Holiday in Petra
Area in Jordan — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇯🇴
Country
Jordan
Type
Area
Best time to travel
March–May, September–November (pleasantly warm)
Budget/day
80–150 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Amman (AMM) in 4 hours direct flight. Continue by rental car or bus to Petra (3h). Jordan Pass ($70–78) including visa and Petra entrance.
About Petra
Petra, the legendary rock city in southern Jordan, is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world and was rightly chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders. The Nabataeans carved a complete city with temples, tombs, and theaters directly into the red sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago — an architectural marvel like no other. Access is through the Siq, a 1.2-kilometer-long, up to 80-meter-deep gorge, whose steep walls create dramatic plays of light and shadow. At the end of the Siq, the view suddenly opens up to Al-Khazneh, the Treasury — Petra's most famous facade, 40 meters high and of Hellenistic elegance. Those familiar with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade will recognize the backdrop immediately. But Petra is much more than this one facade. Over 800 structures are spread across an area of 264 square kilometers: the Roman theater for 8,000 spectators, the royal tombs with their massive facades, and the Monastery Ad Deir, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view after 800 steps to the mountain summit. The Petra by Night tour, where thousands of candles illuminate the Siq and the Treasury, creates a mystical atmosphere. March to May and September to November offer the most pleasant temperatures.
Top 5 highlights in Petra
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Al-Khazneh (Treasury)
The 40 m high facade, carved into the rock, known from Indiana Jones – at 6 am, you have it (almost) to yourself.
The Siq
The 1.2 km long, up to 80 m high gorge leading to the Treasury – the tension rises with each step.
Ad-Deir (Monastery)
An even larger facade than the Treasury (47 m wide), accessible via 850 steps – the ascent is rewarded with a panoramic view.
Petra by Night
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the Siq and the Treasury are illuminated by 1,500 candles – a magical, quiet experience.
High Sacrificial Place
Steep stairs lead to the Nabataean altar with a 360° view over the pink city – the effort is worth it.
Hotels in Petra
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Petra
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Petra
Recommended travel time
March–May, September–November (pleasantly warm)
Summer
Very hot, 35–40 °C, little shade in the ruins, bring plenty of water
Winter
Cool, 5–15 °C, occasional rain, fewer tourists, pleasant for hiking
How much does a holiday in Petra cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
40–60 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
80–150 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
200–500 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Petra
Compare thousands of package holidays to Petra and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now4 travel tips for Petra
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Buy the Jordan Pass ONLINE BEFORE the trip – it includes the visa ($40) and the Petra entrance ($55), thus saving money.
Plan at least 2 days for Petra – on the first day, the main route (Siq, Treasury, Colonnaded Street), on the second the Monastery and hiking trails.
Visit Petra by Night only in clear weather – cancellations occur in rain or wind. Tripods and no flash allowed.
Start early in the morning (6 am entry) – the Treasury in the morning light without crowds is priceless.
Food & drink in Petra
These specialties you must try!
