25 Free Things to Do in Petra: Budget-Friendly Activities
Here is a secret that budget travel guides rarely admit: some of the best experiences in Petra are completely free. No tickets, no reservations, no credit card required. The city's parks, streets, viewpoints, and cultural spaces offer enough entertainment to fill an entire trip without spending a single Jordanian Dinar (JOD).
Here are 25 genuinely free things to do in Petra — no "free with purchase" gimmicks, no hidden fees.
Free Sightseeing & Landmarks
1. Walk Through Wadi Musa — gateway town with hotels, restaurants, and the Petra entrance
The Wadi Musa — gateway town with hotels, restaurants, and the Petra entrance neighborhood is a living museum. The architecture, street life, and atmosphere are attractions in themselves. Budget at least 2 hours for a proper wander.
2. Visit The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) (Exterior)
Even if the interior charges admission, the exterior of The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is free to admire — and frankly, some of the best photos are taken from outside.
3. Explore Main Trail — Treasury to the Monastery via colonnaded streets and tombs
Main Trail — Treasury to the Monastery via colonnaded streets and tombs rewards slow exploration. Every side street holds a surprise — a hidden courtyard, a piece of street art, or a local scene that feels completely authentic.
4. The Siq canyon entrance Grounds
The grounds and gardens surrounding The Siq canyon entrance are typically free to access and beautifully maintained. Pack a sandwich and enjoy.
5. Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — small Nabataean site with painted ceilings and no crowds
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — small Nabataean site with painted ceilings and no crowds offers panoramic views of Petra without the crowds or entrance fees. Ask a local for directions — they love sharing this spot.
Free Nature & Parks
6. Morning Walk in the Main Park
Petra's main park is where the city breathes. Joggers, dog walkers, tai chi practitioners — the morning routine is mesmerizing.
7. Aaron's Tomb — mountaintop pilgrimage site with panoramic views (requires a guide)
Aaron's Tomb — mountaintop pilgrimage site with panoramic views (requires a guide) is peaceful, photogenic, and blissfully free of tour groups.
8. Waterfront / Riverside Stroll
If Petra has a waterfront, walking along it at sunset is one of the most romantic (and free) experiences available.
9. The Treasury revealed through the narrow Siq canyon exit
The Treasury revealed through the narrow Siq canyon exit offers a photographer's paradise — and it costs nothing. Golden hour is the best time; bring your camera.
10. Botanical Gardens or Public Green Spaces
Many of Petra's green spaces are free to enter. They offer shade, beauty, and a welcome respite from the heat and noise.
Free Cultural Experiences
11. Free Museum Days
Many museums in Petra offer free entry on specific days or during certain hours. Check locally for the current schedule — it changes seasonally.
12. Street Art Walking Tour (Self-Guided)
The Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — miniature Nabataean site 15 minutes north neighborhood has a thriving street art scene. Download a walking map or simply follow the walls — each piece tells a story about Petra's culture and identity.
13. Visit Local Places of Worship
Petra's temples, churches, or mosques are often free to enter (with respectful dress) and offer stunning architecture and a moment of tranquility.
14. Wadi Farasa trail — alternative route past the Soldier's Tomb and garden ruins
Wadi Farasa trail — alternative route past the Soldier's Tomb and garden ruins frequently host free exhibitions, performances, and workshops. Check community bulletin boards or ask at your accommodation.
15. People-Watching at Back trails — remote high places and alternative routes with fewer crowds Square
Find a bench in a busy square and simply watch. The theater of daily life in Petra — vendors, musicians, families, lovers — is endlessly entertaining and completely free.
Free Food & Market Experiences
16. Market Browsing
You do not have to buy anything to enjoy Petra's markets. The colors, aromas, and energy are an experience in themselves.
17. Free Tastings
Many food stalls and shops offer free samples — spices, teas, local snacks. It is part of the sales process, and nobody minds if you taste without buying (though buying is appreciated).
18. Supermarket Exploration
Browsing a local supermarket is underrated travel entertainment. The unfamiliar products, the packaging, the local snack aisle — it is a window into daily life.
Free Walking & Exercise
19. Self-Guided Walking Tour of Wadi Musa — gateway town with hotels, restaurants, and the Petra entrance
Map out a route hitting the key landmarks and walk it at your own pace. Most tourist information offices provide free maps with suggested routes.
20. Sunrise Walk to Royal Tombs illuminated by late afternoon light
Get up early, grab a coffee, and walk to Royal Tombs illuminated by late afternoon light for sunrise. The city at dawn is a completely different place — quieter, softer, and all yours.
21. Jog the Local Route
Ask at your hotel where locals go for a run. Following the popular jogging route gives you a unique perspective on the city and a dose of exercise.
22. Bedouin cave cafes — tea stops run by local families along the back trails
Pick a neighborhood you know nothing about — The Siq — narrow canyon walk leading to the Treasury is a good choice — and explore it with zero agenda. The best discoveries come from unplanned wandering.
Free Entertainment
23. Street Performances
Petra has a lively street performance scene, especially in the Wadi Musa — gateway town with hotels, restaurants, and the Petra entrance area during evenings and weekends. Musicians, dancers, and artists perform for tips — free to watch.
24. Local Festival or Event
Check local event listings — Petra frequently hosts free festivals, outdoor concerts, and cultural celebrations, especially during March to April (spring) and October (autumn).
25. Sunset from The Monastery facade with hikers for scale
The best free show in Petra runs every evening. Find The Monastery facade with hikers for scale, arrive 30 minutes before sunset, and enjoy.
Budget Comparison
| Activity Type | Paid Version | Free Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Guided tour | $16 | Self-guided walking route (free maps available) |
| Museum entry | $8 | Free entry days or exterior viewing |
| Sunset experience | $12 rooftop bar | Public viewpoint with a packed snack |
| Cultural show | $16 | Street performances and free festivals |
| Nature activity | $12 guided hike | Self-guided park or garden walks |
Pro Tips for Free Activities
- Download offline maps. Navigating free activities often means going off the tourist trail, where cell signal can be spotty.
- Carry water and snacks. Free activities tend to keep you outdoors longer than planned.
- Talk to locals. The best free experiences are often word-of-mouth. Ask hotel staff, cafe owners, and fellow travelers.
- Check Petra's local event calendar. Festivals, markets, and celebrations are often free and unforgettable.
- Use TripGenie to mix free and paid activities in your itinerary — the AI balances your budget automatically.
The Bottom Line
You could spend a week in Petra doing nothing but free activities and still have an incredible trip. The best travel experiences — walking a new neighborhood, watching a sunset, tasting something unexpected — have never required a credit card. Save your money for the moments that truly warrant spending, and let Petra's generous spirit fill the rest.
Planning a trip to Petra? Let TripGenie create your perfect itinerary — it's free and takes just 60 seconds.
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TripGenie Team
The TripGenie team is passionate about making travel planning effortless with AI. We combine travel expertise with cutting-edge technology to help you explore the world.
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