Petra in 7 days

The rose-red city carved from cliffs. A 2,000-year-old wonder reached through a mile-long canyon. Best time to visit: March-May & September-November. Average daily budget: $70 to $160 USD.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: The Siq & Treasury, The dramatic canyon entrance opening onto Petra's iconic carved facade.

Morning: Walk the Siq to the Treasury at opening. Be at the gate at 6am to have the canyon and Al-Khazneh nearly to yourself in soft light.

Afternoon: Explore The Siq & Treasury, The dramatic canyon entrance opening onto Petra's iconic carved facade.

Evening: Petra by Night (Mon/Wed/Thu). The Siq and Treasury lit by 1,500 candles, with Bedouin music.

Eat: Jordanian mansaf (lamb with fermented yoghurt over rice)

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: The Street of Facades & Theatre, Royal tombs and a Roman-era amphitheatre carved into the rock.

Morning: Climb to the Monastery (Ad Deir). 800 steps up, but the payoff facade and cliff-edge views are Petra's finest.

Afternoon: Explore The Street of Facades & Theatre, Royal tombs and a Roman-era amphitheatre carved into the rock.

Evening: Hike to the High Place of Sacrifice. A steep trail to panoramic views over the entire ancient city.

Eat: Maqluba (upside-down rice and vegetable dish)

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: The Monastery (Ad Deir), A vast facade reached by 800 rock-cut steps, even grander than the Treasury.

Morning: Treasury viewpoint hike. A guided back-trail climb to look down on Al-Khazneh from above - unforgettable.

Afternoon: Explore The Monastery (Ad Deir), A vast facade reached by 800 rock-cut steps, even grander than the Treasury.

Evening: Visit Little Petra. A serene, free Nabataean canyon with painted ceilings, far from the crowds.

Eat: Fresh falafel and hummus in Wadi Musa

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Wadi Musa, The gateway town with hotels, restaurants and the park entrance.

Morning: The Al-Khubtha trail to the Treasury overlook, quieter than the main viewpoint route.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Wadi Musa, The gateway town with hotels, restaurants and the park entrance.

Evening: Sabra, a remote Nabataean suburb few visitors ever reach.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Bedouin-style zarb (underground-roasted meat) at a desert camp

Day 5, Day trip

Base: Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), A smaller, quieter Nabataean site a short drive north.

Morning: Sunset from the High Place of Sacrifice when the day-trippers have left.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), A smaller, quieter Nabataean site a short drive north.

Evening: Tea with Bedouin families who still have deep ties to the site.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Jordanian mansaf (lamb with fermented yoghurt over rice)

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: The Siq & Treasury, The dramatic canyon entrance opening onto Petra's iconic carved facade.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in The Siq & Treasury, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore The Siq & Treasury, The dramatic canyon entrance opening onto Petra's iconic carved facade.

Evening: Dinner at Maqluba (upside-down rice and vegetable dish), then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in The Siq & Treasury.

Eat: Maqluba (upside-down rice and vegetable dish)

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: The Street of Facades & Theatre, Royal tombs and a Roman-era amphitheatre carved into the rock.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in The Street of Facades & Theatre, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore The Street of Facades & Theatre, Royal tombs and a Roman-era amphitheatre carved into the rock.

Evening: Dinner at Fresh falafel and hummus in Wadi Musa, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in The Street of Facades & Theatre.

Eat: Fresh falafel and hummus in Wadi Musa

Hidden gems

The Al-Khubtha trail to the Treasury overlook, quieter than the main viewpoint route.
Sabra, a remote Nabataean suburb few visitors ever reach.
Sunset from the High Place of Sacrifice when the day-trippers have left.
Tea with Bedouin families who still have deep ties to the site.

Getting around

Petra itself is explored entirely on foot - expect to walk 8-15km a day over uneven, hilly terrain, so bring sturdy shoes and water. Horses, donkeys, camels and golf carts are offered inside but involve animal-welfare concerns and pushy pricing. Wadi Musa is small and walkable, though steep. To reach Petra, most travellers drive or take the JETT bus from Amman (about 3.5 hours) or come via Wadi Rum and Aqaba.

Safety

Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East, and Petra is very secure for solo travellers, including women. The main risks are physical: steep climbs, loose rock, heat and dehydration, so carry plenty of water and start early. Vendors and animal-ride touts can be persistent but are not dangerous; a polite firm 'no' works. Flash floods can occur in the Siq during winter rains, so heed any closures.

Petra in 3 days | Petra in 5 days | Full Petra guide