Petra by Night: The Candlelit Treasury Evening Guide
After dark, Petra becomes something else entirely: the Siq and the plaza before the Treasury glow under more than 1,500 candles while Bedouin musicians play beneath the stars. Here is how Petra by Night works, when it runs and how to book it, plus the best-rated evening and golden-hour tours to pair with your visit.
At a glance
- 1Walk the candlelit Siq after dark
- 21,500 candles at the Treasury
- 3Bedouin music under the stars
- 4Runs Mon, Wed & Thu evenings
What Petra by Night is
Petra by Night is the archaeological park's most atmospheric experience. After dark the 1.2 km Siq and the plaza before the Treasury are lit by more than 1,500 candles set in paper lanterns. You walk the gorge in near silence, then sit on mats as Bedouin musicians play the rababa and tell stories, with sweet mint tea served under the stars. It is theatrical, low-key and unlike anything you see by day.
When it runs and how to book
The official show runs three evenings a week — Monday, Wednesday and Thursday — starting around 20:30 and lasting about two hours. The standard ticket costs 17 JOD (roughly $24) and is separate from your daytime Petra entry or Jordan Pass. The candlelit walk gets busy in spring and autumn, so arrive early for a spot near the front, and book any guided evening tour a few days ahead.
The golden-hour alternative
Prefer something quieter and more flexible? Private guides run short late-afternoon tours of about three hours, timing the Siq and Treasury for golden hour when the sandstone glows red and the crowds thin out. These fit neatly before the official night show, and a good guide will point you to the ridge above the Treasury for the classic overhead view once the day-trippers have left.
Pairing day and night
Many visitors combine a full day inside Petra with the night show for the complete picture. Private day-and-night packages pair a guided walk to the Treasury, Street of Facades and Royal Tombs with the evening candlelight, often with hotel pickup in Wadi Musa. It is the most efficient way to see Petra lit by both desert sun and 1,500 flames in a single, unforgettable day.
Book the experiences in this itinerary
Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Petra — prices per person.
