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.
Manama is bursting with exquisite cuisine, nightlife, and culture, making it the perfect holiday destination.
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.
If you are travelling to Manama as a United Arab Emirates national, you will not need a visa, but you will need to have your National ID Card.
It’s best to check with your respective embassy whether you need a visa before visiting Manama.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Manama is a city that should be enjoyed to its fullest, which is why, whilst you are exploring, we will take care of your laundry.
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