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Manama

Manama (Arabic: المنامة al-Manāma) is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with its 700,000 people representing nearly half the country's population. Overshadowed by its brash Gulf neighbors Dubai and Qatar, it's often overlooked as a travel destination, but this clean, modern and safe city offers a quieter, gentler introduction to the Gulf way of life.

See
17
Do
7
Eat
10
Drink
8
Buy
14

56 places

  1. Do

    Adhari Park

    A small amusement park with 25 rides and attractions, built around the Ain Adhari spring.

    4pm-midnight

  2. Buy

    Al A'Ali Mall

    A'ali Mall has the look and feel of a traditional open air souk within its air-conditioned confines. A glass roof, stores with old-fashioned Arabic wooden doors and carts selling souvenirs all add to the atmosphere. Outlets include top designer stores.

    Sat-Fri 10AM-10PM

  3. See

    Al Fateh Grand Mosque

    One of the largest mosques in the world, capable of accommodating over 7,000 worshippers at a time and is the largest place of worship in Bahrain. It is also one of the top tourist attractions in Bahrain. The dome is the world's largest fibreglass dome and weighs over 60,000 kg. Al-Fateh includes the National Library which opened to the public in 2006. Tours are available in English and you are allowed to take pictures.

  4. Eat

    Al-Abraaj

    Perfect introduction for non-Arab folks to become accustomed to the Middle Eastern hospitality charm. Food is generous and tasty, and primarily from Lebanese/Turkish and Persian cuisines. Good value at BD 2-4 per head.

  5. Buy

    Avenues Mall

    One of the big new malls in Bahrain. Shops are mostly located along an avenue which is more than 1km long now that the mall is fully open (in 2025). The avenue is covered and air conditioned with a carbon footprint greater than some small countries. It is located on a man made bay in the diplomatic area. Apart from shops, there is a cinema and ice rink (opening some time in 2025). Plenty of free parking.

  6. See

    Bab Al Bahrain

    The Gateway of Bahrain, located in the Customs Square in Central Manama. The ground floor houses the tourist information office and a handicraft shop. Sightseeing bus tours depart from here daily at 9:30AM and 3:30PM.

    8AM-noon and 4:30-6PM

  7. Eat

    Bahay Kubo

    Traditional style Filipino restaurant for dine in, take out and delivery. Bahay Kubo also offers a private function room with karaoke

    Daily from 10:30AM to 10:00PMless than BD 5

  8. See

    Bahrain Fort

    Bahrain Fort, on the island’s north coast, was built in the 14th century but excavations have revealed it was built on the site of Dilmun settlements, dating back to 3,000 BC. Renovated, and with new lighting at night, the Fort is an outstanding example of Bahrain’s varied and ancient history. Bahrain Fort, known in Arabic as Qalat Al Bahrain, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

    8AM to 8PM

  9. See

    Bahrain Fort Museum

    Qal'at al-Bahrain site museum

    The first building comprises an exhibition hall and a child learning and training room whereas the second is made up of a conference hall, a cafe overlooking the sea, offices, a technicians suite and a dormitory for archeologists.

  10. See

    Bahrain National Museum

    Natural and cultural history of Bahrain. The shop is closed for refurbishment in May 2025.

    8AM-8PMBHD1.1

  11. See

    Bait al Quran

    Islamic museum, library and art complex. It is particularly famous for its collection of rare Qur'anic manuscripts from different periods, and from different parts of the Muslim world.

  12. See

    Barbar Temple

    This is an archaeological site located in the village of Barbar. Three temples have been discovered there, the oldest dating back to 3000 BC. The temples were thought to have been constructed to worship gods, as it contains two altars and a natural water spring. During its excavation tools, weapons, pottery, and many small pieces of gold were discovered.

  13. Drink

    Buffalo Bar

    Busy bar in Juffair, has a resident live band, serves drinks and pub food (burgers, fries, etc.).

  14. Eat

    Café Lilou's

    Paris style interiors, popular with ex-pats and locals. Excellent French-café fare, including large salads and delicious cakes. Caters for groups, take out, catering services, outdoor seating. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks.

    Sat-Thu 8AM-11PM, Fri 10AM-10:30PMBD 5-10

  15. Buy

    City Centre Bahrain

    Bahrain City Centre is the first and biggest mixed-use development in Bahrain offering the shopping, leisure and entertainment experience to its customers under one roof. Bahrain City Centre has 150 of its over 350 internationally reputed brands making their debut in the country. The centre includes the region’s first indoor/outdoor temperature-controlled 15,000-m² Wahooo! Waterpark, Bahrain’s biggest cinema complex Cineco 20, and a family entertainment centre for children and young adults, Magic Planet. Over 50 food court outlets offer choices from all over the world.

    Sun-Wed 10AM-10PM

  16. Drink

    Club Wrangler

    Wrangler's

    American-themed bar and dance club. Popular with expats and US sailors.

  17. See

    Corniche al-Fateh

    On the east coast of the city, this pleasant seaside promenade offers good views of the skyscrapers to the south and planes taking off from the airport nearby. Plenty of fun fair rides for the kids and shisha bars for the older set.

  18. See

    Council of Representatives Building

    National Assembly

    The parliament, a large white building in what can be described as Islamic architecture with Bahraini flags, blazons and lit up in white and red during nighttime. According to their website citizens can attend sessions "in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Council".

  19. Drink

    Digger's

    Australian-themed sports pub in the downtown. Popular with single male expats.

  20. Drink

    Golden Club

    Arabic night club featuring Russian girls doing their interpretation of traditional belly dancing.

  21. Eat

    Habara Snacks & Fish

    Great diner that cheerfully serves cheap fish and chips and other assorted snacks.

  22. Drink

    Harvesters

    Very popular pseudo-British pub offering cold beer, pub grub and a Filipino band distinguished more by the singers' skimpy outfits than musical talent. Beers from BD 2.5.

  23. Buy

    Juffair Mall

    Mall in the centre of the Juffair residential area, has the regular shops as well as some restaurants, an ATM and a taxi stand.

  24. Eat

    Lanterns

    An atmospheric Indian restaurant with great food and lovely decor next to Burgerland Roundabout in Budaiya.

  25. See

    Manama Souq

    The souq is network of small lanes that houses small stores selling everything from souvenirs and gifts to electronic products. The souq is also home to many gold and jewelry shops and tailors.

    10AM-1PM and 4-9PM

  26. Buy

    Manama Souq

    Manama's souq (street market) should not be missed by any visitor.

  27. See

    Manama Synagogue

    House of Ten Commandment

    What the building lacks in characteristics it makes up with history. Only remaining synagogue in Bahrain, closed since it was damaged by riots in 1947, has now been renovated and reopened after the normalization of ties between Bahrain and Israel in 2020. There are regular services and guided tours which focuses on the long history of Jews in Bahrain.

  28. Buy

    Moda Mall

    Moda Mall is an ultra-exclusive shopping complex on the ground floor of the landmark Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC). The mall is home to some 160 exclusive brand name boutiques, including lots of famous international ones.

    Sat-Fri 10AM-10PM

  29. Buy

    Seef Mall

    Magic Island, the largest indoor amusement park in the Middle East, is on the first floor.

    Mon-Fri 10AM-10PM, Sat Sun 10AM-midnight

  30. Eat

    Senor Pacos

    An atmospheric Mexican restaurant with great ambience and lovely decor on the Road opposite KFC in Um al Hassam. They have their own guitarist and vocalist singing on most evenings.