Manama, Bahrain Travel Guide

Explore Manama, Bahrain's vibrant capital, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern luxuries and cultural treasures await at every corner.

Welcome to Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, where tradition meets modernity. Nestled on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Manama is a vibrant metropolis that offers a rich tapestry of cultures, history, and contemporary charm. Wander through the bustling souks where you can find everything from spices to pearls, and enjoy the unique blend of old and new architecture that tells the story of this fascinating city. Manama's skyline is dotted with stunning skyscrapers, yet the city holds onto its heritage with well-preserved historical sites like the Bahrain Fort and Al-Fateh Grand Mosque. Discover the culinary delights of Manama in its many restaurants and cafes, where you can savor local Bahraini dishes alongside international cuisine. The city's waterfront offers a serene escape with picturesque views and leisure activities, while its cultural scene is alive with museums, galleries, and festivals that celebrate the rich history and diverse population of Bahrain.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Manama.

Visit the Bahrain National Museum to get a deep insight into the country's history and culture.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque.
Try to visit the local souks early in the morning to avoid the heat and to get the freshest produce and best deals.
Use ride-hailing apps for convenient and relatively inexpensive transportation around the city.
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, as the weather in Manama can be very hot, especially during summer.
Don't miss out on the traditional Bahraini breakfast, which often includes dishes like Balaleet and Machboos.

Neighbourhoods in Manama

Manama City Center

Juffair

Seef

Adliya

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Manama

Explore Manama: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Manama

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Bahrain National Museum

Discover 6,000 years of Bahrain's history and culture at the Bahrain National Museum, featuring artifacts from the Dilmun civilization and traditional Bahraini crafts.

4.6

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Discover Bahrain's iconic Al Fateh Grand Mosque: A stunning architectural marvel and center for Islamic culture open to all visitors.

4.8

Bab Al Bahrain

Explore Bahrain's heritage at Bab Al Bahrain, the iconic gateway to Manama's vibrant souq and cultural heart.

4.4

Bahrain Fort

Explore 4,000 years of history at Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient capital of the Dilmun civilization.

4.5

Best landmarks in Manama

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Discover Bahrain's iconic Al Fateh Grand Mosque: A majestic symbol of Islamic architecture and cultural heritage in the heart of Manama.

4.8

Bab Al Bahrain

Explore Bahrain's heritage at Bab Al Bahrain, the iconic gateway to Manama's vibrant souq and cultural heart.

4.4

Bahrain Fort

Explore Bahrain Fort: A UNESCO site revealing 4,500 years of history, from the Dilmun civilization to Portuguese rule, in the heart of Bahrain.

4.5

Bahrain Fort Museum

Discover 4,000 years of history at Bahrain Fort Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Bahrain's rich cultural heritage.

4.4

Best restaurants in Manama

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Coco's

Discover Coco's in Manama: where exquisite flavors meet warm hospitality in a cozy setting.

4.1

Café Lilou

Experience the charm of French cuisine at Café Lilou in Adliya - where delightful breakfasts meet exquisite dining.

4.4

The Meat Co. Bahrain

Experience exquisite dining at The Meat Co. Bahrain – where premium steaks meet exceptional service in a sophisticated atmosphere.

4.5

Buffalo Wings & Rings - Bahrain

Experience the ultimate American dining adventure at Buffalo Wings & Rings in Bahrain - where great food meets sports excitement!

4.7

Best bars in Manama

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

LNT Lounge

Experience the vibrant nightlife and exquisite dining at LNT Lounge in Manama, Bahrain, where every moment is a celebration.

4.2

JJ's Irish Restaurant

Discover the essence of Ireland at JJ's Irish Restaurant in Manama, where hearty meals and lively ambiance await.

4.1

Old Beams Restaurant

Discover the charm of Old Beams Restaurant in Adliya, Manama—where cozy pub vibes meet delicious local and international cuisine.

4.2

McGettigan's

Discover Irish culture at McGettigan's in Manama, Bahrain – a lively pub offering delicious food, drinks, and unforgettable entertainment.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Manama

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

W Club Lounge

W Club Lounge in Seef offers an electrifying nightlife experience with great music, delicious drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for tourists and locals alike.

4.3

Klub 360

Discover the dynamic nightlife of Klub 360 in Al Juffair, Bahrain's top disco club featuring electrifying music and a stylish lounge atmosphere.

3.8

Club Wrangler Bahrain

Experience the electrifying nightlife at Club Wrangler Bahrain in Al Juffair, where vibrant music meets an unforgettable party atmosphere.

4.3

Stage Bahrain

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Stage Bahrain, where top DJs and a vibrant atmosphere await for an unforgettable night out.

3.6

Best shops in Manama

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

City Centre Bahrain

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at City Centre Bahrain, where luxury brands meet local flavors in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.6

The Avenues

Explore The Avenues in Manama, a premier shopping destination offering diverse retail, dining, and entertainment experiences for every traveler.

4.5

Seef Mall

Discover Seef Mall in Manama: A premier shopping destination with luxury brands, diverse dining, and exciting entertainment options.

4.3

Bahrain Mall

Experience the ultimate shopping and entertainment destination at Bahrain Mall, where fashion meets fun in the heart of Sanabis, Bahrain.

4.1

Explore Manama on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Manama, mapped for you.

Manama Essentials

Manama is served by Bahrain International Airport (BAH), located just 7 kilometers northeast of the city center. The airport is well-connected with frequent flights from major cities worldwide. Taxis are readily available at the airport, and it takes about 15 minutes to reach the city center. Alternatively, some hotels offer shuttle services. Ride-sharing options like Uber and Careem are also available.
Manama has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses operated by the Bahrain Public Transport Company. Buses are a cost-effective way to travel, and routes cover major parts of the city. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps. Car rentals are another option, with several international and local agencies offering services. For short distances, walking is feasible in areas like the Manama Souq and the Diplomatic Area.
The official currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are abundant and can be found in shopping malls, hotels, and on major streets. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or local markets. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and exchange kiosks in the city.
Manama is generally considered safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid wandering alone late at night in less populated areas. Areas like the Manama Souq are bustling and safe during the day but can be less secure at night. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings. Always use registered taxis or ride-sharing services.
In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, ambulance, and fire services. Major hospitals like the Bahrain Specialist Hospital and Salmaniya Medical Complex offer emergency medical services. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Embassies and consulates in Manama can also provide assistance to their nationals in distress.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public places and religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Assalamu Alaikum' (Peace be upon you). A handshake is common among men, but wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Manama like a local, visit the Manama Souq for traditional goods and spices. Try Bahraini cuisine at local restaurants, such as Machboos and Harees. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss a visit to the Bahrain National Museum for a deeper understanding of the island's heritage. For a unique experience, take a dhow cruise to enjoy the city’s skyline from the water.

When is the best time to visit Manama?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Manama

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Manama. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloمرحبا
  [marhaban]
- Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
- Yesنعم
  [na'am]
- Noلا
  [la]
- Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
- Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
- Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  ['udhran]
- How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
- Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
- Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'injilizia?]
- I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid ru'yat alqaimah, min fadlik]
- I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akl allahm]
- Cheers!صحتين!
  [sahatin!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid an adfa', min fadlik]
- Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
- Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
- Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisil bialshurta!]
- Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [iatisil bitabib!]
- I'm lostأنا ضائع
  [ana daye']
- I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]
- I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
- I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atafarraj]
- How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam si'ruh?]
- That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
- Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsir?]
- What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'a?]
- It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
- Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alsaa'ah al'ashirah walnisf]
- Morningصباح
  [sabah]
- Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd alduhur]
- Eveningمساء
  [masa']
- Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
- Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
- Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
- 1واحد
  [wahid]
- 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
- 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
- 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
- 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
- 6ستة
  [sitta]
- 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
- 8ثمانية
  [thamaniya]
- 9تسعة
  [tis'a]
- 10عشرة
  [asharah]
- Where's a/the...?أين ال...
  [ayn al...]
- What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'anaan?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk 'an turiyani (ala alkhariata)?]
- When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata alhafilat altaliat?]
- A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkirat (ila ....)]

History of Manama

Manama, the capital of Bahrain, boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence indicates that the area was inhabited as early as the Dilmun civilization, around 3000 BCE. Dilmun was a prominent trading hub connecting Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, and its influence is evident in the many ancient burial mounds found throughout Bahrain.
The arrival of Islam in the 7th century CE marked a significant turning point for Manama and the entire Arabian Peninsula. The region came under the control of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, and later the Qarmatians, who briefly established their own rule. Manama thrived as an important Islamic center during this period.
In the early 16th century, Manama fell under Portuguese control as they sought to dominate the trade routes in the Persian Gulf. The Portuguese fortified the city and used it as a base to safeguard their maritime interests. Their influence lasted until 1602, when the Persian Empire, under the Safavid dynasty, expelled them from Bahrain.
Following the expulsion of the Portuguese, Manama experienced periods of Persian and Omani control. The Persians, under the Safavids, re-established their dominance over the island. By the late 18th century, the Al Khalifa family, originally from the Arabian Peninsula, took control of Bahrain, including Manama, solidifying their rule with British support.
In the 19th century, Bahrain became a British protectorate, which significantly influenced Manama's development. The British established a naval base and initiated various infrastructural projects, including the construction of roads and modern buildings. Manama began to evolve into a cosmopolitan city, attracting traders and expatriates from around the globe.
The discovery of oil in Bahrain in 1932 was a transformative event for Manama. The newfound wealth spurred rapid modernization and urbanization. The city expanded, with new neighborhoods, commercial districts, and public infrastructure projects reshaping its landscape. Manama emerged as a key economic center in the Gulf region.
Bahrain declared independence from British rule in 1971, and Manama became the capital of the newly sovereign state. The city continued to grow, balancing its rich cultural heritage with the demands of modernization. Today, Manama is a bustling metropolis, known for its vibrant souks, modern skyscrapers, and a diverse population that reflects its historical role as a crossroads of trade and culture.