Rainbow Street is a buzzing hub of activity. The cobblestone street is lined with many of the trendiest restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques in the city. Find something for every taste in this popular area, from hipster cafés and vintage clothing shops, to sleek lounges and high-end designer boutiques.
Stop into any of the restaurants serving international and authentic Jordanian cuisine. Locals claim that the falafel is among the best in the region. You’ll have to taste it for yourself to see. Order a plate or a sandwich at one of the many falafel shops. Don’t forget to get the Jordanian-style hummus on the side, which comes topped with a swirl of excellent olive oil. For a treat, try some of the many ice cream parlors and traditional pastry shops.
Stay until nightfall, when the area takes on a different character. Many cafés on Rainbow Street turn into nightlife hot spots for the cosmopolitan set when the sun goes down. Lounges are more popular in Amman than nightclubs, and these swanky spots are often full.
For something more low key, head to a shisha bar, a popular choice for a relaxed night with friends. Find a variety of shisha shops on Rainbow Street. Choose a shop with good music and settle in for an evening of people-watching.
Despite the modern feel of the area, you don’t need to venture far from the main thoroughfare to see remnants of old Amman. Rainbow Street is located in one of the most historic parts of the city. Stroll past the Safadi Mosque with is pretty minaret and see the vintage Rainbow Theater, which gave the street its name.
On Fridays from mid-May to the end of September, continue on to Souk Jara, the open-air flea market on Fawzi Malouf Street near the end of Rainbow Street. The market is open from 10 a.m. until well into the evening. Be aware that traffic can be intense, especially on the weekends, so it’s best to explore the area on foot. There is no admission fee to enter Rainbow Street or Souk Jara and the street is family-friendly.
