Petra at Night: How to See it and Is it Worth Visiting?
YES! I still remember the moment I first heard about Petra by Night. Someone told me, “If you’re visiting Petra, you have to see it lit up by candlelight.” At first, I thought it was just some local gimmick for tourists, but I was totally wrong. This magical nighttime experience has a story!
So here’s the deal. Petra by Night officially started back in 2007, thanks to the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA). They wanted to find a way to bring in more visitors to the site without adding pressure to the already-busy daytime hours. And walking around Petra under the desert sun can be brutal. By opening the gates after dark, they created a whole new way to experience the place while also supporting local guides, performers, and small businesses in the area.
The idea was to turn a normal walk through Petra into something surreal. The event kicks off at the Petra Visitor Center, where you join a group of fellow travelers and quietly begin the 2-kilometer walk through the Siq, that narrow winding gorge that leads to the Treasury. But instead of bright daylight and camera-clicking tourists, the entire path is lit by over 1,500 candles. When I finally saw the Treasury, I actually gasped! It’s honestly one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
To me, Petra by Night isn’t just a show—it’s a totally different way to feel Petra. During the day, it’s about history and hiking and epic views. But at night? It’s quiet and mysterious. It feels ancient in an eerie way. If you go to Petra, I seriously recommend carving out an evening for it. Personally I think it’s worth it and it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you’ll never forget.
What IS Petra at Night?
Petra by Night is a special after-hours event where visitors can experience the ancient city of Petra — mostly the Siq Walk and the Treasury—lit entirely by candlelight. It’s a quiet, atmospheric event that takes place three nights a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) and it gives you the chance to see the most iconic part of Petra in a different way. It does look completely different at night vs the day time.
The experience starts around 8:30 PM at the Petra Visitor Center.
From there, you walk about 2 kilometers through the Siq, which takes over 20-30 minutes. The walk is lined with over 1,500 candles. The walk itself is a big part of the experience; it can be dark and peaceful, especially if the stars are out. Although the crowds are walking with you, it’s actually not very noisy. You’ll eventually arrive at the Treasury, where everyone sits on mats or benches facing the Treasury.
The walk itself is actually long and boring because you are walking with large groups of people on an uneven path with not a lot of light. You can’t tell where you are going and most people are moving incredibly slow. The problem is by the time you get there, the crowd has taken up the best spot to sit in. So I stood in the back.
Once everyone settles in, there’s a short traditional Bedouin music performance, often featuring the ney (a type of flute) or rababa (a single-string instrument), along with a cup of herbal tea. Someone will usually give a short speech or poem, and then the show wraps up around 9:30–10:00 PM. There are no flashy lights or narration.
I found the performance itself pretty boring, but the magic of seeing the Treasury at Night is pretty unforgettable. You only really need to see it for 10 minutes and take a few pictures to get the experience.
Why Petra at Night is Worth Visiting
1. The Siq is completely transformed and unrecognizable
Walking through the Siq at night, lit only by flickering candles, is a totally different experience from the daytime. It feels on the brink of haunting and beautiful. In many ways, it feels more like a spiritual path than a tourist trail, especially since you have to walk a while before reaching it.
2. The Treasury under candlelight feels like pure magic
There’s something surreal about seeing the Treasury lit up with hundreds of candles. It feels like something out of an ancient movie. It looks completely different than daytime – like a whole new place!
3. It’s less about photos and more about a feeling
During the day, everyone’s trying to get the perfect camera shot for Instagram. At night, it’s calmer and more reflective. You’re sitting on the ground, listening to Bedouin music with a candlelit monument in front of you. You feel more present with darkness around you.
4. Traditional Bedouin music adds a cultural touch
Local musicians often play the ney (flute) or rababa (string instrument) during the performance.
5. It’s budget-friendly
Petra by Night tickets cost 17 JOD (~$24 USD), and you don’t need a day pass to attend. It’s a great way to experience Petra if you’re arriving late or want to stretch your sightseeing over multiple days.
6. Smaller crowds than daytime
While it’s still popular, Petra by Night generally draws fewer people than the daytime rush. If you go on a weekday (especially off-season), it can feel surprisingly peaceful and intimate.
7. It’s the only way to see Petra illuminated
There are no lights inside Petra after sunset except for this show. So if you’ve ever wondered what the site looks like at night — this is the only way to do it.
8. It lets you experience Petra in a slower, quieter way
By day, Petra can be loud, hot, and full of movement. By night, everything slows down. You walk slower, talk softer, and just feel more. It does make you feel more present, more aware of what is around you. The haunting feeling really makes it more emotional than seeing it in the daytime. It’s the kind of experience that makes you pause and take it all in—which, let’s be honest, we don’t do enough when we travel. I’m often go-go-go!
9. It gives you a reason to stay overnight in Wadi Musa
Most people try to rush Petra in one day, but Petra by Night encourages you to slow down and stay the night. We actually arrived at Wadi Musa early in the evening, saw Petra at night first before seeing Petra in the daylight the next day. It was a great experience to do it this way before you see it in daylight. I would highly recommend seeing Petra at night first!
10. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of memory
Let’s be honest—how often do you get to sit under the stars in front of a 2,000-year-old wonder of the world, lit only by candles and surrounded by desert silence? Even if you’ve seen the Treasury in daylight, this version of Petra looks completely different! You do feel like you are seeing two different places.
Why Petra at Night is NOT Worth Visiting
Nothing is actually happening
If you’re expecting a full-blown sound-and-light show or dramatic storytelling, Petra by Night is definitely not that. Nothing is actually happening besides some candles and music lit up at the Treasury. If you’re not into quiet moments or atmospheric vibes, it might feel like you’re just sitting in the dark waiting for something more to happen.
You’re walking the Siq… in the dark
Yes, it’s candlelit, but the path through the Siq is still uneven and pretty hard to see. In fact, it’s pretty spooky if there isn’t anyone around. On the way there, you’re with crowds in the dark, which is frustrating because you can barely move, so I left early to avoid the same crowds on the way back. However, the downside with leaving early was that I was totally by myself in the dark and that was totally freaky!
The crowds can kill the mood
It sounds super romantic to sit in silence in front of the glowing Treasury… until someone’s phone goes off, or people are pushing to get front-row photos. If you go during peak season or a busy night, it can feel more like a tourist show than a peaceful experience. It was very busy when I got there and there was no room for me to sit! I was standing in the dark and couldn’t even find my group.
Photos may or may not work
The Treasury looks amazing in person, but everyone else’ flash on their cameras are also going off at the same time so you may want to figure out your night lighting on your IPhone in advance.
You might be better off resting for the next day
If you hate crowds and you only have one day in Wadi Musa, it might be smarter to skip the night show, get some sleep, and start fresh early the next morning when the site is cooler and less crowded. Sunrise at the Siq is pretty magical too—and totally free.
How to get to Petra at Night
The event begins at the Visitor Center, the same entrance you go to for Petra during the daytime.
To get to Petra, the closest airport is Jordan via Amman (Queen Alia International Airport). Then from there you have some options to get to Petra.
By Car:
- Renting a car in Jordan is common and roads are well-marked.
- You can drive from Amman to Petra via the Desert Highway (Route 15) or the more scenic King’s Highway.
- Parking is available near the Petra Visitor Center in Wadi Musa.
By Tour Company or Private Driver:
- You can hire a private driver or book a day tour from Amman, Aqaba, or the Dead Sea.
- Your hotel can arrange a private driver.
- You can also just be a part of a tour operator that takes you there.
By Bus:
- The JETT Bus runs daily from Amman to Petra:
- Leaves at 6:30 AM from Amman Abdali Station.
- Returns from Petra around 5pm.
- One-way is around 11–15 JOD
- Book in advance (especially in high season).
- The bus drops you near the entrance.
Petra at Night Tickets / Performance Days
Tickets cost 17 JOD (about $24 USD) and must be purchased separately from your daytime Petra pass. You can usually buy them from your hotel or at the Visitor Center.
The show is Monday, Wednesdays and Thursday nights.
Where to Stay Near Petra
These places are an easy walking distance to Petra at night, so you can safely walk back after the show!
📍Budget Option: Petra Premium Hotel
Petra Premium Hotel offers air conditioning with balcony or terrace views. There is a restaurant on site and it is a 15 minute walk to Petra.
📍Mid-Range Option: Petra Sella Hotel
Located at the entrance of Petra, Petra Sella Hotel is just 5 minutes’ walk to the city center and another 5 minutes to the entrance of Petra. The Albawadi restaurant serves both local Jordanian and western food daily! Amenities include access to sauna and massage services but they also can organize tours and horseback riding for guests.
📍Luxury Option: H Luxury Hotel
H Luxury is a 5 star hotel with great amenities! Guests can relax on the terrace, dine at the restaurant, swim in the indoor pool, or get a workout in at the fitness center. Guests love the breakfast spread each morning!
FAQs
Is Petra at Night included in the Jordan Pass?
According to Visit Petra, unfortunately no, but your Jordan Pass does include seeing Petra during the day from 6am to 6pm.
Is there a dress code for Petra?
No, since it’s a tourist area, people generally wear whatever is comfortable. However, if you are going at night, I’d recommend long pants and a hoodie since it does get chilly.
What days are Petra at night?
Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 20:30 PM – 22:30 PM
How long does Petra at Night take?
About two hours. You can leave anytime though.
Should I do Petra at Night before seeing Petra in daylight or after?
I actually think it’s pretty amazing to see it at night before you see it in daylight. It’s two different experiences. Can’t go wrong with either.
Is it family friendly?
Yes, you can bring your kids there, unless they are afraid of the dark.
Final Thoughts: Is Petra at Night Worth It?
YES! It looks completely different than the daytime and gives a whole different vibe! It’s also a very quick way to get a new experience at Petra without a lot of time or money. Even with the crowds, I did not regret going and would highly recommend.