The streets of downtown are full of little shops selling everyday items, some of which make excellent souvenirs. King Talal Street is the best place to start. Look for items like the traditional Turkish coffee services, Arab robes and the red-and-white-chequered headdress or keffiyeh. There are shopping malls like the Mecca Mall (website: www.meccamall.jo) on Mecca Street and the new Airport Mall south of the Seventh Circle on Airport Road. Amman is great for buying gold and jewellery which is sold by weight. Visit the Gold Souk just off King Faisla Street.

For specialist items like dried fruits, jewellery and hand-woven bags produced by rural craftswomen head for Wild Jordan, Othman bin Affan Street which is just off Rainbow Street below the First Circle (open 1000 until late). Jordan Design and Trade Centre, opposite the Amman Orchid Hotel in Shmeisani, stocks hand woven rugs and other items made by the women at the Bani Hamida project (open 1000-1800).