In Petra, there is one free tour based on the international "free tour" method - a local guide leads the group and at the end each participant pays a tip according to their discretion and impressions, rather than a fixed amount in advance. The existing tour focuses on a culinary-social experience and not on entrance to the ancient site itself, which requires a separately paid ticket.
This tour does not replace a visit to the famous archaeological site, but adds an angle to it - a connection with the modern culture of Wadi Musa, the city that grows around the entrance to Petra, beyond the classic images of the Treasury and the Siq.
As with any tour of this type, there is no need for a financial commitment in advance - registration is free and the decision on the amount of payment remains with the participant, depending on the experience he or she receives.
Recommended free tours in Petra
There is one free tour in Petra that combines local beer tastings and a story about Jordanian culture, using the free payment method known around the world.
Petra Beer Experience: More Than a Drink, It's a Connection
A local beer tasting tour in Wadi Musa that opens a window into Jordanian culture and daily life around Petra, beyond the classic visit to the ancient site.
Why go on a walking tour of Petra?
The introduction to Petra begins with the dramatic entrance through the Siq - a narrow rock canyon that winds for more than a kilometer between reddish-pink sandstone walls, until it opens abruptly in front of the famous facade of the Al-Khazneh. Walking is the only way to truly experience this passage - the slow pace allows you to notice the details of the sculpture, the ancient water pipes carved into the rock, and the sense of anticipation that the Nabataeans themselves deliberately designed.
Beyond the Treasury, an entire city spreads out: the Street of Facades with its rock-cut tombs, the Roman amphitheater, the impressive Tombs of the Kings, and at the end of a steeper path - Ad-Deir, the largest monument at the site. Each of these landmarks tells a different chapter in the Nabatean story, and a local guide who knows the historical background turns the walk from a photo tour into a contextual experience. Even outside the boundaries of the ancient site, Wadi Musa - the modern city that grew up around the entrance to Petra - offers a complementary angle: cafes, small markets, and local Jordanian culture that many visitors miss when they rush straight to the site. Walking through its alleys in the evening, after the archaeological site has closed, reveals a completely different side of the area - quieter, more welcoming, and far from the crowded tourist crowds that fill the Siq in the morning.
Areas and starting points of the tours
Most tourist activity is centered around the entrance to the Petra Archaeological Park, at the edge of Wadi Musa - where most of the hotels, restaurants and shops serving visitors are located. The free tour here differs from the usual pattern of urban walking tours: it does not enter the ancient site itself (entrance to it requires a separate ticket and usually requires the accompaniment of a certified guide from the site authority), but focuses on a culinary-social experience - tasting local beer as an opening for a conversation about culture and life in Jordan today.
This angle is a great complement to a visit to the site itself: one day is dedicated to discovering the Siq, the Khazna, and the Dir, accompanied by an official guide or independently, and an evening is spent meeting locals in the new city. Those planning to stay in Wadi Musa for more than one day can easily combine the two, since the distances in the city are short and most of the relevant sites are accessible on foot.
Important tips before you go out
It is recommended to register in advance through GuruWalk, as the number of places on these types of tours is limited and they may fill up. The leading language on most free walking tours in the area is English - it is worth checking this with the specific tour details before registering, and those who need another language should check in advance if there is a suitable group.
Petra is located in a desert area with hot, dry summers and winters that can be cool at night - closed, comfortable shoes are a must in light of the slopes and worn stones in the Siq and on the paths around the site, and it is always a good idea to bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, even for tours that do not enter the archaeological area itself. Regarding the tip for the guide - the idea of a free tour is based on free payment at the end of the tour rather than a fixed price in advance; you pay in cash, usually in Jordanian dinars, depending on your impressions and personal budget.
Israelis arriving via a land border crossing (e.g. from Eilat) should plan in advance the time for crossing and arriving at Wadi Musa, which is about a two-hour drive from the southern border. Admission to the archaeological site of Petra itself is purchased separately from the free tour, and it is recommended to check opening hours in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Paid tours and attractions in Petra
The tours on the site are free based on a tip; those who want to delve deeper can also combine a guided tour or a paid attraction - these are the leading options in the city:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the free tours in Petra really free?
Yes, in the sense that there is no fixed price in advance - this is the international free tour method in which the guide is paid a tip at the end of the tour at his/her own discretion. It is important to remember that entry to the archaeological site of Petra itself is a separate matter and requires payment.
Do I need to register in advance for the free tour?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Free tours are limited in number of participants, and online registration guarantees a place and updates you with the exact details before departure.
In what languages are the tours in Petra conducted?
Usually English, but it is worth checking the exact language against the specific tour details before registering, as this can vary from tour to tour.
Does the free tour also include entrance to the archaeological site?
No. The existing free tour focuses on an experience outside the boundaries of the ancient site, while entrance to the site itself is purchased separately and usually requires the accompaniment of a certified guide from the site authority.
Is this tour suitable for families with children?
It depends on the nature of the specific tour - it's worth checking the description and age suitability before registering, especially when it comes to an experience that includes tastings.
How much is it customary to tip the guide at the end of the tour?
There is no fixed amount - that's exactly the idea behind a free tour. You pay in cash, usually in Jordanian dinars, depending on your personal impression of the tour and your budget.
