7-Day Petra Itinerary: The Perfect Week for Families (2026)
Welcome to Petra, the breathtaking ancient city carved into the Jordanian desert! This 7-day itinerary is designed for families, balancing iconic sights with downtime and kid-friendly activities. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure exploring the wonders of Petra in 2026.
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & Wadi Musa Exploration
Theme: Unveiling Petra's most famous sites and settling into Wadi Musa.
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Begin your journey at the Siq, the narrow gorge leading to Petra. Take your time and admire the towering cliffs. Consider hiring a horse-drawn carriage for younger children (approx. 20 JOD).
- Reach the magnificent Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Take photos, soak in the atmosphere, and learn about its history. Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds.
Lunch (12:30 PM):
- Restaurant Recommendation: Al-Wadi Restaurant in Wadi Musa. Offers a mix of Jordanian and international cuisine with family-friendly options. Expect to pay around 15-20 JOD per person. Address: Tourism St, Wadi Musa, Jordan.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Explore the Street of Facades and the Royal Tombs (Urn Tomb, Palace Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, Silk Tomb). These impressive structures offer insights into Nabataean burial practices.
- Climb to the High Place of Sacrifice for panoramic views of Petra (allow 2-3 hours for the climb, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water). This is a challenging hike, so consider skipping it with very young children or those with mobility issues.
Evening (7:00 PM):
- Dinner Recommendation: My Mom's Recipe Restaurant in Wadi Musa. A cozy spot with authentic Jordanian dishes. Prices around 12-18 JOD per person. Address: Tourist Street, Wadi Musa, Jordan.
- Enjoy a relaxing evening in Wadi Musa.
Transportation: Walking within Petra. Taxi or shuttle from your hotel in Wadi Musa to the Petra Visitor Center (approx. 5-10 JOD).
Estimated Daily Cost (excluding accommodation): 50-80 JOD per person.
Day 2: The Monastery & Little Petra
Theme: Conquering the Monastery and exploring Little Petra.
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Hike to the Monastery (Ad Deir). This is a challenging climb (800+ steps), but the stunning views are worth it. Consider hiring a donkey for children (negotiate the price beforehand, approx. 20-30 JOD).
- Spend time at the Monastery, taking photos and enjoying the scenery. There are small cafes where you can buy drinks and snacks.
Lunch (12:30 PM):
- Restaurant Recommendation: Have lunch at one of the small cafes near the Monastery. Simple meals like sandwiches and salads are available (approx. 8-12 JOD per person).
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Visit Little Petra (Siq al-Barid). This smaller Nabataean site is less crowded and offers a glimpse into Nabataean life. It's a great option for families with younger children.
Evening (7:00 PM):
- Dinner Recommendation: The Cave Bar in Petra (inside the Petra Guest House Hotel). A unique dining experience in a Nabataean tomb. Prices around 25-35 JOD per person. Address: Petra Guest House Hotel, Wadi Musa, Jordan.
Transportation: Walking within Petra and Little Petra. Taxi or shuttle from Wadi Musa to Little Petra (approx. 10-15 JOD).
Estimated Daily Cost (excluding accommodation): 60-90 JOD per person.
Day 3: Petra by Night & Local Culture
Theme: Experiencing Petra at night and immersing yourselves in Jordanian culture.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Enjoy a leisurely morning. Relax by the pool at your hotel or explore Wadi Musa's shops and markets.
- Visit the Petra Museum to learn more about the history and archaeology of Petra.
Lunch (12:30 PM):
- Restaurant Recommendation: Red Cave Restaurant in Wadi Musa. Good local food, and good value. Prices around 10-15 JOD per person. Address: Near the Petra Museum, Wadi Musa, Jordan.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
- Take a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional Jordanian dishes. Several local companies offer family-friendly cooking classes (approx. 30-40 JOD per person).
- Visit a local Bedouin family for tea and conversation. This is a great way to learn about Bedouin culture and traditions.
Evening (8:30 PM - 10:30 PM):
- Experience Petra by Night. Walk through the Siq lit by candles to the Treasury. Enjoy traditional Bedouin music and storytelling. (Runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. Tickets cost around 17 JOD per person).
- Dinner Recommendation: Enjoy dinner at your hotel or a restaurant in Wadi Musa after Petra by Night.
Transportation: Walking within Wadi Musa. Walking within Petra for Petra by Night.
Estimated Daily Cost (excluding accommodation): 60-100 JOD per person (depending on activities).
Day 4: Rest Day & Relaxation
Theme: Recharging for the rest of the week.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel.
- Spend the morning relaxing by the pool or getting a massage at your hotel's spa.
Lunch (12:30 PM):
- Restaurant Recommendation: Enjoy lunch at your hotel or a cafe in Wadi Musa.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Visit the Turkish Bath (Hammam) for a traditional steam bath and massage.
- Read a book, play games, or spend time with your family.
Evening (7:00 PM):
- Dinner Recommendation: Orient Restaurant in Wadi Musa. Fine dining with beautiful views. Prices around 30-40 JOD per person. Address: Al-Mutala'a Street, Wadi Musa, Jordan.
Transportation: Walking within Wadi Musa.
Estimated Daily Cost (excluding accommodation): 40-80 JOD per person (depending on activities).
Day 5: Exploring the Surroundings: Taybeh Village
Theme: Venturing beyond Petra to experience local village life.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Take a taxi or rent a car to visit Taybeh Village (approx. 30-45 minutes from Wadi Musa).
- Explore the village, meet the locals, and learn about their traditions.
Lunch (12:30 PM):
- Restaurant Recommendation: Have lunch at a local family's home in Taybeh Village. Arrange this in advance through your hotel or a local tour operator.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Hike in the surrounding hills and enjoy the views.
- Visit a local farm and learn about traditional farming methods.
Evening (7:00 PM):
- Dinner Recommendation: Al Qantara Restaurant in Wadi Musa. Serves excellent Mansaf. Prices around 15-25 JOD per person. Address: Tourist Street, Wadi Musa, Jordan.
Transportation: Taxi or rental car to Taybeh Village.
Estimated Daily Cost (excluding accommodation): 50-90 JOD per person (depending on transportation).
Day 6: Umm Sayhoun & Bedouin Culture
Theme: Immersing yourselves in Bedouin culture in Umm Sayhoun.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Visit Umm Sayhoun, a Bedouin village near Petra (approx. 15-20 minutes from Wadi Musa).
- Learn about Bedouin traditions, crafts, and way of life.
Lunch (12:30 PM):
- Restaurant Recommendation: Enjoy a traditional Bedouin lunch at a tent in Umm Sayhoun. Arrange this in advance through your hotel or a local tour operator.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Go on a camel ride through the desert.
- Learn to make traditional Bedouin crafts, such as weaving or jewelry making.
Evening (7:00 PM):
- Dinner Recommendation: Beit Al-Barakah Restaurant in Wadi Musa. Offers a variety of Jordanian and Middle Eastern dishes. Prices around 20-30 JOD per person. Address: Near the Petra Visitor Center, Wadi Musa, Jordan.
Transportation: Taxi or shuttle to Umm Sayhoun.
Estimated Daily Cost (excluding accommodation): 60-100 JOD per person (depending on activities).
Day 7: Farewell Petra & Departure
Theme: Last look at Petra and departure.
Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM):
- Enjoy one last visit to your favorite spot in Petra. Consider revisiting the Treasury for a final photo opportunity.
- Purchase souvenirs at the Petra Visitor Center.
Lunch (11:30 AM):
- Restaurant Recommendation: Have a quick lunch at a cafe near the Petra Visitor Center.
Afternoon:
- Depart from Wadi Musa. Arrange transportation to your next destination (e.g., Amman, Aqaba).
Transportation: Walking within Petra. Taxi or shuttle to your departure point.
Estimated Daily Cost (excluding accommodation and transportation): 30-50 JOD per person.
Tips for Visiting Petra with Family
- Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather.
- Skip-the-line: Purchase the Jordan Pass online to avoid queues at the entrance.
- What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes, light and breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are essential.
- Stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months.
- Hire a guide: Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and culture of Petra.
- Be respectful: Dress modestly and be mindful of local customs.
Accommodation Recommendations in Wadi Musa
- Mövenpick Resort Petra: Luxury hotel located right at the entrance to Petra. (Approx. 200-350 JOD per night).
- Petra Moon Hotel: Mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool. (Approx. 80-150 JOD per night).
- La Maison Hotel Petra: Budget-friendly hotel with clean rooms and a central location. (Approx. 40-80 JOD per night).
Essential Packing List for Petra
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Small backpack
- First-aid kit
- Camera
- Jordan Pass (if purchased)