Things to do & places to visit in Manama, Bahrain

Manama, capital of the island nation of Bahrain, is a major financial center with a thriving economy. A surplus of money has decorated the skyline with glass and steel spires, and plans for the tallest tower in the world. Although Bahrain is an Islamic country, alcohol is legal, and Manama has a thriving nightlife, with clubs and bars popular with visitors from all over the world. The narrow rows of stalls at the Bab el-Bahrain souk are famous for their vast array of perfumes, spices, and gold.

Manama #1 destination in Bahrain 2023. The average rating score is 4.21 based on 8.559 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Bahrain, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 14:54.

Manama Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

91°F - 81°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Very warm with a gentle breeze

Feels like

Chance of rain

6.0 millimeters

Amount

13.1 mph

Wind speed

45%

Humidity

13.4

Daylight length

4:51 AM

Sunrise

6:16 PM

Sunset

81%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Asia Carpet & Antiques (7 reviews)
- Note:.Asia carpet and antique new number is 0097333556582
Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops

Note:0097333556582 is a new number of Asia carpet and antique Please contact with a new number if Asia capert and antique thank you See more..
4.5 Bahrain National Museum (1.341 reviews)
- Well-maintained and Curated
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM History Museums

In contrast to many museums that are either poorly labelled or lack any meaningful theme (or both), the National Museum is a compact exhibition of artifacts, materials and ethnographic materials aimed at providing a historical and anthropological overview of Bahrain - and it does a great job. There are six galleries with good lighting, plush interiors and well maintained displays. Everything is labelled clearly in English and care seems to have been taken in the order of displays. The building itself is airy and modern though a somewhat long walk if reached by bus. Expect to spend 2-3 hours. The gift shop was somewhat limited. See more..
4.5 Al-Fatih Mosque (Great Mosque) (1.260 reviews)
- A quick visit which could have gone on for longer ...
Religious Sites

I visited this mosque as part of a city your. The local tour guide here is very passionate and could go on for hours uninterrupted. He explains everything about that mosque and the religion very well. I could come back here just to learn more about the history of the place again. See more..
4.5 Bahrain International Circuit (794 reviews)
- Great F1 venue - taxi back expensive on race weekends
Auto Racing Tracks

We went to all 3 days of the 2023 F1 Grand Prix weekend. The facilities at the track are excellent so would fully recommend you making the effort to come in 2024. Only downside is the extortion on taxi fares returning in the evening. Taxis are always supposed to run on meters but this rule seems to have some flexibility. Be prepared to pay BD 30 - 50 to return to Manama… See more..
4.5 Qal'at al-Bahrain (776 reviews)
- A Bahrain highlight
Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Ancient Ruins

Bahrain Fort is an impressive place to wander round and soak up some history in a beautiful coastal setting. This large UNESCO listed fort which can be explored inside and out. The accompanying museum is worth a visit too, especially on a hot day with the efficient aircon, however, the cafe is overpriced. A definite highlight of Bahrain. See more..
4.5 The Avenues (210 reviews)
- Sunset Ventilation
Shopping Malls

Positives: Location (easy to get there). Amazing sea and city sunset view. Designs and decorations. Multiple different restaurants and cafes. Taxi boats cruise (see videos and pictures). Small boats cruise. Cleanness of toilets. Wide spaces for walking. Areas of Improvement: Limited indoor activities and shopping markets. Crowdednesses. Limited kid indoor and outdoor activities. See more..
4.5 Beit Al Qur'an (112 reviews)
- One of the best places in Bahrain
Friday: Speciality Museums

One of the best places that you can visit in Bahrain ... The museum includes the entire history of the Qur’an, and it is the largest museum specialized in the Noble Qur’an in the world ... The museum includes multiple sections inside, such as the museum, the library, the mosque, and a lecture hall See more..
4.5 Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Center (69 reviews)
- Welcoming experience to begin exploring Bahrain
Religious Sites

My husband was excited to begin my tour of Bahrain at the Grand Mosque. We arrived dressed respectfully, men in long pants (traditional cloak available to men wearing shorts) and I was offered an abaya (black cloak) to cover my clothes and a scarf for my head. We took part in a tour offered just as the mid afternoon Adhan (call to prayer) was beginning. The guides speak many languages and tours in languages other than English or Arabic can be arranged in advance. We were able to take pictures inside the beautiful building and we were encouraged to ask questions. We were given the option to stay for prayer time and observe from the upper mezzanine. Afterward, we had a couple of questions and a second guide took us back into the mosque to answer all of our questions for over an hour. Friday mid-day is the busiest time at the mosque, and we would not have picked that time to go. We would highly recommend taking the time to visit the mosque! See more..
4.5 National Theatre of Bahrain (19 reviews)
- Unique design & a beautiful theatre !
Spent More than 3 hours Theaters

**It is one of the most beautiful theatres in the world and 3rd largest in the middle east, located next to Bahrain National Museum. **Tip: Visit its official website to know if its hosting any performances. If yes and you are in Bahrain then MUST VISIT. **The Bahrain National Theater has hosted a number of global performances from some of the world’s foremost artists, such as the Orchestra of the 21st Century of Russia, legendary composer Yanni, Spanish opera superstar Placido Domingo, the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Ballets from Russia, and Il Divo. **The whole design concept is unique. The 1001-seat auditorium's interior is clad with acoustically deafened Canadian Elmwood, which was meant to give visitors the impression of being on a Dhow.In fact, the 1001 seats symbolically represent the Thousand and One Arabian Nights, that is One Thousand and One Nights, a collection of West and South Asian stories and folk tales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age. See more..
4.5 Shri Krishna Temple Bahrain (15 reviews)
- Amazing
Friday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

I am a very religious person .I believe that there is unity in diversity; as we may worship many Gods but God is one. worship is peace. I respect all religions .I visited Shri Krishna temple thrice and the first day tears came out of my eyes. I found myself near God. I had a second visit last week and was glad to see foreigners visiting the temple . Bahrain is a very peaceful country and today when I visited this temple I saw lovely pigeons flapping around for grains . Love God and love all living beings. See more..
4.5 Matam Ajam Al Kabeer Mosque, Manama (10 reviews)
- A Must See
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

A place the you need to see, the architecture, the local and Persian design, espacially when you go in the 1st tend days of Muharram ( the 1st month of the Hijri year) where all types of activities are there across the street. See more..
4.5 Bahrain National Museum (1.341 reviews)
- Well-maintained and Curated
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM History Museums

In contrast to many museums that are either poorly labelled or lack any meaningful theme (or both), the National Museum is a compact exhibition of artifacts, materials and ethnographic materials aimed at providing a historical and anthropological overview of Bahrain - and it does a great job. There are six galleries with good lighting, plush interiors and well maintained displays. Everything is labelled clearly in English and care seems to have been taken in the order of displays. The building itself is airy and modern though a somewhat long walk if reached by bus. Expect to spend 2-3 hours. The gift shop was somewhat limited. See more..
4.5 Al-Fatih Mosque (Great Mosque) (1.260 reviews)
- A quick visit which could have gone on for longer ...
Religious Sites

I visited this mosque as part of a city your. The local tour guide here is very passionate and could go on for hours uninterrupted. He explains everything about that mosque and the religion very well. I could come back here just to learn more about the history of the place again. See more..
4.5 Bahrain International Circuit (794 reviews)
- Great F1 venue - taxi back expensive on race weekends
Auto Racing Tracks

We went to all 3 days of the 2023 F1 Grand Prix weekend. The facilities at the track are excellent so would fully recommend you making the effort to come in 2024. Only downside is the extortion on taxi fares returning in the evening. Taxis are always supposed to run on meters but this rule seems to have some flexibility. Be prepared to pay BD 30 - 50 to return to Manama… See more..
4.5 Qal'at al-Bahrain (776 reviews)
- A Bahrain highlight
Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Ancient Ruins

Bahrain Fort is an impressive place to wander round and soak up some history in a beautiful coastal setting. This large UNESCO listed fort which can be explored inside and out. The accompanying museum is worth a visit too, especially on a hot day with the efficient aircon, however, the cafe is overpriced. A definite highlight of Bahrain. See more..
4.5 The Avenues (210 reviews)
- Sunset Ventilation
Shopping Malls

Positives: Location (easy to get there). Amazing sea and city sunset view. Designs and decorations. Multiple different restaurants and cafes. Taxi boats cruise (see videos and pictures). Small boats cruise. Cleanness of toilets. Wide spaces for walking. Areas of Improvement: Limited indoor activities and shopping markets. Crowdednesses. Limited kid indoor and outdoor activities. See more..
4.5 Beit Al Qur'an (112 reviews)
- One of the best places in Bahrain
Friday: Speciality Museums

One of the best places that you can visit in Bahrain ... The museum includes the entire history of the Qur’an, and it is the largest museum specialized in the Noble Qur’an in the world ... The museum includes multiple sections inside, such as the museum, the library, the mosque, and a lecture hall See more..
4.5 Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Center (69 reviews)
- Welcoming experience to begin exploring Bahrain
Religious Sites

My husband was excited to begin my tour of Bahrain at the Grand Mosque. We arrived dressed respectfully, men in long pants (traditional cloak available to men wearing shorts) and I was offered an abaya (black cloak) to cover my clothes and a scarf for my head. We took part in a tour offered just as the mid afternoon Adhan (call to prayer) was beginning. The guides speak many languages and tours in languages other than English or Arabic can be arranged in advance. We were able to take pictures inside the beautiful building and we were encouraged to ask questions. We were given the option to stay for prayer time and observe from the upper mezzanine. Afterward, we had a couple of questions and a second guide took us back into the mosque to answer all of our questions for over an hour. Friday mid-day is the busiest time at the mosque, and we would not have picked that time to go. We would highly recommend taking the time to visit the mosque! See more..
4.0 Bab el-Bahrain Souk (1.237 reviews)
- A traditional market in the heart of manama
Visitor Centers • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Located in the heart of manama, the white building is a traditional souq or market. The U-shaped two-story building is well maintained and there is a fountain in front of the main entrance. Inside the souq, you have all kinds of shops selling spices, clothes and other traditional items. The souq itself is not air-conditioned but some of the shops are. So it is preferable to avoid the hot weather and visit in the mornings or evenings. See more..
4.0 Royal Camel Farm (336 reviews)
- must visit when in Bahrain!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas

Welcome to the Royal Camel Farm, Bahrain. This farm is open every day from sunrise to sunset, with free entry and free parking on-site as well as washroom facilities. Please note that the camels with chains are males, and the reason for using the chains is to prevent them from otherwise killing each other to mate with the females. They are thus spaced equally apart so that other male camels are outside their bite reach. Female camels can be seen inside the pens where they are free to roam. See more..
4.0 Seef Mall - Seef District (310 reviews)
- The oldest mall in Bahrain
Friday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

The first authentic mall in Bahrain, Seef Mall continues to dominate the retail sector and is the heart and soul of Seef district with its distinctive architecture and atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy. Magic Island, the largest indoor amusement park in the Middle East is ideally located on the first floor and for guests from overseas the mall has self-serviced apartments managed by internationally renowned Fraser Suites with one an entrance located in the mall through the West Extension. See more..
4.0 Al Dar Islands (290 reviews)
- Bahrain's Little Own Tropical Island
Beaches

I've been several times each year for 3 years. My favourite Bahrain place to go. Ideal for friends or family visiting. Always phone in advance as in windy weather they cancel the boats. The rented houses (85 BD plus) great for a peaceful couple of days. Or rent the huts for 15 BD plus for larger ones. (For shade) You can take your own drinks & food. Bars there and small burger/BBQ restaurant does basic but decent food. Normal prices. Rent jet skis etc. Best days for peace & quite is weekdays. Friday DJ is noisy but you can move to the huts at other parts of the island. Highly recommended. Kids & adults love the boat ride. See more..
4.0 Moda Mall - Bahrain World Trade Center (199 reviews)
- Elite mall
Shopping Malls

Moda mall is one of the oldest elite malls in Bahrain, that was fully renovated and expanded few years back to a very high standard, it is spacious and beautifully decorated , housing elite French and other international brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Cartier, Piaget and many others, it has also a variety of smaller shops that sells different brands of clothings, shoes, makeup, perfumes.. etc, as well as the best jewellery shops in Bahrain, when the time of the prayers comes, you can use the nicely done mosque within the mall that has 2 sections for the men and women. The mall also contain few fine restaurants and few good coffee shops. A shopping mall that shouldn’t be missed if you visit Bahrain. See more..
4.0 Bahrain Financial Harbour (144 reviews)
- Nice skyline
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Manama offer a beautiful skyline to be a small city has interesting buildings and this 2 building offer a very nice pic from different angles. See more..
4.0 Reef Island (129 reviews)
- Wonderful
Piers & Boardwalks

Best place for outdoor with sea views restaurants ever in Bahrain. There are mix of Lebanon and Italian restaurants. There are one resort that has coffee shop and asian restaurant . However, the gate will ask to have the bill after having dinner or lunch otherwise there will be charges of BD 6. See more..
4.0 Gold City (60 reviews)
- Go to Jameel Jewellers
Shopping Malls

Jameel Jewellers Retail Shop which is located in the "Gold Souq" mall in Manama Center has the widest range of beautiful natural pearls. They are the best people around when it comes to pearls! BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION!!! See more..
4.0 Al Aali Mall (52 reviews)
- Interested in Architecture ?
Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

As Bahrain’s first high-end shopping destination, Al Aali Mall has set the gold standard Kingdom-wide for what a retail experience should be. The elegant embodiment of Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage and evolving urban scene, Al Aali Mall brings together everything you want in a retail destination: comfort, culture, and taste. Harmoniously blending Middle Eastern-inspired interiors with a chic, contemporary ambiance, our iconic architecture sets the tone for a truly unique shopping experience. With a curated blend of luxury brands, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and a variety of inspired dining options, Al Aali Mall is the shopping experience you crave. Al Aali Mall: A higher level of shopping. See more..
4.0 Khamis Mosque (37 reviews)
- The 1st Mosque in Bahrain
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

In addition that it's the oldest Mosque in Bahrain, the tourism arrangement done is outstanding, and moreover, entrance is free. See more..
4.0 Mukta A2 Cinemas (28 reviews)
- Not your typical cinema
Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

A peculiar cinema located in Juffair. I chose to visit this cinema for the sole purpose of avoiding the crowded cinemas located at shopping malls & I was very satisfied. Good service, clean & a nice selection of snacks, they even has cheese flavored popcorn, can you imagine? To summarize, the overall feel was nice, the screen was decent & so were the seats which had a relatively distinct design & feel compared to the rest of the cinemas in Bahrain. Definitely worth it! See more..
4.0 Wahoo water park Bahrain (24 reviews)
- Great Family Fun day
Water Parks

Great Family Fun Day out, both indoor and out door rides would definitely go back. Also in ideal location in the middle of the city mall. See more..