Visit Petra, Jordan: Complete Guide to the Lost City
Welcome to the complete guide to visit Petra, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the seven world wonders! Petra is one of the most captivating archaeological treasures in the world. Nestled in the heart of Jordan, this ancient city carved into vibrant red sandstone cliffs has mesmerized travelers for centuries. Planning a visit to this remarkable destination? Use this travel guide to Petra to plan your time. From useful tips and information to inspiration from one of the most spectacular places on the planet!
How to get to Petra, Jordan
Most people arrive in Amman, the capital of Jordan, by plane. Find cheap flights to Jordan here.
Getting around Jordan in a rental car is a very convenient and safe way to travel, because road conditions in Jordan are great. It is only a 3 to 4 hour drive (240 km) South from Amman to Petra. I always rent my car through Sunny Cars, because all insurances are included.
Best time to visit Petra?
This incredible city is equally beautiful whenever you decide to visit. Apart from that it totally depends on your personal preferences and what’s most comfortable for you. Read more about the Best Time to Visit Petra.
Apart from the weather there is another important factor for your visit to Petra: come early! This might seem pretty obvious, but most people grossly underestimate the size of Petra and how many places of interest there actually are. The Petra Archeological Park measures over 264.000 square meters, so you can easily spend two days here, admiring the beauty of the ancient Nabataean rock carvings.
How to navigate the lost city of Petra?
Exploring the valley of Petra is quite easy and straightforward, because there is a clear walking path. You can follow the path from the Siq to the Treasury and from there all the way to The Monastery. Along the way you will find many other beautiful carved structures.
Tip: If you like to read about Petra’s highlights and map out your route through the ancient city I can highly recommend ordering Lonely Planet Jordan, which contains a lot of interesting information and hidden spots to see.
How many days to visit Petra
There is so much to see in Petra, which makes two days the perfect amount of time to get the most out of your visit. It will give you enough time to explore the ancient city at your own pace. This is also a great option if you plan on visiting Petra by Night or Little Petra while you’re there. Because you don’t have to rush between sites, you will have a more relaxing experience.
What does it cost to visit Petra?
Tickets to Petra cost between 50JD and 60JD, depending on how many days you want to visit. There is however a much cheaper way to visit Petra, namely the Jordan Pass. By buying the Jordan pass, you will save a lot of money. The Jordan Pass comes in three options: the Wanderer (one day in Petra), the Explorer (two days in Petra) and the Expert (three days in Petra). Apart from the entrance to Petra, they also include a single-entry visa to Jordan (worth 40JD), and the entrance to 40 other big attractions in Jordan. Learn more abouth the Jordan Pass and why you should get one.
Visit Petra: opening hours
It is best to visit Petra during the morning and late afternoon to avoid the crowds. The entrance opens every morning at 6 AM, and there won’t be any big tour groups before 8 AM. Petra closes at 6 PM in summer, 4 PM in the winter and 5:30 PM during Ramadan.
Where to stay near Petra?
The town of Wadi Musa is the closest to the main entrance of Petra. It is also the only place that is close to Petra. Accommodations fill up quickly, so make sure to book ahead. Luckily there’s a great amount of accommodations to choose from in this easygoing town, which also has a lot of nice restaurants and shops! Here are all your hotel options in Petra.
Visit Petra by Night
Petra by night is super touristy, but turned out to be one of my favourite experiences from my visit to Petra. Petra by Night is a magical experience, because you don’t get to see a world wonder by night every day. You walk through the dimly lit Siq and end at the Treasury where music is playing and a colourful light show is projected on the Treasury. There is an important sidenote here: I visited Petra by Night during Ramadan, which is a very quiet time in Jordan. Petra by Night can get quite busy, especially in high season.
What to wear in Petra
Wear walking shoes or a pair of sturdy sneakers for your visit to Petra. There’s a lot of walking to be done, especially when you walk to some of the higher viewpoints and temples. It’s important to have a good grip because of the unsteady surfaces and sometimes slippery rocks. It is also a great idea to dress appropriately and cover your arms and legs. Covering your arms in Petra is always a great idea, because after your walk through the Siq you will be fully exposed to the power of the sun.
Is it safe to visit Petra?
Yes, like all of Jordan, Petra is also safe to visit. Whether you’re a solo female traveller or come with a big group, you don’t have to worry about your safety. The current situation in neighboring Israel and the West Bank may cause some concern. The Jordan Tourism Board said this in a statement in October 2023: “In light of the recent developments in Gaza, we want to emphasise that Jordan continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for tourists from around the world. “Our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all visitors remains unwavering”.
Ready to book?
When you purchase something through these links, I’ll earn a small fee, while you still pay the same. Win-win! Thanks for your support!