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Petra is a must-see historical wonder, offering a range of exciting activities. Top things to do include:
Petra is located in the southern Jordanian desert, nestled in a narrow canyon connecting the Dead Sea and the Strait of Aqaba. It's about 260 kilometers from the capital, Amman, and nestled in a high mountain valley 1,000 meters above sea level. Once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, it connects Damascus to the north, the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea to the south via the Gulf of Aqaba, Gaza to the west, and the Persian Gulf to the east, nestled behind the desert.
Known as the Rose City because all its buildings are carved into the rosy rock, the ancient city was ruled by the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic empires, leaving behind architectural remains of various styles. On December 6, 1985, Petra was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Petra has a mild climate year-round, making it suitable for visiting at any time of year.
Recommended play time: about half a day
There are three types of tickets: one-day ticket 50jd, two-day ticket 55jd, and three-day ticket 60jd
The "Petra Nights" performance is held every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evening, starting at 8:30 pm and lasting about two hours. The ticket price is 17 JD.
Petra, once the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, is famous for its unique rock-cut architecture and water management system. The city flourished between the 4th century BC and 2nd century AD before being abandoned. Rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, it has since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Petra is located in southern Jordan, about 3 hours' drive from Amman. Visitors typically arrive by bus or taxi, with most coming from the nearby town of Wadi Musa. Private cars and organized tours are also common options. There is no metro system, but the site is well-connected by road.
Petra is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours during peak seasons (March to October). The best times to visit are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography.
The entrance fee for Petra varies depending on the duration of your visit:
Tickets can be purchased at the Petra Visitor Center or online in advance through official websites.
It’s not strictly necessary to book tickets in advance for Petra, but during peak seasons, it's recommended to buy them online ahead of time to avoid long lines. Tickets can typically be purchased up to a few days in advance.
To fully explore Petra, you’ll need at least one full day, though two days are ideal to see all the major sites at a relaxed pace. A 3-day pass allows you to explore more of the site without rushing.
Top highlights include:
Guided tours are available in several languages, including English, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Italian. Audio guides are also offered at the Visitor Center in various languages and are available for rent.
Best spots for photography include:
Begin by walking through the Siq to reach the Treasury. After exploring the Treasury, continue to the Royal Tombs, the Street of Facades, and the Petra Theatre. If you have time, hike up to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) or the High Place of Sacrifice for panoramic views.
Yes, Petra offers a special "Petra by Night" experience on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, where visitors can walk through the Siq and Treasury by candlelight. It’s a magical experience but different from daytime visits.
Petra can be very crowded, especially from March to May and September to November. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, or consider visiting in the off-season (December to February).
There are toilets, rest areas, and food kiosks scattered throughout the site. The Petra Visitor Center offers water, snacks, and some souvenirs. Larger meals can be found in the nearby town of Wadi Musa.
While Petra is not fully accessible for the disabled due to its rugged terrain, the main areas such as the Treasury and the Petra Visitor Center are more accessible. Visitors with limited mobility can use donkeys or carriages to navigate some areas.
Cash is widely accepted in Petra and Wadi Musa. Credit cards are also accepted at the Petra Visitor Center, some restaurants, and hotels. Mobile payments are less commonly accepted.
There are several restaurants and cafes near the Petra Visitor Center, offering traditional Jordanian dishes and international cuisine. Some popular choices include The Cave Bar and Petra Kitchen.
Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available in restaurants around Petra, including dishes like hummus, falafel, and vegetable stews.
Several hotels and guesthouses are located in Wadi Musa, just a short drive from Petra. Notable accommodations include the Mövenpick Resort Petra, Petra Marriott Hotel, and various budget hotels.
Nearby attractions include:
Yes, there are souvenir shops at Petra selling traditional crafts such as pottery, jewelry, and textiles. Some shops also offer antiques and handmade Bedouin items.
After visiting Petra, you can take a taxi or bus to nearby attractions like Wadi Rum or the Dead Sea. Rental cars are also a popular option for further exploration of Jordan.
