Petra Local History

The ancient city of Petra is believed to be inhabited since prehistoric times and remains found just north of the city at Beidha are believed to be of a 9000 year old city. Petra was the capital of the Nabateans Arabs who carved the wonderful tombs, temples and elaborate buildings out of solid rock.

For centuries Petra's existence was a closely gaurded secret known only to the local Bedouins and Arab tradesmen. In 1812 a young Swiss explorer called Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, who had converted to Islam, heard locals speaking of the lost city in the mountains and decided to look for Petra. Using a pilgrimage to the tomb of Aaron as an excuse he managed to bluff his way to the city and revealed the city to the rest of the world.

Petra Attractions

Top Attractions

Petra Restaurants and Bars

Petra Restaurants

Al Iwan Restaurant - located at the Moven Pick Resort, entrance to Petra. This restaurant has a formal yet intimate atmosphere and is the perfect place for a rmantic candlelit Middle Eastern rendezvous. The menu offers a fine blend of Eastern and Mediterranean flavour such as seafood carpaccio and pepercorn honeyed duck with couscous.

Al Arabi Restaurant - located in the centre of the village. A lovely ambiance with a Middle Eastern flair serving delicious traditional food such as hummus and falafel.

The Basin - located inside the old city of Petra. Situated at the base of the climb to the Monastery, the surroundings are enchanting and the food is superb. Try the hummus and bread as well as the most delicious falafels and kebabs.

Wadi Petra Restaurant - located inside Petra. A lovely setting with excellent service. The menu has tons of mainly western style food such as peper stek, hamburgers pizza and kebabs.

Petra Bars & Clubs

Crowne Plaza Resort - located at Wadi Mousa Petra. The resort has a nice lobby bar and an elegant vibey evening cocktail lounge with a popular dance floor that is open quite late.

Al Maqu - located at the Moven Pick Resort, entrance to Petra. Wonderful luxurious surroundings with intricately inlaid turquoise and gold leaf walls with hand carved wooden screens. This is the perfect place for a quiet drink and a light snack after a long day of sight seeing.

Atrium Lounge - located at the Moven Pick Resort, entrance to Petra. A great place to relax and meet before or after meals. The lounge serves drinks and snacks.

Petra Tours

Looking for organised tours in Petra?

• Petra 1 Day
• Horseback
• Petra 1 Day Tour

More Petra Tours