Whether you’re looking for handmade crafts, intricate textiles, or delicious spices, Jordan has something for every shopper. Let’s explore the best places you can visit during your shopping tour in Jordan.
Shopping Hours:
First, you need to know the best times to shop and their currency, the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).
- Saturday to Thursday: 09:30 AM – 01:30 PM and 03:30 PM – 06:00 PM. Some shops open earlier at 08:00 AM and close at 08:00 PM.
- Friday: Most shops are closed, except for the market.
Currency:
- The currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), and it is divided into 100 piastres or 1000 fils. Banknotes come in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 1 JOD, and 500 fils. Coins include 1, ½, ¼ JOD, and smaller amounts.
Popular Shopping Spots in Jordan:
Downtown Amman (Wast El Balad)
- Al-Sukar Market – Located behind the Al-Hussein Mosque, this market offers gift and accessory shops with wholesale prices.
- Vegetable and Spice Market – Also behind Al-Hussein Mosque, this market has colorful displays of fresh fruits and well-organized spices. A tip: hold your children’s hands, as it can get very crowded.
- Al-Joura Market (Saqf El-Sail) – Here you will find all sorts of second-hand goods, not just for the poor. What makes it special is that you can find old, rare items at very low prices.
- Ras Al-Ain Market – A large area with stalls selling second-hand clothes. It’s open on Thursdays and Fridays (the Jordanian weekend) and is packed with people 24 hours a day.
Note: On Thursdays and Fridays, downtown is extremely crowded since it’s the weekend in Jordan. On Fridays, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, most shops close for the midday prayer.
While walking in downtown Amman, don’t miss trying Jordan’s famous sweet called Kunafa. Ask anyone where to find it, and they will guide you. Your day won’t be complete without it!
Rainbow Street
In the evening, head to Rainbow Street, which is about 3 km long. It’s full of high-end shops, restaurants, and cafés. It’s known for its relaxed cafés and shisha lounges. On Fridays, you can visit Souk Jara, a market with stalls selling handmade crafts, local food, and clothes.
Though Rainbow Street is more upscale than downtown, downtown Amman has more markets with better prices.
Other Markets in Jordan:
- Salt Market: Close to downtown Amman, it’s famous for its old buildings and rich history.
- Madaba Market: Known for its beautiful, old buildings, Madaba is called the “City of Mosaics” and is famous for its mosaic crafts, textiles, and oriental antiques.
- Petra Market (Wadi Musa): Popular with tourists, you’ll find lots of handmade crafts and clothing. It’s the perfect stop for anyone visiting Petra.
- Aqaba Market: Like downtown Amman, it’s full of local shops and restaurants. Aqaba is a coastal city on the Red Sea, so you’ll also find fresh fish in places like Fish Market Street.
Weve listed these top places for both tourists and locals to enjoy shopping in Jordan. Prices will vary, so it’s a good idea to ask a local guide or driver to help you find the best deals and quality products.
