Heading to Petra? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip:
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 2–3 days
- Best for: History buffs, adventurers, photographers, culture seekers
- Why visit: Stunning ancient city, epic hikes, magical vibes—especially solo at sunrise!
PETRA AT A GLANCE
- Population/Size: Tiny town (Wadi Musa), site covers 264 sq km
- History: Over 2,000 years old; capital of the Nabataean Kingdom
- Famous for: Rock-carved facades, The Treasury, pink sandstone cliffs
- Nicknames: “Ancient Rose City,” “Lost City”
- Solo vibe/Safety: Friendly for solo travelers; easy to explore, generally safe (just dress modestly)
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
- 🗣 Language: Arabic (English widely spoken with tourists)
- 🌦 Best time to visit: March–May & Sept–Nov (cool temps, lighter crowds)
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: JETT bus from Amman (6-10 JOD, 3–4 hours)
- Easiest: Taxi/shuttle from Queen Alia Int’l (80–100 JOD, ~3 hours)
- 🧳 Safety: Very safe; modest dress advised, especially for solo women. Beware of overzealous vendors.
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Major festivals in spring/fall; Petra by Night runs 3x a week year-round.
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (yep, that’s Petra!)
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Best hostel: Nomads Hostel. Chill on the rooftop terrace with stunning Petra mountain views and make friends over great tea or a buffet dinner. Private bathrooms and comfy beds make it easy to relax after exploring. One of the most in-demand hostels in Petra — book ahead! 🌄
- 🏘️ Best neighborhood for hotels/Airbnb: Wadi Musa—Walkable, tons of food options, all budgets, near visitor center.
- 🧭 Alt neighborhood: Bedouin desert camps—For fire-lit stargazing & cultural immersion outside town.
- Tip: Book something within walking distance of Petra Visitor Centre. Avoid outlying locations, especially if returning at night.
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Petra itself is foot-only—bring serious walking shoes! Trails are long and uneven.
- 🚌 Local buses: Connect Amman and Aqaba to Wadi Musa (JETT, 6–10 JOD). Not much use within town.
- 🚋 No metro or tram—it’s all about hiking in the site.
- 🚖 Taxis: Plentiful; negotiate fares. Short hops in Wadi Musa (2–5 JOD), further afield costs more.
- 🚲 Bike rental: Not practical—terrain is rough and trails are mainly on foot.
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): Iconic, best savored solo at dawn before crowds descend.
- 🌿 Hike to the Monastery (Ad Deir): Epic 800-step climb, stunning reward, safe & doable solo if fit.
- 🧠 High Place of Sacrifice: Climb for ancient altars and panoramic solitude.
- 🧭 Al-Khubtha Trail: For the best rooftop view above the Treasury and a chill Bedouin tea stop.
- 🎨 Petra by Night: Roam candlelit Siq alone; meditative, magical, and otherworldly.
- 🔀 Wildcard: Bedouin Camp Experience: Join a desert camp for local food, fireside talks, and star-watching.
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Roman Theatre: Impressive but less unique than Petra’s other wonders—peek and move along.
- ❌ Animal rides (donkeys/camels): Often rough on animals; better to walk.
- ❌ Aggressive souvenir hawkers: Don’t get pressured—browse Wadi Musa shops instead.
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Red Cave Restaurant—Easygoing, fast service, big salads and local mains.
- 🥃 Quiet pub/bar with character: The Cave Bar—Ancient, atmospheric, great for a single drink.
- 🍽️ Try these local foods: Mansaf (lamb in yogurt sauce), Zaarb (Bedouin BBQ) —try at My Mom’s Recipe.
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Al-Wadi Restaurant—Huge Jordanian platters, 5–8 JOD.
- 🥦 Veg/vegan options: Al-Arabi Restaurant—Falafel, mezze, hummus galore.
- 🍸 Cocktails or nightcap: Petra Night—Hotel rooftop bar, mellow vibes, Jordanian beer and arak.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS & WALKS
- 🏛️ Royal Tombs: Imposing facades, less busy, great for photos.
- 🗺️ Street of Facades: Wander ancient caves and tombs off the main drag.
- 🥾 Dana to Petra Trek: 3–5 day legendary thru-hike, best for solo adventure-hikers.
BEST OF PETRA IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Enter Petra at opening; head straight through the Siq to the Treasury (blissfully empty!)
- Morning: Hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice; take in epic valley views.
- Lunch: Basin Restaurant (inside Petra) for hearty Jordanian lunch and cold drinks.
- Afternoon: Challenge yourself to the Monastery hike (slow and steady wins).
- Evening: Rest, shower, café stop in Wadi Musa.
- Dinner: Try My Mom’s Recipe for Bedouin comfort food and people-watching.
- Night: Experience Petra by Night (when available) or a glass at Cave Bar.
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival or seasonal tip: Petra by Night (Mon/Wed/Thu)—Siq & Treasury glow with 1,500 candles, enchanting solo or with new friends.
- 📍 Hidden gem: Al-Khubtha viewpoint—Tea-and-view stop for solo chills above the Treasury.
- 📷 Photo spots: Early AM at the Treasury, Monastery cliffs, “back-door” hike views—set your self-timer!
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: Greet with “Salaam”; modest attire shows respect (even in the desert!).
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Mostly very safe; watch for dehydration, stray dogs, and touts hustling at the entrance.
- 👀 One last thing: Linger at sunset with tea on a cliff—you’ll never forget Petra’s rosy glow, and that solo hush!