A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience
The ancient city of Petra possesses a wind-weathered landscape, with many honeycomb tombs and silent canyons housing long-forgotten gods. Its breadth, which features many mountains, narrow slot canyons, and dry river beds, means that visitors must dedicate some time to fully exploring Petra. Even so, the effort is well worth it to see this amazing site that captures so much of human history.
Even with only one day to spare, it is possible to cover the attractions of this ancient beauty in a single day. All you need is some rest at the Nomads Hotel, a little forethought, and insider insight. Here are a few tips you can use to plan your adventure and make the most of your trip.
Spend a Night in the Nomads Hotel
To get the most out of your Petra experience, and to make sure you’re well-rested for a long journey, spend your first night at the renowned Nomads Hotel. That way, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Monastery before sunrise, and be able to walk around and take in all the beautiful sights and peaceful morning sounds of this incredible city.
The Nomads Hotel sits on the top of a hill and is perfectly situated for visitors to the Petra World Heritage Site. Just 5 minutes away from the visitor center, the hotel offers stunning views over Wadi Musa, top-notch services, and easy access to the 25 restaurants and 2 attractions within 0 km. It’s the perfect place for walkers who want to explore everything this amazing site has to offer.
The wonderful decor and views from the reception and restaurant make this place feel like home. The amazing staff always goes out of their way to make sure everyone feels comfortable and welcome. The new rooms are a great addition, and the shared lounge and rooftop terrace are perfect for relaxing and enjoying a healthy breakfast. You won’t find a better deal in the area.
Explore the Ancient Ruins of the Siq at Sunrise
The best time to see the ancient ruins at Petra is first thing in the morning when the sun is just starting to peek over the horizon. Head down the hill from the entrance gates at 6 a.m., when you’ll have the place almost to yourself. The first part of the journey takes you through the Siq, a narrow canyon with walls that are over 500 feet high in some places.
As you walk through the Siq, keep your eyes peeled for carvings of ancient gods and tombs on either side of the path. When you reach the end of the Siq, you’ll be rewarded with your first glimpse of an ancient water channel carved into the cliff, votive shrines commemorating age-old sacred spots, and a fig tree springing from the rock.
Indulge in some of Petra’s modern cuisine by the Basin
The Bedouin people of Petra have a long and rich history in the ancient city. They have returned to Petra every day since the 1980s, carrying with them the animals they needed to sustain themselves.
It is common to see them on kiosks in the city center, close to the Basin, where they sell memorabilia, sweet treats, and chi nana tea. Grabbing a bite there is a great way to indulge in some of Petra’s modern cuisine while refueling your body and mind for the next leg of the journey.
Enjoy Late Libations in the Cave Bar
End your day at Petra by raising a glass at the world’s most ancient drinking hole, the Cave Bar. This bar is located in Wadi Musa and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink. Don’t forget to cheer to the spirits that once called this place home.
Enjoy the Full Experience of this Wonderful Gem
The bottom line is that a good night’s sleep will let you make the most of your experience at this ancient site. The Nomads Hotel can provide you with everything you need for a peaceful stay, good rest, and a great experience. View the hotel’s amazing booking offers.