Everything you need to know for a Petra by nigh visit

Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by

If you always thought that Petra was magical, you will be definitely mesmerised to visit Petra by Night. An unique opportunity to experience one of the seven wonders of the world out of its normal business hours, and lit only by thousands of candlelit lanterns. While many people think this is just a wast of time, I thought the experience was wonderful and an unmissable bucket-list moment while visiting Jordan. However, to have a seamless experience, this Petra by Night guide will help you navigating the tricky ways of finding the tickets and provide you the best tips for a special visit.

What is Petra by Night

Petra by Night is an experiential and musical show happening 3 times a week in the ancient city of Petra. It’s a unique occasion to experience one of the seven wonders of the world at night illuminated by thousands of candles.

Petra by Night Guide and essential information

If you are planning a visit to Petra and want some information about the Petra by Night experience or you are simple unsure if this is for you. This is the right place! Below you’ll find all the information you need for your visit.

Is it worth going to Petra by night?

Undoubtedly yes. At the beginning I was a little confused as the web is full of negative opinions about this show. I would be particularly wary of the many “Instagram Influencers” who go there just to take their nice pictures and then tell you “oh it’s a waste of time, is better to skip it when visiting!”. Mmm… then why you went there in the first place??? Just don’t trust these people. They are the very scammers and will prevent you from having a unique opportunity you might regret not taking it.

After our experience I don’t regret a single penny spent on the tickets. However, you should manage your expectations for the visit. Indeed, if you think that this will be a show that will change your life, this isn’t the case. Indeed, the show itself could be improved in many ways I won’t discuss here. However, if you take this as an occasion to experience one of the most incredible places in the world under a different light, this will change the perspective of your visit.

What is the bad side of the Petra by night visit?

I would say that most of your experience could be potentially ruined by other people not by the show/visit itself. Indeed, what we discovered is that people can’t behave even for a second. When you will buy your tickets, you will receive a leaflet explaining the program and the etiquette you should follow for a great experience. This include staying in silence for the show and not turning on the flash/torch of your phone. This is specifically important to get the most of the magical environment. Of course none of the rules are actually followed as people do whatever they want, without any respect for the show and those who want a nice experience. Unfortunately there is not enough vigilance to prevent this behaviour.

I was very annoyed by other people’s behaviour and this affected my overall experience and possibly even how I perceived the show in general. Indeed, people were so loud I couldn’t even listen to the music. However, I hope this doesn’t restrain you from visiting and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Now that I know how the show works, If visiting again I would do some of the things differently to have a better experience. I will give you some of my tips here hoping that you can implement these for your visit.

How many days in Petra I need to include a visit to Petra by Night?

If you visit Petra just for a day trip, you will likely miss the Petra by Night show. Indeed, you’ll need at least an overnight stay to get the chance of seeing the show. As this is happening only 3 times a week, try to plan your visit to the Petra complex around those days so you won’t miss the opportunity for your night trip.

We spent in Petra a total of 3 days and 2 nights. However, the show was only on the night we arrived, so we attended the same day we arrived although we never experienced the Treasury during the day. Some people find this problematic (not sure why) but it didn’t ruin my morning experience.

What days is Petra be open at night?

Petra by Night show runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 20:30 to 22:30. However, keep in mind that is an open-air show. Ergo, it might be cancelled in case of bad weather.

How to buy tickets for Petra by Night?

Tickets for Petra by Night are sold at the Petra Visitor Centre, and also by some of the hotels in the area. However, don’t rely too much on hotel tickets as they might not have any (our hotel didn’t have them). Therefore, try to get the ones sold at the visitor centre.

One thing that should know is that there is a specific counter for Petra by Night tickets. Therefore, avoid loosing time at the general counters right by the entrance and continue straight. Before getting out of the centre, turn left and, at the very end of this corridor, you will see a small booth with another counter. The tickets are sold there.

What if there is no one at the counter?

As it happened to us, we arrived in the mid-afternoon in Wadi Musa and we literally didn’t know where to go for the tickets. As expected, we went to the main counter. However, the guy told us the tickets were sold in another other desk around the corner. However, when we arrived, no one was there. We waited a little bit but nothing was happening. The complex was almost closing so, before panicking, I started asking every single person I saw with a vague “I am working here” aspect where I could find the guy for the Petra by Night tickets. After a good 10 mins searching for him all around the visitor centre, someone found him smoking outside.

So, if this happens to you. Don’t panic and ask the people who work there to help finding the ticket guy.

How much does Petra by night cost?

A ticket for Petra by night cost 17 JD (more or less £20/$23). Please note that even if you have a Jordan Pass this doesn’t include access to Petra by Night. Therefore, you have to buy a separate ticket.

Moreover, tickets can’t be purchased in advance as the show is subjected to cancellations in case of adverse conditions. You can buy tickets on the day or the day before.

Where the night show will happen in Petra?

The entire show (music+storytelling) will be held in front of Al-Khazneh (aka The Treasury). However, the whole experience include walking the Siq for about 2 km guided only by the light of the candles.

How long does Petra by Night take?

The entire event is 2 hours. However, this include walking down the Siq and the show.

What should I wear for Petra by Night

What to wear depends largely on the season. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the ancient city of Petra is located deep inside a canyon. Even during full summer temperatures can be chilly. Indeed, we visited mid-June and it was quite fresh at night. So much that I was wearing a scarf to cover my shoulder! I imagine that in spring and winter it will be very cold!

What to expect from your Petra by Night visit

My night visit to Petra was full of expectations and emotions I will probably remember forever. Indeed, as we arrived in Wadi Musa just that afternoon, we didn’t have the chance to visit Petra in the morning. Therefore, I was completely new to this experience and I think doing this at night actually made me feel very excited! I didn’t know what to expect or how this place I dreamed for a long time actually looked in real life.

In this regard, you have to know that my ideal scenic entrance to the Treasury was that of me riding a horse in full Indiana Jones styles. So, as many visitors, I never planned to visit Petra at night first. However, giving our schedule, we didn’t have much choice! In the end, walking down the Siq in the darkness and seeing the Treasury appears under the stars will be a first impression I won’t forget that easily.

Entering Petra at night

The gates to Petra will open at 20:30. Please note the entrance is marked as “visitor centre”. However, if you have the ticket, you can go straight to the main gates to enter Petra. We arrived at 8 pm and the queue was already massive. Once the gates open you will see many people that start running like there is no tomorrow. Indeed, I believe they wanted to be there first to be seated at the front? Not sure, but I think walking the Siq enlighten by candles is an essential part of this experience and it shouldn’t be rushed.

The Siq walk

The long corridor crossing the canyon known as “The Siq” is 1.2 km long. Usually crossing it takes around 20 mins from the start to the end that culminates at the Treasury. However, it can take more if you stop for pictures or just go slowly. If you follow the guidance on the leaflet you will receive you’ll know this is a preparation to your night trip.

Indeed, in theory, the crossing should have been done in complete silence and without use of any light (except for the candles on the floor). There is a soft music in the background and this should guide your way to the Treasury in the darkness. The reality is that many people don’t care about it. They have their torches on or just scream the whole route, ruining the experience for every one. Moreover, most of these people literally run to get the first in front of the Treasury so the walk is not very relaxed. At least this is part of what we encountered (you can also see some videos of my stories online about this).

We often stopped to make groups of people going forward and have pieces of the Siq just for our self trying to retrieve the original purpose of the experience. However, this was very hard!

The Treasury

Once you reach the end of the Siq, the Treasury will slowly appear from the fissure into the canyon. That moment is the one you will be waiting probably since the gate opened. You will know when you are close to the Treasury. Indeed, the chatting from the people who won the run will become louder. Therefore, if you don’t want this epic moment to be ruined by anyone, take a minute to slow down. Make large groups going forward so you can have the scenic entrance all for yourself. There is a large space where to seat and it shouldn’t be a problem finding a space. Despite not rushing, we found a good spot and as soon as we got seated a bedouin was giving warm tea to all the spectators.

You should note that is strongly advised to take pictures AFTER the show is over. In fact, the mobiles phones and camera lights ruin the atmosphere and scope of the programme. Moreover, I saw many people stepping by mistake on the candles in order to take pictures and turning them off. All the pictures taken by us have been done after the show or seated from our spot before the show started.

The Show

After everyone is settled down and received his tea, the show will start. This will includes some music and narration about the history of Petra. I believe the show itself could be certainly improved to be more entertaining. However, the people chatting over it of course didn’t help in focusing on what the action was. Particularly from a certain distance. The show itself last about 30-40 mins from the start to end. So, even if the whole experience is 2 hours, this includes the time to go back and forward from the Treasury.

As soon as the show ends, you will see many people rushing to get the best shot. Unfortunately, the candles will start to blow out soon so the time to get a good shot is quite limited. Read below some tips for get the most of your time and take nice pictures!

Walking the Siq back

Walking the Siq back will be a completely different experience from your initial journey. Indeed, many of the candles will be off so you will navigate entire parts of the canyon in complete darkness. Or, if you are lucky, with the moonlight. I actually really enjoyed not to know what was coming next. On this regard, part of the Siq are quite steep and also without any pavement. Therefore keep extra attention when walking without a light.

Don’t forget to get some shots also of the nearby tombs illuminated for the night. Some of my favourites were the Obelisk Tomb and the Djin Blocks, just after the main entrance. I was a little in a rush when entering but I took my time to take a shot of it on my way back.

Tips for photographing Petra at Night

The stunning online pictures of Petra by Night you have seen around are probably one of the reason pushing you to visit. However, replicate those pictures is not as easy as it looks. Indeed, there are many conditions that could potentially affect your results and that you can’t control. But, first thing first. Let’s focus on what you can control. This is your equipment.

Camera equipment

If you want to have stunning pictures you should have a decent camera. Possibly one that allows you to put a wide-angle lens. Indeed, the treasury its huge and won’t likely fit all in your frame with a general lens or your phone (without loosing quality). Wide angle lenses are particularly good for the purpose of your visit at least for two different reasons. The first is that can take more of the landscape in a single frame. The second is that they work particularly well in night conditions. Indeed, they are the most recommended lens for capturing the Northern Lights. This because they have a wide opening and can catch more light even in darker conditions.

What Camera equipment do I use?

Despite I had a correct equipment, I am not fully satisfied of my pictures because of the external factors influencing our shooting (we’ll discuss about this below). Unfortunately I couldn’t do much about it! However, my camera never disappointed me and I always get great results in good conditions.

I use a Canon EOS 80D and for this shots in particularly I used both a Canon EF-S Zoom Lens 18 mm – 55 mm – f/3.5-5.6 IS MK II lens and a Canon EF-S10-18 mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens. Both of them are now on sales for the Black Friday!

I also used my Iphone 12 ProMax for some of the night shots when I couldn’t set up my camera.

Best angles to get your shots in Petra

Everyone wants to take that epic frontal shot of the Treasury with thousands of candles. However, unless you get there first (by running like there is no tomorrow when they open the gate) or there is actually no one at the show, this will be quite challenging to take. Because it’s dark, you can play this at your advantage as, if you get at a certain distance, people won’t appear much in your pictures. A very good angle to take your shot is a corner on the right of the Treasury.

As many people want to get that frontal shot, not many people will pay attention to that corner. Here you’ll get a very good perspective of the Treasury with the advantage of taking out a few people.

Potential “obstacles” for your photo-shooting.

The main “obstacle” for your photo-shoot is people. The more are there, the more will get in front of your camera or even hit your tripod (yes that’s happened to us). Common people who have no interest in professional photography absolutely don’t care of what you are doing and this might even cost your equipment if not paying attention. A person hit our tripod and my camera was falling on the floor. Likely we got it just in time. That’s why the side corner was a much safer spot!

Moreover, with a lot of people moving around, night shots might be compromised as they need a stable subject to be on focus. Therefore, you have to choose your timing wisely. Visiting during lower season might get you a better chance to have less people visiting. However, this isn’t 100% granted. Indeed, we visited mid-June which is already considered low season and there were thousands of people.

A second obstacle, depending on the season, might be the weather. Indeed, in case of rain, shooting might not be the best option.

Common Mistakes to avoid for your Petra by Night trip

Your experience of Petra by Night largely depends on what you are planning. If you want to get first or last or just go with the flow. If you are a bit like me and want to go with the flow, these are some common mistakes you should avoid for your Petra by Night trip.

• Not getting your tickets in advance. Indeed, I recommend getting your ticket in the morning or afternoon before the show. Depending on how many tickets they sold they might open the office before the show but the queue will be quite long. This will save you some time later.
• Queuing for hours. The gates will open at 8.30 pm but unless you are the first of the queue (and even here is not granted) there is no chance you’ll get in front of the Treasury before everyone else. There is literally no point in standing in the queue for hours as everyone will enter at the same time.
• Not having dinner before the show. There is nothing worse than getting into a place and being hungry all the time. The show will end at 22:30 and by that time many restaurants will be closed. Therefore, is better to have your dinner before going to the show. We had dinner at 7 pm and went straight to the show after.
• Not bringing a jacket/hoodie/scarf with you. It’s quite cold at night in the canyon and being cold during the show might ruining your experience. Therefore bring something to cover you up in case of chilling temperatures.

Petra by Night guide – Etiquette for your visit

I am always a fan of visiting places respectfully for the environment and other people who want to enjoy them. Therefore I will talk a little be more about the etiquette you should observe to have a nice experience and make others having a nice experience too.

As much as I am sounding like a teacher, I unfortunately saw all the below behaviours during my visit. This annoyed me a lot and ruined in part my experience. Therefore, I hope that if you visit you can contribute to a pleasant experience to everyone by avoiding this behaviour.

Things to do for a better experience.

1. Don’t run in the darkness. I know the temptation of getting first is great but the way is full of people and some of them might have problem walking and not seeing you in the darkness.
2. Don’t push other people and their belonging. It’s very annoying when someone push you to get in front or push your belongings away to have a shot. Don’t do this to others.
3. Put your phone away during the show and when going down the Siq. It is recommended to not use torches/lights to have a more experiential visit. The lights ruin everything. If you want to take some pictures/videos. Do them on your way back or with a black screen camera.
4. Don’t walk in front of people in the middle of the show. Particularly if for taking pictures. There are people who really want to see the show, not you.
5. Avoid taking pictures with your phone during the show. Better to use your non-mobile camera with the screen closed so this doesn’t light up.
6. Don’t talk/scream during the show. It sounds natural to me to stay in silence. Do you talk when watching a movie at the cinema? Think it the same way.
7. Wait your turn to take pictures if you want a specific spot. It’s terribly annoying when people jump in front not respecting the queue.
8. Don’t lit. It should be common sense not leaving your trash at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but for some people is not something they take for granted.

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