11 Things to Know Before Visiting Petra, Jordan

Planning a trip to Petra, Jordan is a trip of a lifetime. This fabulous ancient city is considered one of the New World Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You definitely want to make the most of your trip to Petra!

To help you plan your trip and take advantage of the few days you have in Petra, there is a lot to learn before you go. Here are ten helpful things to know before visiting Petra in Jordan that will help you travel confidently to this bucket list place.

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Table of Contents

About Petra, Jordan

Petra is an ancient city that is half-built, half-carved into the stunning rocks and gorges of Jordan. Located about 150 miles south of Amman, the capital of Jordan, it is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

Today when you visit Petra, you will find elaborate temples and religious places carved into the mountainsides as well as extensive tomb complexes. Feasting your eyes on the beauty of Petra will leave you in awe.

The History of Petra

Dating back to 300 BC, Petra is the ancient capital city of the Nabataeans. In 100 AD, it was taken over by the Romans, and then when an earthquake in 363 AD largely destroyed it, and it was abandoned. It was not until 1812 that it was rediscovered by a Swiss explore. That is why it is often referred to as “The Lost City of Jordan”.

In 1985 Petra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Petra started raising to fame after its feature in the Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade movie. Petra was the sight that Indiana Jones found the Holy Grail.

The New Wonders of the World

In 2000 a new campaign started to choose New Wonders of the World from a list of 200 currently existing monuments. In 2007, the final list was announced, including Petra, Jordan.

It is in good company with the other six other New Wonders of the World being:

The Great Wall of China
The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Machu Picchu in the Cuzco Region of Peru
Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico
The Taj Mahal in Agra, India
Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

1. How to Get to Petra

Petra is located in southern Jordan near the town of Wadi Musa. As it is the number one tourist destination in Jordan, getting to Petra is pretty simple. In fact, you’ll have your choice of transportation.

Here are some of the best ways to get to Petra.

Fly to Petra

The airport closest to Petra is Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) in Amman, Jordan. To get to Petra, fly into Amman and then take a taxi, rent a car or take a bus to Petra.

Drive to Petra

You can rent a car and drive to Petra from Amman or really anywhere else in Jordan. The journey takes around three hours from Amman, and you will need a valid International Driving Permit to drive legally in Jordan.

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Take the Bus to Petra

One of the most common ways for tourists to get to Petra is by bus. JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transportation) and other bus companies offer daily bus services from around Jordan to Petra, including Amman, Aqaba, and Madaba.

Take a Taxi to Petra

If you are struggling to find transportation to Petra, you can hire a taxi from any city in Jordan to Petra. Be sure to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi.

This is ultimately the route I had to take as I came from the Israel/Jordan border in the south and there were no other transportation options.

Book an Organized Tour for Petra

Many tour companies in Jordan offer organized tours to Petra. These tours typically include transportation, a licensed guide, and the Petra entrance fees. If you’re looking for hassle-free travel to Petra – this is it!

Choose from multi-day tours or just a few hour tour. Here are some of the best options.

From Amman: Private Day Trip to Petra with Pickup

From Amman: Petra & Wadi Rum Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

2 Day Tour from Amman: Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea

3 Day Tour from Amman: Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea

Once you arrive at Wadi Musa or the gates of Petra, you can continue into the Archeological Park on foot or hire a horse carriage or a camel ride to get around. Just make sure to gage if the animals look healthy and well taken care of before negotiating a price and taking a ride into the park.

2. Petra Tickets

There are a number of ticket options available for visiting Petra, Jordan. All tickets can be purchased on arrival at the Visitor Center. Here’s a general overview to help you plan your trip to Petra.

Staying Overnight in Jordan

If you are staying in Jordan for at least one night, tickets are less expensive as you are spending additional revenue within the country (or at least, that is likely why).

One Day Petra Ticket: 50 JD (Jordanian Dollars)
Two Day Petra Ticket: 55 JD
Three Day Petra Tickets: 60 JD

Day Trip Visitors to Petra

If you are visiting Petra as a day trip from Israel or another country and not staying at least one night in Jordan, your ticket will be 90 JD.

Additional Details on Tickets for Petra

When purchasing your tickets for Petra, you need to be aware of a few additional details.

You need to present your passport when you purchase your ticket for Petra.
If you lose your multi-day ticket, they can look you up in the ticketing system at the Visitors Center and re-issue your ticket.
Tickets can be paid in cash or by credit card.
“Petra by Night” is not included in the ticket price.
Children under 12 years old are free.
Jordanian residents get in for just 1 JD, if they have a valid resident card for at least 1 year.

Verify the latest ticket information for Petra.

3. How to Navigate Petra

Petra is huge! To find your way through the Lost City of Jordan, you’ll need a map or a guide. Fortunately, both are readily available!

Use a Map of Petra

When you buy your tickets, make sure to get a brochure from the Visitor Center! It offers a map with an aerial view of Petra to help you plan your time around Petra. It will be a lifesaver to ensure you hit all of the highlights throughout the park.

The brochures are available in a number of languages including: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian.

Hire a Licensed Tour Guide

Another great option for navigating Petra is to hire a tour guide. You can certainly book a tour ahead of time, or you can book one onsite at the Visitor Center. Wherever you choose to hire your guide, just make sure they are properly licensed. There are often others lingering about happy to give you a “tour”.

The tour guides available at the Visitor Center speak Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Germany, Italian, Russian, Dutch, Hebrew and Greek.

4. When to Visit Petra

Petra is open year round, but due to its location, the weather can play a huge role in when you should visit. The best time to visit Petra is often considered during the cooler months of the year due to the milder weather, but let’s take a look at more specifics.

Spring (March to May)

The Spring is an ideal time to visit Petra. You’ll be greeted with pleasant temperatures ranging from 59 – 77 F (15 – 25 C) and be able to explore to your hearts content without overheating. This time of year you’ll also be greeted with wildflowers as they bloom around the desert.

Summer (June to August)

The heat makes summer less than ideal for visiting Petra as days regularly reach over 100 degrees. However, the extreme weather does tend to scare off most tourists, so it is the best time of year to avoid the typical crowds at Petra.

If you do decide to visit Petra in summer, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon for cooler temperatures. Also make sure to pack plenty of sun protection and water to help stay healthy and hydrated.

Fall (September to November)

Similarly to Spring, Fall is a perfect time to visit Petra. You’ll have mild temperatures which result in larger crowds, but you’ll be able to best enjoy walking around the large complex in this weather.

Winter (December to February)

Winter can bring below freezing temperatures and potentially snow to Petra. It is also the rainy season, making it the least desirable time to visit Petra. However, this also can mean less visitors.

5. How Long To Spend in Petra

If you’re coming all this way to see Petra, the Lost City of Jordan, you’re going to want to make the most of it. How many days you spend in Petra depends on your sightseeing stamina and your interest in history.

One Day in Petra

With just one day in Petra, you’ll be able to see the highlights of Petra but miss out on some of the lesser known places and hidden gems throughout the complex. Make sure to check out the Siq, Treasury, Monastery, and Royal Tombs at a minimum.

Two Days in Petra

Two days tends to be the right amount of time to see and do all of the amazing things that Petra offers. You’ll be able to explore most of the complex, including the lesser-known attractions, hike some of the trails, and experience sunset in Petra. You may even be able to catch Petra by Night.

Three Days in Petra

With an extra day, you’ll be able to do more hiking in Petra and even make it out to the surrounding areas like Little Petra, officially known as Siq al-Barid. It’s just a 15 minute drive from Petra, near Wadi Musa, and offers some similar things to Petra but with a fraction of the size and crowds.

Pro Tip: Arrive Early in the Morning

Seeing over 1 million tourists in 2019, Petra is a popular tourist destination. Because of that, you’ll find Petra gets extra crowded mid-day when all of the day trippers arrive from around Jordan and the surrounding areas.

Because of this, you should plan to stay local and arrive early in the morning. This is your best opportunity to really experience the magic of Petra, while it is quiet and uncrowded. Year round Petra opens at 6am, so set those alarms and get moving!

Add a trip to Wadi Rum to your Jordanian itinerary.

6. Where to Stay near Petra

Wadi Musa, the town where Petra is located, is just a 10 minute walk from the gates of Petra. You’ll find plenty of hotel and hostel options here making it a simple commute down a short hill to the gates of Petra.

Here are some recommendations for Petra hotels for every budget.

Hostels near Petra: Desert Moon | Petra Cabin Hostel | Nomads Hotel Petra | Petra Cabin Inn Hostel & Restaurant

Budget Hotels near Petra: Over Mountains Hotel | Petra Guests Hotel | Little Petra Bedouin Camp | Petra Plaza Hotel

Mid-range Hotels near Petra: Petra Elite Hotel | Movenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel | Petra Desert Dream Hotel | Seven Wonders Luxury Camp

Luxury Hotels near Petra: Petra Canyon Hotel | Petra Marriott Hotel | Movenpick Resort Petra | Petra Bubble Luxotel

Search All Hotels near Petra

7. Attend Petra By Night

You’ve seen the pictures. You’ve longed to experience it for yourself, and now you can! Petra by Night is the opportunity to visit Petra by candlelight at night. They light 1,500 candles and use strategic lighting to illuminate the Treasury, the most famous part of Petra.

Petra by Night is available every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday starting at 8:30pm and ending at 10:30pm. The entrance fee is 17 JD, although you must also have a valid daytime ticket as well. While advance reservations are not possible, there are unlimited tickets available, and you can purchase your tickets at the Visitors Center, from local tour agencies, or your hotel reception.

8. What to Pack for Petra

Of course you’ll want to take the basics, like your camera to capture the amazing scenery of the area, and you need to take your passport to purchase your ticket the first day of your visit. But there are a few categories to pay special attention to – clothing, sun protection, and food and water.

What to Wear for Petra

As Jordan is a conservative Muslim country, you’ll want to dress modestly when visiting Petra. To do so, while also bearing in mind the hot weather, I recommend you wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers your arms and legs. Think long flowing pants or skirts and linen or gauzy shirts.

If you’re visiting in the cooler months, make sure to pack layers as the temperature can change drastically throughout the day. No matter when you visit, the most important item is comfortable walking shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking!

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Petra can get hot, especially in the summer. Not to mention that much of the area is in direct sunlight with little to no shade. Take sun protection with you, like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Carry Food and Drink with You

Exploring Petra requires stamina. Walking from the entry way is almost one mile on its own, and you have to make that walk on the way in and the way out.

Carry water and snacks with you. You will want them. If you run out or don’t have time to get them before you set off into Petra, they can be purchased inside the park at a variety of locations. A large water will typically run between 1 – 2 JD in the park.

Another great option, that many hotels and hostels in town offer is packed lunches for purchase. It is a cost-effective option for not starving to death while in the park exploring all of the things, near and far.

9. How to Stay Safe in Petra

Petra is generally a very safe place to visit. Of course you should stay up to date on the latest news effecting Jordan and international politics, but Petra and the town of Wadi Musa are reliant on tourism which helps provide an additional buffer.

That being said, do dress a bit more conservatively if you are a woman, especially if you are traveling alone. The local culture is much more conservative for women, and the park is mostly run by the local Bedouin men.

You may face some harassment or people following you. Try to stay on the main trails if you are alone or make friends with other travelers. Also try to avoid visiting Petra after dark and always keep an eye on your belongings.

10. Facilities in Petra Archaeological Park

You will likely be spending long days inside of Petra, so it doesn’t hurt to know what to expect. Fortunately, as they see millions of tourists each year, they’re well prepared.

Restaurants in Petra

There are a couple of restaurants available within the Petra Archaeological Park. One, the Basin Restaurant, is located at the end of the main trail, right before you hit the trail to the Monastery. They offer a lunch buffet that runs right around 17 JD, and they serve alcohol.

Bathrooms in Petra

There are a few toilet facilities inside of Petra. However, they are not the cleanest or best stocked toilets. You may want to pack toilet paper just to be safe.

11. Be Respectful of Petra

While it should go without saying. You need to make sure to show respect to the area and to the people. This ensures that Petra retains its history and is left for other travelers to explore.

This includes:

Not purchasing antiquities of any kind.

Avoiding destroying or walking on any of the archaeological sites.

Disposing of all rubbish in the bins provided or carry it out with you.

Dressing appropriately by covering your knees and shoulders with loose flowing clothing.

Explore More of the Middle East

While visiting Petra is one of the top things to do in the Middle East, there are a lot of other amazing places and experiences for you to have!

With these know before you go tips for Petra, you’ll be well on your way for planning your trip to Wadi Musa and Petra. Now start diving into the other destinations you’re interested in. Here are some ideas to get you started.

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