Need To Know
- The Best & Complete Jordan Road Trip Itinerary (With Map)
- What To Wear In Jordan As A Woman: Everything You Need To Know (+ Excellent Tips)
