Petra – Travel Guide
The awe-inspiring Ancient City of Petra is Jordan’s most precious treasure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. This vast, rock-carved city, with its monumental temples and tombs, invites exploration through its dramatic canyons and cliffs, offering breathtaking views from the Mountaintop Monastery and revealing the secrets of a civilization that thrived over 2,000 years ago. Don’t miss the chance to experience Petra by Night, where candlelit paths and ancient stories transform the landscape into a magical realm.
All about Petra
Getting Around Petra
By Foot
Getting around Petra is mainly done on foot whether you go independently or with a guide there is a lot of walking involved in exploring the ancient site. The historic grounds of Petra are massive covering 60 square kilometers with ancient walkways and structures to discover along the way. From the entrance to the basin is around 2 ½ miles as well as additional mileage for sightseeing and any climbs up to the Monastery or the many viewpoints that overlook the Treasury. Visitors receive a map with their entrance ticket and there are many signs in the park to help with navigation.
By Camel, Donkey, or Horse
There are 4 segments within Petra and 4 possible types of transport; at the entrance to the park to the Siq visitors can go by foot or a horseback ride, these prices are extremely negotiable. Then from the Siq to the Treasury by foot or by electric golf buggy-style carts (used to be by horse and carriage) which cost around JD25. From the Treasury to the stairs of the Monastery by foot, by donkey, or by camel up the 800 stairs is best done on foot unless you have health-related mobility issues.
Throughout Petra there are camels, donkeys, and horses with handlers that offer visitors rides to the Treasury, or up to the Monastery, however, we do not recommend using them as the animals are exploited, beaten, and treated poorly. Animals are forced to carry heavy loads and climb the steep steps to the Treasury in temperatures that exceed 86 F degrees. Their hooves also damage the stone and harm the preservation of this remarkable World Heritage site.
Petra FAQ
What is the main airport servicing Petra?
The closest airport to the ancient city of Petra is the King Hussein International Airport located in the vicinity of Industrial City (Aqaba International Industrial Estate) northern suburb of Aqaba in Jordan.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
The Journey to Petra is just over 62 miles/1.5 hours and can be taken on board a bus, taxi or by renting a car. The cost of a taxi from Aqaba to Petra costs around JD20-30.
How do I get around the city using public transportation?
There are no vehicles allowed in the ancient city of Petra, only walking and rides on horse and carriages, camels or donkeys. There are minibusses from Wadi Musa hotels into town and taxi`s
In the archaeological city of Petra is a site to be explored on foot, on the eastern side of the mountains is the town of Wadi Musa which is only a short walk from Petra. There are free shuttles to the visitor`s center situated close to Petra a few times a day, taxis are also found outside the visitor`s center.
Petra is a popular destination to visit from Amman which is located 146 miles/ 4.5 hours away via the Desert Highway. Many tour groups will bring visitors to Petra from Amman by bus or visitors can drive themselves and stay overnight in Petra or Wadi Musa. There is a free parking lot located across from the main bus stop in Petra which is situated in front of the Petra Moon Hotel.
Is Petra a walking city?
Yes, walking is one of the only ways to see the ancient city of Petra. There are no vehicles allowed in the archaeological site and walking is one of the best ways to see the sights located here. Once inside the ancient city, there is plenty of walking and hiking to go through the numerous trails and mountains that lead up to vantage points with breathtaking views of the colorful sandstone rock formations.
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More About Petra
Can I ride a horse and carriage around Petra?
If you want to take a break from walking while visiting the ancient city then you can take a horse and carriage ride that which will cost around JD20 – JD40. There are also camel and donkey rides available to take you up some of the extremely steep steps to locations such as the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice.
What time does Petra open and close?
Petra is open daily from 6:00 am until 5:00 pm during the winter, 6:00 am until 6:00 pm in the summer.
What is the best time of day to visit Petra?
Visiting early in the morning will help you avoid a few things. Going early means you will be able to avoid some of the midday heat, it does take around 7 hours to walk to the Monastery and back (without any rides). If you visit early in the morning you will avoid lots of the tour groups that arrive later on from other cities. Late afternoons can also be a quieter and cooler time to visit.
How much does a ticket cost to get into Petra?
The entrance fee to Petra is JD90 for one day visitors (those traveling from other countries) and JD50 for tourists staying in the country of Jordan.
What is Petra by night?
The Petra by night tour allows visitors to the park on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights with tours starting at 8:30 pm and ending around 10:30 pm. Tickets cost JD17.
Is Petra a dangerous city, is there anything I should be aware of?
Petra is a very safe city to visit, it is safe to walk anywhere in the city at any time of day or night. Use the necessary street smarts when exploring and be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for pickpockets in busy tourist areas especially in crowded markets.
What are some popular areas for shopping?
There are local stalls inside the ancient city that sell water, tea, coffee and some other items like scarves, jewelry, and antique coins. Bottle of decorative sand art are popular items to purchase as the sand comes from the rock walls within Petra, some of the artists selling these can write names in the sand inside the bottle, they are a unique memoir to take home.
The towns of Petra and Waid Musa are good places to shop for traditional Jordanian and Nabatean handicrafts where you can purchase pottery, silverware, stone carvings and embroidery.
What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The currency in Petra is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD or JD) the Jordanian Dinar is divided into 1000 fils, it is also referred to as `leerah`. US Dollars are not accepted. You must exchange your dollars for Jordanian Dinar before or upon arrival. ATMs and banks exchange currency and are available in the city. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is recommended to carry some cash with you at all times to pay for transportation, snacks, and purchases in outdoor markets. For a detailed guide to tipping please see out tipping page for Jordan.
Where can we eat in Petra?
There are not many places to eat around the ancient city, you will find a few restaurants in Petra town by the hotels and most of the hotel will offer food and packed lunches if you choose to purchase for your day of exploring. There is a small supermarket so you can buy your own ingredients for a picnic along with snacks and drinks. There are a few stalls selling drinks and snacks just outside the entrance to the site and a few places on site that sell the same but prices are usually inflated. The Basin is a restaurant located near the museum offering a full menu and buffet.
Wadi Musa offers a little more variety of restaurants including The Petra Kitchen situated on the main road where visitors can learn how to cook traditional Jordanian meals.
What is the food like?
Typical Arabic cuisine consists of meat dishes featuring lamb, chicken, and beef. A popular local dish is `Shwarma` with lamb served in a special sauce and rolled in a piece of flatbread. Other favorites are falafel, hummus and ful, cucumbers and tomatoes and the zingy taziki sauce.
What is the nightlife like?
The most popular activity in Petra on the evenings is to partake in the Petra by Night tour (Mon, Wed, Fri @ 8:30 pm) where visitors can experience the ancient city at night lit up by thousands of candles, live music, and stories. Tickets cost approximately JD17.
Seeing the city and surrounding area lit up by the sunset is a spectacular sight. You can witness the changing colors of the sandstone as the sunlight reflects off them and the mountains. There are a few bars located in Wadi Musa including the Cave Bar which is the oldest bar in the entire world.
Do I need a visa to enter Jordan?
An entry visa is required to enter Jordan and can be purchased at the airport, if not already obtained before traveling. The price of a visa is around JOD40 and payable in Jordanian dinars only, you can pay at the immigration line at the first counter and then pass through to obtain your stamp at the second counter in the customs area.
Seeing the city and surrounding area lit up by the sunset is a spectacular sight. You can witness the changing colors of the sandstone as the sunlight reflects off them and the mountains.
I don`t speak Arabic will there be many people who speak English?
The official language spoken in Amman is Arabic. English is spoken and understood by most individuals in the service industry, however, if you travel to the areas of Upper Egypt you will most likely encounter individuals that do not speak or understand English. We suggest you get a good English/Arabic Guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you and numbers 1-10.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
In case of emergency, dial 193 for an ambulance, 191 or 192 for the policy.
Hospitals:
Queen Rania Hospital tel. 962-3-215-0635
Wadi Musa Health Center (no contact info found).
Top Attractions
Al Siq
The main entrance to the ancient city of Petra is the winding sandstone canyon known as the Siq. The 1.24-mile entrance starts at the dam and ends at the opposite side of the vault
Petra Treasury
The Treasury or Al Khazneh in Arabic is a magnificent façade that stands 131 feet high intricately decorated with Corinthian capitals, friezes, figures and more.
Royal Tombs
The Royal Tombs, a collection of tombs that are located downhill from the Roman Theatre, they can be reached by steps that ascend from the valley.
Siq al-Barid
Little Petra or Siq al-Barid is an archaeological site located north of Petra and the town of Wadi Musa in the mountainous desert region.
Unique Experiences
Explore the Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Start your visit with a breathtaking view of Petra’s most iconic structure. The Treasury’s dramatic façade, carved into the rock, is even more stunning when approached through the narrow Siq canyon.
Hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir)
Take a challenging but rewarding hike up over 800 steps to the Monastery, another magnificent rock-cut monument. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular, and the Monastery itself is a marvel of ancient engineering.
Experience Petra by Night
On certain nights, Petra is illuminated by candles, creating a magical atmosphere as you walk through the Siq and arrive at the Treasury, which is lit by thousands of candles. The event includes music and storytelling, enhancing the mystical experience.
Explore Petra’s Royal Tombs
Visit the impressive Royal Tombs, including the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, and Corinthian Tomb. Each offers a unique glimpse into the grandeur of Petra’s funerary architecture and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Visit the Petra Archaeological Museum
Gain deeper insight into Petra’s history and culture with exhibits on the Nabatean civilization, including artifacts and models that bring the ancient city to life.
What to expect while traveling
