Petra Tours and Activities

Petra showing landscape views, a sunset and a gorge or canyon
Petra showing a gorge or canyon, a ruin and landscape views
Petra featuring landscape views and a gorge or canyon
Petra featuring a ruin, a gorge or canyon and landscape views
Petra showing building ruins, a gorge or canyon and landscape views


Explore an amazing sandstone canyon and marvel at the towering façades and tombs of this long-lost Jordanian city, one of the “New” Seven Wonders of the World.

Petra is the mysterious long-lost capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, once a major trading hub in the Middle East. Impressive for its tombs, churches and theatres carved out of its steep canyon walls, the archeological site obtained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985.

With many details lost in the mists of time, it is now commonly assumed that Petra dates from around 4th century B.C. Appreciate its mysterious appeal as you wander through the narrow, natural passageway named “The Siq.” This ancient entrance is a long chasm in the rock that opens up to reveal The Treasury, the most famous of all the sights in Petra. The overall effect is like a curtain being lifted for a spectacular show, especially during the Petra By Night tour with candles.

Take your time to study the details of The Treasury, carved out of the solid sandstone canyon wall. Standing 128 feet (39 metres) high and 83 feet (25 metres) wide, this rock face building is nothing less than impressive, especially since it is over 2,000 years old.

As the canyon widens, the sight of the Nabatean tombs in the Street of Façades is another marvel. Soon, the curved expanse of The Theatreappears. Imagine the labour involved in creating this vast amphitheatre, designed to hold 4,000 people.

As you progress through the canyon, more and more amazing structures appear. Royal tombs display weathered, detailed ornaments and The Great Temple hugs the hillside. Towards the end, there is one more ancient masterpiece carved out of a conical mountain peak: The Monastery. After climbing the huge stone staircase, enjoy the magnificent views.

Petra is next to the town of Wadi Musa. The archeological complex is open daily and entry fees apply. The on-site Petra Visitor Centre has an informative museum, included in the ticket price. Guided tours, horse-and-carriage trips and donkey or camel rides cost extra.

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Best Lodging Options Near Petra

Petra Guest House

Petra Guest House

4 out of 5
Wadi Moussa, Petra, Wadi Musa
Petra Guest House
Petra Moon Luxury Hotel

Petra Moon Luxury Hotel

5 out of 5
Tourism Street, Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
Petra Moon Luxury Hotel
Edom Hotel

Edom Hotel

3 out of 5
Historical Area, Tourism Street, Petra, Wadi Musa
Edom Hotel
Mövenpick Resort Petra

Mövenpick Resort Petra

5 out of 5
Wadi Mousa, Po Box 214, Petra, Wadi Musa
Mövenpick Resort Petra
Petra Marriott Hotel

Petra Marriott Hotel

5 out of 5
Queen Rania Al Abdallah Street, Wadi Musa
Petra Marriott Hotel
Sunset hotel

Sunset hotel

4 out of 5
petra toursim street, 1, Wadi Musa, Maan petra
Sunset hotel
Petra Agora Hotel

Petra Agora Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Tourist Street, Wadi Musa, Maan
Petra Agora Hotel
Petra Aretas Hotel

Petra Aretas Hotel

2 out of 5
Tourism St., Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
Petra Aretas Hotel
Petra Venus Hotel

Petra Venus Hotel

3 out of 5
Tourism Street, Petra, Wadi Musa
Petra Venus Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Petra

Petra offers a myriad of activities for tourists, including captivating sightseeing, guided walking tours, and outdoor pursuits that showcase its stunning landscapes. Visitors can also indulge in wellness experiences at local centres and enjoy unique shopping trips for souvenirs. Additionally, various tour ideas provide an enriching exploration of this ancient wonder, making for an unforgettable vacation in Jordan.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife at the Nabatean Theater, located a mile from Petra. This venue offers a blend of culture and romance, perfect for families and couples alike. Enjoy captivating performances under the stars, making for an unforgettable evening in this historical setting.

Find the best attractions near Petra

If you're visiting Petra, Jordan, you'll find a wealth of cultural experiences awaiting you. Key attractions include the ancient city of Petra, the Petra Museum, and the stunning Petra Mountains. Don't miss the chance to explore various temples, archaeological sites, and historic sites that showcase the region's rich heritage. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking to soak in the beauty of this remarkable destination, Petra offers something for every traveller.

  • Great Temple: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural vibes of the Great Temple, located 1.1km from Petra. This impressive structure showcases the architectural brilliance of the Nabateans and provides a glimpse into their sophisticated society.
  • Royal Tombs: Explore the Royal Tombs, situated 1.3km from Petra, where you can marvel at the intricate façades carved into the rock. These tombs reflect the grandeur of Nabatean burial practices and offer a fascinating insight into their beliefs about the afterlife.
  • High Place of Sacrifice: Journey to the High Place of Sacrifice, located 1.6km away, where ancient rituals took place. The stunning views from the top and the surrounding landscape make this historic site a memorable experience.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Petra

To save money on your trip to Petra, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February and August. Booking your hotel a month in advance can yield the best rates, with Saturday being the least expensive day to stay. Use Expedia to compare prices and filter for eco-friendly accommodations. Look for package deals that combine hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. For free activities, explore the site of Petra itself, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take advantage of public transport options to navigate the area economically.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Petra are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Petra is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Petra is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Petra is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices based on hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Petra hotel reservations with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.