Is Petra Worth Visiting? A Guide for Solo Travelers

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 This popular 5-star overnight tour from Amman makes exploring Petra and the Wadi Rum desert easy. Travelers give the guides rave reviews!

Why Petra is Worth Visiting

Petra is worth every drop of sweat and aching muscle. It’s magical, photogenic, and one place that lives up to the hype. 

You might recognize Petra as where Indiana Jones found the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade–and that’s not even the coolest thing about it!

Petra is easy to reach from Amman, Wadi Rum, or Aqaba. If you’re short on time, you can even do it as a day trip. But I recommend spending the night in Wadi Musa so you can explore the whole day.

It’s also included in the Jordan Pass, which covers visa fees and entrance to many other attractions in Jordan. It saved me a lot of money on my solo trip!

A Brief History of Petra

Petra, often called the “Rose City” because of the color of its rock-cut architecture, was once the capital of the Nabataean people. 

The Nabataeans were expert traders who carved this city into sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago, making Petra a crucial hub for trade in the ancient world. At its peak, the city boasted temples, tombs, and an impressive water management system.

Its historical significance was recognized in 1985 when Petra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2007, it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient city totally blew me away–it’s one of the most photogenic places I’ve ever been to!

The Downsides of Visiting Petra

• Heat and Crowds: Petra gets hot, and the crowds can be overwhelming, especially around the Treasury. An early start is a must, and you’ll need to be prepared for a lot of walking. I’m glad I planned to relax at the Red Sea for a couple of days after Petra!

• Aggressive Vendors and Tour Guides: There’s a constant onslaught of vendors and tour guides vying for your attention, and it can feel like everyone is trying to scam you. I was chatting with a shopkeeper who bragged about how much he overcharges tourists who don’t know how to haggle.

• Animal Treatment: The donkeys and camels used to carry tourists up the steep steps don’t seem to be very well-treated. I saw an owner whipping a camel with a metal chain, so I don’t recommend supporting this practice.

• Missing Historical Context: As a solo traveler on a budget, I decided not to hire a guide. You don’t need one to explore Petra, but I felt I missed out on some historical and archaeological information. If you decide to hire a guide, research and hire one with good reviews beforehand.

• Safety Concerns: While I didn’t feel unsafe, some solo female travelers I talked to felt like easy targets for the pushy salesmen. Be firm, don’t smile, don’t engage, and you’ll be fine. They’re just trying to make a living.

Things to See Inside Petra

I’d only seen pictures of the famous Treasury at Petra, and I’m embarrassed to say that’s all I thought Petra was, more or less. It turns out that’s just the first landmark after you enter Petra through the beautiful Siq (canyon) trail.

Inside, there’s so much more to explore. I spent an entire day inside Petra, first hiking up to a lesser-known viewpoint of the Treasury (that I’ll tell you more about below) and then up to the Monastery, and all the way back down again. My legs were jelly by the end of the day!

1. The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

The Treasury is the most famous site in Petra, recognized for its elaborate facade carved directly into the sandstone cliff. Initially built as a tomb, the Nabataeans later used it as a treasury.

The Treasury is stunning but also the most crowded place in Petra, full of pushy vendors and scammers. Be prepared to say “no” a million times! 

I got some good pictures just before sunset, after most tourists left for the day.

How to Find It: From the entrance, walk through the Siq (canyon), and voilà – the Treasury appears, just like you’ve seen on Instagram.

2. The Treasury Viewpoint (FREE Inside a Bedouin Café)

The Treasury Viewpoint offers a bird’s-eye view of the Treasury, providing an Instagram-worthy perspective. There are actually two different viewpoints–one that you have to pay for a guide to take you and one that’s free. 

I chose the free one, but many people prefer the paid one since it’s a bit faster of a climb.

The trail to the free Treasury Viewpoint involves climbing some 600 stone steps. It took me about 20-30 minutes to get up. 

The final portion of the trail can be a little confusing, but eventually, you’ll find it. Buy a juice or souvenir from the shopkeeper as a thank-you for the view. When I went, there were just a few travelers there–score!

How to Find It:

• Follow the main trail from the Treasury to the Royal Tombs, veering off to the right after passing them.

• Turn right off the main trail and climb about 600 stone steps.

• Once you see the amphitheater, veer off the pathway to the left, heading downward into the valley for 10 minutes, and follow the sign pointing you in the right direction.

3. The Monastery (Ad-Deir)

The Monastery is one of Petra’s grandest structures, towering over 150 feet tall. It was likely used as a pilgrimage site.

The hike was tough, especially since I had just hiked to the Treasury Viewpoint and back, but the reward was worth it. The Monastery is massive, and the surrounding views are spectacular. 

How to Find It: Follow the trail past Colonnaded Street and climb around 800 stone steps to reach the Monastery. The climb takes about 45 minutes. There are snacks and beverages along the way and at the top.

4. The Royal Tombs

The Royal Tombs are a series of intricate facades carved into the cliffs, believed to be the burial places of Nabataean royalty.

How to Find It: Follow the main trail past the Treasury, and the Royal Tombs will be on your right.

5. The Colonnaded Street

Once the main thoroughfare in Petra, this street was lined with shops and public buildings.

I felt like I was walking back in time as I strolled along the ancient Colonnaded Street. The ruined columns and remnants of shops give you a sense of what life was like in ancient Petra.

How to Find It: Continue past the Royal Tombs to the Roman Theater, and you’ll find the Colonnaded Street stretching before you.

6. The High Place of Sacrifice

The High Place of Sacrifice is an ancient Nabataean sacrificial altar perched atop the cliffs.

I was too pooped after climbing to the Treasury Viewpoint and the Monastery to climb to the High Place of Sacrifice! Since I had plenty of time in my Jordan itinerary, I found a reputable horseback riding tour to take me the next day. It was just me, my guide, the horses, and some goats.

How to Find It: Take the steps leading up from the Roman Theater and follow the marked trail to the top. The climb takes about 45 minutes.

I loved this horseback riding tour of the High Place of Sacrifice in Petra – it was a fun way to spend my second morning in Petra.

7. The Petra Church

The Petra Church is a Byzantine-era church with beautifully preserved mosaics.

It offered a glimpse into Petra’s later history when it became a Christian city.

How to Find It: Near the Winged Lion Temple, follow the trail past the Colonnaded Street.

8. The Theater

The Roman-style amphitheater, carved into the mountain at the base of the High Place of Sacrifice, could seat up to 4,000 spectators.

The Amphitheater is impressive and worth a stop. I could almost hear the cheers of ancient crowds echoing off the stone.

How to Find It: Across from the Royal Tombs.

Is Little Petra Worth Visiting?

Little Petra (Al-Beidha) is a smaller version of Petra that served as a trading suburb.

Since I spent 1.5 days exploring Petra, I decided not to visit Little Petra. The rock-cut structures are similar, and it’s much quieter, so if you’re fed up with Petra’s chaos, try Little Petra. 

How to Find It: Little Petra is about a 15-minute drive from Wadi Musa. You can arrange a taxi or drive yourself.

Is Petra by Night Worth It?

Petra By Night offers a unique way to experience Petra’s Treasury, illuminated by 1,500 candles. The event starts with a walk through the Siq, lined with lanterns, and concludes at the Treasury, where Bedouin music and storytelling accompany the light display.

Honestly, I found Petra By Night a bit overpriced and overrated due to the large crowds. The idea is great, and I loved walking through the Siq to the Treasury at sunset. However, you’re with a crowd the whole time, and the big event of watching the Treasury lit up in different colors wasn’t that amazing. It was also challenging to get good pictures.

If you’re spending the night in Wadi Musa on one of the nights when the program is running and you’re curious, go for it. But I wouldn’t plan your whole itinerary around it, and if you’re on a tight budget, it’s something you can skip.

Essential Petra by Night Information:

• Cost: 17 JD (not included in the regular Petra ticket or Jordan Pass)

• Days: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday

• Timing: Starts at 8:30 pm at the Visitor’s Center, ends by 10:30 pm

• Tickets: Unlimited tickets are sold, and you can buy them the day of or the day before at the Visitor’s Center (there’s a counter just for Petra By Night tickets)

Essential Information for Visiting Petra

Opening Hours: The Visitor’s Center and Site are open daily from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Petra Cost: 

• Jordan Pass: Petra is included in the Jordan Pass, which covers visa fees and entrance to many other attractions in Jordan. It’s the best value if you’re planning to visit multiple sites.

• Single-Day Ticket: 50 JD (around $70 USD)

• Two-Day Ticket: 55 JD (around $78 USD)

• Three-Day Ticket: 60 JD (around $85 USD)

• Petra by Night: 17 JD (around $24 USD)–not included in the Jordan Pass

Best Time to Visit Petra:

• Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures make this an ideal time to visit. The wildflowers in bloom add an extra touch of beauty.

• Autumn (September-November): Cooler temperatures after the summer heat.

• Winter (December-February): Quiet season with fewer tourists, but can be quite cold, especially in the mornings and evenings.

• Summer (June-August): Hot and crowded but manageable if you arrive early.

How to Visit Petra:

• How to Get There: Petra is 3 hours from Amman, 2 hours from Aqaba, and 1.5 hours from Wadi Rum. You can rent a car, hire a driver, take the bus, or join a tour.

• On Your Own: Exploring Petra independently is easy once you figure out how to get there (I rented a car, but you can get there a few different ways whether you’re coming from Amman, Wadi Rum, or Aqaba). I recommend spending the night in Wadi Musa so you have time to really take it all in.

• With a Tour Guide: Hiring a knowledgeable guide will give you deeper insights into Petra’s history and archaeology. Make sure to research and book a reputable guide before you go to avoid any surprises.

• Tours: If you prefer a hassle-free experience, book a tour that includes transportation. It’s a good option if you’re short on time.

My Top Picks for Accommodations in Wadi Musa (near Petra): Petra Cabin Inn Hostel (budget), Petra Stones Inn (mid-range), or Le Maison Hotel (higher mid-range). I had the best experience with the family that runs Petra Stones Inn!

Tips for Visiting Petra as a Solo Traveler

• Be Prepared for Pushy Vendors and Guides: Vendors and guides inside Petra can be aggressive, and may think you’re an easier target if you’re solo and female. Be firm and don’t engage with them. Sometimes, I hold up my hand in the “stop” signal while saying a firm “no.”

• Jordan Pass is a Great Deal: The Jordan Pass includes Petra (plus your tourist visa), making it a good value if you plan to visit other places in Jordan like Wadi Rum or Jerash.

• Wear Comfortable Shoes and Bring Snacks: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks. The terrain can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is essential.

• Timing Matters – Sunrise and Sunset Are Best: These are the coolest and least crowded times to visit Petra.

• Stay Until the Last Minute: Most people leave before sunset, so stay until the last minute for an almost empty Petra.

• Hire a Reputable Guide or Do Your Research: Hiring a professional guide from a reputable company with good reviews can give you valuable historical insights. If you’re on a budget, explore on your own.

• Treasury Viewpoint and Monastery: You can hike to the Treasury Viewpoint (at a Bedouin café) and the Monastery for free without a guide.

• Avoid Riding Donkeys and Camels: Donkeys and camels available for riding up the steep trails don’t seem to be well-treated. I saw a camel being whipped by a metal chain, so I don’t recommend supporting this practice.

• Visit in the Off-Season: For fewer crowds, visit Petra in the off-season (winter). Be prepared for cooler weather.

• Haggle for Souvenirs: If you’re buying souvenirs, remember to haggle with the vendors.

• Stay in Wadi Musa: Spend the night in Wadi Musa so you can have a full day exploring Petra.

• Stay Safe and Trust Your Instincts: While Petra is generally safe, follow your instincts, especially if you feel uncomfortable with pushy vendors or guides.

FAQs about Is Petra Worth Visiting

Check out all the available Petra tour options from Amman. Don’t forget to read the reviews!