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Shopping in Amman

Jordan is renowned for its handicrafts and you’ll find plenty of craft centres in Amman which stock high-quality items like coffee pots, candlesticks and handmade textiles. What’s more, you can often find goods made by women’s cooperatives and other socially-minded groups. With Western influences creeping indiscreetly into the city too, visitors don’t have to look far for designer boutiques and shiny shopping centres either.

Key areas

Amman is great for buying gold and jewellery, which is sold by weight. A good place to start is at the Gold Souk just off King Faisla Street. For specialist items like dried fruits, jewellery and hand-woven bags produced by rural craftswomen, head to Wild Jordan, Othman bin Affan Street, which is just off Rainbow Street below the First Circle (open 1000 until late). Other shops in the area selling quirky home decor and fine crafts are Bawabet al-Sharq and the Jordan River Foundation, located on or near Rainbow Street. Women at the Bani Hamida project work through the Jordan River Foundation to revive and sell traditional Bedouin weaving products.

Markets

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 keffiyeh (red-and-white-chequered headdresses).

Shopping centres

There are shopping malls like the Mecca Mall, on Mecca Street, the Airport Mall, south of the Seventh Circle on Airport Road, and Zara Shopping Centre, located behind the Grand Hyatt Amman.

Opening hours

Shopping hours in Amman are flexible but generally 0930-1330 and 1530-1800. Please note that shops close earlier during the month of Ramadan.

Souvenirs

When you stumble across a tourist sight in the city, souvenirs are not far away. These can include anything from headdresses and local jewellery to sand art bottles.

Tax information

Most shops in tourist areas and established shopping malls offer sales tax refunds, valued at 16%, for non-Jordanians. Be sure to get a Premier Tax Free slip to claim your money back at the airport.

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Four Seasons Hotel Amman

Undoubtedly the city's most luxurious hotel, the Four Seasons knows its place as it sits atop the highest of the Amman's Jabels (hills). Naturally, the hotel's signature service, beds and ambience are otherworldly, but you can't put a price on its wonderful views. Dead Sea mud treatments and salt scrubs are available in its spa and its run of excellent onsite restaurants might mean you don't eat anywhere else.

Corp Amman Hotel

Located opposite the Royal Cultural Centre, the Corp Amman Hotel has 108 rooms, so if there's nothing on across the road, it opens up ample bargaining opportunities for nabbing a knocked down price. Sleeping quarters approach apartment sizes, and each comes with a large TV, free Wi-Fi and soundproofed windows. The small gym and swimming pool is enough to keep guests primed during their stay, while the rooftop lounge is best at dusk.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Amman

At Crowne Plaza hotel, you can overlook the white city of Amman. International fast food restaurants, the main shopping area of Sweifiyeh, and the popular Gold Souk of Um Utheina are within walking distance. This 5 star hotel is an acclaimed destination for business trips, family visits and even solo travels to Jordan.

The Amman Pasha Hotel

Look past the floral bedspreads, and rise above the dodgy water pressure, and The Amman Pasha Hotel is a bit of a bargain. Leaning towards the hostel side of accommodation, rooms are clean and staff are friendly, and there’s a lovely roof terrace. The quirky café is adorned with stained glass windows, and Arabian carpets and onsite cooking classes are worth a few hours of your time. Toss up between rooms with views of the Roman Theatre or those away from the hubbub of the road outside. Breakfast is included.

ibis Amman

With a solid stamp of standardisation, ibis Amman works hard to provide perennial hotel needs: quiet rooms, decent beds and clean bathrooms. The location is central enough, while Wi-Fi and breakfast is included as part of the deal. Funky, Ikea-like furniture adorns the public spaces and staff are super helpful.

Toledo Hotel

Modern with a hint of faux-Moorish architecture, this moderately priced, 4-star hotel combines a great location with tasteful decoration and air-conditioned bliss. Under the shadows of some 5-star stalwarts, Toledo Hotel offers decent room dimensions, a restaurant that marries East and West, plus a spa with a lap pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.