Can you go to Petra at night?

Petra is known for its majestic beauty and enchanting history, which can be admired both during the day and at night. Experiencing Petra by Night is one of the most breathtaking ways to see the UNESCO World Heritage site.



Yes, visiting the ancient city of Petra at night is one of Jordan's most iconic experiences in 2026, but it is not a nightly event. The "Petra by Night" show typically runs three times a week—usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays—starting at 8:30 PM. To participate, you must have a valid daytime Petra entry ticket plus a separate "Petra by Night" ticket (which costs roughly 17 JOD). The experience involves walking the entire length of the Siq (the narrow canyon) by the light of over 1,500 candles placed on the ground. The walk ends at the Treasury, where you are served traditional Bedouin tea while listening to live flute music and storytelling under the stars. In 2026, tourism officials recommend arriving at the gate at least 15 minutes early to be at the front of the line, as the "candlelight magic" is best enjoyed before the crowds of several hundred people fill the Treasury plaza.

People Also Ask

Petra during the day is magnificent. If you prefer silence and candle light, then Petra by night is for you! To give you a quick walkthrough, as you pass the narrow entrance, to finally face a wider gateway to start off your night walk with; you'll find candles lit on either or both sides as you walk towards the Siq.

MORE DETAILS

While you are not allowed to stay overnight unaccompanied in Petra, you can book a traditional Bedouin cave stay. Most hosts offer the full traditional experience, including dinner cooked over an open fire, the option of sleeping under the stars, as well as transportation back to the park entrance in the morning.

MORE DETAILS

It is fine to travel in Jordan in jeans most of the time, and you can, of course, wear them in Petra as well, in case this is the piece you never leave your home without, but as the visit of Petra requires quite a lot of walking, we think hiking trousers are a much better choice.

MORE DETAILS

If you plan on coming to Petra for only a day, you're missing out on most of the experience. One day in Petra is not enough. In fact, you could spend a whole week in Petra and still find new things to do! Petra is a relic of the past, a living city that transports you hundreds of years back in time.

MORE DETAILS

You can totally visit Petra by yourself—we did! If you're visiting several areas in Jordan, a tour guide and driver may simplify things, but it's certainly not a requirement.

MORE DETAILS

You will pay for your tour with a credit card when booking. Payment of visa fees, border fees, and tips must be in cash. You may bring cash and/or credit cards with you for personal needs on your trip.

MORE DETAILS

Wearing shorts can also be seen as disrespectful, so opt for long pants instead. Dress codes are generally stricter for women than men, and many female travellers choose to wear a headscarf like the local women.

MORE DETAILS

If you forget it, don't worry - just reuse a plastic bottle you've purchased on arrival. The other good thing is that many of the hotels in Petra and Wadi Rum have installed water purification systems for their guests, which means you can drink water from the tap that isn't just safe but tastes pleasant.

MORE DETAILS

Petra is well-equipped with toilets, with toilet blocks at the visitor's centre, near the Theatre and museum. There are also portaloos at the start of the Siq and at a couple of cafés.

MORE DETAILS

Winters in Petra (December-February) can surprisingly cold perhaps, even during the day. The average temperature is around 10-15°C degrees, but this can go down to 5°C after sun down.

MORE DETAILS