BH
Manama
Bahrain’s capital: an old souq behind Bab Al Bahrain, a modern skyline and the country’s best museum
Bahrain’s capital: an old souq behind Bab Al Bahrain, a modern skyline and the country’s best museum
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
In September 2026 the US raised its advice to “reconsider travel” for this region because of tensions involving Iran. Flights and tourism are operating normally, but airspace closures and cancellations can happen at short notice, so keep plans flexible and travel insurance in place.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
Built in 1949, this gateway once stood on the waterfront before land reclamation pushed the sea back. It now marks the main entrance to the souq.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Narrow lanes behind Bab Al Bahrain sell spices, textiles, perfumes, gold and Bahraini sweets. It is liveliest in the early evening, when the heat eases.
Many shops close for a break in the early afternoon.
Photo: Jan Michael Pfeiffer, CC BY-SA 2.0
One of the largest mosques in the region, holding more than 7,000 worshippers, with a large fibreglass dome. Free guided visits are offered outside prayer times.
Robes and headscarves are provided for visitors.
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Opened in 1988 on the waterfront, the museum covers Bahrain’s history from the Dilmun civilisation to the pearling era, including a reconstructed burial mound.
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Completed in 2008, the twin towers are linked by three bridges, each holding a large wind turbine. They are the best-known part of Manama’s skyline.
Photo: Francisco Anzola, CC BY 2.0
Try machboos (spiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish), muhammar (sweet rice, often served with fish), grilled hamour (grouper) and Bahraini halwa.
Block 338 in Adliya is the city’s main restaurant and café district; the souq has cheap local eateries.
Bahrain International Airport (BAH) on Muharraq island is about 15–20 minutes from central Manama by taxi. The King Fahd Causeway links Bahrain with Saudi Arabia by road.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get around; public buses are cheap but slower. Many nationalities, including UK, US, EU and Australian citizens, can get a visa on arrival or apply in advance for an eVisa through Bahrain’s official eVisa portal. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Check current rules before you travel.
Bahrain uses the Bahraini dinar (BD), pegged to the US dollar at about BD 0.376 per US$1. Hotels and restaurants are moderately expensive, but taxis and local food are good value.
Hotel prices rise sharply during the Formula 1 race weekend.
Souq, museum, mosque and the fort.
Visit the Bahrain National Museum in the morning, then the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. Walk through Bab Al Bahrain into the souq in the late afternoon and have dinner in Adliya.
Visit the Bahrain Fort and its site museum, then cross to Muharraq for the Pearling Path and Bahraini sweets.
Dress modestly, especially in the souq and at mosques.
From May to September, plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning or evening.
Many shops and sights open later on Fridays.
Use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps.
Quick answers for planning time in Manama.
Many nationalities, including UK, US and EU citizens, can get a visa on arrival or apply online for an eVisa. Check the official rules for your passport before you travel.
Yes. Free guided visits are offered outside prayer times, and suitable robes and headscarves are provided.
Hotels and restaurants are moderately expensive, but taxis and local food are good value.
About 15–20 minutes by taxi; the airport is on Muharraq island, linked to Manama by causeways.
November to March, when daytime temperatures are pleasant. Summers are very hot and humid.
Planning a wider trip? Our Bahrain travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.