Manama (Arabic: المنامة al-Manāma) is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with its 700,000 people representing nearly half the country's population. Overshadowed by its brash Gulf neighbors Dubai and Qatar, it's often overlooked as a travel destination, but this clean, modern and safe city offers a quieter, gentler introduction to the Gulf way of life.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Manama emerged as the capital of independent Bahrain after periods of domination by Portugal and Persians. Today, it is a modern capital with an economy based on the sales promotion industry as crude oil takes a less pronounced role in the economy. Sitting on the Persian Gulf right next to the Arabian peninsula, unsurprisingly Manama - and Bahrain in general - has an arid climate, with little rain (most of it falling during the winter months) and high temperatures during much of the year.
Bahrain Public Transport operate a network of bus routes across the city, with route A1 linking the airport and Manama every 20 minutes. As of November 2024, a paper single ticket bought on the bus costs 300 fils, or there is a "pay as you go" option using a Go Card (card price 500 fils, sold at ticket machines including at the airport, then load with credit up to BD 50 maximum, but note that credit you load is not refundable) which reduces the fare for a single trip to 250 fils and offers a daily cap of 600 fils.
1 Bab Al Bahrain. 8AM-noon and 4:30-6PM. The Gateway of Bahrain, located in the Customs Square in Central Manama. The ground floor houses the tourist information office and a handicraft shop. Sightseeing bus tours depart from here daily at 9:30AM and 3:30PM. (updated Nov 2024) 2 Manama Souq (Behind Bab Al Bahrain building). 10AM-1PM and 4-9PM. The souq is network of small lanes that houses small stores selling everything from souvenirs and gifts to electronic products. The souq is also home to many gold and jewelry shops and tailors. (updated Nov 2024) 3NOT EXISTING IMAGE Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Jufair.
Manama is a getaway for Arabs and expats residing in Arab countries where alcohol is banned. Tourists, particularly Saudis and residents of Saudi Arabia, come to Bahrain mainly for the nightlife. Dolphin Watching, ☏ +973 1770 0677. Take a boat trip and you can watch the dolphins and manatees playing in the warm Gulf waters, and see local fisherman head out in traditional wooden dhows to catch the prized local hammour, a type of grouper. Dolphin watch trips take place three times daily. BD 6 for adults, BD 3 for children under 12 years.. Scuba Diving, Bahrain Yacht Club & Al Bandar resort, ☏ +973 1770 1201, +973 1770 0677. Horse riding, Saar, ☏ +973 1769 0926, +973 3956 6809.
Restaurants in Manama run the gamut from cheap shawarma joints to 5-star restaurants. In addition to the places listed in this section, hotels often have one or several restaurants and bars. Cheap restaurants abound in the Adliya district. 1 Al-Abraaj, Adliya St. Perfect introduction for non-Arab folks to become accustomed to the Middle Eastern hospitality charm. Food is generous and tasty, and primarily from Lebanese/Turkish and Persian cuisines. Good value at BD 2-4 per head. (updated Nov 2024) 2 Al-Suraj. The second-best shwarma in Bahrain for only 300 fils. (updated Nov 2024) 3 Habara Snacks & Fish, Osama bin Zaid Ave, Adliya, ☏ +973 1771 5461.
Manama has a busy nightlife by Gulf standards. The main districts are Adliya, Hoora, Juffair and Business District. Many places to drink are in hotels (see the Sleep section below). 1 Digger's, Delmont Hotel. Australian-themed sports pub in the downtown. Popular with single male expats. (updated Nov 2024) 2 Golden Club. Arabic night club featuring Russian girls doing their interpretation of traditional belly dancing. (updated Nov 2024) 3 Harvesters, King Faisal Highway (Crowne Plaza). Very popular pseudo-British pub offering cold beer, pub grub and a Filipino band distinguished more by the singers' skimpy outfits than musical talent. Beers from BD 2.5.
Manama and Bahrain in general is a quite safe place, but while violent crime is rare, pickpocketing, bag snatching and burglaries aren't unheard of. As of 2024 travel advisories also warn of possible terrorist attacks including bombings in public places. Visitors are required to respect Islamic customs and laws when it comes to social relations, clothing, behaviour and such. Unlike many other countries in the region, alcohol isn't outlawed - as long as consumption happens on private premises such as nightclubs away from the public eye.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Manama typically sees ~40°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
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