Is Petra Worth visiting? All you need to know for your trip!
Since our trip to Jordan in April 2022, people have often asked us, “Is Petra worth visiting?”. Our answer is always “ABSOLUTELY!”. This is not just because we got engaged there but because the place is full of beauty and wonder in equal measure.
On our first day in Amman at the Amman Citadel, we’ve overheard people talking about their experience in Petra. They said they had a terrible time and that it was not worth visiting. We heard those kind of stories in the past and they might be accurate, but they immediately remind us of the famous Scandinavian saying, ‘There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.’ In this case, we would say, ‘There are no bad experiences, only bad preparation,’ or maybe unrealistic expectations. (The same can be said for Egypt, which has a lot of bad press but our experiences were completely different!)
Most photos of the Treasury show that perfect view: quiet and peaceful with no soul in sight. If this is what you expect, but you visit Petra at midday during peak season, you will be greatly disappointed. There will be crowds. Guides and vendors will constantly try to get your attention. However, if you read this article, and plan your trip taking as much into consideration as you can, you will be able to have a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.

We’re sharing here everything we’ve learned during our two-day visit to Petra. We want to help you understand what to expect, how to avoid crowds and scams and have the best experience during your visit. So when someone asks you after your visit, ‘Is Petra worth visiting?’ You will also say absolutely.

Is Petra worth visiting? General information
History
Petra is also known as the “Rose City” due to its stunning red sandstone formations. Founded by the Nabateans around the 6th century BC, it was a thriving trading city thanks to its strategic location between the Red and Dead Seas. At its peak, it was home to as many as 30,000 people!
The city was an engineering marvel, with water management systems, temples, tombs, and elaborate facades carved into the rock. It flourished until the 2nd century AD when shifting trade routes led to its decline.
Fun fact
Did you know that Bedouins from the Bdoul tribe still live in Petra? Like in the past, whole families still own caves and live in them. However, nowadays, they make money by selling souvenirs, drinks, camel or donkey rides instead of selling livestock.

How to Get to Petra?
Petra is located in the south of Jordan, about three hours by car from the capital, Amman, and 1.5 hours from the port city of Aqaba. The nearest airport is Aqaba, which offers direct flights from Amman. From there, visitors can take taxis or buses to Petra.
Alternatively, you can take a guided tour from Amman. Many tour operators offer day trips to Petra and Wadi Rum; however, we recommend spending at least two days in Petra and then moving to Wadi Rum, as both places offer so much to see and experience.
If you prefer more freedom during your visit, we recommend hiring a car for your Jordan trip. We found it to be more affordable than tours and the best way to explore Jordan. It allowed us to explore Jordan at our own pace, which we love when travelling to a new country!
How Much Does It Cost?
Visiting Petra is a bit expensive, but the experience is indeed worth it. The standard entry fee is 50 Jordanian Dinars (approximately $70) for a one-day visit, with discounts available for students and certain nationalities. A two-day pass costs 55 JOD (approximately $77), and a three-day pass costs 60 JOD (approximately $85).
Instead of buying a Petra ticket, we recommend that anyone coming to Jordan from abroad purchase a Jordan Pass instead. You have to buy it online before you arrive in Jordan. It grants you entrance to Petra and several other significant sites across Jordan and can help save money as you don’t have to pay 40JOD for the visa upon arrival (when you’re staying in Jordan for a minimum of 3 nights).
JordanPass gives you free access to over 40 attractions across Jordan, like Jerash, Karak, or Amman Citadel. It is split into 3 categories, and their price depends on how many days you’re planning to spend in Petra:
- Jordan Wanderer – 1-day visit to Petra 70JOD
- Jordan Explorer – 2 consecutive day visits to Petra 75JOD
- Jordan Expert – 3 consecutive day visits to Petra 80JOD
JordanPass is only worth it when you’re visiting Jordan (and Petra) for more than 1 day and purchase it before your arrival, so don’t forget to buy it before you visit Jordan. You can find the latest prices for booking your Jordan Pass here.

Please note that you still need to pick up a paper ticket to enter Petra, so make sure you allow for that when planning your visit – queues can be large so get there early!
Opening Hours
Petra is open every day of the week, but the opening hours vary depending on the time of year. From March to October, the site is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while in the winter months (November to February), it opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 4:00 PM.
The site is also open in the evening for special events, such as the “Petra at Night” experience, during which hundreds of candles illuminate the Siq and Treasury.
How Long Should I Visit Petra For?
A day trip to Petra will allow you to see the main highlights, including the Siq (the main entrance to Petra), the famous Treasury, the Royal Tombs, and the Monastery.
However, to truly explore the site in depth of Petra, it is worth visiting it for least two days seeing the main sites and the smaller temples and tombs.
If you love photography or want to take things slow, we suggest adding a third day in Petra. It will allow you to revisit certain places (morning or evening) to capture different lighting or explore those lesser-known spots.
Best Time to Visit Petra
The best times to visit Petra are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The temperatures are mild, and the weather is ideal for exploring. However, this is the busiest time with the most visitors (reaching even 4000 a day!).
Summer months (June to August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) in August. If you’re considering visiting Petra during those months, it is worth coming in June, when the temperatures are not as high and there are fewer crowds.
Winter (December to February) can be chilly, especially in the evenings, but the crowds are thinner, and Petra’s atmosphere is quiet and peaceful. It can even snow during this time, so make sure you bring warm layers.
We visited in April during Ramadan and it was not as busy as usual. It had certain challenges as many restaurants and cafes in Jordan were closed during the day but we actually didn’t mind it as we prepared for it and had our own food. All places and cafes in Petra were fully open so you won’t have to worry about it, just something to be mindful in you’re thinking of visiting during this time.
Is Petra Safe?
Jordan is one of the safest countries for travelers in the Middle East, and Petra is no exception. The site is well-managed and patrolled by security personnel. However, as with any popular tourist destination, we recommend keeping your belongings close and being aware of your surroundings.

Where Should I Stay?
The best place to stay when visiting Petra is in the nearby town of Wadi Musa. It offers an extensive range of accommodations, from budget to luxury hotels, so everyone will find something that suits them. When choosing your accommodation, we recommend staying within walking distance of the Petra Visitor’s Centre. The visitor’s car park fills up quickly, so you spend a lot of time trying to park and then walk a long way to the entrance.
For a bit of luxury, we recommend:
- Mövenpick Resort Petra is one of the best locations for visiting Petra. The Petra Visitor Centre is only a 4-minute walk away. During your stay, you can admire the views over Petra and the surrounding mountains from the rooftop garden terrace or relax in the outdoor swimming pool.
- H Luxury Hotel is located further from the Visitor Centre (a 10-minute walk) and offers a panoramic view of mountains from some rooms. After a long day of exploring Petra, you can relax in their indoor pool or hot tub.
- Petra Seasons Luxury Resort offers the best experience and service. Guests can stay in a bubble-style tent, admire incredible views, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the Visitor Centre, so you would either have to drive or arrange a taxi with the hotel to avoid parking issues.
For boutique hotel or Bedouin-style camp, we recommend:
- Petra Guest House Hotel – you can’t get a hotel closer to the entrance than this! Located next to the Visitor Centre with amazing views from the terrace, you can unwind in The Cave Bar, set in a restored 1st-century Nabatean house after a long day of exploring.
- Edom Hotel – just 200m from the entrance to Petra. This 3* hotel offers rooms with private bathrooms and a rooftop terrace overlooking Wadi Musa. You can enjoy a traditional hammam or massage after your day of exploring Petra.
- Infinity Lodge – Although slightly further away from the entrance (23 minutes), it offers a more authentic feel.
Do I Need a Guide?
While hiring a guide is not strictly necessary, we think it is worth considering when visiting Petra. We did this and can’t recommend it enough. Not only we learned interesting historical facts but were shown small details that we would have missed otherwise.

We spent 2 days in Petra but only hired a guide for the ‘Main Trail’ on our first day (we paid 50JOD for 3 hours). We started our tour with him at the Visitor Centre entrance and walked all the way to the Treasury through the famous Siq. From there, we walked along the Street of the Facades and Royal Tombs all the way to the Great Temple, where we finished our tour with him.
Other places, like the Monastery High Place of Sacrifice, don’t really require a guide as they are signposted and easy to find. However, if you want to learn about them or explore the lesser-known routes, we recommend getting a guide, as they know the terrain and trails very well.
Places worth visiting in Petra
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
The Treasury, or Al-Khazneh, is Petra’s most iconic structure. It is basically a symbol of the entire archaeological site, you literally can’t miss it! The stunning façade carved into the rose-red rock is one of the most recognisable worldwide.
The Treasury is breathtaking, with its intricate carvings and detailed architecture. Just coming to see this place makes Petra worth visiting. The structure’s name comes from a local legend: the urn-shaped object at the top of the façade was believed to hold treasure, though this is purely mythological.
You best experience the Treasury as you emerge from the dark, winding Siq, where it suddenly comes into view. Seeing it through the gap between Siq walls for the first time gave us goosebumps and took our breath away. It was one of those moments you can’t believe is true.

The Treasury Viewpoints
There are at least 3 different viewing points from which you can admire the Treasury. Each one has a slightly different but equally spectacular view of the Treasury, and here is how you find them:
- It’s just a short climb to the first viewpoint. Go to the right (when facing Treasury). It used to be free to climb, but we had to pay small fee when we were there. At the top, there is a small café serving Bedouin tea.
UPDATE: As of Jan 2025 this viewpoint is closed to the public – if you’ve recently visited Petra let us know if it has been reopened!
We’ll be honest – it felt like a waste of money. It was literally a 3-minute climb! How much you will pay depends on your willingness to go up there and how much you haggle with Bedouins. It can be anything between 5-15 JD. So make sure you haggle if you want to go up there or skip it entirely and go straight for the second viewpoint.
- The route to the second viewpoint starts at the end of Royal Tombs and leads up via stairs. It is a bit of a climb (it takes 45 minutes) but is FREE. Once you get to the top, it can be a bit confusing where to go, but it wasn’t hard to find the sign with directions. When you reach the top, there is a café where you can see this lovely view. Because this place is further away, it was pretty quiet and more enjoyable.
We ordered fresh orange juice and relaxed on the pillows, taking the views (and taking pictures, of course). One of the things we found out there is that the owner offers accommodation within Petra. If you stay overnight here on the evening of ‘Petra at night) you can view it for free from this viewpoint.

Also, we heard that this way, you can access the area lit up by candles in front of the Treasure before any tourists, making it a unique experience. However, we don’t think you can book it in advance. You might have to be very flexible with your plans to make this happen.
- The third viewpoint is to the left (when facing the Treasury). The route to this viewpoint is the most challenging. It is steep and rocky, so make sure you have the right shoes. We didn’t visit this viewpoint during our trip, but Karo was there in 2019, so you can see the view from there and decide whether it is worth the climb. There is another cafe at the top where you can get a drink after the challenging climb.

The Royal Tombs
The Royal Tombs is an impressive collection of tombs carved in the rock near the mountain’s base. They are considered the burial sites of Nabatean kings and other elites. The most notable tombs include the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, and the Corinthian Tomb.
Each tomb is decorated with beautiful columns and detailed carvings. The Urn Tomb, in particular, has a characteristic urn-shaped structure at the top. We loved exploring this area and ended up having a traditional Bedouin dinner in one of the tombs!

The Colonnaded Street
Colonnaded Street was once the main street of Petra. It stretches for about a kilometer through the heart of the ancient city and is lined with columns on either side. This grand avenue was the center of Petra’s commercial and social life.
The street leads to several important sites, including the Great Temple, Petra Church or Monastery. Walking along the Colonnaded Street today, you’ll also see many stalls selling souvenirs and snacks.
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
The Monastery is our favourite place in Petra. Again, not because we got engaged in front of it, but because its facade is more intricate and impressive than the famous Treasury itself. We believe Petra is worth visiting just to see this magnificent structure and enjoy the views around it.
You will have to face a rather challenging climb to get to the Monastery. It will become even more difficult if you arrive later in the day (it gets really hot from 9-10 am, and there is barely any shade to rest).
It takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Monastery from the Treasury (approximately 2 miles). In the last section of the route, you have to conquer 800 steep steps. However, the climb rewards you with incredible views and a peaceful and less crowded atmosphere than the main Petra site. This is another reason why we love this place so much.
During your visit, explore the area around you and see the Monastery from different viewpoints. Don’t forget to take a picture of the cave overlooking it.
Top Tip – Start at the Monastery: There is an option to book a private guide or tour to start from the Monastery instead, if you really don’t feel like braving the steps – this is also the best way of seeing it without any people if you get there as it opens!

The High Place of Sacrifice
The High Place of Sacrifice is a sacred site on a hilltop overlooking Petra. The hike up to it is steep, with over 700 steps, but the views from the top are well worth it. You can see the best panoramic views of the surrounding valley from the top. However, if you only want to do one challenging hike, skip this one and head straight for the Monastery.
This site, which the Nabateans used for religious ceremonies, features a series of altars and sacrificial stones. As you climb, you’ll pass by ancient inscriptions, niches, and carved structures that offer insight into the Nabateans’ spiritual practices. It is another excellent place to escape the crowds and experience a more serene part of Petra.
When planning your visit, avoid mid-day sun (especially during summer), as this hike also offers little to no shade. Also, bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you going.
Petra is worth visiting but be aware of …
Petra is definitely worth a visit. Apart from the Pyramids in Egypt, we haven’t seen a place as mesmerising and beautiful – a place that will transport you back in time. However, a few things can make your trip less enjoyable. Here, we will highlight them with tips on how to avoid them or at least not be affected by them as much. So, let’s get started.
Heat
During summer, Petra’s temperatures can reach over 40°C (104°F). The sun here is relentless and can be dangerous if you’re unprepared. In addition, there aren’t many shaded rest stops where you can hide from the sun. How to mitigate it:
- Start early – arrive as early as possible to beat the midday heat, as temperatures can rise rapidly in the afternoon.
- Visit during the cooler months – Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal times to visit, with more moderate temperatures, but remember that it gets hectic.
- Wear appropriate clothing – Lightweight, breathable clothes, a long-sleeve top to protect from the sun, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses will help protect you from the sun. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen regularly.
- Stay hydrated – Carry a refillable water bottle and take frequent breaks in shaded areas if you find one.
- Take breaks at cafes – There are a few Bedouin-run cafes along the way where you can rest, enjoy some local tea, and get out of the sun. Plan your route to stop at these cafes regularly.
- Carry a lightweight travel umbrella – A portable umbrella can provide extra shade, especially when you’re far from the main areas.
Crowds
Petra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. During peak season, the main sites are often packed with visitors, making it difficult to appreciate its beauty and fully experience this real wonder. How to mitigate it:
- Visit early – arriving as soon as the site opens will help you avoid the bulk of the crowds. If you have a Jordan Pass, make sure you pick up your paper ticket a day before to prevent queuing in the morning to pick it up.
- Visit in less busy months – beginning of June and end of September when there are fewer tourists and temperatures are more pleasant (compared to summer)
- Explore less-visited areas – visit touristy spots first thing in the morning or at the end of the day and head to lesser-known spots during peak times to avoid crowds. That way, you will avoid crowds in popular places, and when you return to the main sites, they will be less crowded.

Aggressive Guides and Vendors
One of Petra’s biggest and most common frustrations is dealing with aggressive guides and vendors. They can be very persistent and approach you throughout the site.
While some might be genuine and offer value, most will pressure you to hire or pay them for service. This can be overwhelming and prevent you from enjoying this incredible place. How to mitigate it:
- Be firm but polite: A polite but firm “No, thank you” will usually work if you’re not interested in hiring a guide or purchasing items. However, we found that saying ‘No’ doesn’t often work. We found instead two magical alternatives.
We used the first one when a service, such as a guide or a camel/donkey/horse ride, was offered to us. In this situation, we would say, “We visited/rode a camel with one of your friends yesterday; it was fun!”
The second one is similar in a way. We used it when someone was trying to sell us a souvenir or a trinket. Then we would say, ‘Oh, we got all our presents and souvenirs yesterday.’
Both worked well, and we tested them again this year in Egypt, known for its particularly difficult vendors and guides. They worked like a charm there as well.
- Book a guide in advance: To avoid hassle on-site, consider booking a guide through your hotel or a local tour operator. This will allow you to avoid the pitch from the guides at the entrance.
Before the tour, agree on the price and scope. A clear understanding of the cost and duration can prevent misunderstandings.
Top Tip – Use a mobile walking tour app: If you prefer to explore independently, use a mobile app. You can download an audio guide on your phone and explore the main trail without hassle.

Animal Treatment
Bedouins use donkeys, camels, and horses for transportation in Petra. However, these animals often look poorly, mistreated, or overworked. Before we even stepped into Petra, we knew about it and decided not to take any rides there and to walk everywhere.
- Opt for walking: this is the best way to mitigate the issue. Petra is a walkable site, and while it can be physically demanding, walking gives you complete control over your experience without contributing to using animals for labor.
- Check the animal welfare: If you’re considering using a horse, camel, or mule, check for signs of well-being, such as clean coats, visible hydration, and no signs of mistreatment.
No historical information
One of the things we found tricky about visiting Petra was the lack of signage explaining the history and details of the sites within. This made it difficult to fully appreciate the rich history and cultural context of what we saw, especially if we were exploring without a guide. How to mitigate it:
- Do some research beforehand – To maximize your visit, research Petra’s history and main landmarks before you arrive. Familiarizing yourself with key facts about the site, such as its origins, the Nabatean civilization, and the purpose of its various monuments
- Use a mobile app audio guide – If hiring a guide is too expensive, using a mobile app is a good alternative.
- Hire a guide—We recommend hiring a guide to ensure you get in-depth information about landmarks and the culture of Nabatenan times. The guide can also show you lesser-known areas you might otherwise miss. The best way to do this is to book a guide in advance through a travel agency or at the Visitor Center. That way, you will avoid any issues with local guides on-site and potentially overpaying.
Summary

Petra offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning architecture and breathtaking landscapes. It is one of the places we would like to return to one day.
While issues like crowds, vendors, and the hot temperatures can sometimes make visiting Petra challenging but, trust us, the site’s awe-inspiring beauty and rich history make up for it. If you pair it with the proper planning and time it well, based on our tips, you will have a fantastic/unforgettable time.
Honestly, walking through Siq and then standing in front of it is hard to describe. It is the magical and once-in-a-lifetime moment when you finally see it in your own eyes.
We hope that after your visit when someone asks you, “Is Petra worth visiting?” your answer will also be YES!