Petra Jordan Travel Guide: The BEST Way to Visit Petra in 2024
Are you planning a trip to Petra and wondering: What's the best way to visit Petra? How can you avoid the crowds? What are the must-see attractions in Petra? You’re in the right place! In this updated guide, we'll share our personal experience visiting Jordan's number one destination, giving you the insider tips you need for a fantastic visit.
READ MORE: Jordan Road Trip 7-Day Itinerary
Petra Essentials: Quick Facts
What is it? Petra is an ancient city carved into sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, now one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Where is it? Petra is located in Wadi Musa, southern Jordan, about 3 hours from Amman and 2 hours from Aqaba.
When to visit? The best time to visit is in the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Price? Entry is covered by the Jordan Pass, ranging from 70-80 JD, or you can buy a separate ticket starting at 50 JD for one day.
Time? Plan for at least 2 days to fully explore Petra.
Where to stay? Wadi Musa offers various accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget options like Petra Heaven, where we stayed.
What is Petra in Jordan
Petra, known as the "Lost City," is an ancient archaeological wonder located in Wadi Musa, southern Jordan. Established over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans, Petra is a city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs. Walking through the Siq—a dramatic, narrow canyon that leads to the iconic Treasury—will make you feel like you've stepped into a movie set (it was even featured in Indiana Jones).
But Petra is much more than the Treasury. As you explore, you'll encounter other breathtaking monuments like the Royal Tombs, the Roman Theatre, the Street of Facades, and the Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with history, culture, and awe-inspiring architecture. Trust me, you’ll be left speechless!
A Brief History of Petra
Petra was founded around the 6th century BC by the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab civilisation known for their incredible architectural skills and control of trade routes. The Nabataeans carved the city into the cliffs, making it a fortress that was easy to defend. Petra became a major hub for trade, especially in spices, silk, and incense, connecting the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean.
At its height, Petra was home to around 30,000 people. However, after Roman annexation in 106 AD, trade routes shifted, and Petra’s significance waned. The city was largely abandoned after a series of earthquakes in the 4th century. Rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, Petra was slowly brought to international attention. Today, it remains one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites and a testament to the Nabataeans’ ingenuity.
How many days to visit Petra?
In 2024, the Jordan Pass, is the most efficient way to visit Petra. Not only does it include your visa, but it also covers entry to Petra and many other sites in Jordan. Depending on your schedule, you can choose a pass for 1, 2, or 3 days. For the best experience, we recommend spending 2 days in Petra.
While you could rush through in one day, two days allow you to fully appreciate the Lost City without feeling rushed. You’ll want plenty of time to wander, take photos, and explore the less crowded areas like Little Petra, an often-overlooked but equally fascinating Nabataean site just a short drive away.
What's the best way to visit Petra?
Here’s a tip: start your visit in the late afternoon on the day you arrive in Wadi Musa. Most large tour groups visit in the morning, so by the afternoon, the crowds thin out significantly. Plan to spend the rest of the day exploring Petra’s further sights, like the Monastery and then return the next morning for a quieter, more intimate experience around the Treasury.
During our visit in June, we arrived in the afternoon and, despite the hot weather, managed to avoid the large crowds. Bring plenty of water, wear a hat, and be prepared for the desert heat—it's no joke! We saw some people struggling in the heat, so take your time and pace yourself.
Must-See Attractions in Petra
Petra is vast, and there are countless sights to explore. These are the top highlights you shouldn't miss:
1. The Siq and The Treasury
Your journey begins at the Siq, a 1.2 km long canyon that leads to Petra’s most iconic landmark: the Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Seeing the Treasury for the first time is unforgettable. Arrive early in the morning to experience it without the crowds—trust us, it’s worth the early wake-up call!
2. The Monastery (Al-Deir)
After exploring the Treasury, head straight for the Monastery, which involves a climb up 800 steps. Though it’s a bit of a hike, the effort is rewarded with fewer crowds and stunning views. The Monastery is even larger than the Treasury, and the expansive area around it gives you plenty of space to relax and take photos.
3. Petra Viewpoints
Petra has two famous viewpoints overlooking the Treasury: the lower viewpoint, which is a short, easy climb, and the upper viewpoint, which requires a bit more effort. Local Bedouins often offer to guide you to these spots for a small fee. While you might be tempted to go alone, having a guide ensures you find the hidden paths quickly and safely.
4. Petra by Night
If you're visiting on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, don't miss the Petra by Night show. Over 1,500 candles illuminate the Siq and the Treasury, creating a magical atmosphere you won’t forget. Arrive early for a good spot, and consider heading to a higher viewpoint for unique photos of the candlelit Treasury.
Should You Get a Private Tour of Petra?
Hiring a private guide in Petra can enrich your experience with in-depth historical context, access to hidden viewpoints, and a personalised itinerary. Although it adds to the cost, a guide can help you navigate the expansive site and bring Petra's rich history to life in ways that exploring on your own might not. For those keen on learning more about the Nabataean civilisation and uncovering lesser-known paths, a private guide is a valuable investment. However, if you prefer the freedom to wander at your own pace just like we did, self-exploring is also rewarding, especially with some prior research.
Recommended 2-Day Itinerary for Visiting Petra
Day 1: Afternoon Arrival and Sunset at the Monastery
1. Arrive in Wadi Musa and Start Your Journey (Around 2:00 PM)After arriving in Wadi Musa, head straight to Petra’s Visitor Center. If you have the Jordan Pass, you can skip the ticket line and go directly in. Walk through the Siq, the stunning narrow canyon that leads you to the iconic Treasury. Resist the temptation to linger too long here just yet—this area is usually crowded with tourists during the afternoon. Take a quick photo, then move on to explore deeper into Petra.
2. Hike to the Monastery (Al-Deir) (Around 3:30 PM)Next, make your way to the Monastery, one of Petra’s most impressive sights. The hike involves 800 steps, but the views and serenity are well worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll pass fewer tourists as most are heading back at this time of day. Once you reach the Monastery, take your time to relax and explore this vast, open area. As sunset approaches, you’ll have the site almost entirely to yourself, perfect for photographs and a peaceful moment to reflect on Petra’s grandeur.
3. Sunset at the Monastery (Around 5:00 PM)The Monastery is one of the best spots in Petra to watch the sunset. Enjoy the view as the golden hour light enhances the rose-red stone cliffs. Before you leave, visit the cave house opposite the Monastery for a unique view of this massive structure through a carved window. After sunset, take a leisurely walk back down to the main trail. The path will be quieter now, with fewer tourists and Bedouins still around.
5. Petra by Night Show (Arrive by 8:00 PM) If your visit falls on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you’re in for a treat! The Petra by Night show is a mesmerising experience where over 1,500 candles light up the Treasury, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. When you reach the Treasury you'll luckly bump into the staff organising the evening event. You can purchase the ticket for the show directly from them.
Day 2: Early Start in Petra
1. Early Morning Visit to the Treasury (6:00 AM)Arrive at the Petra Visitor Center 15 minutes before it opens. Getting there early ensures you’ll have the Treasury all to yourself—or at least without the crowds! Walking through the Siq in the early morning light is magical, and as you approach the Treasury, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene. Take your time to appreciate the serenity and snap those crowd-free photos.
2. Explore the Royal Tombs and Roman Theatre (8:00 AM)After enjoying the Treasury, head toward the Royal Tombs and Roman Theatre. These ancient structures are beautifully preserved and less crowded during the morning hours. The Royal Tombs offer panoramic views of the entire site, perfect for some incredible photos.
3. Petra Viewpoints (Mid-Morning)For a different perspective, visit one of the famous viewpoints overlooking the Treasury. There are two main viewpoints—one higher and one lower. To find them, look for locals offering to guide you for a small fee (which also helps support the Bedouin community). The higher viewpoint involves a more challenging climb, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it.
4. Afternoon Walk through the Street of Facades and The Great Temple (2:00 PM)Spend the afternoon exploring the Street of Facades, where you’ll see dozens of Nabataean tombs and houses carved into the cliffs. Continue to the Great Temple, an expansive complex showcasing Petra’s architectural prowess. Since most tour groups are gone by the afternoon, you’ll have more time to explore at your own pace.
The Bedouins of Petra
One of the highlights of visiting Petra is interacting with the local Bedouins, who still live in and around the ancient city. We had some unforgettable encounters with the Bedouins, who generously shared tea with us and told stories of their lives in the Lost City. Respect their way of life, and remember that purchasing tea or a small trinket from them is a way to give back to the local community.
How to Avoid Crowds in Petra
Want to experience Petra without the tourist rush? Here’s how:
Start early. Arrive at the Petra Visitor Center before it opens (6:00 AM in summer, 6:30 AM in winter). You’ll get ahead of the tour groups and have a more peaceful experience at the Treasury.
Stay late. In the late afternoon, as tour groups leave, Petra becomes much quieter. You can explore the Monastery and other sites in relative peace.
Visit in the shoulder season. April-May and September-November offer cooler weather and fewer tourists than peak summer months.
Final Thoughts: Is Petra Worth It?
Absolutely! Petra is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring historical sites, and visiting it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With the right planning—arriving early, staying late, and spending two full days—you’ll avoid the crowds and discover the magic of this ancient city.
We hope this guide helps you plan your perfect trip to Petra! If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides on Jordan.
Kommentare