Petra is unlike anywhere else on earth. More than 2,000 years ago, the Nabataeans — a wealthy Arab trading people — carved an entire city of temples, tombs, and facades directly into rose-colored sandstone cliffs in the deserts of southern Jordan. Approaching the famous Treasury through a narrow canyon, then watching it appear between the rock walls, is one of travel's genuinely unforgettable moments.

A Little History

Petra was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom from around the 3rd century BC. Its wealth came from controlling the caravan trade in incense, spices, and silk. The Nabataeans were master engineers, building an ingenious system of dams, cisterns, and channels to bring water to a city in the desert. After the Romans annexed the kingdom and trade routes shifted, Petra slowly declined and was largely unknown to the outside world until the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt reached it in 1812. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of the World.

What to See

The Siq. The visit begins with a 1.2 km walk through a narrow, winding gorge with towering walls — dramatic in its own right, and the perfect build-up.

Al-Khazneh (The Treasury). The iconic facade at the end of the Siq, around 40 meters tall, carved with astonishing precision. Despite the name, it was almost certainly a royal tomb.

The Monastery (Ad-Deir). Even larger than the Treasury, reached by climbing roughly 800 rock-cut steps — a demanding but rewarding hike.

The Royal Tombs and the Roman Theatre. Vast tomb facades line the main valley, and the Nabataeans even carved a theatre from the rock.

The High Place of Sacrifice. A climb to a clifftop altar with sweeping views over the whole site.

Tickets and the Jordan Pass (2026)

Entry pricing depends on whether you stay overnight in Jordan. If you are staying at least one night, a one-day ticket is 50 JD (two days 55 JD, three days 60 JD). Day visitors who are not staying overnight pay 90 JD.

If you are touring Jordan, the Jordan Pass is almost always the best value: for around 70–80 JD it includes Petra entry (1–3 days), waives the tourist visa fee for stays of at least three nights, and covers entry to more than 40 other sites including Wadi Rum and Jerash. Buy it before you arrive.

Petra is open daily, roughly 06:00–18:00 in summer and 06:00–16:00 in winter. The separate "Petra by Night" experience, with the Siq and Treasury lit by candlelight, runs on select evenings.

Practical Tips

Arrive at opening. Being at the Treasury by 6:30 am, before the crowds and in soft morning light, is worth every minute of the early start.

Wear real hiking shoes and carry water. The site is enormous and involves a lot of walking and climbing on uneven ground, often in strong heat.

Give it at least a full day — two if you want to reach the Monastery and the viewpoints without rushing. The nearest town, Wadi Musa, has the visitor center and most hotels.

Want the story behind the facade you're standing in front of? TravelEye is a free iOS app that identifies places from a photo and translates menus and signs while you travel.