KYOTO

Kyoto isn’t a theme park; it’s a living capital of craft, faith, and neighborhood life. In 2025, you’ll have an extraordinary trip if you plan for the seasons, move early/late, and follow the city’s clear etiquette—especially in Gion—so residents, artisans, and travelers can share the same streets with ease.

1) What’s different (and why it matters)

• Gion’s private alleys: After years of overcrowding and harassment of geiko/maiko, Gion’s neighborhood council began banning tourists from certain private lanes and enforcing fines up to ¥10,000 for trespass/unauthorized photography on private roads. Main public streets (e.g., Hanamikoji) remain open, but the alleys signed as private are off‑limits from April 2024 onward. Expect multilingual “no entry/no photo” signage; enforcement exists to stop “maiko paparazzi” behavior and protect residents at work. [straitstimes.com], [timeout.com], [soranews24.com]
• Citywide etiquette push: Kyoto’s official guides now emphasize “Mind Your Manners” and a Code of Behavior for sustainable tourism: don’t block lanes, no eating while walking in crowded heritage areas, respect “no photography” signs at shrines/temples, and no street smoking/littering (ordinance enforced). [kyoto.travel], [moral.kyokanko.or.jp], [livejapan.com]
• Accommodation tax (heads‑up for 2026): Your 2025 trip uses the current lodging tax bands (¥200/¥500/¥1,000 per person per night by room rate). From March 1, 2026, Kyoto will shift to five tiers up to ¥10,000 pppn for ultra‑luxury rooms (≥¥100,000), with intermediate tiers at ¥400, ¥1,000 and ¥4,000. Plan budgets accordingly if you’re booking far ahead. [asahi.com], [thepointsguy.com]

2) Seasons & timing — when Kyoto feels magical (not manic)

Cherry blossom (late Mar–early Apr): Sublime—and peak crowds. Book a year ahead; go dawn/late at hot spots. [lonelyplanet.com]

Summer (Jun–Aug): Festivals (e.g., Gion Matsuri) animate the city; humid but electric. Nights are lively; day heat favors shaded temple gardens. [lonelyplanet.com]

Autumn leaves (late Oct–early Dec): The sweet spot for weather and color. Forecasts in 2025 suggest mid‑Nov → early Dec peaks in Kyoto, with warm autumn possibly delaying a week; many sites offer night illuminations. [livejapan.com], [japanhighlights.com]

Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet, crisp, and reflective; closures around New Year (Dec 29–Jan 3). [lonelyplanet.com]

Trip‑builder tip: In blossom and foliage seasons, stack your days with pre‑8am visits and post‑sunset illuminations; park mid‑day for museums, tea, or markets.

3) The Etiquette that unlocks Kyoto (especially in Gion)

• Gion isn’t a stage set. Do not enter private alleys marked with no‑entry signs; don’t block doorways or follow maiko/geiko. Photography is banned on private roads and harassment carries ¥10,000 fines. If you’re on a public street and someone is working with a client, no photos (seek cultural performances instead). [timeout.com], [afar.com]
• At shrines/temples: Look for “No photography” pictograms; many sanctuaries restrict images in sacred halls. Keep voices low; no eating/drinking in sacred precincts. [moral.kyokanko.or.jp]
• City code: Don’t obstruct narrow lanes, don’t eat while walking in crowded heritage streets, no street smoking, and manage your trash (bins are scarce—carry it out). [livejapan.com]
• City reminders (2025): The official guide reiterates: do not pursue/photograph children or residents without consent; be mindful in school zones and neighborhood lanes. [kyoto.travel]

For a one‑page refresher, download “Mind Your Manners” from the official site before you go. [kyoto.travel]

4) Four perfect days (crowd‑smart, culture‑first)

Day 1 — Higashiyama at Dawn, Kiyomizu by Night

• Dawn lanes (Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka): arrive before shops open for empty stone ways and blue‑hour photos.
• Kiyomizu‑dera: The temple opens 06:00 daily; closing varies seasonally. In 2025, special night viewings run Mar 25–Apr 3, Aug 14–16, and Nov 22–Dec 7 (until 21:30, last entry 21:00). The night beam over the city is stunning—and crowd‑spread through long hours. [www.kiyomi…dera.or.jp], [kiyomizudera.or.jp]
• Kiyomizu basics: Standard admission is typically ¥500 adult/¥200 child; check onsite for updates, and expect daytime closures to shift for illumination set‑up. [kinabal.co.jp]

Etiquette note: Keep photo gear compact; tripods may be restricted, especially at night crowds. Watch posted rules. [www.kiyomi…dera.or.jp]

Day 2 — Fushimi Inari 24h + Uji tea

• Fushimi Inari‑taisha: Open 24/7—the stair loop to the summit is 2–3 hours. Peak crowds 09:00–18:00; go pre‑sunrise or post‑sunset for quiet tunnels of torii. Upper paths are dim at night—bring a headlamp and walk cautiously. [lonelyplanet.com]
• Timing reality: Even 06:00 can be busy in peak season; earlier is better (some advice suggests 05:00 starts). Evening descents at dusk can be atmospheric and safe if you stick to main trails. [swagachi.me], [japanlocal…rguide.com]
• Culture add‑on: Hop to Uji (Byōdō‑in Phoenix Hall; matcha tastings) for a half‑day. Evening: ramen or kaiseki back in Kyoto.

Day 3 — Arashiyama bamboo + riverside

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: The path is a public way and effectively open 24 hours (no lighting). Go 07:00–08:00 or late afternoon; stay on paths and don’t trample undergrowth or block the narrow lane for staged photos. [article.be…pes-jt.com], [characross…eworld.com]
• Tenryū‑ji → Okochi Sanso → Togetsukyō Bridge: Fold in garden time and the scenic riverbank. (Toilets and facilities are near the grove entrances; the path itself has few benches.) [characross…eworld.com]
• Optional: Sagano Scenic Railway (seasonal), then boat or café by the Katsura River.

Day 4 — Nijo Castle + Nishiki Market + an evening performance

• Nijō‑jō: Plan for the castle and gardens mid‑morning (check current hours).
• Nishiki Market: Sample precisely—note the “no eating while walking” etiquette in crowded sections; use stall areas or designated spaces. [livejapan.com]
• Respectful performance: Instead of chasing maiko in alleys, book a licensed cultural show/tea ceremony or seasonal dance (odori)—the official Kyoto site lists events and Visitor Host tours. [kyoto.travel]

5) Kyoto at night — the legal (and luminous) ways to enjoy it

• Temple illuminations: Beyond Kiyomizu‑dera’s published spring/summer/autumn nights, watch the city’s event pages for other autumn light‑ups (Eikan‑dō, Kōdaiji, etc.) that typically run mid‑Nov → early Dec with timed entry. [kyoto.travel]
• Fushimi Inari after dusk: Allowed (site is open 24h), but it’s a mountain: bring a light, mind footing, and stay to the main loop. [lonelyplanet.com]
• Gion nights: Public streets only; no private alleys. If you want a photo, buy a ticketed experience—don’t interrupt someone’s work. [straitstimes.com]

6) Getting around — IC cards, passes, and what actually saves you time

• IC cards: Suica (Tokyo’s) and ICOCA (Kansai’s) are interoperable nationwide. In 2025, Suica sales returned to normal after prior chip shortages; you can tap Suica widely across Kyoto subways, JR and many buses/shops—though a few rural lines still require paper tickets. [japan-guide.com], [umamibites.com]
• Kansai passes (for region‑hopping): JR West Kansai Area Pass (1–4 days) gives unlimited JR rides in Osaka–Kyoto–Nara–Kobe and includes the Haruka airport express (book reserved seats in advance). Not valid on Shinkansen; you’ll still use subways/private rail for many city hops. Check official pricing (¥2,800–¥7,000 adult depending on days). [westjr.co.jp]
• Which to choose?
  • Staying mostly in Kyoto: a Kyoto Subway & Bus day pass (from local operators) can be handy; otherwise, IC pay‑as‑you‑go is simplest. (Kyoto’s bus network can be crowded; favor rail where possible.) [japantrave…vitime.com]
  • Doing Osaka, Nara, Himeji day trips: a Kansai Area Pass can pay off quickly vs. point‑to‑point fares. [en.japantravel.com]

7) Where to stay — neighborhoods with a purpose

• Southern Higashiyama: Walkable to Kiyomizu‑dera and preserved lanes; book early in peak seasons. [lonelyplanet.com]
• Downtown/Shijō–Kawaramachi: Transit and dining hub; easy access everywhere. [lonelyplanet.com]
• Arashiyama: Nature and river views; plan 1+ night for quiet dawn bamboo walks.
• Ryokan nights: Consider at least one ryokan stay (tatami + kaiseki) to immerse in Kyoto style. [lonelyplanet.com]

Budget note: For stays in 2026+, the accommodation tax increases sharply at luxury tiers (up to ¥10,000 pppn). 2025 trips keep current lower rates. [thepointsguy.com]

8) Site‑specific smarts (the stuff that keeps trips smooth)

Fushimi Inari

• 24 hours; shops and shrine counters keep daytime hours (amulets/fortunes typically 07:00–18:00). The full loop is 2–3 hours; many visitors only do the lower Senbon Torii and turn back—continue upward for space. [japanlocal…rguide.com]

Kiyomizu‑dera

• Opens 06:00; closing varies; 2025 night viewings listed above. Arrive pre‑8:30 in high season; return at night instead of braving midday. [www.kiyomi…dera.or.jp], [kiyomizudera.or.jp]

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

• Open 24/7 (public road); no lighting; go early/late; be considerate—don’t step into the bamboo for posed shots, don’t block the narrow path. Facilities are outside the grove. [article.be…pes-jt.com], [characross…eworld.com]

Gion

• Stay on public streets; no private alleys signed with bans; no unsolicited geisha photos, and never touch garments—multiple incidents led to the rule‑tightening. [straitstimes.com]

9) Autumn 2025 — your foliage playbook

• When: Typical late Nov → early Dec; some 2025 forecasters expect slightly later peaks if warmth persists. Plan flexible days. [japanhighlights.com], [livejapan.com]
• How: Combine one dawn, one night illumination, and one suburban pocket (e.g., Uji, Kibune) to hedge timing. [japanhighlights.com]
• Where (classic picks): Kiyomizu‑dera stage views; Eikan‑dō’s famed night light‑up; Arashiyama hillsides by river; Tōfuku‑ji bridges (capacity managed). (Confirm each site’s 2025 light‑up calendars on the official Kyoto events pages.) [kyoto.travel]

10) Respect‑first photography & culture

• Ask consent for close portraits; be mindful of portrait rights and privacy in Japan’s culture. Avoid photographing children or school groups; some schools post signs requesting no photos. [japantravelpros.com]
• Read the room in teahouses/performances: many venues prohibit photos; enjoy the moment and buy official images instead. [moral.kyokanko.or.jp]
• Gion rule of thumb: If a maiko is with clients, no photography; book a licensed performance/tea to engage respectfully. [afar.com]

11) Money, tickets & lines — small choices, big gains

• Temple tickets are generally cash or simple POS; carry small bills.
• IC cards speed transport buys and many convenience‑store payments. Suica works in the ICOCA area (Kansai), but very rural lines can still be cash/paper only. [umamibites.com], [getaroundjapan.jp]
• Crowd math: Shift photo‑icon sites to dawn (Higashiyama, Fushimi), and put markets/museums at mid‑day. Kyoto’s own advisory pages flag busy seasons and tips each autumn—worth a check before you head out. [kyoto.travel]

12) Five ethical‑travel micro‑itineraries (steal these)

1. Dawn Kodaiji → Maruyama Park → Yasaka Shrine (breakfast near Shijō). Keep temple courtesies; check each site’s photo rules. [moral.kyokanko.or.jp]
2. Philosopher’s Path loop before 09:00 → Eikan‑dō foliage (night light‑up day‑of). [kyoto.travel]
3. Uji tea day: Byōdō‑in + matcha brewing class → riverside stroll at sunset.
4. Northern temples: Daitoku‑ji sub‑temples or Kinkaku‑ji early, then Nijō‑jō garden.
5. Arashiyama low‑impact: Bamboo at dawn → Tenryū‑ji garden → riverside bento (use bins; no littering). [livejapan.com]

13) FAQs

Are tourists “banned” from Gion?
No. Public streets remain open, but private alleys in parts of Gion prohibit entry and photography, with fines up to ¥10,000 for violations, introduced to prevent harassment of geiko/maiko and residents. Follow posted signs and choose licensed cultural shows instead. [straitstimes.com], [timeout.com]

Is Fushimi Inari really open 24 hours?
Yes. The shrine complex is open 24/7; the full loop to the summit takes 2–3 hours. Go pre‑sunrise or after dusk to avoid crowds; bring a light at night, as upper paths aren’t fully lit. [lonelyplanet.com], [japanlocal…rguide.com]

When does Kiyomizu‑dera open, and are there night visits in 2025?
It opens at 06:00 year‑round; closing times vary. Special night viewing for 2025 runs Mar 25–Apr 3, Aug 14–16, and Nov 22–Dec 7 (to 21:30; last entry 21:00). [www.kiyomi…dera.or.jp], [kiyomizudera.or.jp]

Best time for autumn leaves in Kyoto this year?
Typically mid‑Nov → early Dec. 2025 outlooks suggest normal to slightly later peaks if warmth continues; check forecasts before you fly, and hedge with a night light‑up. [livejapan.com], [japanhighlights.com]

Does Suica work in Kyoto?
Yes—IC interoperability means Suica taps through most Kyoto transport and shops; ICOCA is the local equivalent. Some rural lines remain cash/paper. [japan-guide.com], [umamibites.com]

What’s happening to Kyoto’s hotel tax?
The current per‑person nightly tax (¥200/¥500/¥1,000 by room rate) applies in 2025. From March 1, 2026, a five‑tier system tops out at ¥10,000 for rooms ≥¥100,000; mid‑tiers become ¥400/¥1,000/¥4,000. [thepointsguy.com]

14) Responsible‑travel checklist

• Public vs private: Obey no‑entry and no‑photo signs—especially in Gion’s private alleys. [straitstimes.com]
• Shrines/temples: Quiet voices, modest dress, follow posted photo bans, no food inside precincts. [moral.kyokanko.or.jp]
• Streets: Don’t block narrow lanes, don’t eat while walking in crowded heritage areas, no street smoking. [livejapan.com]
• Leave no trace: Carry trash until you find bins; Kyoto minimizes public cans in old quarters. [livejapan.com]
• Choose ticketed culture: See maiko/geiko in licensed shows, not by following workers. [kyoto.travel]

PETRA — Tickets & Jordan Pass, Crowd‑Smart Routes, Back‑Door Approaches, and Accessibility (Without Losing the Magic)

Even if you’ve seen a thousand photos, the first time the Siq releases you into the Treasury’s rose glow is a shock. Petra isn’t just a façade; it’s a 60‑square‑kilometre city of mountains, wadis and ritual spaces that rewards anyone willing to walk a little farther and plan a little smarter. In 2025, that means understanding ticketing (and the Jordan Pass), timing your run through the Siq, using lesser‑known trails, and travelling in a way that honours the Bedouin communities who still steward this place.

1) Petra at a glance — what’s changed, what hasn’t

The fundamentals are steady: Petra remains open year‑round with accommodated‑visitor tickets priced at 50 JOD (1 day), 55 JOD (2 days) and 60 JOD (3 days), while non‑accommodated day‑trippers (those who don’t sleep in Jordan the night before) pay 90 JOD for one day. Kids under 12 enter free during daylight hours. “Petra by Night” remains a separate, optional ticketed experience. These prices and categories are set by the Petra Development & Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) and displayed on the official Visit Petra fee page.

The Jordan Pass still makes sense for most international visitors staying three or more nights in the country: it bundles entrance to 40+ sites (including Petra) and waives the single‑entry visa fee, offering three tiers based on whether you want 1, 2 or 3 days at Petra. Pricing and inclusions are listed by the Ministry of Tourism’s official Jordan Pass portal.

Online ticketing has improved: PDTRA’s PetraPass portal allows you to purchase official dated tickets in advance (useful in peak weeks and for structured itineraries). You can still buy on site, but pre‑purchase reduces uncertainty and queues on popular dates.

Mobility support is clearer: “Club cars” (golf‑cart style) operate on fixed segments (e.g., Visitor Centre ↔ Treasury) for a posted fee and timetable, making parts of Petra more accessible for travellers with limited mobility; details and price points are listed on the fees page.

2) Costs, passes & what to buy (without overpaying)

Tickets (daylight entry)

• Accommodated visitors (sleeping at least one night in Jordan before visiting):
  1 day 50 JOD, 2 days 55 JOD, 3 days 60 JOD.
• Non‑accommodated day‑trippers (e.g., fly‑in/fly‑out or pass‑through): 90 JOD (1 day).
• Children under 12: free during daylight hours.
• Guiding & extras: official guiding tariffs exist; optional club car segments are available at posted rates; “Petra by Night” is a separate ticket not covered by the daytime pass.

Jordan Pass (who should get it)

• If you plan to stay ≥3 nights in Jordan and visit more than Petra (e.g., Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel), the Jordan Pass usually saves money and streamlines entry. Choose the pass version that includes 1/2/3 Petra days depending on your plan; it also waives the visa fee if you qualify.

Buying online vs on site

• PetraPass (PDTRA) is the official online gateway for dated Petra tickets; you can also buy at the Visitor Centre if you want flexibility. For peak weeks (spring and autumn holidays), advance purchase helps.

Bottom line:

• Short Jordan trips (≤2 nights) centred solely on Petra → Buy Petra ticket only (Jordan Pass won’t waive the visa in that case).
• Longer trips (≥3 nights) and multi‑site touring → Jordan Pass is usually best. Confirm the exact Petra days you need to include.

3) The Petra day, engineered — how to time the Siq, beat the crowds, and have energy left for the Monastery

Mornings (06:00–10:30): Silence and side‑light

• 06:00–07:00 gates: enter early for a quiet Siq and the Treasury still in shadow‑to‑glow transition—magical for photography.
• Keep moving past the Treasury. Most visitors stall here; if you press on toward the Street of Facades and theatre, you’ll own the city while others pile up at the first reveal.

Mid‑day (10:30–14:30): Heat and dispersal

• This is peak heat and crowd time. Use it to explore broad zones (the colonnaded street, Qasr al‑Bint) or seek shaded detours (Wadi Farasa steps, the Garden Triclinium). Save steep climbs for later.

Afternoon to sunset (14:30–close): Climb and glow

• Begin the Monastery (Ad‑Deir) climb after 15:00. The 800+ steps are shaded in sections, and late light makes Ad‑Deir blush. Cafés near the top offer mint tea and a breather.
• Return via the Monastery panorama lookouts for caldera‑like views over the Ed‑Deir plateau.

Why this works: the early Siq gives you solitude; the mid‑day is for wide spaces and shade; late afternoon puts you on the Monastery when most visitors are already heading out.

4) Three crowd‑smart routes (choose one — or stack them over 2–3 days)

Route A — “Treasury at hush, Monastery at gold” (classic, 1 long day)

1. 06:00–07:00: Enter; Siq → Treasury reveal; brief photos only.
2. Treasury → Street of Facades → Theatre → Colonnaded Street (fluid loop; pause at Qasr al‑Bint).
3. Late lunch in the basin.
4. 15:00+: Climb the Monastery steps; tea at the top; continue to a high viewpoint for the last orange light on the façade.
5. Walk out with the blue hour glow in the Siq.

Route B — “High Places and hidden courtyards” (architecture lovers, 1 full day)

1. Treasury → cut to the Royal Tombs (Urn, Silk, Corinthian) while the morning crowd still swirls at the Treasury.
2. Wadi Farasa loop to the Garden Triclinium and Roman Soldier’s Tomb—quiet, sculptural spaces with deep shade.
3. Afternoon ascent to the High Place of Sacrifice; descend via the Wadi al‑Farasa stairway (lesser‑used) back into the basin.

Route C — “Back‑door Monastery + gentle exit” (2‑day ticket recommended)

• Morning transfer to Little Petra (Siq al‑Barid) and back‑route hike to the Monastery plateau (permitted with current access—confirm locally as trail controls and 4×4 links to the trailhead can change). This avoids re‑climbing the standard staircase and puts you at Ad‑Deir with fewer people.
• After exploring the Monastery precinct, descend the main stairway to the basin; spend afternoon among colonnades, shrines, and shaded courts, then walk the Siq at dusk.

Note: Back‑route logistics can vary with conservation work and local management; always check the current position with PDTRA or licensed guides in Wadi Musa before committing. The Visit Petra site and PDTRA staff at the Visitor Centre are your authoritative sources for up‑to‑date trail permissions and transport links.

5) “Petra by Night” — when is it worth it?

“Petra by Night” (typically three evenings per week; schedule varies) is not included in daytime tickets or the Jordan Pass; it requires a separate ticket purchased on site or via authorised sellers. You walk the candle‑lit Siq to the Treasury, sit on mats, sip tea, and listen to Bedouin flute under a star‑sprayed sky if you’re lucky with the weather.

Pros: atmosphere, storytelling, and the rare chance to be in the Siq after dark.
Cons: It can be crowded; photography is limited; the Treasury itself is not floodlit—expect silhouettes and candle glow, not studio lighting.

Advice: If you’ve already seen the Treasury at dawn, Petra by Night becomes a bonus mood piece rather than a must‑see. If your time is short and the evening is chilly or windy, prioritise daylight exploration.

6) Accessibility & energy management — club cars, riding, and realistic pacing

Petra involves long distances over uneven stone and stepped ascents. If you or someone in your party has limited mobility or you simply want to conserve energy for the highlights:

• Club cars: PDTRA operates club cars on defined segments (e.g., Visitor Centre ↔ Treasury), with fixed prices and capacity. They do not go everywhere, but they remove a big chunk of the approach. Timings and fees are posted officially.
• Guided equine options: Local handlers offer donkey or horse services on certain paths. Only use authorised services, respect weight limits, and avoid steep descents to minimise animal stress and path erosion.
• Pacing: Plan micro‑rests in shade; carry electrolytes; wear grippy footwear. Petra is not about rushing; it is about placement—where you are when the light hits.

7) Photography that respects the place (and still stuns)

• Siq dawn: tripod rules change; when permitted, deploy fast primes (35/50mm) and high ISO for pre‑sun glow. Keep lanes clear; rangers will ask you to move if you block flow.
• Treasury: the famed upper balcony angle sits on a sensitive cliff path; heed closure signs and local guidance—never hop fences for a shot.
• Monastery: the north‑west viewpoint gets last light; bring a tele (85–135mm) for compressed relief.
• Night: Petra by Night is more about mood than detail; lean into silhouettes; expose for the candle field.

8) Food, water & restrooms (the on‑site reality)

• Water: buy at the Visitor Centre and in the basin, but carry more than you think (dry heat + steps).
• Food: tea tents and simple cafés exist in the inner city; consider packing salty snacks to maintain electrolytes.
• Restrooms: facilities are located near key nodes (Visitor Centre, basin/restaurant area, Monastery vicinity) and are not at every tomb; plan breaks before long climbs.
• Waste: carry out everything you bring in; leave Petra cleaner than you found it.

9) Getting there, where to stay, and how long to stay

Base in Wadi Musa (the town at Petra’s gate) for walkable access to the Visitor Centre. There’s accommodation from basic inns to high‑end hotels with porter service (useful for luggage on steep streets). Aim for 2 days minimum; 3 days lets you layer a back‑route, a High Place loop, and a Monastery sunset at a humane pace.

Transport

• From Amman: 3–4 hours by car/bus via the Desert Highway; longer via the scenic King’s Highway (worth it if you have time to stop at Shobak Castle).
• From Aqaba: ~2 hours by car (nice combo with Wadi Rum pre‑/post‑Petra).

Combos

• Wadi Rum first for the desert silence → then Petra for the urban sublime.
• Dana Biosphere and Shobak make a perfect heritage + hiking prelude.

10) Responsible travel in Petra — 10 ways to be a superb guest

1. Buy official: tickets via PDTRA/Visit Petra or Jordan Pass. Avoid touts.
2. Use licensed guides: amplify local knowledge and livelihoods; the official desk sits at the Visitor Centre.
3. Stay two nights: your extra day reduces crowding pressure on any one timeslot.
4. Respect boundaries: no climbing on façades; fragile ledges and tomb roofs are not viewpoints.
5. Animal welfare: choose authorised, well‑kept animals; avoid overloading; say no to aggressive handlers.
6. Pack in/pack out: no littering; minimise plastics.
7. Hydrate & shade: fewer rescues mean fewer ranger disruptions.
8. Buy Bedouin: jewellery, tea, and crafts directly from stallholders with fair bargaining.
9. Dress and act with cultural respect: Jordan is warm‑hearted and conservative; shoulders/long shorts or trousers are appreciated in town.
10. Photo etiquette: ask before photographing vendors or children; drop a small purchase or tip if you’ve spent time in someone’s camp.

11) Two perfect, publish‑ready itineraries (copy & paste)

A) Two days that feel like four

Day 1 — Axis of wonder

• 06:30 enter; Siq → Treasury; 20 minutes for photos.
• Royal Tombs while crowds still pool at the Treasury.
• Wadi Farasa loop and Garden Triclinium (cool stone, deep quiet).
• Late lunch in basin; museum if open.
• 16:00 climb Monastery, tea at the top, then last light from the high viewpoint.
• Blue hour exit through the Siq.

Day 2 — High places + basin life

• High Place of Sacrifice at 07:30; descend the Wadi al‑Farasa steps.
• Slow walk through the colonnaded street and Qasr al‑Bint; study capitals and paving.
• Optional Petra by Night if schedule aligns; otherwise, night in Wadi Musa with a Jordanian mansaf dinner.

B) Back‑door Monastery + glide through the city (with 2‑day ticket)

Day 1: Little Petra transfer → back‑route to Ad‑Deir → main stairway descent to basin → linger in temple quarter → exit.
Day 2: Siq dawn for Treasury, Royal Tombs balconies (from legal terraces), theatre and colonnaded street, late lunch and museum, High Place loop if legs allow.

12) Petra with kids, elders, photographers, and hikers (targeted tips)

With kids: Gamify the day—“count the spirits in the rock” in the Siq, keep short objectives (Treasury → theatre → camel sighting), schedule ice‑cream bribery in Wadi Musa. Avoid the full Monastery staircase unless they’re strong walkers; choose a club car for the approach.

With elders: Prioritise club cars for the Visitor Centre ↔ Treasury leg; focus on Royal Tombs (close together) and the colonnaded street (flatter). Leave the Monastery climb for the fittest.

For photographers: Bring ND filters for crowds; lean into long exposures at the Treasury (if tripod use is permitted during your visit—rules change; otherwise brace). Early side‑light on the Royal Tombs makes coloured bands sing; the Monastery loves late, warm light.

For hikers: Add the Jabal al‑Madbah ridge and long stair decants to Wadi al‑Farasa; always carry extra water and tell a guide/host where you’re going.

13) Safety, seasons & climate

When to go

• March–May and September–November are prime: warm days, cool mornings, good light.
• Summer (June–August) can be hot; start early, plan a mid‑day retreat to shade or Wadi Musa cafés, then return for late climbs.
• Winter is crisp; rare showers make the sandstone glow.

Footing

• The Siq and city stones can be polished and slick from millions of feet. Wear grippy soles; consider a light trekking pole (rubber tip) for descents.

Emergencies

• Rangers are present; first‑aid points exist at core nodes. Mobile coverage appears and disappears with canyon walls—download offline maps and tell your accommodation your plan.

14) “How much should I tip?” and other practicalities

• Guides (private, full‑day): 15–25 JOD depending on depth and group size.
• Club car drivers: a small tip (1–3 JOD) is appreciated.
• Cafés/tea tents: round up; buy a small souvenir if you spend time taking photos from someone’s terrace (with permission).
• Cash: Bring JOD in small notes; some merchants take cards but don’t rely on it deep in the site.

15) FAQs

How much is Petra in 2025?
Accommodated visitors pay 50 JOD (1 day), 55 JOD (2 days), 60 JOD (3 days); non‑accommodated day‑trippers pay 90 JOD for 1 day. Kids under 12 are free in daylight. “Petra by Night” is separate. Official prices: Visit Petra.

Does the Jordan Pass include Petra and the visa?
Yes—Jordan Pass includes Petra (choose 1/2/3‑day variants) and waives the single‑entry visa fee if you stay ≥3 nights in Jordan. Details and prices on the official Jordan Pass portal.

Can I buy tickets online?
Yes. PDTRA’s PetraPass allows advance online purchase of official dated tickets; you can also buy at the Visitor Centre.

Is Petra by Night included in the day ticket or Jordan Pass?
No. It requires a separate ticket; children under 10 typically attend free. Check current times at the Visitor Centre when you arrive.

Is Petra accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
Partly. The approach is long and surfaces are uneven, but club cars operate on certain segments (Visitor Centre ↔ Treasury) at posted prices, and there are flatter areas around the colonnaded street. Plan rests and shade.

How many days should I spend?
Two days minimum; three if you want back‑routes and sunset viewpoints without rushing.

16) Credible sources you can trust

• Visit Petra — Official Fees & Notes: the authoritative listing for ticket categories and “Petra by Night,” club‑car availability, and operational hours.
• Jordan Pass — Official: product tiers, prices, visa‑waiver conditions (≥3 nights), and included attractions countrywide.
• PDTRA PetraPass: official advance‑ticketing portal; use to secure dated tickets in peak periods.