A world-renowned archaeological site, the city of Petra is an absolute must-see when traveling to Jordan. What are the must-see attractions? When to visit Petra and how long should you stay? What do you need to plan to discover the ancient capital of the Nabataeans? Here's everything you need to know before visiting Petra.

What Must You See at Petra?

Covering 261.71 km², the glorious city of the Nabataeans is home to no fewer than 3,000 rock-cut ruins. Suffice it to say, it's best to be prepared so you don't miss anything. Here are the must-see attractions during a visit to Petra:  

• Khazneh, the Treasury: With its façade carved into red and pink sandstone cliffs and columns adorned with mythological figures, it's the most famous monument on the site and the image everyone recognizes as Petra. Before becoming a mausoleum, the structure was a temple. To access it, you'll go through the Siq, a narrow corridor with steep walls reaching up to 200 meters high.

• The Theater of Petra: Descending to the bottom of the valley, you can reach the theater of Petra. This is a Nabataean theater dating from the first century AD that was carved into the rock. A majestic place that will surely fascinate you.

• Al-Deir: At 42 meters high and 45 meters wide, the Deir is the largest building in the ancient city of Petra. It was used as a monastery by the Byzantines, as evidenced by the crosses carved on the walls of the hall. Note that to access it, you'll need to climb nearly 800 steps carved into the cliff face.

• The Qasr-al-Bint Temple: Translated from Bedouin as "the Palace of the Pharaoh's Daughter," this temple was one of the main temples of the city of Petra. Built around the year 30 AD, it's characterized as one of the rare structures that were built (unlike the others that were carved into rock) and remains relatively intact.

• The Royal Tombs: Carved directly into the rock wall to the east of the city, don't miss the royal tombs of the city of Petra. You'll discover the Urn Tomb, which was also used as a church, the imposing Palace Tomb with its three stories, the Corinthian Tomb with its basins, and the Silk Tomb with its magnificent natural colors.

Among the other sites worth visiting during a visit to Petra, you can also mention: the Temple of the Winged Lions, the Byzantine Church, the High Place of Sacrifice, the Renaissance Tomb, the Soldier's Tomb, the Broken Pediment Tomb, the Lion Triclinium, and more.

When to Visit Petra and How Long Should You Stay?

Discover the essential sites of Jordan and the magnificent city of Petra with our Jordan Essentials circuit.

Visiting Petra in One, Two, or Three Days:

To visit the essentials of Petra, plan for at least a full day. Ideally, visit Petra over two or three days. This way you can take your time and, above all, discover the full extent of the ancient capital of the Nabataeans by accessing sites that require a bit of hiking to reach, such as the High Place of Sacrifice. It's also an opportunity to venture off the beaten path and visit the most popular sites at less crowded times (preferably early in the morning).

Visiting Petra at Night:

It's also possible to discover Petra at night through the "Petra by Night" program. On this occasion, the ancient city of the Nabataeans is illuminated by over 1,500 candles. A truly magical atmosphere awaits! To visit Petra at night, head there every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday starting at 8 PM.

The Best Time to Visit Petra:

The best time to visit Petra is during spring and autumn, between April and May or September and November. This is ideal because temperatures are comfortable—you can enjoy the sun and beautiful light without excessive heat. Additionally, the site receives fewer tourists during these periods.

What Do You Need to Prepare for Visiting Petra?

What Should You Bring to Visit Petra?

As mentioned, it can get very hot at Petra, especially in summer. This is why we recommend bringing sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.). Since you'll be walking through sand and over rock to reach the different sites of Petra, don't forget good hiking shoes and comfortable clothing.

What Budget Should You Plan for Visiting Petra?

The price of an entrance ticket to the city of Petra depends on the number of days you plan to visit. A one-day ticket costs 50 JOD (approximately $70 USD), a two-day ticket costs 55 JOD (approximately $77 USD), and a three-day ticket costs 60 JOD (approximately $85 USD).

To save money, we recommend purchasing the Jordan Pass before your departure. This is because it includes the visa required for a stay of at least 3 nights in Jordan and offers discounted rates for visiting Petra. Specifically, with the Jordan Pass, you'll pay 70 JOD for one day of visits versus 90 JOD without it, 75 JOD for two days versus 95 JOD without it, and 80 JOD for three days versus 100 JOD without it.

Entry fees to Petra are covered by your local travel agency and included in the price of your booked circuit. You won't need to worry about reservations at all—we handle everything for you.