Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Self-caterers and would-be picnickers should head to the
Alia Supermarket
Offline map
Google map
(King Hussein St)
near the Omayed Hotel, which has a good
selection of local produce, including the region's justifiably famous olives. The nearby
street market sells all manner of fresh fruits from northern orchards.
Al-Joude Garden Restaurant$$
(University St; mixed grill meals JD6-10)
Students, visiting parents and local families
crowd into the courtyard outside Al-Joude Hotel to sip fresh fruit juices and smoke a
strawberry nargileh (water pipe). The waiters are kept in a constant state of rush between
tables in this teeming venue as they are summoned for hot embers and top-ups of Turkish
coffee. Eating is an entirely secondary pastime. If you decide to eat, then expect the food
- which is tasty enough - to arrive just as your patience runs out. Chilly even in the sum-
mer once the moon comes up, the management thoughtfully provides Arab overcoats -
strictly, mind, for the ladies as the lads are expected to tough it out. Dessert is best had in
one of the many juice and cake shops in the neighbouring streets.
JORDANIAN
Clock Tower Restaurant$
(Al Jaish St; meals JD3-5; 8.30am-9.30pm)
The name of this popular local is written
in Arabic but as it's right next to the clock tower and has a huge spit of shwarma roasting
in the window, it's hard to miss. There's a family seating area upstairs for a bit of peace
and quiet away from the street and the Jordanian staple dishes are cheap, cheerful and de-
licious. This is one budget restaurant where you won't have to worry about stomach ache
in the heart of downtown.
JORDANIAN
Information
Irbid has plenty of banks for changing money and most have ATMs. The police station is
above the market area, and offers great views of the city. There are literally dozens of in-
ternet cafes along the southern end of University St (Shafeeq Rshaidat St) near Yarmouk
University; most are open year-round.
Post office
(King Hussein St; 7.30am-5pm Sat-Thu, to 1.30pm Fri)
Royal Jordanian Airlines
( 7243202; cnr King Hussein & Al-Jaish Sts)
