Is Rainbow Street worth visiting in Amman?

Yes, it is considered the cultural heart of the city. It offers a unique mix of mid-century architecture, historic villas, and the best panoramic views of the Citadel and downtown Amman.

What is the best time to do this walking route?

Late afternoon is ideal. You can enjoy the shops and architecture in daylight, watch the sunset from the Wild Jordan Center, and see the street come alive with lights in the evening.

Is this walking route family-friendly?

Absolutely. The street is mostly pedestrian-friendly, and there are many family-oriented cafes and ice cream shops along the way. However, keep an eye on children near the 1st Circle traffic.

Can I do this walk in a wheelchair?

The route is mostly flat, but Ammani sidewalks are notoriously uneven and can have high curbs. A companion is recommended for wheelchair users to navigate the occasional obstacles.

Where can I find the best views on this walk?

The Wild Jordan Center offers the most famous panoramic view of the old city. There are also several small 'viewpoint' alleys branching off Rainbow Street toward the north.

Is there a dress code for Jabal Amman?

While Jabal Amman is quite cosmopolitan and liberal, it is respectful to dress modestly. Covering shoulders and knees is recommended for both men and women when exploring neighborhood streets.

Are there many stairs on this route?

Unlike the rest of Amman which is very hilly, this specific route along the ridge of the hill is relatively flat. You only encounter stairs if you choose to walk down to the downtown area from Rainbow Street.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Jabal Amman is the cultural heartbeat of Jordan’s capital, and this self-guided walk through its most famous artery, Rainbow Street, offers a window into the city’s mid-century evolution. Long before the glass skyscrapers of the new downtown rose, the elite of Amman built their homes here, blending traditional Levantine styles with modern European influences. This walking route invites you to discover the layer of history that defines the neighborhood, from the intellectual hubs of the 1990s to the grand villas of the 1940s. As you explore independently, you will notice how the architecture transitions from the heavy stone facades of the early 20th century to the sleek, streamlined designs of the mid-century era. This neighborhood stroll is more than just a sightseeing path; it is an exploration of Amman's identity. You will pass by the former residences of influential families and see how they have been repurposed into vibrant cultural centers and cafes. The route also offers some of the most spectacular views of the Citadel and the Roman Theater across the valley, providing a visual bridge between the ancient and the modern. Whether you are interested in the evolution of urban design or simply want to soak in the atmosphere of Amman’s most famous street, this walking tour Amman provides the context you need to appreciate the fine details of the stone carvings and the stories behind the garden walls. By choosing a self-guided experience, you can pause to browse local crafts at Souk Jara or enjoy a coffee while overlooking the old city, making this walking tour Amman a perfect introduction for first-time visitors and a deeper dive for those returning to the city.

Highlights

The 1940s architectural elegance of Villa Mango

Panoramic views of the Amman Citadel and Roman Theater

The intellectual and cultural legacy of Books@cafe

Artisan crafts and local vibes at the seasonal Souk Jara

The historic transition of the 1st Circle and its surrounding villas

Modern Jordanian conservation efforts at the Wild Jordan Center

Tour Stops (6)

Books@cafe

Begin your neighborhood stroll at Books@cafe, a pioneer of the Jabal Amman cultural scene. Opened in 1997, it was one of the first locations in the city to combine a bookstore with a cosmopolitan cafe atmosphere. The building itself is a beautifully restored old house, showcasing the high ceilings and thick stone walls typical of the neighborhood's early 20th-century residences. For decades, this has been a safe haven for intellectuals, artists, and the LGBTQ+ community, representing the progressive and inclusive side of Amman. As you look around, notice the blend of vibrant, modern interior design against the historic architectural skeleton, a metaphor for the neighborhood's own transformation over the last century.

Villa Mango

A short walk away stands Villa Mango, one of the most significant examples of mid-century architecture in Jordan. Built in the late 1940s for the prominent Mango family, the villa was designed by architect Mukhtar Saqr. It represents a departure from the more traditional 'Ammani' style, incorporating streamlined horizontal lines and a more minimalist aesthetic that was popular in the post-WWII era. The use of high-quality local limestone paired with modern structural techniques made this one of the most prestigious addresses in the city. While it remains a private residence, its presence on the street serves as a reminder of the era when Jabal Amman was the undisputed center of the city's high society.

Souk Jara

Continuing down the street, you arrive at the entrance of Souk Jara. While this market is seasonal, typically operating on Fridays during the summer months, the alleyway itself is a historic part of the Jabal Amman fabric. It is located on Fawzi Al-Maalouf Street and serves as a gathering point for local artisans, designers, and food producers. The souk was established to revitalize the neighborhood and provide a platform for traditional crafts like embroidery, pottery, and handmade jewelry. Even when the market isn't in session, walking through this area allows you to see the smaller-scale residential architecture that clusters around the main thoroughfare of Rainbow Street.

Wild Jordan Center

Perched on the edge of the hill, the Wild Jordan Center offers more than just a spectacular view. This facility is operated by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) and is a hub for eco-tourism and sustainable development in Jordan. The architecture here is intentionally modern and eco-friendly, designed to blend with the rocky slope. From the terrace, you have an unobstructed view of the ancient Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a) and the sprawling downtown area (Al-Balad) below. It’s a perfect spot to observe how the city has expanded across its many hills, or 'jabals,' while also learning about Jordan's diverse nature reserves through the center's exhibits.

Rainbow Street

You are now walking the main stretch of Rainbow Street, officially known as Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Street. It earned its famous nickname from the old Rainbow Cinema that once stood near the First Circle. This street was the first paved road in the neighborhood and became the city's premier shopping and dining destination in the mid-20th century. Look for the colorful umbrellas and the diverse array of shopfronts that range from traditional tea houses to modern art galleries. The street has undergone a major renovation to make it more pedestrian-friendly, preserving the historic limestone facades while accommodating the thousands of visitors who come here every week to experience Amman’s social life.

1st Circle

The walking route concludes at the 1st Circle, the first of eight roundabouts that form the spine of modern Amman. Established in the mid-20th century, this circle was the gateway between the old city center and the then-new residential areas of Jabal Amman. Surrounding the circle are several notable buildings, including the former headquarters of the British Council and grand villas that now serve as embassies or corporate offices. This area marks the transition from the pedestrian-heavy Rainbow Street to the wider avenues of the newer city. From here, you can easily find transport to the downtown markets or continue your exploration toward the 2nd and 3rd Circles.

Frequently Asked Questions

A leisurely walk of the main street takes about 20 minutes, but the full self-guided route with stops takes 60 to 90 minutes. This allows time for photos at the viewpoints and a quick coffee break.