It's best to arrive in the area the night before to ensure you can get a good, full day in to explore Petra. That being said, there are some great multi-day tours which include Petra as well and are ideal for those who either don't have a ton of time or who aren't comfortable exploring on their own.

Yes, it is entirely possible to "see" the highlights of Petra in a single day, but it requires an early start and a significant amount of physical stamina. Most visitors can walk the main trail from the Visitor Center, through the breathtaking Siq (the narrow canyon), and arrive at the Treasury within 45 minutes of entering. From there, a full day allows you to continue down the "Street of Facades" to the Theatre and the Royal Tombs. If you are in good shape, you can even make the strenuous hike up the 800+ steps to The Monastery (Ad Deir), which is arguably more impressive than the Treasury, and still make it back to the entrance by sunset. However, a one-day visit means you will likely miss the "High Place of Sacrifice" or the more remote trails like the Al-Madras route. To truly appreciate the scale of this 60-square-kilometer Nabataean city, most travelers recommend two days—one for the "hits" and one for the "hidden gems." If you only have 24 hours, hiring a local guide is highly recommended to ensure you navigate the most efficient paths and don't waste time getting lost in the vast desert landscape.