Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and it earns the title within the first ten minutes. Walking the dramatic Siq canyon and catching that first sliver of the Treasury through the rock is a travel moment nothing quite prepares you for.
We spent the day going well beyond the postcard shot: the Royal Tombs with their colourful chambers hidden inside, the Roman Theatre, hidden viewpoints above the Treasury, and lesser-known corners that many visitors walk straight past. Along the way we picked up fascinating stories about the Nabataeans, the people who carved this entire city directly into the sandstone cliffs, and drank freshly squeezed pomegranate juice beside the Treasury, which we can highly recommend as a resting strategy.
Petra by Night
The highlight, though, was Petra by Night. Hundreds of candles light the path through the Siq before revealing the Treasury completely transformed. The evening builds into a show of music, storytelling and light projections, with complimentary sweet tea passed around, an atmosphere unlike anything we’ve experienced anywhere else.
If you’re building a Jordan itinerary, give Petra more than a flying visit, the hidden corners and the night show are what turn it from a photo stop into a memory.
There’s more from this trip on our YouTube channel, we film the real sights and sounds, no fluff. You’ll also find us on TikTok and Instagram.