Wadi Musa

Travel Guide

Wadi Musa showing night scenes, heritage architecture and a gorge or canyon
Little Petra featuring a gorge or canyon and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Wadi Musa showing heritage architecture, land animals and a gorge or canyon
Obelisk Tomb featuring building ruins and heritage elements
Wadi Musa showing 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 neighbor. 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 centered on the Shaheed Roundabout, in the heart of town. You’ll find accommodations, 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 kilometers) from ‘Ain Musa (Moses’ Spring) to the Petra Visitor Center 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
$134 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Oct 24 to Oct 25
$154 total
Oct 24 - Oct 25
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (430 reviews)
Great location and hotel. Would recommend it highly

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Petra Guest House
Edom Hotel

Edom Hotel

3 out of 5
Historical Area, Tourism Street, Petra, Wadi Musa
$90 nightly
The price is $102 total per night from Oct 24 to Oct 25
$102 total
Oct 24 - Oct 25
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our 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 Sep 27, 2025

Edom Hotel
Petra Marriott Hotel

Petra Marriott Hotel

5 out of 5
Queen Rania Al Abdallah Street, Wadi Musa
$131 nightly
The price is $150 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$150 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our 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 Oct 15, 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 WiFi, 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 vacation home in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Jul 30, 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 WiFi, 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 Oct 5, 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

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
66
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
39
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Choices of restaurants

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful and quiet place.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Geared for tourists. Meals are pretty good but things are more pricey overall.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Pretty quiet town. Not much happening in the evenings.

3/5 - Okay

Workd

Wadi Musa area itself has a lot of hills. It’s expensive as well.

5/5 - Excellent

Thomas

Petra is just as astounding as we were told it would be. We took several long side trips up very steep narrow paths with steps cut into the stone but the effort was worth it. We saw sites that were not swamped by tourist groups and had amazing views