Rising from south Jordan’s deserts, rose-red Petra bridges the millennia like nowhere else. This ancient city transports travelers back to the Nabataeans, who carved it around 2,300 years ago. There are plenty of things to see here—among them, the ethereal Treasury (al-Khazneh), rock tombs, amphitheater, and monastery. Many visitors come on private Petra day trips from Amman, Aqaba, Israel, and Egypt’s Red Sea. Other travelers choose multi-day tours to pack in other Jordan treasures, including Wadi Rum, Little Petra, and the Dead Sea.
Petra is open daily, year-round, but visiting in March-May or September-November avoids Jordan’s roasting summers and often wet winters. Petra is busiest in these periods, but you'll miss the main crowds if you arrive when it opens (6am) or toward closing time (6pm summer, 4:30pm winter). If you’re happy to sample Petra’s atmosphere without seeing everything, book a Petra night show (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) to experience the Siq entrance canyon and Treasury (al-Khazneh) in the glow of candlelight.
The only way to explore Petra is on foot independently or by guided tour. Most travelers choose private or small-group tours, usually including admission and a guide to walk you from Petra’s entrance to the Siq—the narrow canyon that winds to the Treasury—and onward from there. Some tours offer an optional golf buggy or horseback ride to the Siq. Travelers already in Wadi Musa—the tourist town neighboring Petra—usually get to the gates by foot, cab, or hotel shuttle.
If you want to relax and refuel after a hot, dusty tour of Petra, make tracks for My Mom’s Recipe Restaurant, around a 5-minute walk from Petra Visitor Centre on Tourism Street. Hunger-busters come thick and fast at this Bedouin-style rooftop eatery, from juicy lamb kebabs to sumptuous moutabel (eggplant dip), served up with a side of far-reaching views over the Petra hills.
Attractions 10 | Tours 107 | Reviews 622 |
Yes, Petra is worth visiting. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, this rock-cut city has substantial historical importance. Its 2,300-year-old ruins and facades offer a unique window into the lives and ingenuity of the ancient Nabataeans.
...MorePetra is best known for its Treasury (al-Khazneh), which visitors first glimpse when emerging from the narrow Siq entranceway. It’s also famous for its hand-hewn Nabataean water channels and the pink-red hues of its sandstone. Poet John Burgon dubbed it a "rose-red city half as old as time" in 1845.
...MoreWhile you can see Petra’s highlights in a day, two or three days is ideal. Showpieces like the Treasury (al-Khazneh), royal tombs, amphitheater, and monastery could be crammed into a day or even a brisk half-day, but experiencing all the trails and harder-to-reach sights requires more time.
...MoreYes, Petra involves significant walking. The main trail extends 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the entrance, and walking back again to complete the entire loop is about a 5-mile (8-kilometer) walk. There are rest stops, the terrain is generally flat, and you can turn back at any point.
...MoreYes, you can explore Petra independently. However, a guided tour is strongly recommended to help you get maximum value from your visit. A guide will shed light on Petra’s history, reveal details you might not spot otherwise, and enable you to navigate the trails so you don’t miss anything.
...MoreNo, there is no official dress code at Petra. However, it’s important to dress respectfully. Both women and men should avoid shorts and revealing or sleeveless tops, and wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Conservative dress will help women avoid unwanted attention.
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