CityBuddy
Souk Jara
Best time to visit
Friday is the only day when the market is in full glory. The best time to arrive is between 10 and 11 AM, when the selection is at its widest and the atmosphere is still calm.
Budget tips
Free entry. Cash is key: small vendors often do not accept cards. Haggling is allowed, but do it politely and with a smile.
Recommended for
Handicraft lovers, Food and tasting enthusiasts, Photographers, Seekers of local culture
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: On Fridays, markets are open selling the handicrafts of over 300 local artisans. Live music performances and fragrant grilled food stalls that fill the air attract visitors.
Highlights: The market is set up in the yard of an old hospital, and many of the stalls are former hospital rooms where the walls still have the original tiles. On Friday afternoons, local musicians gather on the central square to play the oud, and the atmosphere is like a big family celebration.
Insider tips
- Arrive at 9 AM right away to catch the best handicrafts before the crowds.
- Try grilled corn on the cob and fresh dates: they are the market's most delicious offerings.
- Bring your camera: the old hospital's tiled walls provide a wonderful setting for photos.
- Avoid the busiest time from 12 to 2 PM, when the aisles fill up with families and children.
Where to Stay in Amman
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