Al Balad

Visiting 'Al Balad' or the downtown is a fantastic experience for any tourist. A picture of colourful Amman at its best, this place is full of numerous stores and stalls selling different things. It is vibrant with activity and remains busy throughout the day. Al Balad is the heart of the city and this can literally be felt here. It is here that you catch the real pulse of the people. Loud music plays in every shop adding to the energy of the market. A strong old world feeling is prevalent in this market and the sense of the traditional almost takes you back in time. Al Balad is the most authentic and lively part of the city and one must surely go there just for the experience.

While you are there, make it a point to visit Hashem to enjoy traditional Jordanian food. One of the oldest restaurants, it boasts of scrumptious falafels. Do visit Habibah Sweets too. It serves the best baklava in the area. The kanafa, which they serve, is also exquisite in taste and it is tough to find its equivalent anywhere else in the city. The taste lingers long after one has had it. Fresh juice shops stocked with the best fruits line the streets in Al Balad. Fruits of your choice are freshly squeezed in front of you to give you a taste of the best juice you might ever have had.
If buying lanterns, souvenirs and antiques interests you, head straight to Souk Al Bukharieh for an authentic and real shopping experience. Make sure the smooth selling shopkeepers don’t fleece you and negotiate well before making any purchases.

Besides shopping and eating, do visit The Roman Amphitheater, The Al Hussaini Mosque, and The Jordan Museum while you are in this part of the city.