Overview
Petra, also known as the Rose City, is an ancient city carved into the red sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans. It is renowned for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system.
Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, significant for its historical and architectural importance.
Location
Address
Coordinates: 30.32262697, 35.480151
Neighborhood: Wadi Musa
Coordinates
30.322627, 35.480151
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
March-May, October-November
Best Time of Day
Early morning
fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
mild to warm
- • flowers
- • gardens
summer
hot
- • extended hours
- • Petra by Night
autumn
cool, pleasant
- • fall colors
- • cooling weather
winter
cold, rainy
- • holiday lights
- • fewer crowds
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book ahead
- Bring ID
- Check weather
- Wear comfortable shoes
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: moderate to high
- • stairs, uneven terrain, dehydration
Medical facilities: first aid available, limited medical facilities on-site
Payment Information
Accepted
cash, cards
Currency
Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
casual, modest, comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, walking shoes, sandals, inappropriate clothing, revealing attire
Booking Tips
- • 2-4 weeks
- • official website, authorized tour operators
- • 48 hours
- • available, recommended
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Visit Petra Official App
Size: 100 MB
Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Petra by Night schedule
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, cafes, some rest areas
Charging Stations: Rest areas, cafes
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
Distance: 240 km
Travel Time: 3-4 hours
From City Center
Distance: 240 km (from Amman)
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Historic importance, cultural pride, natural beauty
Historical Significance: Important Nabataean trading hub, Roman influence, biblical references
Insider Tips
- Free entry early morning for holders of the Jordan Pass
- Best food and stories at the back entrance (Little Petra)
- Local guides offer unique insights
Local Recommendations
- • Try local Bedouin tea with a guide
- • Ask for Bedouin stories and history
- • Visit the Petra Kitchen for authentic Jordanian cuisine
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: English, Arabic, French, German
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
Best Time: Golden hour, early morning
Tips: Low angle, wide shots
Result: Iconic Petra shot
Ad Deir (The Monastery)
Best Time: Midday (for dramatic light)
Tips: High angle, drone shots (if permitted)
Result: Stunning cliff views
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Distance: 800m
Walking: 10 min
Type: Archaeological Site
Wadi Rum
Distance: 60 km
Walking: N/A
Type: Desert Landscape
Mount Nebo
Distance: 30 km
Walking: N/A
Type: Biblical Site
Mosaic City of Madaba
Distance: 35 km
Walking: N/A
Type: Historical City
Reviews
Based on 5,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Book online with Jordan Pass"
- "Visit early for fewer crowds"
- "Hire a local guide for insider knowledge"
- "Bring plenty of water"
- "Wear sturdy shoes"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
From Amman: Petra and Wadi rum Private/Group Full day Tour
1 Day Tour to Petra From Sharm-el-Sheikh
2-Day Private Tour from Amman: Petra, Wadi Rum Camp & Dead Sea.
2-Day Petra Tour from Jerusalem
2-Day Petra Tour from Tel Aviv
From Amman: Petra and Dead Sea Full day tour
Private Petra Day Trip Including Little Petra from Amman
Private Tour: Petra and Little Petra Day Trip from Aqaba
Petra And Little Petra Full Day Tour From Amman
One Day Petra from Aqaba - Guided Tour
One Day Petra & Wadi Rum from Aqaba
Day Tour to Petra from Amman
Private Full-Day Wadi Rum and Petra Tour from Aqaba
Egypt & Jordan Discovery Tour 12-Day Cairo, Nile Cruise, Petra, Dead Sea
3Day Private Tour: Petra Mount Nebo & Al Karak Castle Wadi Rum Red and Dead Seas
Full-Day Tour to Petra
Aqaba, Petra and Wadi Rum 3 Days Tour from Jerusalem
2 Day Private Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Amman
3-Day Petra and Wadi Rum Tour from Tel Aviv
Full-Day Petra Tour from Aqaba
Private Two Day Tour To Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea from Amman
3 Days Tour Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba starts from Amman, Dead Sea or Airport
Full-Day Private Tour in Petra with Hotel Pick-Up
3-Day Petra and Wadi Rum Tour from Jerusalem
Quick Info
Available Tours
536
Rating
4.8 / 5.0
Reviews
5,000
Adult Entry
$70 (included in Jordan Pass)