Petra, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and a major trading hub in antiquity. Carved into red sandstone cliffs, the city is known for its impressive architecture. This post will explore the best areas to stay in Petra, whether near the ancient ruins or in the surrounding town of Wadi Musa.
Founded in the 4th century BCE, Petra flourished as a center of commerce connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. The city declined after a devastating earthquake in 363 CE. Rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, Petra has become Jordan’s most visited tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most iconic landmark is Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), a rock-carved tomb with intricate Hellenistic details. Other major sites include Ad Deir (The Monastery), accessible by climbing 800 steps; the Siq, a narrow canyon serving as the main entrance to Petra; and the Royal Tombs, large facades believed to house Nabataean royalty. The remains of a Roman theater, colonnaded streets, and temples are also open to exploration.
Staying close to the Petra Visitor Center allows easy early-morning access to the site, while accommodations further from the entrance provide quieter surroundings and panoramic views of the desert.
Petra is accessible via King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba, about 78 miles (125 km) south, or Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, approximately 150 miles (240 km) north. Buses, taxis, and private transfers connect Petra to Amman, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea.
Keep reading our guide to learn more about the best areas to stay in Petra, Jordan.
What are the best areas to stay in Petra?
The best area to stay in Petra is the Petra Site, which provides the closest access to the ancient ruins. Staying near the Petra Visitor Center allows early-morning entry to the archaeological site and easy access to guided tours. This area has limited accommodations, primarily higher-end hotels and lodges designed for travelers prioritizing convenience and proximity to Petra.
Another option is Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra. It offers a wider range of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants catering to different budgets. While slightly farther from the ruins, Wadi Musa provides more dining and shopping options, making it a practical choice for extended stays.
1. Petra Archeological Site
The best area to stay for early access to the Petra Site
Staying within the Petra Site area offers the most direct access to Jordan’s most famous attraction.
Situated approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) southeast of Wadi Musa, with the Petra Visitor Center serving as its main entrance, this area allows travelers to enter the ruins early in the morning before crowds arrive and the temperatures rise.
The main attraction here is, of course, the Petra Archaeological Site, a vast and historically rich complex carved into the red sandstone cliffs. The entrance through the Siq, a narrow 1.2-mile (2 km) gorge flanked by towering rock walls, leads to Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), Petra’s most famous and intricately carved façade. Beyond the Treasury, the site expands into a network of ancient Nabataean, Roman, and Byzantine structures, including temples, tombs, a Roman-style theater, and remnants of colonnaded streets that once bustled with traders and merchants. Other sights include the Great Temple Complex and Qasr al-Bint, one of Petra’s few free-standing stone structures.
Further into Petra, the Ad Deir (The Monastery) requires a strenuous climb of about 800 steps but rewards those exploring the site with one of the site’s largest and most well-preserved rock-cut monuments, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The Royal Tombs cut into the cliffs with elaborate façades, are believed to be the burial sites of Nabataean royalty. The High Place of Sacrifice, accessible via a steep climb, provides a vantage point over Petra and offers insight into Nabataean religious practices. Ancient water channels, reservoirs, and cisterns throughout the site demonstrate the Nabataeans’ advanced engineering skills, allowing them to sustain life in the arid desert environment.
While this area is focused on tourism, its surroundings provide easy access and allow visitors to enjoy the historical and natural wonders of the site without fuss.
Dining and entertainment options are limited within the Petra Site itself. However, some hotels provide on-site restaurants with traditional Jordanian cuisine. For a wider variety of dining and shopping, Wadi Musa, located just outside the entrance, offers more options.
Accommodations near the Petra Site tend to be higher-end, catering to travelers seeking easy access to the ruins. Those looking for more budget-friendly options or a livelier atmosphere may prefer staying in Wadi Musa.
Our hand-picked accommodations near the Petra Ruins
Petra Guest House Hotel
Petra Guest House Hotel is located at the entrance of ancient Petra. It offers air-conditioned rooms that overlook Wadi Musa’s mountains.
2. Wadi Musa
The best-connected area to stay near Petra
Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra, serves as the main gateway to the archaeological site.
As the main access point to Petra, it provides a range of accommodations, dining options, and services catering to those visiting Petra. The town’s proximity to the entrance makes it a practical base for exploring the ancient city while offering a livelier atmosphere than staying within the site itself.
While Wadi Musa is primarily a service hub for Petra, it has several attractions of its own. The Petra Museum, located near the visitor center, presents artifacts and historical context about the Nabataean civilization. Moses’ Spring (Ain Musa), a site of religious significance, is believed to be where the prophet Moses struck a rock to bring forth water. The spring is housed within a small chapel in the town.
The town also has traditional markets and local restaurants serving Jordanian dishes like mansaf and maqluba. For relaxation, Wadi Musa has Turkish baths, offering a traditional steam and massage experience. Some establishments also provide cooking classes, where participants can learn to prepare local Jordanian dishes. Some hotels feature rooftop terraces with panoramic views of Petra’s rugged landscape.
Wadi Musa’s transportation includes taxis, local buses, and hotel shuttles connecting accommodations to the Petra entrance. The town is well-connected by road, with regular buses and private transfers available to Amman, Aqaba, and other parts of Jordan.
Accommodations in Wadi Musa range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Staying here allows for more flexibility with dining and entertainment while maintaining easy access to Petra.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Wadi Musa
Petra Bermudez Hotel
Located in Wadi Musa, 1.7 miles from Petra, Petra Bermudez Hotel provides accommodations with a shared lounge, free private parking, a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, room service, free WiFi, and a terrace.
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