Lonely Planet Jordan

This moderate one-hour hike starts from the High Place of Sacrifice and passes through a less visited but beautiful part of Petra. It’s also possible to do this hike in reverse, making for a grand afternoon exit from the site.

Photogenic Petra Mid-afternoon and most of Petra’s weary guests have returned to base. Those who linger catch the Royal Tombs turning pink at sunset.

Tip: The sun sets around 6pm in summer and 5pm in winter.

Petra on High The Siq, Street of Facades and museum all lie brooding in the wadi bottom. Climb a few steps, hike to a high place, sit on a camel and a whole new dimension to Petra opens up.

Tip: The Theatre seats give grandstand views.

A useful free map to pick up is 99 Things to Do in Amman, produced by the Jordan Tourism Board, which has a large city plan.

oHashem RestaurantFALAFEL$

(MAP GOOGLE MAP; Al Malek Faisal St; falafel JD3;

Jordan InterContinental HotelHOTEL$$$

(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %06 464 1361; www.intercontinental.com; Al Kulliyah Al Islamiyah St; r from JD180;

If you want to learn the secrets of Jordanian cooking, head for Beit Sitti’s (MAP GOOGLE MAP; %07 7755 7744; www.beitsitti.com; 16 Mohammad Ali Al Sadi St; lessons JD35),

2City Walk
Highlights of Amman

%07 7041 7711; www.experiencejordan.com; 44 Ali Nasouh Al Taher St, Sweifieh)

Think we’re exaggerating? Pay a visit to the Al Pasha Turkish Bath (MAP GOOGLE MAP;

If he’s not around, ask for the miftah (key) at the small shop near the gate.