Street of Facades
Explore Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New7Wonders of the World, famous for its rock-cut architecture and water systems.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Street of Facades
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New7Wonders of the World, famous for its rock-cut architecture and water systems.
"Petra is an unforgettable journey into an ancient world carved from rose-red stone."
⏳ Allow ample time
5 hours is very short for Petra. Aim for a full day if possible to explore beyond the main sites .
🏨 Stay nearby
Hotels like Movenpick offer prime location, steps from the Petra entrance .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Siq
Entrance to Petra
A dramatic, narrow gorge with towering sandstone cliffs, building anticipation for what lies ahead.

Street of Facades
After the Siq
Impressive Nabatean tombs carved directly into the rose-red cliffs, showcasing ancient artistry.

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
End of the Siq
Petra's iconic, intricately carved facade, a breathtaking sight that defines this ancient city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting to Petra
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow ample time
5 hours is very short for Petra. Aim for a full day if possible to explore beyond the main sites.
🏨 Stay nearby
Hotels like Movenpick offer prime location, steps from the Petra entrance.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort!
💧 Stay hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Sun protection is key.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow ample time
5 hours is very short for Petra. Aim for a full day if possible to explore beyond the main sites.
🏨 Stay nearby
Hotels like Movenpick offer prime location, steps from the Petra entrance.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort!
💧 Stay hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Sun protection is key.
💰 Consider a guide
Local guides can offer deep insights into Petra's history and culture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by Petra's monumental rock-cut architecture and the dramatic approach through the Siq. The sheer scale and historical significance leave a lasting impression, though many note that 5 hours is insufficient for a thorough exploration, and the site can be physically demanding.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Petra is about a 3-hour drive south of Amman.
You can rent a car, hire a private driver, or take a bus. Many visitors opt for a driver for convenience.You can drive to the visitor center, but the ancient city itself is a pedestrian-only zone. The main entrance involves walking through the Siq.
The primary mode of transport within Petra is walking. For longer distances, you can hire donkeys, camels, or horse-drawn carriages, but be prepared to negotiate prices.
Yes, there are many hotels located very close to the Petra visitor center. The Movenpick Petra is noted for its proximity.
Petra is approximately a 2-hour drive from Aqaba, making it a feasible day trip or stopover for those traveling between the two locations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on your length of stay in Jordan. For tourists staying overnight, a one-day pass is typically around 50 JOD. Day visitors pay more.
Petra is generally open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer months and 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the winter months. Always check the official website for the most current hours.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially online, can save you time at the ticket counter, particularly during peak season.
Yes, the Jordan Pass often includes your visa fee and entry to Petra along with many other historical sites across Jordan, offering significant savings if you plan to visit multiple locations.
Petra by Night is a special event held on select evenings (usually Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday) where the Siq and the Treasury are lit by thousands of candles. It requires a separate ticket.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Petra is a vast archaeological site. You'll walk through the Siq (about 1.2 km) and then explore various trails. Expect to walk several kilometers, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Yes, Petra can be suitable for children, but it requires a lot of walking. Consider bringing a carrier for very young children. The sheer scale and history can be captivating for older kids.
The Street of Facades is a row of monumental Nabatean tombs carved into the sandstone cliffs, located just past the Siq and before the main city center.
Yes, reaching the Monastery (Ad-Deir) involves a climb of about 800 steps. It's a strenuous but rewarding hike with incredible views.
Bedouins have a long history in Petra, with some families living there for centuries.
They often offer services like guiding, camel rides, and selling souvenirs. Many are friendly and welcoming.📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful glow on the sandstone. The Treasury is particularly stunning in the morning sun.
Drones are generally not permitted within the Petra archaeological park due to preservation and safety regulations. Always check current rules before your visit.
Beyond the Treasury and Street of Facades, consider the Monastery, the Royal Tombs, and viewpoints overlooking the ancient city. The Siq itself offers dramatic photographic opportunities.
Photography is usually permitted in the exterior areas and on the facades of the tombs. However, flash photography might be restricted inside some structures to protect ancient artwork.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the Siq and facades. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of it, start early to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Pack plenty of snacks and water. For older children, the hike to the Monastery can be a fun challenge, offering a sense of accomplishment. Remember that while the main path is relatively flat, exploring further involves more strenuous treks.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Consider staying in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra, where you can find more affordable guesthouses and hostels compared to hotels directly at the entrance. Walking is free and the best way to experience the site, so skip paid transport options within Petra unless absolutely necessary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nabatean Legacy
The Nabateans controlled vital trade routes, amassing wealth from incense, spices, and other goods. Their ingenuity allowed Petra to flourish as a major commercial hub. The city's strategic location, hidden within a network of canyons, provided natural defenses. The Street of Facades is a prime example of their architectural prowess, showcasing a series of elaborate tomb entrances that served as final resting places for prominent Nabateans.
While the Nabatean civilization eventually declined with the rise of Roman power and shifting trade routes, their legacy endures in the magnificent ruins of Petra. The city was largely forgotten by the Western world for centuries, earning it the moniker 'The Lost City,' until its rediscovery in the early 19th century. Today, Petra stands as a testament to the Nabateans' remarkable engineering and artistic achievements, captivating visitors with its sheer scale and beauty.
Navigating the Siq and Beyond
As you emerge from the Siq, you're met with the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra's most famous monument. Its intricate facade, carved with astonishing detail, is a breathtaking sight. Just beyond the Treasury, the Street of Facades opens up, revealing a series of impressive tomb entrances lining the cliffs. This area provides a glimpse into the grandeur of Nabatean burial practices and their architectural ambitions.
Exploring further into Petra reveals a vast city with numerous other significant sites, including the Theater, the Royal Tombs, and the challenging but rewarding hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir). The sheer scale of the site means that comfortable footwear and ample water are essential for a fulfilling visit. Many visitors find that even a full day is not enough to fully appreciate all that Petra has to offer.
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