These aren't really substitutes for each other — Petra by Day is for exploring the site, Petra by Night is a 2.5-hour atmospheric evening event with the Siq and Treasury lit entirely by candlelight and live music. If your schedule allows, do both.
Petra by Day
This is the actual visit — the Siq, the Treasury, the Royal Tombs, and (time permitting) the Monastery trail. You need a full day to do the site justice, and this is where the substance of a Petra visit lives.
Petra by Night
A separate evening experience (running Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday), roughly 2.5 hours, where the Siq and Treasury are lit by candlelight with live music. It's purely atmospheric — you won't see the site's details the way you do by day, and it's not a substitute for a proper daytime visit.
Should You Do Both?
If your itinerary includes 2 nights in Wadi Musa (as our Living Jordan itinerary does), yes — do your full daytime exploration on one day and Petra by Night on an evening during your stay. If you only have one day in Petra, prioritize the daytime visit; Petra by Night is a bonus, not a replacement.
What to Expect at Petra by Night
A quiet, candlelit walk through the Siq, ending at the Treasury for traditional music and a chance to sit and take in the setting — a genuinely different mood from the busy daytime site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Petra by Night included in standard entrance fees?
No — it's a separate ticket (currently around 26 JD), bookable as an add-on on any of our itineraries with an overnight stay in Wadi Musa.
Which itinerary includes Petra by Night?
Our Living Jordan itinerary includes it as part of the standard plan; it's available as an add-on on our other Petra-inclusive routes.