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Published on March 8, 2026

Petra at Night: A Magical Experience in the Ancient City

As the sun sets over the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, a different kind of magic awakens.Petra by Night offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site under the soft glow of thousands of candles, transforming the iconic Petra experience into an unforgettable journey through time.

Daytime visits to Petra reveal its magnificent rock-cut architecture and vast history, but the nighttime experience provides a unique, contemplative perspective. It's a chance to connect with the ancient city in a profound and intimate way, far removed from the bustling crowds and heat of the day. This guided, atmospheric walk takes you deep into the heart of Petra, culminating in a breathtaking encounter with its most famous monument, Al-Khazneh – The Treasury.

What is Petra by Night?

Petra by Night is a special event held a few times a week, inviting guests to walk through the mystical Siq, the narrow gorge entrance to Petra, illuminated by thousands of candles. The path leads to the Treasury, where visitors sit on mats, listen to traditional Bedouin music played on a flute or rababa, and hear stories about the Nabataean civilization and the history of Petra. The entire experience is designed to be quiet and reflective, allowing the ancient carvings and the natural beauty of the canyon to truly resonate.

Planning Your Magical Evening

To ensure a smooth and memorable Petra by Night experience, a little planning goes a long way. This unique event requires separate admission and careful consideration of timing.

When Does It Take Place?

  • Petra by Night typically runs three times a week onMondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
  • It usually starts at 8:30 PM and finishes around 10:30 PM.
  • Always check the official Petra website or inquire locally in Wadi Musa for the most up-to-date schedule, as timings and days can occasionally change.

Getting to Petra and Wadi Musa

The ancient city of Petra is accessed via the modern town of Wadi Musa, which serves as the primary base for visitors.Wadi Musa offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. It's advisable to stay in Wadi Musa for at least one night to fully experience both daytime Petra and Petra by Night.

Tip:Many visitors combine a trip to Petra with other incredible Jordanian destinations like the otherworldly desert landscape of Wadi Rum, the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, or the vibrant capital city of Amman. The scenic King's Highway is a fantastic route for exploring these sites.

Tickets and Admission

Access to Petra by Night requires a separate ticket from your regular daytime Petra entry. It is essential to purchase your Petra by Night ticket in advance or at the Petra Visitor Centre on the day of the event. Remember, your regular Petra entrance ticket doesnotinclude Petra by Night.

What to Bring for the Evening

  • Comfortable Walking Shoes:The walk through the Siq is about 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) each way, often on uneven terrain.
  • Warm Layers:Even if days are hot, desert nights in Petra can get surprisingly chilly, especially in the canyon.
  • Camera:While photography is challenging in low light, capturing the magic is possible (without flash during performances).
  • Water:Stay hydrated, even if it's cool.

The Journey Through the Siq

Your Petra by Night adventure begins at the Petra Visitor Centre. From there, you'll join a procession of fellow visitors, guided by the soft, flickering light of thousands of candles lining the entire length of the Siq. The usual daytime chatter gives way to a hushed reverence. The towering sandstone walls, which appear reddish-brown in daylight, take on an ethereal glow, their intricate patterns and natural curves accentuated by the gentle illumination.

The Siq, a natural geological fault that served as the main entrance for the Nabataeans, feels like a sacred passage at night. The air is filled with anticipation and the distant, haunting melody of a traditional instrument. It's a truly sensory experience, where sight, sound, and a sense of history converge.

The Treasury Unveiled

As you round the final bend of the Siq, the iconic facade of Al-Khazneh, The Treasury, slowly comes into view. Bathed in the warm glow of hundreds of candles arranged on the ground before it, the sight is nothing short of breathtaking. The intricate carvings of this ancient mausoleum, hewn directly into the sandstone cliff face, stand out in dramatic relief against the night sky.

Visitors are invited to sit on mats laid out in the open space, enveloped in a profound silence. A local Bedouin often shares stories and plays traditional music, adding to the spiritual atmosphere. The experience is designed for quiet contemplation, allowing you to fully absorb the grandeur and mystery of one of the world's most impressive ancient wonders.

Tips for a Truly Memorable Experience

  • Arrive Early:While the official start time is 8:30 PM, arriving a bit earlier (around 8:00 PM) allows you to be among the first to enter the Siq, experiencing the candle-lit path with fewer people and enjoying the quiet before the main crowd arrives.
  • Embrace the Silence:This is not a guided tour with continuous commentary. The magic lies in the quiet, the atmosphere, and your personal connection with the site. Respect this by keeping conversations to a whisper.
  • Photography:Photography is challenging due to the low light. Tripods are often discouraged due to space and safety. Avoid using flash during the performance at the Treasury; it's disruptive and detracts from the experience for others. Focus on capturing the ambient glow.
  • Combine with a Daytime Visit:For the ultimate Petra experience, visit during the day to appreciate the scale and detail of the carvings, and then return for the mystical night event. The contrast between day and night is truly remarkable.

Beyond Petra by Night: Exploring Jordan

While Petra by Night is undoubtedly a highlight,Jordan offers a wealth of other incredible experiences. After exploring Petra, consider venturing south to Wadi Rum for a desert adventure, stargazing, and Bedouin hospitality. Dive into the Red Sea's coral reefs in Aqaba, or float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Roman ruins of Jerash Ruins, the mosaic maps of Madaba, and the biblical views from Mount Nebo. Each destination adds another layer to the rich tapestry of this captivating country.

A visit to Petra by Night is more than just a tour; it's an immersive journey into the soul of an ancient civilization. The flickering candlelight, the haunting music, and the sheer grandeur of the Treasury create an atmosphere that transcends the ordinary, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. It’s an essential part of any comprehensive Jordan itinerary, offering a unique and magical perspective on one of the world's most extraordinary wonders.