Visiting Petra in Jordan is one of those bucket-list experiences that truly lives up to the hype. Petra is massive and there is so much more to explore than just the Treasury. It quickly became one of my favorite places in the world and here’s exactly what you need to know before your visit.
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Start With Petra by Night
I absolutely loved Petra by Night, and I think it’s the perfect introduction before your full day at Petra. Walking through the candle-lit Siq under the stars and seeing the Treasury illuminated by colored lights feels magical.
If you’re debating whether it’s worth it, I’d say go. You can read my full review and tips for Petra by Night here.
Why You Should Use a Tour Guide (At Least at First)
Petra is huge, and there’s a lot of history layered into every corner. I highly recommend hiring a tour guide for part of your visit. I spent about the first four hours on a guided tour, which gave me valuable context about the historical significance of the major sites. You can book a highly recommended 3-hour tour here.
After the tour, I spent another 4–5 hours exploring on my own, which was the perfect balance. Having the background knowledge made wandering around more meaningful.
Can You See Petra in One Day?
You can definitely see Petra in one full day if you’re efficient and prepared for a lot of walking. That said, I would have loved having an additional day. Petra has so many trails, viewpoints, and quieter corners that are easy to miss when you’re trying to fit everything into a single day.
If you have extra time, adding a second day allows you to explore at a slower pace and avoid fatigue.
Hiking to the Monastery: What to Expect
The hike to the Monastery was one of my favorite parts of visiting Petra in Jordan. Honestly, I ended up liking the Monastery even more than the Treasury.
Here’s what you need to know:
It’s about 900 steps to reach the top
It took me around 30 minutes to hike up
I did stop for breaks along the way
There’s a café about halfway up if you need water or a snack
I chose not to use a donkey due to reports of mistreatment, which I unfortunately witnessed while I was there. The hike was much more peaceful and rewarding anyways.
There’s also a café at the top where you can refuel once you arrive.
If you go past the café on the left, you’ll find additional steps that lead to an incredible viewpoint. This spot offers one of the best views in Petra and is absolutely worth the extra effort.
What to Pack for Visiting Petra in Jordan
Being prepared makes a huge difference, especially if you’re spending a full day exploring. Here’s what I recommend packing:
Sunscreen – There’s very little shade.
Hiking shoes with good traction – The terrain is uneven and rocky. I love these hiking shoes that feel more like lightweight sneakers.
Sunglasses – The sun can be intense.
A small hiking backpack – For water, snacks, and essentials.
Comfortable footwear is especially important if you plan on hiking to the Monastery or exploring beyond the main trail.
Restaurants at Petra
You will find multiple restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Petra and on the hike to the Monastery. One place I would recommend eating at is Nabatean Restaurant. They were affordable and had a delicious kebab. They also had fresh squeezed juice which was very refreshing after the hike to the Monastery.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Petra in Jordan
Visiting Petra in Jordan is an unforgettable experience, whether it’s your first time in the Middle East or one stop on a longer trip. Between Petra by Night, a guided tour, solo exploration, and hiking to the Monastery, there’s something incredibly special about experiencing this ancient rose-colored city.
Petra was, without a doubt, the best part of my Jordan adventure. You can read more about my full itinerary here.