Downtown Amman (Al-Balad)
وسط البلد
The old commercial district at the foot of the Citadel hill, home to the Husseini Mosque, the gold market, the spice bazaar and the long-established Hashem restaurant.
Al-Balad is Amman's oldest district, centered on the Husseini Mosque, rebuilt in 1924. Around it are the gold market, spice and dried fruit markets, a fruit and vegetable market, and second-hand bookshops.
Must-try dishes include the hummus and falafel at Hashem restaurant and the Knafeh from Habibah sweet shop. From here you can walk to the Roman Theatre, the Nymphaeum and the Citadel hill.
The district is free to enter. Shops are generally open from about 9:00 to 22:00, and most close on Friday mornings. Keep an eye on your belongings when it's crowded.
Opening hours
Open all day; shops approx. 09:00–22:00, most closed Friday mornings
Nearby sights
- Amman Citadel
- Roman Theatre (Amman)
- The Jordan Museum
- Rainbow Street
- King Abdullah I Mosque
- Royal Tank Museum
- Cave of the Seven Sleepers
- Royal Automobile Museum