After spending considerable time in Jordan, I’ve become a go-to source for travel tips, especially about Petra. And why not? Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the “new world wonders,” and truly one of the most remarkable places I’ve visited. Here are some essential tips to help you plan your trip.
Cost & Visit Times
Petra isn’t cheap—it’s probably the most expensive tourist site in Jordan. A single-day visit costs 50JD, while two days are 55JD, and three days are 60JD. If you’re only in Jordan for a day, it’s 90JD for the visit. Locals or those with a local or student ID can enter for just 1JD.
Given the cost, make the most of your trip by staying more than one day. Petra is a vast ancient city with so much to explore. Many visitors spend just a few hours there, barely scratching the surface. Take your time to really soak in the incredible sights.
If you want to experience Petra at night, be mindful of your schedule. Petra by Night is held only on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 8:30 pm. So, if you’re planning a weekend trip, you might miss this magical experience.
Try to arrive early when the park opens at 6 am (6:30 am in the off-season). You’ll have Petra almost to yourself, aside from a few local Bedouins. The early morning light and solitude offer a unique and serene view of the site. Bring a torch, as it can be quite dark before sunrise.
Keep an eye on the bus schedules and how far you wander from the entrance. It’s easy to lose track of time, and missing the only Jett Bus back to Amman could complicate your plans. While there are also minibuses, their schedules can be unpredictable depending on the season.
Lodging and Food
Petra offers a variety of lodging options, but location matters. The lower city is closer to the bus stop and Petra’s entrance, making it a convenient choice. However, many budget and upscale hotels are located in the upper city, requiring a taxi or car ride.
When booking, use the Movenpick as a reference point; it’s close to the entrance. I highly recommend the Petra Moon Hotel, which is next door to the Movenpick.
While there are hostels available, they tend to be farther from the entrance, so you’ll likely need a taxi to get there. Once inside Petra, you probably won’t return to your hotel until the day’s exploration is over, as the entrance itself is a bit of a hike from the Siq.
Food is available within Petra, including cafes and a restaurant run by the Crown Plaza. However, it’s more economical to buy food outside and bring it with you. There are several affordable sandwich shops where you can grab a picnic lunch before heading in.
Hydration is crucial. Petra can get very hot during the day, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Outside the main areas, water is sparse, so carry enough as you explore the trails.
The Visit
Plan for long distances. For instance, reaching the Monastery takes nearly two hours from the main entrance, and it involves a strenuous hike. If you need a break, locals offer donkey and horse rides along the main track, but outside this area, you’ll have to rely on your own stamina.
Venture off the beaten path to escape the crowds and discover lesser-known tombs and ruins. Many visitors stick to the well-trodden path from the Siq to the Treasury and then to the Monastery. By exploring the sides, you’ll find incredible Nabataean ruins and tombs with far fewer people around.
For breathtaking viewpoints, climb high. The stairs behind the Royal Tombs lead to an amazing vantage point of the Treasury. Take the stairs up, keep left past a small building, and follow the trails. The path may seem to end at points, but keep going—you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view.
The horse ride from the entrance to the Siq is marketed as free, but expect to be asked for money. Given how the horses are treated, I opted not to take this ride.
Comfortable shoes are a must. Leave club attire at home, as you’ll be walking extensively. Dressing sensibly will ensure you enjoy every moment exploring this incredible place.
Getting There & Away
The main bus station is conveniently near Petra’s entrance. Another, lesser-known entrance exists, but you can’t buy tickets there.
If you’re coming from Amman, the Jett Bus offers a reliable option, with a bus each way daily at 6:30 am (Amman to Petra) and 4 pm (Petra to Amman). The trip takes about four hours. Consider staying overnight to experience more.
Minibuses are another option, leaving from Amman’s south bus station when they fill up or whenever they decide to depart. They tend to make more stops as locals use them frequently.
There’s no public transportation between Petra and Wadi Rum, but a taxi makes the hour-long journey quite easy.
Places to Try
The Cave Bar offers a unique experience, allowing you to dine inside an old Nabataean tomb. It’s a bit pricey but worth it for the ambiance.
Dreamland in the lower village area is a great spot for a budget-friendly lunch. The food is decent, and the owner is very friendly.
For a mid-range hotel, Petra Moon Hotel is fantastic—clean, well-run, and close to Petra’s entrance.
Skip the hammam in Petra. Though its name escapes me, it’s near Dreamland restaurant in the lower village. It’s overpriced and not worth the money. You’ll find better hammams in Amman or Aqaba.
If you have any questions or additional tips for other travelers, feel free to reach out. If you found this information helpful, please like or share it so others can benefit too.
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