Wadi Musa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wadi Musa showing night scenes, a gorge or canyon and heritage architecture
Little Petra featuring heritage architecture and a gorge or canyon as well as a small group of people
Wadi Musa showing heritage architecture, land animals and a gorge or canyon
Obelisk Tomb featuring a ruin and heritage elements
Wadi Musa featuring a gorge or canyon and night scenes

As the stepping stone to the famous Old City of Petra, the “Valley of Moses” has all you need to prepare yourself for one the world’s most wondrous sights.

Wadi Musa sees half a million visitors each year, yet not many people have heard of this Jordanian town. That’s because it merely acts as the gateway to the ancient city of Petra, its world-famous neighbour. Not that the locals mind: they are in the business of catering to the crowds who come to visit this "New" Wonder of the World.

The town is part of the Ma'an Governorate in southern Jordan. The nearest airport, at Aqaba, is an easy taxi ride away. Most shops, cafés, hotels and banks are centred on the Shaheed Roundabout, in the heart of town. You’ll find accommodation, menus in English and tour operators everywhere.

For a hint of what is to come, visit Little Petra in Siq al-Barid, “the Cold Canyon.” This mini version of Petra is a shaded canyon that cools down fast after sundown, so bring a light jacket or sweater if you plan to visit at night.

Spring and autumn are by far the best times of year to visit this region. Rise early to get to Petra before the crowds arrive and the sun gets too hot, or go in the mid afternoon and combine your visit with a magical Petra By Night Show. To reach the show, walk down the “Tourist Strip,” which runs for 3 miles (5 kilometres) from ‘Ain Musa (Moses’ Spring) to the Petra Visitor Centre in the lower valley. Along the way, bedouin merchants sell everything from tea to “antiques” and carpets.

Be sure to return to ‘Ain Musa in the east of town. According to the Bible, Moses hit a large rock with a rod, drawing water and restoring the faith of his parched, disheartened Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt. While it’s debatable if this is the actual miracle rock, it’s an interesting feature.

Before you leave Wadi Musa, soak in a Turkish bath to wash off the desert dust and ponder all the history you’ve explored around this ancient capital.

Petra Guest House

Petra Guest House

4 out of 5
Wadi Moussa, Petra, Wadi Musa
The price is ฿4,416 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
฿4,416
฿5,056 total
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (430 reviews)
"Great location and hotel. Would recommend it highly"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Petra Guest House
Edom Hotel

Edom Hotel

3 out of 5
Historical Area, Tourism Street, Petra, Wadi Musa
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (247 reviews)
"this hotel was very conveniently placed by the bus stop and the visitor center, so it was easy to walk. We had dinner at my mom‘s recipe, which was very close by. the staff was able to arrange a bus directly to wadi rum for us. Thank you for a great stay."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Edom Hotel
Petra Marriott Hotel

Petra Marriott Hotel

5 out of 5
Queen Rania Al Abdallah Street, Wadi Musa
The price is ฿4,294 per night from 24 Oct to 25 Oct
฿4,294
฿4,916 total
24 Oct - 25 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (434 reviews)
"Amazing views from the terrace, nice rooms, great staff and excellent breakfast options. Free shuttles to Petra site also useful. Perfect stay"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Petra Marriott Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
moses residence

moses residence

3.5 out of 5
petra wadi mousa, Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Petra and Petra ...
moses residence
Petra Guests Home

Petra Guests Home

3.5 out of 5
Alzayton, Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Petra and Petra Turkish Bath are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Awesome place for large family!
"The property was very spacious, with air conditioning in every room and the living area — perfect for the warm Petra weather. The host, Ali, was incredibly kind, generous, and always quick to respond via WhatsApp. The location is great — the market is within walking distance, and Petra’s main entrance ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Petra Guests Home
Petra Heaven

Petra Heaven

4 out of 5
Queen Rania Alabdullah Street, Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Petra and Street of Facades are located ...
Dejlig hotel
"Det var et dejligt ophold i Petra Og medarbejderen var sød og venlig"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2024

Petra Heaven
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Wadi Musa

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
25
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
14
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Worth it for Petra. But would choose different hotel.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Petra is absolutely amazing, the best historic place I have visited and I've visited quite a few.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We spent all of pur time at Petra which was amazing! !

5/5 - Excellent

AndrewSmith

Petra is without a doubt worth visiting- it should be on your bucket list

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Good as a base for petra

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

If you’re staying here, visit Petra early. We got the breakfast buffet at 6am, and was at Petra visitor centre just before 7am. It was nice and quiet, and not too hot early on. By the time we were leaving, 4 hours later, it was very busy!