Downtown Amman (Al-Balad), Amman: How to Visit and What to Do Nearby

Downtown Amman, known locally as Al-Balad, sits in the wadi between Amman's historic hills, the oldest continuously inhabited section of the Jordanian capital. The district holds the Roman Theater, the King Abdullah I Mosque, the Husseini Mosque, and the gold, textile, and spice souks concentrated along narrow streets between Faisal and Quraysh squares. Hashem Restaurant on Prince Muhammad Street has served the same falafel and hummus menu since 1952. The Rainbow Street cafe district rises on Jebel Amman above the downtown core. Walking is the only practical way to cover the district. is just one of many options in Amman. Major attractions worth considering include Ajloun Castle, Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qalaa), and Amman City Mall.