Bottom line... yes, I'd say that a visit to Little Petra is worth an hour or so of your time. There's no admission fee, it's much less crowded than Petra, the buildings are interesting and the scenery through the desert to get there is worth it alone.

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) is absolutely worth visiting, especially as a complementary experience to the main Petra archaeological park. In 2026, it remains a "hidden gem" that offers a quieter, more intimate look at Nabataean architecture without the overwhelming crowds or entrance fees of the main site (it is currently free to enter). Located just a 15-minute drive from Wadi Musa, Little Petra served as a "suburb" or trading post where caravans rested before entering the city. A major highlight is the Painted House, which contains some of the only surviving Nabataean frescoes in the world. Because the site is much smaller—roughly 350 meters long—you can explore it thoroughly in about an hour. Many travelers also use it as the starting point for the "back door" hike to the Monastery, providing a stunning, less-traveled route into the main Petra site that avoids the 800-step climb from the center.