Overview

Manama is the capital city of the island nation of Bahrain, an enchanting destination with some of the most thrilling shopping experiences in the Middle East. This sparkling modern capital is embellished with impressive buildings, secluded beaches, award-winning cuisine, and a thriving nightlife. Nestled at the crossroads of desert trade in the Persian Gulf for centuries, Manama is a popular business and economic center. Vibrant bustling souqs throughout the city are brimming with colorful handwoven fabrics, aromatic spices, and pleasing pearls. 

The city is a busy port town and is proud of its heritage possessing many interesting historical and astonishing religious sites throughout the capital city. Manama charms its visitors with its welcoming atmosphere and there is no shortage of things to see and do in this exciting bustling city. It is a shopper's paradise with its vast collection of magnificent malls, there is street food and diverse local cuisine to enjoy, and it features a great arts and entertainment scene. It doesn’t take visitors long to fall in love with Manama. 

Things to See and Do

Check out La Fontaine Center of Contemporary Art in the heart of the city, this one-of-a-kind historical monument captures the essence of a European chateau boasting beautiful Islamic architecture. The center features art galleries, an open-air amphitheater, a restaurant, a spa, and a dance studio with a beautiful fountain.

Visit the world-class Bahrain National Museum located in an impressive, and iconic modern building. This is the oldest and largest public Museum in Bahrain showcasing its vast and impressive 6,000-year history. Visitors can uncover the layers of the country’s history in its nine halls within the complex in a collection of ancient archeological artifacts that have been acquired since 1988. There are exhibits on Traditional Trades and Crafts, and a Hall of Graves featuring Islamic artifacts, documents, and Manuscripts. There is a cafe on site with spectacular views from its terrace overlooking the bay and the Island of Mhuarraq. 

Explore the avant-garde National Theatre of Bahrain, this stunning waterfront complex is the third largest theatre in the Middle East and consists of the main auditorium with seating for 1,001, and a smaller studio for 150 people. Marvel at the building’s unique architectural design with wood-covered interior walls that were inspired by the tales of 1,001 Arabian Nights. The theatre hosts many global performances with some of the world’s foremost artists like the Orchestra of the 21st Century of Russia, legendary composer Yanni, Spanish Opera superstar Placido Domingo, and Il Divo. 

Check out the Central Market in Manama to see the treasure of the sea! There are three sections: meat, fish, and produce, the bustling market is filled with local fishermen selling their catch of the day and locals gathering fresh food and produce for their restaurants. The market features a great authentic atmosphere, and you can pick up some local goods yourself for a picnic later and enjoy some chai Karak (spiced milk tea).

Head out for a day at one of Bahrain`s beaches. The beautiful beaches here are great for sunbathing and the sparkling blue waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Take a walk along the soft white sand, sunbathe, and cool off in the water. There are many other outdoor adventures including parasailing, jet skis, flyboarding, and wake surfing along with day trips to the Amwaj Islands.

Take a diving tour and look for Bahrain`s famous pearls! There are many instructors here who can take you to different dive sites where you can find oysters on the seabed and then learn to open them in hopes of finding your own exquisite pearl. 

Visit Beit al Quran (House of Quran) dedicated to the Islamic Heritage and arts and the understanding of the Holy Quran. The Quran was established in 1990 and houses the most renowned Islamic museum in the world; The Al Hayat Museum showcases a fascinating collection of manuscripts and the Quran written on peas, rice, and parchment. There are several exhibition halls. 

See the spectacular Al Fateh Grand Mosque, an iconic building that boasts beautiful Islamic architecture. It is the largest mosque in the country and one of the largest in the world, it can accommodate over 7,000 worshipers, the walls are decorated with Kufic calligraphy and the floors are adorned with marble, and glass from Austria and Indian teak. The 79-foot outer dome sits on top, the largest in the world. Take a tour of this serene establishment and hear the sound of prayer.

Al-Fateh includes the new National Library featuring over 50,000 books including one of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Al Azhar journals. The building's stunning architecture is based on the 12th century Al Khamis Mosque is engraved with verses from the Quran and boasts a slender minaret.

Visit Royal Camel Farm where you can pet and feed these native animals, and even get your picture taken!

The Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary is a serene place to visit and see the resident tortoises, hyenas, lions, and exotic birds. Wander the wide open green spaces here blanketed in verdant sprawling trees and decorated with ponds and benches to sit and feed the ducks.

Spend the day at Lost Paradise of Dilmun which is the largest and most visited water park in the world. The massive water park features a variety of swimming pools, thrilling slides, and other water-related attractions and activities for the whole family.

If visiting with children visit Wahoo Waterpark, a modern, futuristic waterpark covering 15,000 square meters filled with rides, slides, pools, games, and endless indoor fun with a subtropical outdoor setting.

Check out the Bahrain Fort or ‘Qal’at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island’s North coast. Built in the 14th century the fascinating fort is an outstanding example of the country’s varied, ancient history.

Visit the Bahrain Fort Museum, in the first building there is an exhibition hall along with a child learning and training room, the second room is made up of a conference hall, offices, a technicians suite, a dormitory for archaeologists, and a cafe overlooking the sea.

Be sure to capture a sensational sunset when in Manama, any of the beaches of the Al Fateh Corniche are great places to see the mesmerizing sight. There are many kiosks along the bustling corniche selling refreshments, and plenty of waterfront cafes and restaurants.

Take a sunset horseback ride on a majestic Arabian horse riding past the legendary Bahrain Fort, and over to Karbabad Beach taking in the spectacular colors of the setting sun and the scenic beauty of Manama.