Amman has a reputation as something of a sleepy city, but Jordan’s capital is a great jumping off point for exploration of the country. The LGBTQ+ scene here is almost entirely underground — while same-sex relationships are legal in private, it’s still not wholly welcome in the public eye.
There has historically only been one gay-friendly venue in the entire city, Books @ Cafe. The café and bar is located on Rainbow Street and offers an eclectic mix of drinks, from delicious coffee to craft brews. It’s also a great place to enjoy a late lunch on a lazy afternoon. Otherwise, you’re stuck with the normal clubs in town like Eight Club, which offers a large dance floor and mixed crowd. There’s also Amigo Pub, more laidback but still welcoming and offers a happy hour 4–8 p.m.
During the day there’s plenty to keep you busy in Amman. The Ancient is a great attraction located in the heart of downtown. The ancient Roman theater is cut into a hillside and is one of the largest theaters outside of Rome that is still mostly intact. The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts is also worth a visit, and showcases more than 2,000 works from Arab and Islamic artists.
Amman still has a lot of work to do when it comes to cementing itself as a gay-friendly destination, but it seems to be on the right track in regards to expanding LGBTQ+ rights.
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