The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

This is the shot everyone comes for. The façade glows pink in certain light, and the carvings are impossibly detailed when you get close.

I climbed to the viewpoint opposite the Treasury around 7 AM. My legs burned, but the angle from up there—with the entire monument framed below—was worth every step. The crowds hadn’t arrived yet, and the morning light was soft.

The detail work on those columns is insane. I switched between wide shots to capture the scale and zoomed in tight on the urn at the top.

The Monastery (Ad-Deir)

Bigger than the Treasury, quieter, and honestly? More impressive once you’re standing in front of it.

The climb is no joke—900+ steps carved into rock—but I got there around 3 PM when the sun hit the façade directly. The stone practically glowed orange. I sat at the little café across from it, caught my breath, and shot from different spots. The Monastery dwarfs people, so include someone in the frame to show the scale.

The Siq

The walk through this narrow canyon is dramatic. The walls rise 80 meters high in places, and the light slices through in beams when the sun is right.

I shot this around 8 AM. The shadows were long, the light was soft, and when the Treasury appeared at the end of that slot canyon, I just stopped and stared for a minute. Go wide to capture the height. The colors shift from deep red to pale pink depending on where you stand.

Street of Facades

A long row of tombs carved into the cliff face. Each one is different—some simple, some ornate—and the repetition creates a strong composition.

Midday worked best for me here because the sun was high enough to light the facades evenly. The details in the stone—columns, doorways, friezes—pop when the light is direct. I walked slowly and kept turning around. The light changed the mood every 20 minutes.

The Royal Tombs

These tombs are massive, and climbing up to the Urn Tomb gives you a view over the entire valley.

I went late afternoon—around 5 PM—and the stone turned warm red as the sun dropped. The Urn Tomb itself has this huge interior chamber that’s worth exploring. From up top, you can shoot down over the city center with the mountains behind. The sense of scale is overwhelming.

The Great Temple

The largest freestanding structure in Petra. It’s partially ruined, but the columns and staircases give you a sense of how grand this place once was.

I shot this around 11 AM when the sun was high and everything was well-lit. The scale is hard to capture—I kept backing up to fit it all in. Walk around it. Different angles show different aspects of the structure, and the details in the stonework are incredible up close.

The High Place of Sacrifice

A steep climb to the top of the mountain, but the panoramic view over Petra is unreal.

I hiked up early—around 6:30 AM—to catch sunrise. The valley below was still in shadow, but the surrounding peaks glowed. By 8 AM, the light was perfect for wide landscape shots. The view stretches forever. Bring a wide lens and a tripod if you have one.

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)

A quieter, smaller version of Petra about 10 minutes north. Fewer tourists, same stunning rock-cut architecture.

I visited around 8 AM and had the place almost to myself. The narrow passages and small courtyards make for intimate, moody shots. Take your time here. The light and shadow play in the siq is beautiful, and you can experiment without crowds in your frame.

Petra By Night

The Treasury lit by 1,500 candles. It’s touristy, yes, but the atmosphere is genuinely special.

I went on a Wednesday (it only runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday). The walk through the dark Siq with candlelight flickering on the walls set the mood, and when the Treasury came into view—glowing warm and golden—it was worth it.

Your phone won’t cut it here. I used a camera with decent low-light performance and a tripod. The glow is subtle, so you need stability.

Wadi Farasa

A quieter trail that winds past lesser-known tombs and offers peaceful views away from the main path.

I hiked this around 4 PM when the heat had eased. The light was soft, the trail was empty, and I found rock formations and viewpoints I hadn’t seen anywhere else. Wear good shoes—it’s rocky and uneven. But if you want photos without crowds, this is where you go.