World by City

Culture & venues

Petra Theatre

Open in Maps
Petra Theatre

Petra Theatre

The Petra Theatre is an ancient amphitheater carved directly into the sandstone rock during the 1st century Nabataean era. Visitors go here to see the engineering of a theater hewn from a cliffside and to experience the scale of its three tiers of stepped seating.

Getting There

The theater is located near the center of the Petra archaeological site. From the main central area, it is accessible via a short walk along the established pedestrian paths. The walk typically takes a few minutes depending on your starting point within the city center.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 30 to 60 minutes to explore the seating area and observe the architectural details of the structure.

When to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat. This area can become crowded with tour groups during peak tourist seasons. Avoid visiting during periods of heavy rain, as the rock surfaces can become slippery.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, this site can be combined with several other nearby monuments:

  • Jebel al-Madhbah: 0.3km
  • Urn Tomb: 0.4km
  • Tomb of the Roman Soldier: 0.5km
  • Palace Tomb: 0.5km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Petra Theatre

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Petra Theatre Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Petra hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Jebel al-Madhbah

Nature

Jebel al-Madhbah

Jebel al-Madhbah is a mountain rising within the Petra ruins, its summit home to a large Nabataean ritual site centered on an altar. Climbing the mountain lets you examine traces of ancient Nabataean worship up close.

0.3 km away

Urn Tomb (Petra)

Heritage & monuments

Urn Tomb (Petra)

A grand rock-cut tomb in the section of Petra known as the "Royal Wall," named for the urn-shaped ornament atop its facade. Its builder remains unknown, but its striking cliffside facade continues to draw attention.

0.4 km away

Tomb of the Roman Soldier

Heritage & monuments

Tomb of the Roman Soldier

One of the best-preserved tombs in Petra, notable for its facade with carved figures set between the columns. The surrounding courtyard and chambers can also be explored.

0.5 km away

Palace Tomb (Petra)

Heritage & monuments

Palace Tomb (Petra)

One of the Royal Tombs of Petra, its massive rock-cut facade spans 49 meters wide and 46 meters high. As one of the largest Nabataean structures in Petra, it draws a steady stream of visitors.

0.5 km away

Al Khazneh

Heritage & monuments

Al Khazneh

The most spectacular sight in Petra, its two-story facade is carved directly into the rock face and lined with Corinthian columns. It's believed to be the tomb of a Nabataean king, and the legend behind its name, "the Treasury," is fascinating in its own right.

0.5 km away

Great Temple

Temples & religious sites

Great Temple

A large temple complex spanning about 7,500 square meters south of Petra's Colonnaded Street, believed to have been completed in the early 1st century AD during the Nabataean Kingdom. Walking among its sprawling columns and walls gives a sense of the scale of the ancient city.

0.6 km away