Downtown Amman (Al Balad)

One of the oldest parts of Amman, Downtown is home to people from all backgrounds and ages!

Unlike Rainbow Street or Abdali, Downtown is on the border of the circles and the East (the less affluent part of the city). As a result, Downtown caters to a much larger crowd and a lot more locals than other places in Amman. The beauty is that one turn will lead to glamorous brunch cafes, and the next to a Roman Amphitheatre, and the third to the best falafel in the city. For the full authentic experience, eat, shop, and explore here! 

To See

  • Hercules Temple
  • Amman Citadel
  • Roman Amphitheatre 
  • Roman Nymphaeum
  • Turkish Baths
  • Umayyad Mosque

To Eat

  • Jafra - casual, JD 7/person, recommend the clay pot dishes
  • Al Quds - offers traditional dishes such as Mansaf (meat + rice + yogurt)
  • Hashem - one of the oldest restaurants in Jordan, must-visit, outdoor seating, no plates or utensils, falafel, pita, hummus, ful, muttabel, fatteh, fresh veggies
  • Shams El Balad - Al Balad, brunch food, JD 10/person, our favorite restaurant in Amman, order the flatbreads, grilled haloumi, salads, and omelet
  • Jabri - traditional Jordanian dishes such as Mansaf
  • Habibah - iconic dessert place in Al Balad, must try their knafeh (traditional Palestinian dessert made with cheese pastry soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup)
  • Aima's Ice Cream Parlour - Al Balad, egg waffle ice cream, good for sharing