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Petra

Petra is an ancient city in Jordan famed for its buildings carved directly into the rock. Once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, it lies about a three-hour drive across the desert from Amman.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Petra
Gateway airport
King Hussein International Airport
Best season
Mar–May, Oct–Dec
Time zone
Asia/Amman
Sights covered
20 places

Sights worth seeing

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Al Khazneh

Heritage & monuments

Al Khazneh

The most spectacular sight in Petra, its two-story facade is carved directly into the rock face and lined with Corinthian columns. It's believed to be the tomb of a Nabataean king, and the legend behind its name, "the Treasury," is fascinating in its own right.

Mount Hor

Nature

Mount Hor

Mount Hor is a mountain near Petra, said in the Old Testament to be the place where Aaron, brother of Moses, died. It holds deep significance as a sacred site.

Ad Deir

Heritage & monuments

Ad Deir

A massive monument carved into the rock in the ancient city of Petra, in southern Jordan. Believed to date from around the 1st century, it's a highlight not to be missed when visiting Petra.

Tomb of Aaron

Heritage & monuments

Tomb of Aaron

This is said to be the burial site of Aaron, brother of Moses, marked by a small mosque-like shrine atop Mount Hor. At 1,350 meters above sea level, it's the highest point in the Petra area.

Siq

Nature

Siq

A narrow, shadowy gorge leading into Petra — follow its winding path for about 1.2 km and Al-Khazneh suddenly appears before you. The canyon scenery along the way is a highlight in itself.

Beidha

Heritage & monuments

Beidha

A Neolithic archaeological site located north of Petra, Jordan, included within the Petra World Heritage area. It offers a close-up look at traces left by ancient inhabitants.

Jebel al-Madhbah

Nature

Jebel al-Madhbah

Jebel al-Madhbah is a mountain rising within the Petra ruins, its summit home to a large Nabataean ritual site centered on an altar. Climbing the mountain lets you examine traces of ancient Nabataean worship up close.

Qasr al-Bint

Heritage & monuments

Qasr al-Bint

A Nabataean-era temple in Petra, facing Wadi Musa and standing between the Great Temple and the Temple of the Winged Lions. Located near the Colonnaded Street and the Temenos Gate, it offers a well-preserved look at an ancient religious center.

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Average temperature by month

5-year average

10° Jan
10° Feb
13° Mar
19° Apr
23° May
26° Jun
27° Jul
27° Aug
26° Sep
22° Oct
16° Nov
12° Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

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Local data

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Where to stay

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