Travel Guide to Manama, Bahrain [with Sample Itinerary]

By: Fatima Turla

Read our Manama travel guide to help you have an idea with your next journey to this wonderful capital in the country of Bahrain.

Photo by Chris Price CC BY-ND 2.0

Manama is a modern city and the capital of Bahrain. It offers a lot of fun and exciting experience that both local and foreign tourists love. See great architecturally-designed mosque, wander around the popular Bab el-Bahrain Souq, witness interesting exhibits at the Bahrain National Museum, and a lot more. You can do all these when you spend your next trip to this city. So if you want to learn more about it, here’s our Manama travel guide for you.

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Table of Contents

Manama Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Manama, Bahrain

1. Al-Fatih Mosque (Great Mosque)

Photo by Jacobs – Creative Bees CC BY 2.0

A very large mosque with guides in all languages. It is the largest mosque in Bahrain with space for 7,000 believers. It is also accessible to non-Muslims, but women should get black robes to put on. The headscarf is also a must! The interior of the mosque is totally impressive. Remember to observe the dress codes before entering.

2. Bahrain National Museum

Photo by xiquinhosilva CC BY-NC 2.0

The museum is very well decorated, modern, and really educational. There are many representations of the old life in Bahrain and temporary exhibitions. It houses exhibits from 5,000 years of history in 9 large halls. It is re-enacted with life-size figures, customs, traditions, and craft businesses. You can also find an art gallery with works by Bahraini artists.

3. The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park

Photo by Frans Zwart CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Both kids and adults would love this place. The park is not so big but ideal to spend time with the family. The slide and pool itself bring so much joy for everyone. A must-do when you’re in Manama.

4. Bab el-Bahrain Souk

A visit to the souk is a must when you are in Manama. It is an experience, especially at night. This traditional market is located in the heart of Manama. You can find all kinds of shops selling spices, clothes and other traditional items.

5. Bahrain International Circuit

Photo by Isabell Schulz CC BY-SA 2.0

The Bahrain Race Track is worth seeing, even if nothing is going on. Even though you’re a non-Formula 1 fan, you’ll have an interesting experience here. But of course, for those who love motorsport, this is paradise.

6. Qal’at al-Bahrain

Photo by Mubarak Fahad CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Qal at Bahrain is huge and a must place to visit. The city was probably from around 2300 BC. There is a lot of great photo opportunities for the ancient ruins with the modern city in the background.

7. Seef Mall – Seef District

The first authentic mall in Bahrain. It is smaller than City Center Mall but more locals come here. You can shop here for less expensive but beautiful things.

8. Royal Camel Farm

Here, you can see a lot of camels of all ages. You can stroke and pet the camels without any problem as they’re friendly and welcoming to the tourists. What’s fun is they also look at the camera when you try to take a photo of them (or a selfie with them) which is really cute!

9. Al Dar Islands

Photo by Allan Donque CC BY 2.0

A beautiful island that has turquoise blue waters. For a relaxing and quiet day at the beach. You should visit here.

Manama Travel Guide: Sample Weekend Itinerary to Manama, Bahrain

Day 1 – Weekend Guide to Manama, Bahrain

Bahrain National Museum
Bahrain International Circuit
Bab el-Bahrain Souk

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Manama, Bahrain

Al-Fatih Mosque (Great Mosque)
Qal’at al-Bahrain
The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Manama, Bahrain

Royal Camel Farm
Seef Mall – Seef District

Manama Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Manama, Bahrain

*All prices are subject to change.

Where to Stay in Manama, Bahrain if you’re a Backpacker

Bahrain Carlton Hotel

All rooms at Bahrain Carlton are air-conditioned. They feature free Wi-Fi access, a TV set, and a work desk, as well as en suite bathrooms with showers. Its extensive facilities include a shrine, a rooftop pool, and a well-equipped gym.

Price: Starts at $37 per night for Deluxe Twin Room, add $6 for taxes and charges, breakfast included, and it offers a free cancellation.

Oriental Palace Hotel

Oriental Palace Hotel offers large, rooms with balconies and renovated bathrooms. The Bahrain International Exhibition & Conference Centre is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Al Nafoora Coffee Shop offers an a la carte menu, and a buffet lunch is served daily.

Price: Starts at $37 per night for Double or Twin Room, add $4 for taxes and charges, breakfast included, and it offers a free cancellation.

Reem Suites

Reem Suites provides accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. The apartment offers 3-star accommodation with an indoor pool. Wahooo! Waterpark is 9 km from Reem Suites.

Price: Starts at $40 per night for Standard Studio, add $6 for taxes and charges, breakfast included, and it offers a free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Manama, Bahrain if you’re on a Budget

Taj Plaza Hotel

Taj Plaza Hotel offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning and free internet access. All rooms of Hotel Taj Plaza are equipped with a minibar, a TV, and a private bathroom. Some of the rooms have a seating area. Room service is available 24/7.

Price: Starts at $45 per night for Deluxe Suite, add $7 for taxes and charges, and it’s non-refundable.

Meshal Hotel

Meshal Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. All units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer, and a desk. The units also include a wardrobe.

Price: Starts at $54 per night for Deluxe King Room, add $11 for taxes and charges, $8 for breakfast (optional), and it’s non-refundable.

Crystal Palace Hotel

Crystal Palace Hotel features free WiFi throughout the property. All units are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV. There is a seating and/or dining area in some units. Some units also have a kitchen, equipped with a refrigerator and stovetop.

Price: Starts at $55 per night for Deluxe King Studio, add $12 for taxes and charges, $11 for breakfast (optional), but it offers a free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Manama, Bahrain if you want Luxury

Lagoona Beach Luxury Resort and Spa

Lagoona Beach Luxury Resort & Spa has a private beach and provides free WiFi and spacious rooms with balconies offering a sea view. It offers a spa, gym, outdoor swimming pools for kids and adults, indoor heated swimming pool, and Multisports courts such as basketball and tennis. At this resort, guests can enjoy a variety of activities in the surroundings, including Bahrain’s most extensive selection of watersports such as jet skis, boat trips, donut rides, banana boat, water sofa rides, and many more.

Price: Starts at $263 per night for One-Bedroom Apartment, add $56 for taxes and charges, $25 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

The Ritz-Carlton features an air-conditioned squash court and flood-lit tennis courts on the beach. It has an on-site shopping section with 6 designer boutiques. Each room boasts 600-thread count linen and offers 3 different types of pillows. Each room features an interactive flat-screen TV with access to multilingual satellite channels. Guests can stretch their muscles using the fitness center’s cardio-vascular stations and resistance machines.

Price: Starts at $338 per night for Deluxe Sea View Twin, 2 Twin/Single Bed(s), add $72 for taxes and charges, $34 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay offers elegant accommodation with views of the Arabian Gulf. All rooms are furnished with elegant interiors. Each suite includes a separate living room with a flat-screen TV, an iPod dock, and a Blu-ray player. Guests can enjoy international dishes from CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Oriental delicacies at Re Asian Cuisine, and an open-kitchen concept at Bahrain Bay Kitchen.

Price: Starts at $371 per night for Superior Room King Bed, add $79 for taxes and charges, $34 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

Manama Travel Guide: List of restaurants that you can try while in Manama, Bahrain

1. Oliveto Restaurant & Lounge

Operating hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Adliya 338 Road 3834, Block 338, Manama Bahrain

2. Furn Bistro & Bakery

Operating hours: 06:30 AM – 11:00 PM(Sun-Sat)
Address: The Westin City Centre Bahrain Seef District, Manama Bahrain

3. Jashan

Address: Building 65, Road 4003, Block 340, Juffair Wyndham Garden Manama, Manama Bahrain

4. Takht Jamsheed

Address: At Gulf Hotel, Manama Al Fateh Avenue, Manama Bahrain

5. Baharat Restaurant

Operating hours: 06:30 AM – 11:00 AM / 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM (Sun-Fri) 06:30 AM – 11:00 AM (Sat)
Address: Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain, Seef District, Manama Manama Bahrain

And that’s our Manama travel guide for you! We hope we’re able to give you enough insights about this city. Have you been here? Or are you planning to go here? Share with us your experience!

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About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.​​

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