🇧🇭 Bahrain

10 best places in Manama

Manama is the Gulf's most relaxed capital: five thousand years of Dilmun civilization sit alongside bars, galleries and one of the region's most open societies.

Sight

Bahrain Fort (Qal'at al-Bahrain)

A UNESCO site - fort ruins built atop the five-thousand-year-old capital of the Dilmun civilization.

Museum

Bahrain National Museum

The country's flagship museum, with Dilmun-era finds and a gallery of traditional crafts.

Market

Manama Souq

An old market of gold, textiles and spices woven through the narrow lanes of the historic center.

Sight

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

One of the world's largest mosques, with a fiberglass dome and space for 7,000 worshippers.

Sight

Bab Al Bahrain

A historic 1945 gateway arch that serves as the main entrance to the old souq and city symbol.

Sight

Bahrain World Trade Center

Twin towers fitted with three built-in wind turbines - the first project of its kind in the world.

District

Block 338 (Adliya)

The bohemian Adliya quarter of galleries, bars and the capital's best restaurants.

Sight

Royal Camel Farm

A royal camel farm where hundreds of camels roam almost within the city limits.

Sight

Tree of Life

A lone 400-year-old tree standing in the desert with no visible water source.

Café

Cafe Lilou

A cozy French café in Adliya, a favorite brunch spot for the local crowd.

FAQ

Best time to visit Manama?

November to March is comfortable, roughly 20-25C by day, and that is the main season. June to September runs above 40C with high humidity and life moves indoors. Spring can bring dusty winds.

How many days do you need in Manama?

Two days cover Qal'at al-Bahrain, the National Museum, the old souq, Bab Al Bahrain and the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. Bahrain is small, so nothing is more than about half an hour away by car. Many visitors pair it with Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway.

Is Bahrain safe?

Street crime is low and Manama is an easy city for visitors. Steer clear of political gatherings and do not photograph military or government sites. Arabic is official but English is used almost everywhere, from taxis to government offices.

Is Bahrain a good place to move to?

It is markedly cheaper than Dubai or Doha, there is no personal income tax, alcohol is legal and distances are short. For foreigners, residence normally comes through an employer, and there is a long-term golden residency for investors and higher earners. Citizenship is effectively out of reach, and programme conditions are revised from time to time.