Sights and landmarks in Manama

Sights and landmarks in Manama

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. See

   Bahrain National Museum

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

   8AM-8PM·BHD1.1

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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".

10. 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

11. 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.

12. See Not mapped

    Al-Qudaibiya Palace

    A massive pink building topped with an onion shaped pearl-coloured dome that is the residence of the prime minister and a venue for political meetings and conferences.

13. See Not mapped

    Bahrain Financial Harbour

    Another glass-and-steel twin tower, completed in 2009. With a height of 260 m it's the second highest building in Bahrain (slightly shy of the Four Seasons Hotel) and as such among the ones more visible in the Manama skyline.

14. See Not mapped

    Bahrain World Trade Center

    A 240-m-high twin tower complex with three skybridges connecting the towers. However, what is special about this building are the wind turbines mounted on the skybridges, providing 11-15% of the energy used by the tenants.

15. See Not mapped

    Khamis Mosque

    There has been a mosque here since 692, but it has been rebuilt over time and the current design is from the 15th century. As such it is regarded as the oldest mosque in the region. It's recognizable by its twin minarets.

16. See Not mapped

    National Theatre of Bahrain

    The national theatre is also worth checking out for its architecture. With 1001 seats, it's one of the largest theatres in the Arab world. Big names in classical music, opera, ballet and similar arts regularly perform here.

17. See

    Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Manama (CC BY-SA 4.0).