5 Things to Know about Visiting Petra

The ancient city of Petra was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom in the 4th century BC and
was an economic, political, and cultural hub for the region. The once-bustling city is renowned
for how its buildings--including temples, tombs, homes, and an amphitheater—are intricately
carved out of sandstone. Abandoned for centuries but now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the architectural genius and beauty of the site continue to amaze visitors and archeologists alike. Remarkably, only 15% of the ancient city has been discovered with 85% still underground.

5 things to know when visiting the “Rose City:”

1. It’s a long walk from the entrance: It is about 2km from the visitor center where you
buy your ticket to the first site of Petra, the famous Treasury (Al-Khazneh). The walk--
passing through a narrow canyon known as the Siq--can be time-consuming. All of the
amenities are near the visitor center so plan accordingly. It is not easy to quickly go back
to the visitor center to buy a bottle of water, use the bathroom, or grab something from
your car. The walk through the Siq is absolutely beautiful though and builds the
excitement of what you are about to experience. For an extra charge, you can get a ride
on a golf cart or horse.
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2. Consider buying a two-day ticket: For a nominal charge, you can buy a two-day ticket
and give yourself more time to explore everything the city has to offer. Petra is prone to
heavy rains and flooding, so a two-day ticket increases your chances of good weather. It
also allows you to see Petra at different times of day and if you’re lucky, catch sunrise or
sunset.
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3. Petra by Night isn’t for everyone: On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights,
Petra reopens for Petra by Night. The Siq is lined with lanterns, and everyone gathers in
front of the Treasury for a musical performance and light show. While the sandstone lit
up by lanterns in the dark of night is moving, the crowds can detract from the magic. You
should be prepared that it is a tourist experience and will likely differ from the photos you
have seen online of a near-empty Siq and Treasury filled only with candles and lanterns.
The site also closes between daytime hours and Petra by Night. You have to leave and
come back a few hours later with a separate ticket.
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4. The hike to the Monastery (Ad Deir) is worth it: The Monastery is the largest building
in Petra and is believed to have been a place of worship or burial site. It is at the far end
of the main complex, and you have to hike about 900 stairs to reach it. While exhausting,
especially after exploring the rest of the city, it is worth it. The Monastery is remarkably
well-preserved and often has fewer crowds given its location.
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5. Take time to roam: While the Siq, Treasury, Monastery, and Great Temple are incredibly
impressive and should not be missed, Petra is a massive complex. In total, it is 264
square km. There are countless trails boasting views and smaller sites to explore. Give
yourself plenty of time to wander.