Manama.
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Overview

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.

Understand

Manama emerged as the capital of independent Bahrain after periods of domination by Portugal and Persians. Today, it is a modern capital with an economy based on the sales promotion industry as crude oil takes a less pronounced role in the economy. Climate

Sitting on the Persian Gulf right next to the Arabian peninsula, unsurprisingly Manama - and Bahrain in general - has an arid climate, with little rain (most of it falling during the winter months) and high temperatures during much of the year. During the summer daytime highs around +40°C can be expected, during the winter the mercury generally approaches +20°C.

The Bahrain Island has been inhabited since around 3000 BC, and has been an important trading point ever since. Back then, it was the site of the Dilmun civilization, of which world heritage listed burial mounds remain, mainly around the city of A'ali just southwest of Manama.

In the several millennia that followed, the island went by the names of Awal, Mishmahig and Tylos and was ruled by several empires from around 700 BC onwards: the Assyrian, Babylonian, and different Persian empires. The inhabitants converted to Islam in 628, and towards the end of the 7th century the first Khamis Mosque was built at the western outskirts of today's Manama. The mosque that today stands there is the third.

The first records of a town by the name Manama is in a manuscript from 1345. Around that time, the island was a tributary of the Kingdom of Hormuz and the island's capital Bilad Al Qadeem (today a suburb of Manama) had become a centre of religious scholarship and pearl fishing. Buildings related to pearling in the adjacent island city of Muharraq comprise another of the country's three world heritage sites.

In 1521, the Portuguese who at the time controlled the spice trade along the Cape Route took possession of the island and set up a fort at the western outskirts of present-day Manama. The Portuguese fort, going by the name Qal'at al-Bahrain is the third world heritage site in Bahrain, and the only one administratively in Manama. Bahrain was reconquered by Persians (the Safavid Empire at the time) in 1602.

In addition to pearling and trading, also agriculture thrived; orchards, date palms, barley and wheat was grown. Pearls was however the main export product that brought wealth to the island. Persian rule continued until 1783, when the Arab Bani Utbah tribe invaded and set up Bahrain as an independent kingdom. This was followed by almost a century of unrest with the governments along the coast fighting each other and a civil war between the island's co-rulers in 1842. In 1862, Manama consisted of ruins and pearl fishermen's shacks; the port was closed and its merchants had moved elsewhere.

Now the British, who had an interest in safeguarding the routes to the Raj, made Bahrain into a protectorate in 1861 as part of the Persian Gulf Residency, with Manama as its capital. With peace and safety guaranteed, the pearl trade grew rapidly again. But so did the British influence. After World War I, in 1919, Bahrain was made part of the Empire. Administrative reforms were made, and in practice the British ran the country. Pearling was replaced with oil industry in the 1930s, which proved important for the British war effort a few years later. The airport which had been opened in 1927 served as the airbase RAF Muharraq during World War II and until Bahraini independence.

As in many parts of the world, after the war voices were raised for independence from Western colonial overlords. Increasing protests after the Suez Crisis led to the British withdrawing from Bahrain in 1971, at the point which Bahrain became independent. Up until then, Manama was a much smaller town than it is today, but it changed in the 1970s with a construction boom where the surrounding towns and villages were incorporated into Manama. This also led to a large influx of construction workers from the Indian subcontinent, soon outnumbering the native Bahrainis. Also land reclamation was used to create land that could be easily built on.

Over the following decades, Manama developed into the Gulf state metropolis it is today with a number of financial institutions, albeit it's much smaller than Kuwait, Doha or Abu Dhabi, and it also doesn't have a flag carrier whose jumbo jets can be seen on all major airports of the world. As such it's less of a destination where people stop over for a few hours or a day on their trip between, say, Europe and Australia, but rather a place that you travel to as the main destination, to get a glimpse into Middle Eastern culture.

Tourist information The tourism section of the website of the Capital Governorate

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority

Get in

All roads in Bahrain lead to Manama, so see the main Bahrain article for details.

By plane is in the adjacent city of Muharraq. From the airport you can get to Manama bus terminal by city bus lines A1 (continues to the University), A2 (continues to Isa), 10 and 11 (circular lines stopping at various points in Manama and Muharraq). Other options are taxi or rental car.

By bus is the main bus station with connections from all over Bahrain.

Get around

By bus Bahrain Public Transport operate a network of bus routes across the city, with route A1 linking the airport and Manama every 20 minutes.

Weekly passes (BD 3) and "monthly" 28-day passes (BD 12) are available, but these can only be issued on a Personalised Go Card sold at bus terminal ticket offices, not the anonymous card sold at ticket machines.

Taxis are expensive. Always use the meter or you will, guaranteed, get ripped off. For a ride within Manama, expect to pay BD 3–5.

Renting a car is far less costly than paying for taxis, but beware of driving styles you might not be used to in your home country. Manama is a small city on a small Island, you won't get lost for very long.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Bahrain Fort 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.

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.

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.

Manama Synagogue. 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.

Council of Representatives Building. 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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do

Manama is a getaway for Arabs and expats residing in Arab countries where alcohol is banned. Tourists, particularly Saudis and residents of Saudi Arabia, come to Bahrain mainly for the nightlife.

Dolphin Watching. Take a boat trip and you can watch the dolphins and manatees playing in the warm Gulf waters, and see local fisherman head out in traditional wooden dhows to catch the prized local hammour, a type of grouper. Dolphin watch trips take place three times daily.

Horse riding. For anyone wanting riding lessons or an occasional hack, the Twin Palms Riding School and the Dilmun Club are good places to start.

Horse racing. Arabia is famous for its horses. The national racecourse at Al Sakhir hosts races every Friday from October to March. The grandstand holds up to 3,000 spectators and entry is free. Betting is prohibited.

Pearl Diving. Bahrain is also famous for its pearls. Try your hand at pearl diving and maybe take home one of these natural gems of the sea.

Bird Watching. The Kingdom and the Hawar Islands are a haven for native and migratory birds including flamingos, bulbuls, ospreys and sooty falcons. Any twitchers are strongly advised to take the 20-km boat trip to the islands.

Ice skating The only ring in town is located at the Fun-land centre along the Marina corniche.

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

Buy

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

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.

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.

The Bahrain Mall. In the heart of Bahrain's new retail district, it is easily accessible from the main highway and all parts of the city. It covers an area of 750,000 square feet and has more than 120 international brands and specialty stores.

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.

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

Al Murjan Shopping Center. Many stores in a large supermarket.

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.

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.

Eat

Restaurants in Manama run the gamut from cheap shawarma joints to 5-star restaurants. In addition to the places listed in this section, hotels often have one or several restaurants and bars.

Cheap restaurants abound in the Adliya district.

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.

Al-Suraj. The second-best shwarma in Bahrain for only 300 fils.

Habara Snacks & Fish. Great diner that cheerfully serves cheap fish and chips and other assorted snacks.

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

Café Lilou's. Paris style interiors, popular with ex-pats and locals. Caters for groups, take out, catering services, outdoor seating. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks.

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

Nando's (Portuguese). Restaurant chain serving Mozambican cuisine, multiple restaurants.

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.

Trader Vic's. Polynesian dining/drinking experience, on the grounds of the Ritz Carlton.

Zahle. Serving impeccable Lebanese food with daily buffets and live entertainment.

Drink

Manama has a busy nightlife by Gulf standards. The main districts are Adliya, Hoora, Juffair and Business District. Many places to drink are in hotels (see the Sleep section below).

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

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

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.

JJ's. The largest Irish pub in the city.

Warbler's. Expat sports pub. This is a private club, but the bouncers at the door seem more interested in keeping Arabs out than in checking membership cards.

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

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

Sleep

Al Burge Hotel. Do not expect fancy stuff such as quietness or toilet paper, but it is fairly clean and fairly well located, in the street behind Gold City. Do try the bed before taking the room. Single females are not permitted.

Awal Hotel. Located in the main commercial & business district, 10 min drive from International Airport and a short walking distance from the Bahrain seashore and the upcoming Financial harbor.

Bahrain International Hotel. Three-star hotel that is of average quality, but in a convenient location for travellers. Free airport transfer, breakfast and wifi.

Gulf Gate Hotel. 125 rooms and suites. Located in central Manama, the commercial centre of Bahrain. Cafés, a restaurant, night clubs and bar. 2 minutes walk from the main souk and shopping centres. Business centre, gym, restaurants, spa, swimming pool. 24-hr room service, internet, mini bar, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities.

Al Safir Hotel. Standard rooms with a choice of twin or double beds. The hotel also has two restaurants, a swimming pool and a fitness centre. Babysitting service, bars, business centre, restaurants, swimming pool. 24-hr room service, mini bar, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities.

Best Western Olive Hotel. Best Western Elite Hotel Bahrain is conveniently located just 5 min from downtown shopping complexes and 10 km from Bahrain International Airport. It is also close to the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre and the US Naval Base. 96 guestrooms are spacious and well furnished with a coffee maker and internet access. 5 outlets for dining and entertainment. Conference and banqueting facilities for up to 140 persons. Health and leisure facilities include a rooftop swimming pool and a fully equipped health and fitness centre. Babysitting services, bars, gym, restaurants, swimming pool. 24-hr room service, mini bar, internet, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities.

Golden Tulip Bahrain. Standard hotel that may be in need of a renovation. Rooms are clean and the staff are amiable however the dull façade and decor may be depressing to people who are lodging here for more than a couple of days. One of the few redeeming qualities is that it has the only authentic Japanese restaurant in Bahrain. The hotel was renovated in 2008.

Mashtan Hotel. A/C rooms with private toilet and bath with shower, high-speed Internet connection, cable TV and mini-bar. Swimming pool, fitness room, business center, and airport transfer.

Mercure Grand Hotel. Recipient of 2007 MENA Travel Awards (Silver Best Four Star Business/Corporate Hotel Category). In the Seef business district. 72 suites and 48 family suites. Nearby to Seef and Al Aali malls. Restaurant, 2 bars, meeting rooms, health club, sauna, steam room, massage facility with gymnasium and a swimming pool. Private parking is available.

Novotel Al Dana Resort. Traditional Arabic architecture and design with contemporary fittings and comfort. 172 rooms. Close to the diplomatic area and business centre. The hotel offers a variety of restaurants, bars and meeting rooms. Babysitting service, private beach, watersports, swimming pool, fitness centre, kids’ club, kids’ pool. 24-hr room service, internet, mini bar, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities.

Pars International Hotel. Located in Juffair's commercial and residential area and overlooking Manama Bay. Standard and deluxe rooms to regal suites. Lobby bar, a disco, Arabic night club. Restaurant and 24-hr coffee shop. Conference and banqueting facilities including a ballroom suitable for functions and accommodating up to 300 people. Swimming pool, sauna, steam room and fitness centre. Parking is available for all guests. Swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, business centre. 24-hr room service, internet, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities.

Phoenicia Tower Hotel. Individually controlled A/C, private toilet and shower with bathtub, cable TV, and internet access. Swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna, fitness room/gym.

Ramada Bahrain. Airport transfers free of charge if you email in advance. Has pool on site but the cleanliness of the pool is questionable.

Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain. 118 apartments, which range from one to three bedroom and four two-bedroom penthouse suites, furnished with contemporary décor and modern fittings. Wi-Fi is available in the apartment and lobby.

Swiss International Palace Hotel. 84 rooms, a variety of dining options and evening venues. Free Wi-Fi is available in the guests’ rooms & public areas. There's an outdoor pool and a gym.

Crowne Plaza Bahrain. Gracefully aging sprawling low-rise complex. The Astroturf surrounded pool is rather depressing, and the hotel's main draw seems to be the popular Harvesters pub (see Drink). Largish gym (men and women have separate facilities), decent breakfast, service can be mixed.

Ritz-Carlton Bahrain. 7 stories of luxurious rooms with a modern design. The Club Lounge restaurant features five different food presentations a day, and includes an American breakfast. Stunning views of the Arabian Gulf from the rooms.

The Regency InterContinental. 321 rooms and a variety of suites, including the Summit, deluxe suites, royal and presidential suites. 5 restaurants offer a range of international and themed cuisine, plus a number of bars with live entertainment. Babysitting services, bars, business centre, gym, kids’ club pool, restaurants, spa, sports facilities, swimming pool, 24-hr room service, internet, mini bar, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities (on request).

The Gulf Hotel. The biggest 5-star hotel on the Island with more than 35 years of experience. Combines luxury, tradition, comfort and service. 366 rooms in total. 12 restaurants, lounges and bars.

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. 246 rooms in three styles: Classic, Maritime and Italian. 3 exclusive "Royal Club" executive floors and a variety of suites. Claims to have Bahrain's biggest rooms, fully renovated and all with sea view. Meeting facilities, a selection of restaurants and entertainment options. Babysitting services, bars, business centre, gym, kids’ club, sports facilities, swimming pool. 24-hr room service, internet, mini bar, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities.