BH
Manama
A Gulf capital of souqs, skyscrapers and pearling heritage
A Gulf capital of souqs, skyscrapers and pearling heritage
The historic gateway arch marks the entrance to Manama Souq, a warren of lanes selling gold, spices, textiles, perfumes and pearls, the bustling old heart of the city.
💡 Explore the souq in the evening and seek out the pearl and gold shops.
One of the Gulf’s finest museums traces 6,000 years of history from the ancient Dilmun civilisation through the pearling era, with superb artefacts and reconstructions.
💡 Start here to understand Bahrain’s deep Dilmun heritage.
Bahrain’s largest mosque, capped by a huge fibreglass dome, can hold thousands and welcomes visitors on informative guided tours that explain Islam and local culture.
💡 Free guided tours run daily except Fridays; modest dress is provided.
The twin-sailed towers, linked by wind turbines that generate part of the building’s power, are Manama’s architectural icon and a landmark of sustainable Gulf design.
💡 Best admired from the corniche or Bahrain Bay.
The waterfront and Bahrain Bay offer breezy promenades, parks and views of the skyline across the Gulf, a pleasant place to walk or dine in the cooler hours.
💡 Evenings and winter days are best for the seafront.
Bahraini cuisine is a flavourful Gulf tradition: try machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish), muhammar (sweet rice), fresh Gulf hammour and shrimp, and the local breakfast balaleet. Manama has everything from bustling souq eateries and Indian and Iranian spots to upscale dining and a famous cafe scene. Do not miss halwa Bahraini, the local sweet, and a cup of cardamom coffee; alcohol is available in licensed hotels.
Explore Bab Al Bahrain and the souq, tour the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, and see the World Trade Center towers from the corniche at night.
Spend the morning in the National Museum, then head out to the Bahrain Fort and Pearling Trail sites.
Shops pause for prayer and summers are brutally hot and humid; visit in the cool season and evenings.
Bahrain is relaxed, but cover shoulders and knees, especially at mosques and heritage sites.
Bahrain is largely cashless, but keep some dinars for the souq and small vendors.
Public transport is limited; ride-hailing apps are the easiest way around.
Capital Manama, heritage Muharraq, the ancient Bahrain Fort, the desert Tree of Life and the Amwaj Islands — the many sides of Bahrain.