Complete guide to visit Petra in 2025

Known as the 'Rose City' for its stunning pink-hued rock facades, Petra is a testament to the ingenuity of the Nabataean civilization and remains one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world.

Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply in awe of Petra's majestic allure, this guide offers everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.

Discover essential tips, must-see highlights, and insider insights to make the most of your journey to this iconic Wonder of the World.

Quick history of Petra

Although the area known as Petra has been inhabited since 8500 - 5500 BC, the city thrived under the Nabataean Empire from the 1st century BC.

The Nabataeans were a nomadic Bedouin tribe, and it is thought they built the famous structures there, such as the Treasury. However, the exact date of Petra's construction is unknown.

In AD 106, Petra was annexed to the Roman Empire as Arabia Petraea. The city continued to thrive during this period until a large earthquake in 363 AD destroyed much of it. This, along with shifts in trade routes, eventually caused the city's decline, leading to its abandonment.

Getting to Petra

Petra is located in Wadi Musa, southwest of Jordan. It is 240 km south of Jordan's capital, Amman, and 120 km north of the Red Sea town of Aqaba.

To reach Petra (Wadi Musa), you can drive by yourself for about 3 hours. The drive is pretty straightforward once you've left the city of Amman.

You can also reach the ancient city by taking a four-hour bus ride. If you're planning on visiting during high season and/or national holidays, make sure to book in advance.

Entrance Fees to Petra

In 2025, tickets to enter Petra will cost 50, 55, and 60 JOD per person for a one-day, two-day, or three-day pass, respectively.

If you visit Petra on a day trip from a neighbouring country, you must pay 90 JOD per person.

Note that the entrance fees for Petra are included in the Jordan pass, which also includes entrance fees to many other attractions and waives visa entry fees. This is why I highly recommend getting a Jordan pass if you stay in the country for at least three days.

Dress code for Petra

Jordan is a Muslim country, so dressing conservatively is generally advised. This means covering your shoulders and knees, especially if you're a woman. However, I saw several guys wearing shorts, which seemed acceptable.

Jordanians are generally used to foreigners dressing differently from them, so wearing something more revealing would probably not be a problem, but you would definitely get stared at.

Options to explore Petra (on your own vs hiring a guide)

A great way to explore Petra and learn more about its history would be to hire a guide at the visitors' center. Hiring a guide should cost around 50 JOD per day per group.

Note, however, that visiting with a guide will make your journey longer, since the guide will stop at every important site and explain its story. So, if you're short on time, hiring a guide might not be the best idea.

On the other hand, visiting Petra on your own will give you freedom to tailor the pace and itinerary, but you will need to do more research to understand its history and importance fully.

What to bring to visit Petra

• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses - the UV index can get pretty high during the day. While you are in the Canyon, you will have shade, but after the Treasury, the trail will be pretty exposed all the way to the Monastery.
• Plenty of water and snacks—As I mentioned above, you will find opportunities to buy water and snacks along the trail; however, the prices might be higher than if you brought your own supplies.

Other things to know before visiting Petra

• Relatively well-maintained restrooms can be found every few miles inside the archeological sites.
• There is a restaurant halfway on the trail from the Visitor's Center to the Monastery, and a coffee shop at the Monastery.

Visiting Petra - Main trail

Visitor Center to Treasury

If you thought you would find the famous facade of the Treasury as soon as you entered Petra, think twice. To reach this landmark, you must walk for about 45 minutes through the Siq, a magnificent canyon that will make your jaw drop.

Unfortunately, you can't go inside the Treasury facade itself.

You can continue up some stairs to the right of the Treasury to snap a picture from a different angle. This will cost you 10 JOD, and it's not included in the Jordan pass.

Treasury to Royal Tombs

Further along the trail, you will find the only Roman theater in the world carved into the rock.

Not far away, to the right of the trail, are the Royal Tombs. Deviate from the main trail to get a closer look at them and to even explore their insides.

Royal Tombs to Monastery

Come back to the main trail to continue the adventure.

Not far away from the Royal Tombs, you will encounter the remains of what used to be the massive 7000 m2 Great Temple, and soon after, you will reach a Restaurant.

The way gets confusing here, but you should follow the path that goes straight from behind the public restrooms (not the restaurant restrooms). Soon enough, you will reach the base of the staircase leading to the Monastery.

Get ready to climb the 800 steps up to the Monastery, believe me, it is worth it! Alternatively, if you're not feeling up to the challenge, you can hire a donkey to bring you up.

Alternative route:
If you prefer to skip the climb up to the Monastery, you can walk the trail in the opposite direction, starting at the Monastery and ending at the Visitor's Center.

To do this, you must take a shuttle from the Visitor's Center to Little Petra and pay for a 4x4 to bring you closer to the Monastery. You will then only walk for around 3o minutes to reach the Monastery.