Find the perfect stay near Petra

Petra is an ancient city carved directly into sandstone cliffs, offering a glimpse into a lost world that feels like something out of an adventure film. This UNESCO World Heritage Site serves as a massive open-air museum where you can wander through narrow canyons and discover grand tombs hidden in the rock. Walking through the 0.7 miles long Siq to see the Treasury for the first time is an experience that stays with you forever. It is a place of incredible scale and history that truly rewards anyone who enjoys exploring the great outdoors.

Exploring Petra offers a unique experience. Exploring this vast archaeological site fully requires plenty of physical energy and a good pair of walking boots from you.

Navigating the ancient carved trails

You should plan to spend at least two days exploring the site to see the main areas without rushing. Most visitors begin the journey through the Siq, a natural gorge that stretches for about 1 mile before revealing the famous Treasury facade. From there, the city opens up into a wide valley filled with tombs and theatres.

Be prepared for a lot of walking, as the path to the Monastery involves climbing roughly 800 steps cut into the rock. If you have mobility issues, local carriages or donkeys are often available for certain sections of the main trail. It is best to arrive early, around 06:00, to beat the crowds and avoid the midday heat, which can reach over 40°C in the summer months.

Architectural wonders and Nabataean history

The city was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom over 2,000 years ago and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What makes the architecture unique is that the structures are not built with blocks but are sculpted straight into the rose-red canyon walls. You can see a blend of native styles mixed with Hellenistic and Roman influences, especially in the 7,000-seat Roman-style theatre.

The Royal Tombs and the Great Temple offer a deeper look into how advanced this civilisation was, particularly their water management systems. If you stay late, some evenings feature a candlelit walk through the Siq, where hundreds of lanterns illuminate the path to the Treasury. Remember that an entry fee applies to access the park, and you must show your passport or ID at the gate.

Planning your visit and tickets

The site is open daily throughout the year, but the exact hours change depending on the season. It is common for the gates to open at 06:00 and close around 18:00 in the summer, with earlier closing times during the winter. You can buy tickets for a single day or multi-day passes, which usually offer better value if you want to see the high altars and distant viewpoints.

Please check the official Petra website for the most up-to-date opening times, ticket availability, and seasonal schedules before you travel. Weather conditions can occasionally lead to temporary closures of the Siq for safety reasons.

You will find that getting around Petra is easy, and there are plenty of options to stay nearby to make the most of your visit. Whether you are arriving from the capital or staying in the local town right on the doorstep, reaching the entrance is straightforward.

Where to stay near the rose-red city

The most convenient place to base yourself is Wadi Musa, the town that has grown specifically to serve visitors to the site. If you want to be the first person through the gates, look for accommodation in the Entrance Area, where several hotels are located within a 150-metre walk of the visitor centre. For those on a budget, the Town Centre of Wadi Musa is about 1 mile uphill from the main gate; it offers a more local feel with plenty of casual eateries and authentic shops. You will find everything from family-friendly hotels with large suites to boutique properties featuring rooftop terraces that overlook the rugged mountains. Many places even offer a shuttle service to drop you at the site in the morning, which saves you a steep walk back after a long day of exploring.

Getting to the site from transport hubs

Most travellers arrive from Amman via the Desert Highway, a journey of roughly 145 miles that takes about 3 hours by car or private transfer. If you are coming from the south, Aqaba is much closer at just 78 miles away, and the drive usually takes around 2 hours. Daily buses connect these cities to the Wadi Musa Bus Station, which is located in the heart of the town and only a 5-minute taxi ride from the main entrance of Petra.

Consider accommodation options near Petra. You can find the best hotels near this UNESCO World Heritage Site with us at Opodo. Quickly compare hotels that actually match your needs and spot the best deals in seconds. Pick a spot within a 1-mile radius of the entrance to beat the crowds. Getting your stay sorted is simple and fun, leaving you more time to explore the ancient canyons. Explore our list today and book a hotel that fits your plans perfectly.