Manama is a majestic city and the capital of Bahrain. The name translates to ‘place of dreams’. With its attractions, views and buildings, it certainly is a dreamy city to visit. The capital has something for everyone; whether you’re solo travelling or going on family trips. To help you plan the trip better, here are things to do in Manama.
1. Visit Famous Mosques
Manama is home to one of the largest mosques in the world; Al Fateh Grand Mosque. If you’re fascinated by history and architecture, you’d be amazed by this mosque and the Kufic calligraphy on its walls. If you do plan on visiting the mosque, make sure you wear the right clothing to respect the culture.
2. Go On A Boat Trip
It would be a missed opportunity if you didn’t experience Manama without going on a boat trip. The boat tours will give you the chance to see the beautiful scenery the city has to offer by taking you around the bay. You will see iconic sights up close and plus the man-made islands.
3. Learn About The Culture
One of the best things to do in Manama is to visit the Bahrain National Museum. Bahrain has a rich history that needs to be admired and learnt about in depth. The museum has interesting artefacts, ancient manuscripts and various displays of art.
4. Visit The Arad Fort Castle
If you love history, you’ll love the Arat Fort castle. Once used as a defensive fortress, the Arad Castle is now a huge tourist spot that also holds seasonal festivals.
Once you arrive at the castle, you can explore the towers, the canal and the archaeological layers.
5. Visit The Manama Souq
One of the best things to do in Manama for families is to visit the Manama Souq, Bab Al Bahrain, also known as the gateway to Bahrain. This is one of the most popular markets in Bahrain where you can find authentic Arabian sweets, cafes and restaurants!
There are also Bahrani souvenirs available to make your trip a memorable one! Whether you’re with family or alone, the market offers so much!
Bahrain is an amazing country with a beautiful capital – Manama that is worth visiting. There are lots of things to do and to experience.
Manama is bursting with exquisite cuisine, nightlife, and culture, making it the perfect holiday destination.
Temperature
Visa and passport requirements
How to get to Manama
Popular neighbourhoods
Currency
Must-see sights
Top delicacies
Shopping locations
Nightlife
Temperature
Manama has a desert climate, with the average yearly temperature reaching 26 degrees Celsius. The summer months are particularly brutal, as temperatures can reach as high as 50 degrees Celsius. In the winter, the temperature is considerably cooler, with temperatures ranging between 14 and 20 degrees. The spring and autumn months are more pleasant with temperatures averaging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
To reach Manama, you can fly in to Bahrain International Airport. The airport is directly connected to major international destinations, such as New York, Mumbai, London, and Singapore.
If you can’t fly into Bahrain International Airport, the King Fahd International Apirport is 53mks from Manama.
Once you have landed, there are a number of taxi services available to take you into the city. Taxis can be expensive, so if you are looking for a cheaper option, the Saudi-Bharani Transport company run 8 buses daily into central Manama. Alternatively, if you have an international driving permit, you can hire a car and drive yourself into, and around, the city.
Adliya is the central neighbourhood in Manama. It is where you will find the best restaurants and bars, so if you are looking for nightlife, it is the best place to start.
Alternatively, Seef District, is located near the water front of Manama. There are an array of excelled restaurants to be found in the area, as well as Seef Mall and other shopping complexes.
Amwaj Island sits in the Persian Gulf. It is a man-made island that comes complete with a water park and several shopping malls. It is the perfect neighbourhood for those on a family holiday.
Currency
The local currency in Manama is Bahraini Dinars (BD). You can find BD in the form of 1,5,10, and 20 Dinar notes, or 5,10, 25, and 50 fils.
Credit cards are widely used in Manama, however the local souq will only accept cash, so it is advised to buy Dinars beforehand.
Must-see sights
There are an abundance of incredible things to see and do in Manama, one of which is to visit the Manama Souk. It is a famous flea market, and the best place to buy gold, clothes, jewellery, and souvenirs.
To get a better understanding of Bahrain and it’s culture, head to the heritage centre and explore its collection of traditional clothes and photographs.
For the animal lovers, Bahrain’s Royal Camel Farm is a must-see. At the farm you will see, feed, and pet thousands of camels.
If you are a thrill-seeker, visit Coral Bay. There, you can try a variety of water sports, from jet skiing to water skiing. Alternatively, you can take a relaxing boat trip across the Bay to soak in the sun and sea.
Top delicacies
You can find a smorgasbord of delicacies in Manama, including kaboo, hot bread, and bharat, a mixture of local spices that is heavily used in many Manama dishes. The local fish include halibut, chimaera, mackerel, and bream. For those who are vegetarian, you can enjoy balls of falafel, hummus, and baba ghanoush.
The best place to shop in Manama is the Bab Al Bahrain souk district. You can find hundreds of stalls here, selling everything you would ever want. From flowers to spices, carpets to fruits, there is a vast array of souvenirs that can be found within the souk.
If you are looking for gold, head to the Gold Souk. Here you will find jewellery, diamonds, watches, and, of course, gold. You can even trade in your old gold items for new ones.
Moda Mall is where you will find all the best designer shops. Located on the ground floor of the World Trade Centre, you will find 160 international designer stores, including Armani, Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior. Once you’ve finished shopping, you can relax and refuel at one of the many restaurants located within the mall.
Nightlife
Manama has a very vibrant nightlife. Whether you are looking to relax in a bar after a long day of sight-seeing, or are eager to party the night away at a club, you will find both within the city.
There are several bars within Manama, the most popular of which offer outdoor seating. For the best bars, head to Block 338 in Adlliya. If you are looking for a quite drink, be warned that a lot of bars will turn up their music for more of a party vibe after 11pm.
If a party vibe is what you are looking for, Manama has plenty of nightclubs to be enjoyed. Whether you want to listen to Western music, such as dance, pop, and hip hop, or Arabic music, there is something for all demographics.
