Seeing Petra in the flesh is on many a bucket list. The archaeological site is absolutely stunning, and has even been featured in several movies. Over 500,000 visitors flock to see its beauty, carved into pink colored sandstone cliffs. Petra even has been nicknamed “The Rose City”. If you’re planning a pilgrimage to behold its splendor, here’s everything you need to now.

Location Location Location

You likely already know that Petra is located in Jordan. But, you might not know how to get there. From the city of Amman, you can reach Petra in a couple of ways. You can go by car, which will take around 3 hours. Or, you can hop a bus at the 7^th Circle Jett bus station. A round-trip visit via bus will only set you back around AED 103. However, be advised only one bus a day makes the trip, and the departure time is early. Or, you could always hire a tour guide/company.

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Incredibile #Petra – Teatro Romano #viaggiare #architettura #Giordania #natura

A post shared by Eddy Cretaz (@ed811dy) on Feb 29, 2020 at 3:36am PST

There’s A Lot To See

The pictures that you see most often of Petra are of the Treasury. But, there’s a lot more to see than that world famous facade. There’s also The Siq, a huge Hellenic style ampitheater, the Royal Tombs, The Street of Facades, the High Place Of Sacrifice, the Colonnaded Street, and more.

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Where are all the PEOPLE?? Petra Im December is amazing! It’s busy, but not crowded and, with a little planning, you can get incredible shots of the walkway to Petra with no-one else around! It’s like a secret hidden place… with UNESCO protection! 💕 Such a privilege to be able to explore it. . . . . . #petra #petrajordan #petrajordan🇯🇴 #siq #siqpetra #petrasiq #thesiq #thesiqpetra #petrajordania #petratreasury #petracity #jordantravel #dametraveller #dametraveler #unlimitedparadise #girlslovetravel #travelgirl #forahappymoment #mytinyatlas #darlingescapes #wearetravelgirls #exploringtheglobebucketlist #sheisnotlost #darlingescapes #globelletravels #gltlove #sheexplores #ladiesgoneglobal #proudtobeFTB

A post shared by Kat | Motorhomes & Vanlife (@wanderingbird.adventures) on Dec 9, 2019 at 7:12am PST

How Long Should You Stay

With the above in mind, you could spend much more than just a day in Petra. If you just want to see the highlights, plan on at least one full day. For those who really wish to explore everything Petra has to offer, consider hiring a local guide. Some even offer 4-day itineraries that really dig into the history and beauty of Petra, and include a tour of nearby Wadi Rum.

You Can See It At Night

As gorgeous as Petra is by day, it is sublime at night. Petra by Night is an offering which is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays starting at 8:30 PM. Tickets only cost around AED 88, and it really is something to see. The Siq and the Treasury are lit by countless candles, and there is even tea and traditional Bedouin music to help add to the magical atmosphere.

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Petra, the rose red city, half as old as time. Capturing the Petra by night ceremony. . . . #visitjordan #petra #discoverjordan #FujifilmME #yourshotphotographer #fujifilm_global #MyFujifilmLegacy #worldtravelscapes #hikingtheglobe #earthpix #passionpassport #wonderful_places #Earthfocus #livetravelchannel #postcardplaces #myrrs #travelawesome #justgoshoot #earthoffical #createcommune #agameoftones #discoverglobe #igpodium #explorer #optoutside #worldshotz #beyondthelands_ #travelexploring #bestcitybreaks #TravelAwesome

A post shared by Stephen (@stephenvincentgrace) on Feb 28, 2020 at 1:43am PST