Travel Guide to Petra, Jordan [with Sample Itinerary]

Read our Petra travel guide to help you have an idea with your next journey to this popular archaeological site in Jordan.

If you’re a history buff, then Petra is a must-visit! This historical place in Jordan holds numerous rock-cut architecture. Due to its rich history, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site for more than 30 years. The tombs and temples are must-see when you visit here. In order to have full experience in this city, at least 3 days is recommended. To have an idea, here’s a Petra travel guide we made just for you.

Petra Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Petra, Jordan

1. Petra

The popular archaeological site Petra is a must-visit. This is a history buffs’ paradise. At first, you will think, why is Petra being offered 3 days at the Jordan Pass. The fact is: Yes, it definitely takes 3 days! The whole area is huge, you can also spend more than 3 days here hiking, discovering countless caves and viewpoints, climbing thousands of steps, and much more. No time is wasted here.

Suggested Tour: Petra Full-Day Private Tour from Amman

2. Monastery (Al Dayr)

This Al Dayr Monastery is a pure wonder. There are many steps to climb, and also many stalls. But the ascent is worth the tour. Climb a little higher to admire the peaks at 360 degrees. The views and experience will never disappoint you.

Suggested Tour: Petra, Jerash, and Amman: 2-Day Tour From Tel Aviv

3. Al-Khazneh

When leaving the Siq, this magnificent temple appears bright and unexpected. Everyone will be pleased to admire this fabulous skilfully carved facade from different angles. Having a fantastic set of color shades, it stands in its full glory. It changes color depending on the sun’s position. Amazing, isn’t it?

Suggested Tour: Amman: Petra, Wadi Rum, Red Sea & Dead Sea 2-Day Camp Tour

4. Siq

Unique rock formations, which you can only admire if you stop for a moment here. Take your time, because there is a lot to discover in this almost one-kilometer long corridor, just the large rocks that look like animals and the gorges that open out from the side. In terms of landscape, the Siq is one of the highlights in Jordan.

Suggested Tour: From Amman: Private Day Trip to Petra with Pickup

5. Al-Beidha – Little Petra

Here, you will mainly find old caves that were used as water reservoirs and also some smaller graves. You can walk from Petra to little Petra, which takes quite a long time. Although it is smaller and therefore not as impressive as Petra, you can still see the architectural features and, above all, it is not so full of tourists.

Suggested Tour: 2- Day Petra Overnight Tour From Amman

6. High Place of Sacrifice

If you are on the way to see the treasury from above, you will find the place of sacrifice. It is not directly on the way, but a little off the beaten track. The plateau just before reaching the High Place of Sacrifice offers breathtaking views. This is highly recommended, especially those with a lot of stamina and is fit enough. The path to the sacrificial site consists almost entirely of steps and is very steep.

7. The Royal Tombs

Some of the most interesting buildings in Petra. The royal tombs are located in the valley on the right across a long rock facing the exit of the Siq and the treasure house. These monuments are line up in different styles. The height and dimensions alone are overwhelming. A staircase leads up so that the graves can be viewed up close.

Suggested Tour: Petra, Jerash, and Amman: 2-Day Tour from Jerusalem

8. Petra Museum

Great museum that is quite new. Very chic on the outside. Inside, it’s so appealing and you can experience interaction with lots of information about the origins and history of Petra.

9. Obelisk Tomb

One of the first monuments that you will encounter on the way to the entrance of the Siq and offers a first taste of what awaits you in the rock city. The tomb with seven-meter-high obelisk-like towers, there is room for up to five dead people.

Suggested Tour: From Eilat: Petra Ancient City Tour and Buffet Lunch

10. Street of Facades

Further, into the valley of Petra, you will find remarkable rock formations in different colors. Among the approximately 600 facades that have been carved out of the rock, many are located directly in the main area of the Petra complex.

Petra Travel Guide: Sample Weekend Itinerary to Petra, Jordan

As mentioned above, you can spend at least 3 days or more exploring Petra. Here’s a guide on what’s ideal to visit first.

Day 1 – Weekend Guide to Petra, Jordan

Obelisk Tomb
Petra Museum
Little Petra

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Petra, Jordan

Monastery
Siq
Al-Khazneh
The Royal Tombs

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Petra, Jordan

High Place of Sacrifice
Street of Facades

Petra Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Petra, Jordan

*All prices are subject to change.

Where to Stay in Petra, Jordan if you’re a Backpacker

PETRA Voyager HOSTEL

PETRA Voyager HOSTEL offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. Featuring a shared bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at the hostel also have free WiFi.

Price: Starts at $13 per night for Double Room, add $1 for taxes and charges, and it’s non-refundable.

Petra Cabin Hostel&Resturant

Petra Cabin Hostel&Resturant offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. With a shared bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at the hostel also have free WiFi.

Price: Starts at $15 per night for Queen Room, includes taxes and charges, and free cancellation.

Petra Boxtel Hostel

Petra Boxtel Hostel features rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Wadi Musa.he accommodation offers airport transfers, while a bicycle rental service is also available. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the hostel.

Price: Starts at $21 per night for Budget Double Room, add $1 for taxes and charges, $4 for breakfast (optional), and free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Petra, Jordan if you’re on a Budget

Petra Gate Hotel

Petra Gate Hotel offers a covered roof terrace and rooms with private facilities. With free Wi-Fi, all rooms at Petra Gate Hotel feature a fan and heating. Each private bathroom is equipped with a shower. Guests can enjoy their morning breakfast on the terrace and relax afterward by smoking some traditional water pipe.

Price: Starts at $16 per night for Single Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room, includes taxes and charges, add $5 for breakfast (optional), but it offers a free cancellation.

Rafiki Hostel

Rafiki Hostel in Wadi Musa provides adults-only accommodation with a restaurant, a shared lounge, and a garden. At the hostel, each room comes with a private bathroom with a shower. Guests can also enjoy a continental breakfast.

Price: Starts at $30 per night for Budget Double or Twin Room, add $5 for taxes and charges, free breakfast, but it’s non-refundable.

Value Place 

Value Place features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a shared lounge, and a garden. The aparthotel provides guests with a patio, garden views, a seating area, cable flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.

Price: Starts at $33 per night for Deluxe Studio, add $2 for taxes and charges, $7 for breakfast (optional), and it’s non-refundable.

Where to Stay in Petra, Jordan if you want Luxury

The Old Village Hotel & Resort

The Old Village Hotel & Resort offers an outdoor swimming pool and guestrooms with free WiFi. It also offers 5-star accommodation with an indoor pool. Guests at the resort can enjoy a continental breakfast.

Price: Starts at $128 per night for Deluxe Double Room, add $22 for taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Petra Marriott Hotel

Marriott Petra Hotel is located in Wadi Musa. Rooms here will provide you with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and a bathrobe. Some rooms have a mountain view. Guests will also find a buffet and a la carte restaurant.

Price: Starts at $168 per night for Standard Room, Guest Room, 2 Double, add $30 for taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Petra Bubble Luxotel

Petra Bubble Luxotel features accommodation with access to a hot tub. A fridge is also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. All the suites have a private hot tub with a private terrace. A buffet breakfast is served every morning at the property. Dinner is also provided.

Price: Starts at $281 per night for Bubble Suite King, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast and dinner, and free cancellation.

Petra Travel Guide: List of restaurants that you can try while in Petra, Jordan

1. Beit Al-Barakah Restaurant

Serves the Meditteranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, Beit Al-Barakah Restaurant offers great service and excellent food for hungry tourists.

Operating hours: 06:30 AM – 12:00 AM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Close to Al Shaheed roundabout, Next door to Al Rashid Hotel Midtown – Petra // Wadi Musa, Petra – Wadi Musa 71810 Jordan

2. Reem Beladi Restaurant

Have a great value for money, dine in Reem Beladi Restaurant. They serve a big portion of delicious meals that’s worth every penny.

Operating hours: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Petra – Wadi Musa (Mid-Town on Tourist Street) Reem Beladi Restaurant, Petra – Wadi Musa Jordan

3. Al-Wadi Restaurant

Alwadi restaurant is one of the first restaurants in Petra where you can enjoy a lot of local, Bedouin, and Jordanian dishes. As well as vegetarian meals.

Operating hours: 09:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Central Circle, Petra – Wadi Musa Jordan

4. Zawaya Restaurant

Zawaya Restaurant offers Middle Eastern cuisine at an affordable price. If you’re looking for a pleasant place to eat delicious local food, this is the place to be.

Operating hours: 07:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Main Street Opposite To The Housing Bank, Petra – Wadi Musa 71810 Jordan

5. Rainbow Restaurant

Experience excellent service and great local dishes at the Rainbow Restaurant. When you go here, don’t forget to try their Shawarma.

Operating hours: 07:00 AM – 01:00 AM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Petra, Petra – Wadi Musa 71810 Jordan

And that’s our Petra travel guide for you! We hope we’re able to give you enough insights about this city. Have you been here? Or are you planning to go here? Share with us your experience!

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About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.​