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Irrespective of the turmoil in
the surrounding regions, Amman
has elevated itself to become
Middle East’s cultural capital.
The cafes in Amman provide
an open space for people of all
ethnicities and sexualities to meet,
reaffi rming this fact.MOHAMMAD BADRAN
FOUNDER, TURTLE GREEN TEA BARI started Books@Cafe at a time when
Jordan was facing heavy refugee
infl ux. I wanted to provide a space for
these people to enjoy a cup of coffee
with freedom. Initially, all books that
I kept centred around the idea of a free
nation, something that has spurred
a whole new culture in Amman.MADIAN AL JAZIRAH
OWNER, BOOKS@CAFEYADID LEVY/ALAMY; SHUTTERSTOCK; BOTTOM: DIVYA BEHL AND VIKAS PLAKKOT (2)Guide
T
H
E
JORDANUntil early 2000s, Amman was a sleepy
city that struggled to establish itself
among the Middle-Eastern elites like
Beirut or Cairo. In the last few years,
it has undergone a facelift with the
advent of artsy cafes, shisha lounges,
and hipster bars.
From LGBT movements to fi lm
festivals, these new age cafes are at the
core of Amman’s artistic metamorphosis.BOOKS@CAFE The driving force
behind Amman’s evolution,
Books@Cafe is where Ammanites
from all walks of life can be seenTurtle Green Tea
Bar in Amman.THE FACE OF AMMAN
Discover the art scene in the city that is thriving with young artists and new voices.Local Takes
smoking a pipe or engaging in
political conversations. Umar Ibn
Al Khattab; +962-6/465-0457
TURTLE GREEN TEA BAR
An eclectic mix of classic and
contemporary styles, this cafe
serves amazing hibiscus tea. A hub
of upcoming bands, artists
come here for a lift-off. Al Rainbow
St; Amman; +962-6/464-4813
RUMI CAFE Rumi is a no-frills
cafe and a centre for digital nomads
and startup entrepreneurs. Jabal Al
Weibdeh; +962-6/464-4131Renting a car is the
best way to enjoy
Jordan’s incredible
vistas. While many
car rental companies
operate here,
montecar.com is the
local favourite.