Local travel tip: Shopping in Amman

Location: Amman, Jordan

Amman can be said to be a paradise for a shopaholic. Be it international brands or just local clothing or outdoor markets you’re looking for, everything is here and easily accessible within the city. Amman has multiple shopping malls that are on par with the western malls, and offer you great shopping opportunities of the brands and products you’re used to in your home country. And when you need to buy something local (be in souvenir or whatever), you can just grab a taxi and head out to a night market. City Mall (King Abdullah II Street - http://www.citymall.com.jo/) is one of the biggest malls in all Jordan. Offering extensive range of restaurants (both local and international chains), coffee shops, Cineplex and family entertainment zone the City Mall is sure to be able to present you everything there is to be needed. Also housing the largest super – or should I say, hyper – market Carrefour in building, you can literally do all your everyday shopping in the City Mall. Mecca Mall (Mecca Street - http://www.meccamall.jo/) is conveniently located along the main highway, allowing you easy access to any part of the city of Amman. The mall site also has residential buildings, schools, medical center, various businesses and King Hussein Park. There are 490 shops and stall within the mall, as well as 8 movie theaters, 22 different restaurants in the food court and recreational areas. So it’s also truly one of the best places for you to shop or just send some time. But Jordan and Amman is not only made of big western style malls. We also have lots of local-run markets and bazaars all around. If you’re looking for traditional Jordanian handicraft like clothing, textiles, embroideries, mosaics, pottery, carpets or similar stuff, visit Jordan River Foundation Shop (1st Circle, Rainbow Street, tel: +962 6 461 2169 - http://www.jordanriver.jo/). Prices do vary from item to item, but generally everything is quite cheap, and you won’t be spending that many bucks unless you really go splurge. If you’re into it, your can also attend local flea market every Friday at Abdali Station. As the station is no longer used to transportation, JARA (Jabal Amman Residents Association) has taken it over and setup the flea market there in order to preserve the local culture and history the neighborhood of Jabal Amman has. The market is mostly for second-hand clothing and the prices sure are cheap. Also remember to bargain, as it’s more and less the way of the people around in Jordan. Downtown has multiple small stalls all around that sell basically anything that you can either wear or eat. Tea, different coffee blends, spices, oils and like. Also having some local restaurants, the downtown area is nice place to catch something to eat for extremely cheap. There is also a local market in the area. Mostly selling some clothing, food (fruits, nuts, etc.) and everyday items for locals, so the prices will be low – perfect opportunity to buy something non-touristic for you as a keepsake as well.