Explore Petra by Night: A Noc Tourism Experience

Explore Petra by Night: A Noc Tourism Experience

17.10.25 5 minutes reading

When the sun dips behind Petra’s red cliffs and the desert hushes into silence, a different world awakens. The rose-red city, carved by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, transforms into a realm of candlelight, stars, and whispers of history — an experience unlike any daytime visit.
This is Petra by Night — where time slows, senses heighten, and ancient stories come alive beneath the desert sky.

The Art of Noctourism

Noctourism isn’t just sightseeing after dark — it’s a celebration of stillness and soul. In Petra, the journey begins with a candle-lit path through the Siq, a narrow canyon that glows like a ribbon of amber light. Each step echoes softly against sandstone walls, leading you toward the heart of the experience — the Treasury.
Here, surrounded by flickering candles and the hum of silence, you’ll witness Petra as the Nabataeans might have seen it under the stars — pure, quiet, and eternal.

Stargazing in the Ancient City

Far from the glare of modern cities, Petra offers one of the clearest desert skies in Jordan. On moonless nights, constellations unfold in breathtaking clarity — Orion’s Belt, the Pleiades, and the Milky Way sweeping over the sandstone cliffs.
As you sit before the Treasury, look up — the same stars that once guided ancient traders across the Silk Road now illuminate your path. It’s not just stargazing; it’s time travel.

Tranquility and Reflection

There’s a rare calm that descends on Petra after dark. The air cools, the crowds fade, and the site breathes again. The experience invites reflection — a moment to feel the weight of history and the lightness of silence.
Each candle flame mirrors a heartbeat, and each shadow tells a story of resilience and wonder. For many, Petra by Night is not only a visit — it’s a meditation.

Night Photography: Capturing the Magic

For photographers, Petra by Night is a dreamscape. Long exposures reveal a tapestry of light and shadow — golden candles flickering against deep indigo skies. The Treasury, illuminated in soft hues, becomes an ethereal canvas for your lens.
Whether you’re a professional with a tripod or a traveler with a smartphone, the challenge and reward are the same: capturing the soul of Petra without breaking its silence.

A Journey Beyond Time

Petra by Night is more than an attraction — it’s an invitation to rediscover wonder. It reminds us that beauty thrives in quiet moments, and that sometimes, the most powerful experiences happen when the world is asleep.

So when the stars rise over the desert, walk the Siq once more. The candles will lead your way, and the echoes of history will welcome you home.

What’s happening in Petra
Explore stories, moments, and behind-the-scenes highlights that bring Petra’s magic to life after dark.
12.09.25

Why your 30 JOD Ticket is Worth it

Value you experience tonight. Impact Petra feels tomorrow. Under the desert sky, the Treasury comes alive—stone turns into story, light becomes language. Petra by Night isn’t just an event; it’s how we protect a world treasure while empowering the people who live beside it. That’s why we price with purpose and publish it openly. The Business of Preserving Wonder (30 JOD) 50% (15 JOD) → Government stewardship Direct support to the authorities who safeguard Petra—site protection, visitor services, and long-term preservation of a UNESCO World Heritage site. 35% → Local community (via associations) Funding for associations in and around Petra that champion livelihoods, youth initiatives, women-led enterprises, and cultural continuity. 20% → Operations & guest experience The show itself: professional teams, safety and accessibility, responsible lighting, projection mapping, sound, logistics, founder rights, company operations, and continuous quality upgrades. In other words, 75% of your ticket goes to Petra and its people. The remaining 25% ensures the experience meets the standard this place deserves. What You Receive A crafted, premium experience-carefully produced so the night feels intimate, respectful, and seamless. World-class production in an ancient setting-precision projection mapping and sound designed to honor the site, not overwhelm it. Responsible operations-capacity management, safety protocols, trained staff, and environmentally mindful practices. What Petra Receives Protection of a heritage icon—because a wonder of the world should be cared for with the very best standards. Economic dignity for neighbors—your visit converts into tangible support for local associations and sustainable community participation in tourism. Continuity—tonight’s ticket helps ensure future generations experience Petra with the same awe you feel now. Why This Price Makes Sense Transparent allocation: We publish the breakdown. No hidden surcharges. High fixed costs, low margin: Heritage-grade operations in a protected site require significant investment; we keep the experience premium while keeping the community first. Shared-value model: Your ticket funds both guardianship (government) and grassroots impact (associations). That balance is intentional—and rare. Our Promise Stewardship before spectacle-we enhance the night only in ways that respect the site. Community first-25% flows through local associations, by design. Radical transparency-if circumstances change, we’ll say so—and why. In One Line Your 30 JOD buys a breathtaking night-and builds Petra’s tomorrow. Short Banner, Social Caption “One ticket. One heritage site protected. One community empowered.”
30.05.25

When Does Petra by Night Operate? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to visit the rose-red city of Petra, don’t miss the opportunity to experience its most enchanting event — Petra by Night. As the sun sets and the crowds disperse, a completely different kind of magic takes over the ancient city. The Treasury glows with hundreds of candles, traditional melodies fill the canyon, and the spirit of the Nabataeans seems to awaken in the stillness of the night. But when exactly does this unforgettable experience take place? Petra by Night Schedule Days of Operation: Sunday to Thursday (5 nights per week, all year round) No shows on Fridays and Saturdays. Can be booked privately.  Show Timing: 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM We kindly ask guests to arrive at the Petra Visitor Center no later than 8:10 PM to ensure a timely start and a peaceful walk through the Siq. Where It Happens The event takes place at the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh) — the crown jewel of Petra — reached by a candlelit walk through the breathtaking Siq canyon. Tips for Visitors Tickets: Can be purchased at the Petra Visitor Center or in advance through selected tour operators. Dress warmly: Evenings in Petra can be cooler than expected, especially outside of summer. Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the walk to the Treasury takes about 30–40 minutes. Photography: Flash photography is discouraged to preserve the peaceful atmosphere. Why These Nights? Operating from Sunday through Thursday allows Petra by Night to remain a tranquil, crowd-controlled experience. These weekday evenings offer an ideal setting for guests to enjoy the site in silence, away from weekend tourism spikes and large events. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a romantic traveler, or a curious explorer, Petra by Night promises a spiritual and unforgettable journey. It’s not just a show — it’s an emotional encounter with history, nature, and the stars. A Night to Remember Petra by Night is more than just a tour — it’s a timeless sensory experience that reconnects you with nature, history, and imagination. Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to witness Petra as few ever do.
01.05.25

What You’ll See in the Story of Petra by Night

Discover the Story of Petra Like Never Before: A New Projection Experience at Petra by Night This season at Petra by Night, we’re offering something truly special — a powerful new projection show that tells the story of Petra using light, sound, and holograms. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Treasury, this show brings Petra’s history to life in a magical and unforgettable way. 1. The Carving of Petra The show begins by showing how the Nabataeans carved Petra’s buildings directly into the rock. Through creative light projections, you’ll see the process come alive, as if ancient stonemasons are carving the Treasury before your eyes. 2. The Story of King Aretas IV We then introduce you to King Aretas IV, one of Petra’s greatest rulers. Using 3D effects and holograms, we tell the story of his leadership and how he turned Petra into a powerful and rich capital. His rule marked the golden age of the Nabataeans. 3. The History of Petra Next, the projection takes you on a journey through Petra’s rich history. You'll see how it became a center of trade, culture, and architecture. The show highlights the many civilizations that influenced Petra, from the Nabataeans to the Romans. 4. The Great Earthquake One dramatic part of the show recreates the powerful earthquake that damaged Petra centuries ago. With sound effects and shaking light visuals, you’ll experience the moment the city was forever changed. 5. Petra’s Amazing Water System Finally, the show explains how the Nabataeans built a smart and advanced water system in the desert. Using animated theories, we show how they collected, stored, and moved water, a key reason Petra was able to survive and grow in such a dry area. Art and Imagination After the Show At the end of the show, guests can enjoy a 15-minute photo session while we display artistic versions of Petra on the Treasury. These include colorful, dream-like, and traditional styles — showing Petra not only as it was, but as it continues to inspire the world today.