Amman

The downtown, or Al Balad, is one's best bet for finding great bargains in Amman. The area is packed with all manner of shops and businesses, selling clothing, accessories, intricate jewellery, herbs, and various edibles. Haggling is expected — count on bringing the original price down by at least half, unless the specific locale has a fixed-price policy.

The Jordan River Foundation Design showroom stocks exquisite home decor pieces, rugs, accessories and Dead Sea cosmetics, along with a plethora of other pieces, all of the highest quality. Prices here are steep for good reason: the foundation supports women and youths from local communities, and all profits made are put towards development projects.

Souq Jara enlivens Fawzi Malouf Street, adjacent to Rainbow Street’s terminus, every Friday from May to September. This weekly market channels profits back into the community while showcasing Jordanian crafts. Under canvas awnings, vendors display handwoven textiles, olive-wood carvings, and aromatic spice blends — all ripe for good-natured bargaining. The souq’s magic lies in its convivial rhythm: live oud music accompanies haggling, while sizzling shawarma and sesame-studded kaek bread scent the air. Families gravitate toward the children’s play area or evening film screenings projected between stalls. Arrive by mid-morning to browse at leisure, or stay past sunset when cultural performances animate the cobbled street. Cash remains king for securing those one-of-a-kind finds, from silver Bedouin jewellery to hand-painted ceramics.

This long-standing souvenir store's roots go back to late 19th century Palestine, where the owning family first established a shop. It's packed to capacity with ceramics, jewellery, lamps, and all manner of tinkles born to make excellent gifts; a trip out of downtown to come here is certainly in order.

Trinitae's cosmetics offering extends beyond soaps to include a few other skincare products, all made with organic local ingredients, from plants and oils to salts of the Dead Sea. It's a heaven of luxurious organic goods of the highest quality. Gift sets are available.