Wadi Musa
It's almost a crime to visit Petra and miss the oldest bar in the world. Occupying a 2000-year-old Nabataean rock tomb, this atmospheric Petra hot spot…
Must-see nightlife in Jordan
Amman
This cafe goes from strength to deserved strength. There's plenty of excellent coffee on offer, but tea is the thing here: choose from a menu that…
Amman
Lively bar in Lweibdeh where you can also grab a bite to eat, attached to La Locanda boutique hotel. The big draw here is the live music, with bands…
The Ancient City
Long-term Petra resident Bdoul Mofleh rustles up ad hoc tea for those passing his 'unofficial' cave house on Al Habis. This is the best tea shop in Petra…
Amman
Catch the sunset over the old city while sipping a happy hour cocktail (50% off from 5pm to 8pm) on District’s rooftop terrace. The casual chic vibe,…
Amman
Put your caffeine addiction to good use at this colourful cafe at the National Gallery of Fine Arts, where you can sample locally sourced coffees, teas…
Amman
Jordan doesn't sound like the place where you can drink at a local microbrewery, but you can at Fuheis just outside Amman, where Carakale have opened a…
Amman
You may need to keep your sunglasses on when you enter this establishment – the retro floral walls in psychedelic colours are a fun throwback to the '70s…
Amman
This popular, cosy English pub in Sweifieh has wood panelling and a lively atmosphere. The comfort food includes authentic fish and chips, and roast beef…
Amman
One of the few proper drinking holes on Rainbow St, La Calle has a couple of decent-sized bar areas, and a small but breezy terrace on the 3rd floor that…
Amman
For an elevated lounge experience, head up to the 13th floor of the Landmark Hotel. Home to Amman’s longest bar, Ghoroub is the perfect perch from which…
Amman
Named for the terrapins in the cafe window, this tea shop is a good place to refuel halfway down Rainbow St. As well as hot drinks and juices, the…
Amman
This corner cafe is a refreshing mix of traditional and modern: the old wood and high ceilings give it the air of a place where old Ammani men congregate…
Amman
Part lounge, part sushi bar and part study (think high-backed chairs, a fireplace and the daily newspaper), the Living Room is pretty understated. It…
Aqaba
This 'English' pub attracts a young crowd, plus those curious to see how the iconic pub of soap opera Coronation Street has ended up by the Red Sea (check…
Wadi Musa
The Mövenpick Hotel bar has a superb Moroccan-style interior with carved wooden grills and a grand chandelier. It’s worth having a cocktail or an ice…
Amman
In the heart of a cultural centre, this is a peaceful place to escape from downtown, especially as it’s surrounded by a garden and the ruins of a…
Amman
A lively Latin-styled bar that's popular with the expat set, Copas Central has a laid-back vibe and a great terrace that's perfect for whiling away a…
Amman
Chilled-out coffee shop just off Rainbow St, always popular with the cool laptop crowd. The inside is deliciously air-conditioned, and there's a terrace…
Aqaba
Above the Romero Restaurant in the marina, this is an elegant rendezvous with a delightful harbourside view of the sunset.
Amman
Shop a selection of local and international wines or schedule a wine tasting or pairing at one of the largest wine cellars in Jordan. The Winemaker…
Amman
This Rainbow St bar’s extensive cocktail list, colourful decor – crafted from discarded items once destined for the scrapyard – and weekly music events…
Amman
The 1st-floor balcony here is the place to pass an afternoon with a nargileh (water pipe) and survey the chaos of the downtown area below, though…
Amman
The Royal Film Commission's cafe is a good place to grab a coffee and a toasted sandwich if you've just walked the length of Rainbow St and are looking…
Amman
This bright and buzzing cafe is one of a chain that stretches across the Middle East. Far from a traditional coffeehouse, it’s a hit with the young and…
Amman
This cosy cafe has a traditionally decorated indoor dining area as well as an outdoor terrace overlooking the street far below. There's frequently someone…
Umm Qais
At the time of research this cafe near the ruins was due to open in early 2018. It will offer tea, coffee and fruit juices, and will serve as an…
Wadi Musa
The Petra Palace Hotel runs this sociable bar, decorated with assorted local memorabilia. It is one of the few dedicated bars in town, and it makes for a…
The Ancient City
With a view of the Royal Tombs, this Bedouin-run establishment can muster sandwiches, snacks and milkshakes. It has a permanent awning and nascent garden,…
Aqaba
Just off Zahran St, this is a traditional coffeehouse where local men sip qahwa (coffee), play backgammon and smoke shisha. It has a pleasant outdoor…
Amman
Also known as Al Sharq, this spit-and-sawdust (and testosterone) bar in downtown, off Al Amir Mohammed St, serves a range of beers, spirits and the local…
Amman
Try to ignore the filthy staircase on your way up to this utterly basic smoking den. If you can land one of the two balcony tables overlooking the street,…
Wadi Musa
If you’re climbing the hill between Petra Visitor Centre and Shaheed roundabout, you might like to stop at the Al Qaysar Restaurant, a halfway house with…
Amman
This gritty Jordanian spot is popular with local men idling away the hours with a thick black coffee. You’ll have to make your way through the tobacco…
Amman
A glass of mint tea here comes with perhaps the best view of the Citadel on offer downtown. It’s an unpretentious place, despite the decorative well in…
Amman
This cafe has good views over the city, and you can sit on the roof in summer. It's close to the Roman theatre, although frustratingly you can't see it…
Aqaba
This is a good cafe for sweetened tea and desperately black coffee. There's an upstairs seating area.
