Markets are a vital part of Middle Eastern countries. They are primarily located in the city centre. Each market focuses on products from spices, fresh fruits, and vegetables to clothes, carpets and gold. Amman’s markets are the heart of the city, and visiting the markets is a unique way to enjoy an authentic Jordanian experience and learn about the local culture.
Disclaimer: Some links in this article contain affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase any service, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Markets in Amman, also known as Souk, are usually open daily from morning to evening and are located in different parts of the city. While walking around the Al Hussein Bin Talal Mosque, I discovered three of them.
Souk el-Khodra: Fruits and vegetables
Souk el-Khodra is a market where you can find fresh vegetables and fruits. As I passed between the stalls with brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, the vendors started shouting, trying to attract as many customers as possible. Many of them offered me fruit to taste. Thus, I could taste fresh dates, figs, grapes and many other fruits. Later, I learned that it is pretty standard to taste the fruit before buying it in Jordan.
I highly recommend trying fresh fruit in Jordan. It should be on every traveller’s list of things to do. Souk el-Khodra is definitely the place where you have an excellent opportunity to taste various types of vegetables, fruit and cheese.
All the sellers were very friendly and talkative. It’s a shame we didn’t understand each other since they didn’t speak English, and I didn’t speak Arabic. I was most pleased with the fresh figs and dates. I bought about a kilo of each. When I smiled at them while paying, they added a few extra pieces.
In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, you can also get fresh fish, goat cheese, or spices at this market. As I was taking pictures of the cheese, the seller immediately approached me and offered me several samples to taste. The offered cheese looked and smelled delicious, but with my lactose intolerance, I couldn’t be brave enough to taste it.
Souk el-Sagha: Gold and Jewellery
Souk el-Sagha is an ideal place to buy gold or jewellery. While walking through the market, I admired the windows where many beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other artistic jewellery were displayed.
One necklace caught my attention, so I entered the store. When I explained which necklace I liked, the seller put it on the scale and started tapping into the calculator. I felt like he was trying to calculate every single item in the store. Eventually, he showed me a figure. To my surprise, it was three times the average annual salary in Jordan. I wondered who could afford all the gold and jewellery.
When buying items in the souk, beware of fake gold. Always scrutinize the items and pay attention to pieces that break or fall off easily. Remember to haggle with the sellers. It is part of the process and also their culture. It’s not for everyone, and it’s definitely not for me.
Souk Mango: Clothing
Another must-visit market in Amman is the Mango Souk. It is one of the longest-running markets in Amman and is famous for selling wedding clothes for brides.
You can find stunning women’s and children’s clothes here. On top of it, many stores sell perfumes, kitchenware, souvenirs and other traditional products here.
Men’s clothing was in a separate section. Women do not go to this part except tourists. You can find absolutely everything from shoes, socks, trousers, and ties to tailor-made suits. These kind, smiling salesmen take detailed customer measurements and immediately start sewing. Are jackets or trousers wrinkled? Not a problem! Part of the offered service is ironing.
Other markets
There are other markets in Amman that I didn’t have time to visit. Souk Jara is open only on Fridays. It is located on the famous Rainbow Street and is known for its handmade goods from local artisans. There is often live music.
Souk al Joumea is also open only on Fridays. Unlike Souk Jara, it is a flea market where people sell second-hand items, mostly clothes.
Nour al Barakah Market is open on Saturdays and is a place to buy various traditional products.
Conclusion
The markets in Amman are a place I highly recommend visiting. They were places where I experienced the authentic atmosphere of the city and had the opportunity to taste various fresh fruits and admire beautiful colourful clothes and artistic jewellery made of gold. For those who don’t want to haggle, visit department stores where prices are displayed on each item on offer.
