Jordan's outdoor markets and bazaars
Jordan is famous for its street markets. Vendors sell snacks, fruits, sweets, traditional handicrafts, and clothing. The vendors' goods are sold from makeshift stalls that vary in shape and size. Some operate from large tents, while others have smaller kiosks or individual shops. Most vendors work from home, except on Fridays when they congregate in specially designated bazaars to sell their wares to Friday shoppers. It is worth stopping by a few bazaars if you have time to explore the surrounding neighborhoods.
Street markets can be found throughout the country. Still, they are especially abundant in cities like Aqaba, Irbid, and Madaba, where several bazaars are within a short distance. The variety and quality of products change from city to city depending on where you are located relative to major towns along the main highway into that region. For example, one street market might specialize in handmade carpets while another has a broader assortment of textiles and local foodstuffs. In contrast, another has everything under one roof at lower prices than you might find elsewhere.
Jara Souk
One of the most popular outdoor markets in Jordan is Jara Souk, which is located in the capital city of Amman. The souk is a traditional market that offers a wide range of products, including clothing, jewelry, spices, and traditional foods. The market is also known for its traditional architecture, with many of the buildings dating back to the Ottoman period. Visitors can also find traditional crafts and souvenirs such as hand-woven textiles, ceramics, pottery, and copperware.
Jerash Souk
Another popular outdoor market in Jordan is the Jerash Souk, which is located in the ancient city of Jerash. The souk is known for its traditional architecture and offers a wide range of products, including clothing, jewelry, and traditional foods. Visitors can also find traditional crafts and souvenirs such as pottery and ceramics, as well as traditional clothing like the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh, which is a popular item among tourists.
Aqaba Markets
Is another popular destination for shopping, particularly for those who are looking for traditional clothing and jewelry. The market is located in the coastal city of Aqaba and offers a wide range of products, including clothing, jewelry, and traditional foods. Visitors can also find traditional crafts and souvenirs such as Bedouin silver jewelry, as well as traditional clothing like the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh, which is a popular item among tourists.
Madaba Markets
Is also a popular destination for shopping, particularly for those who are interested in traditional crafts and souvenirs. The market is located in the city of Madaba and is known for its traditional architecture, and offers a wide range of products, including clothing, jewelry, and traditional foods. Visitors can also find traditional crafts and souvenirs such as mosaics, which is a traditional art form of Madaba, and pottery.
Irbid Souk
The Irbid Souk is a popular destination for those interested in traditional clothing and textiles. The market is in Irbid and offers a wide range of products, including traditional clothing, textiles, and traditional foods. Visitors can also find traditional crafts and souvenirs, such as embroidered clothing, a standard art form of the region.
Conclusion
Jordan is a country known for its rich history, culture, and art, which is reflected in the many outdoor markets and bazaars that can be found throughout the country. These markets and bazaars offer a unique and authentic shopping experience, allowing visitors to purchase handmade crafts, traditional clothing, and delicious food. Whether you're looking for traditional crafts and souvenirs or traditional clothing, Jordan's outdoor markets and bazaars are the perfect destinations for anyone interested in experiencing the culture and history of the country.
