Amman Shopping Guide 2025
Find the best markets, malls, and unique souvenirs in Amman.
Amman is Jordan's dynamic capital city, a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern urban life set across a dramatic hillside landscape. The city is home to Roman ruins, vibrant souks, world-class restaurants, and a thriving arts scene, making it one of the Middle East's most compelling destinations.
What to Buy
Unique local products worth bringing home.
Madaba-style Mosaics
Handcrafted ceramic tiles featuring Byzantine mosaic patterns inspired by Madaba's famous mosaic maps — authentic Jordanian decorative art
Bedouin Silver Jewelry
Traditional Bedouin silver necklaces, bracelets, and rings with geometric patterns — both antique and contemporary pieces available
Palestinian Embroidery (Tatreez)
Brightly colored traditional embroidery on cloth, cushion covers, bags, and garments — a living art form practiced across Jordan
Jordanian Olive Oil
Premium extra-virgin olive oil from Jordan's ancient olive groves — excellent quality and an authentic Levantine product
Za'atar Spice Mix
Jordan's essential herb blend — dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt — indispensable in Levantine cooking and a great edible souvenir
Dead Sea Minerals Skincare
Natural mud masks, sea salt scrubs, and mineral creams made from authentic Dead Sea minerals — one of Jordan's most popular souvenirs
Wadi Rum Sand Bottles
Decorative glass bottles filled with layered, naturally colored Wadi Rum desert sand arranged in intricate patterns — a uniquely Jordanian craft
Hebron Glass
Vibrantly colored blown glass from the ancient Palestinian tradition — vases, bowls, and decorative pieces in jewel-toned colors
Olive Wood Carvings
Handcrafted items from Jordan's olive trees — bowls, crosses, Nativity sets, and decorative pieces with beautiful grain patterns
Arabic Coffee and Cardamom
Whole green coffee beans for Arabic qahwa or pre-ground mixes with cardamom — the essential Jordanian hospitality beverage
Markets & Bazaars
Experience authentic local shopping culture.
Downtown Amman Souks (Balad)
The historic heart of Amman's commercial life — a labyrinth of specialist souks for everything from gold and spices to secondhand goods and live chickens. Authentically Jordanian and endlessly fascinating.
Friday Flea Market (Souk Al-Jum'a)
Amman's beloved weekly flea market selling everything from antique Jordanian household items and vintage clothing to collectibles and curious oddities — treasure-hunting at its best
Rainbow Street Friday Market
A charming weekly market on Amman's most popular street featuring organic produce, artisan food products, handmade crafts, and vintage goods sold by local artisans and farmers
Kan Zaman Artisan Village Market
A beautifully restored 19th-century caravanserai housing permanent artisan workshops and market stalls selling high-quality traditional Jordanian crafts, Jordan River Foundation products, and regional specialties
Hashemi Spice Alley
A narrow alley perfumed with the scent of dozens of spice varieties — za'atar, sumac, dried herbs, exotic spices, dried rose petals, and medicinal herbs sold by traditional merchants
Complete Shopping Guide
Bargaining phrases, souvenir recommendations, and budget tips.
Shopping Districts
Where to find different types of shops.
Rainbow Street & 1st Circle
Amman's trendiest shopping strip — independent boutiques selling local fashion, jewelry, and design items alongside cafes and galleries
Sweifieh
West Amman's primary commercial district with international fashion brands, electronics, and the Baraka Mall and Lulu Mall complexes
Abdali Boulevard
Amman's sleek new downtown strip combining restaurants, cinemas, and international retail in a modern pedestrian-friendly environment
Downtown Souk (Balad)
The historic commercial heart of Amman with everything from gold souks and spice merchants to fabric sellers and hardware stores
Malls & Modern Stores
Air-conditioned shopping options.
Mecca Mall
Amman's largest shopping mall in the Tlaa Al-Ali area — over 300 stores including international and regional brands, a Carrefour hypermarket, food court, and multiplex cinema
City Mall
Popular family mall in Dabouq with a wide range of international brands, restaurants, Carrefour, and extensive entertainment options including a children's play area
Abdali Mall
Upscale mall integrated into the Abdali Boulevard development with premium brands, fine dining restaurants, and a multiplex cinema
Cozmo Mall (Mecca Street)
Mid-size mall popular with locals for its mix of everyday shopping, grocery options, cafes, and accessible price points
Taj Mall
Upscale mall in Tlaa Al-Ali featuring luxury brands, fine dining, and an exclusive premium shopping experience for Amman's affluent residents
Bargaining Tips
How to negotiate prices in local markets.
Bargaining is expected in traditional souks and markets — the asking price is rarely the final price
Start by offering 40–50% of the original price and negotiate from there
Walk away if the price doesn't suit you — vendors often call you back with a better offer
Cash is king in markets — having the exact amount in JOD speeds transactions and shows you're serious
Never bargain aggressively or rudely — the social exchange should remain pleasant
Fixed-price shops (chain stores, mall retailers) do not bargain — only negotiate in markets and independent shops
The Friday Flea Market is the best place for serious bargain hunting
When NOT to Bargain
- Fixed-price shops and malls
- Government emporiums
- Restaurants and hotels
- Supermarkets and pharmacies
Customs & Export Rules
What you need to know about taking purchases home.
Export Restrictions
Antiques over 100 years old cannot be exported from Jordan without a permit from the Department of Antiquities. Be wary of sellers claiming items are 'genuine antiquities' — most are modern reproductions.
Tax Refunds
VAT refund (generally 16%) available at Queen Alia Airport for purchases over JOD 50 from registered retailers — keep your tax invoices
Duty-Free Limits
Duty-free allowances on arrival: 1 liter alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars. Purchase alcohol at duty-free on arrival to avoid city shop prices.
Shipping
International shipping available at major post offices and through courier companies (FedEx, DHL, Aramex). Kan Zaman Village and the Jordan River Foundation shops can arrange shipping for larger craft purchases.
Shop Smart in Amman
Get our complete shopping guide with bargaining phrases, quality assessment tips, and budget planner.
Download Shopping Guide