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Bahrain

Shopping in Bahrain

  1. A

    Manama Souq

    Manama Souq, in the warren of streets behind Bab al-Bahrain, is the place to go for electronic goods, bargain T-shirts, nuts, spices, sheesha bottles and a plethora of other Bahraini essentials. Most shops in the souq are open from about 09:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 21:00 Saturday to Thursday, and open in the evening on Friday.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Natural Pearl Palace

    The owner of Natural Pearl Palace is particularly knowledgeable and has some priceless pearls in the shop's collection.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Alukkas Jewellery

    Alukkas Jewellery is also respected in the Gulf. While the sky is the limit with regard to the price of a pearl, a pair of cluster earrings starts at US$150, a gold-and-pearl bangle from US$200 and a set (necklace plus earrings) costs around US$400 to US$800. A discount of 15% may be negotiable, but prices for pearl jewellery are more or less fixed. An oyster shell with a growing pearl makes a fine souvenir from US$50.

    Bahrain is the only country in the world to sell almost exclusively natural pearls. While the odd imported, artificial pearl creeps in, shop owners are very quick to tell you which ones are and which ones are not genuine, natural Bahraini pearls; when it…

    reviewed

  4. D

    Kumar

    The owner of Kumar is particularly knowledgeable and has some priceless pearls in the shop's collection.

    Bahrain is the only country in the world to sell almost exclusively natural pearls. While the odd imported, artificial pearl creeps in, shop owners are very quick to tell you which ones are and which ones are not genuine, natural Bahraini pearls; when it comes to Bahrain's most famous heritage item, it is more than their license is worth to mislead the customer.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Gold City

    Bahrain is the only country in the world to sell almost exclusively natural pearls. While the odd imported, artificial pearl creeps in, shop owners are very quick to tell you which ones are and which ones are not genuine, natural Bahraini pearls; when it comes to Bahrain's most famous heritage item, it is more than their license is worth to mislead the customer. A good place to start for pearls is Gold City, an arcade of jewellery shops in Central Manama.

    reviewed

  6. Souvenir Shops

    For regional souvenirs (most of which are imported from Yemen, India, Pakistan and Iran), there are many shops selling silver jewellery, brass coffeepots, lapis-lazuli and coral beads, carpets and kilims in the streets of Adliya district (near the Gulf Hotel and Convention Centre), especially along Osama bin Zaid Ave.

    reviewed

  7. F

    Bahrain Craft Centre

    The relaxed and friendly Bahrain Craft Centre, managed entirely by Bahraini women, is home to a variety of studios and workshops, and promotes the contemporary revival of traditional crafts, such as weaving, palm-leaf papermaking, pottery and ironwork. All the work is for sale.

    reviewed

  8. Fish Market

    For fish supplies, there's the Fish Market (no surprises here) - or a hook over the side, anywhere along the corniche, should do it.

    There are also dozens of grocery stores (cold stores) dotted around the residential areas, usually open from about 07:00 to 22:00.

    reviewed

  9. Dana Mall

    Many Bahrainis love the sophisticated shopping experiences of modern complexes. Dana Mall and Al-Seef Mall, on opposite sides of Sheikh Khalifa bin Sulman Hwy and a short taxi ride into the suburbs, are the biggest and best of the malls.

    reviewed

  10. Al-Seef Mall

    Many Bahrainis love the sophisticated shopping experiences of modern complexes. Al-Seef Mall and Dana Mall, on opposite sides of Sheikh Khalifa bin Sulman Hwy and a short taxi ride into the suburbs, are the biggest and best of the malls.

    reviewed

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  12. Geant

    The French franchise has a giant store in Bahrain Mall and is a handy place for self-catering.

    There are also dozens of grocery stores (cold stores) dotted around the residential areas, usually open from about 07:00 to 22:00.

    reviewed

  13. Al-Jazeera Supermarket

    Self-caterers can pick up supplies from this supermarket, which is open from 08:00 to 01:00.

    There are also dozens of grocery stores (cold stores) dotted around the residential areas, usually open from about 07:00 to 22:00.

    reviewed

  14. Central Market

    For fruit, spices, vegetables and meat, try the Central Market.

    There are also dozens of grocery stores (cold stores) dotted around the residential areas, usually open from about 07:00 to 22:00.

    reviewed

  15. Bahrain Arts Society

    Bahrain has a diverse and thriving arts community. The Bahrain Arts Society is just one of the many centres promoting local art and artists.

    reviewed

  16. G

    GOSI Shopping Complex

    Many Bahrainis love the sophisticated shopping experiences of modern complexes, such as the GOSI Shopping Complex .

    reviewed

  17. H

    Yateem Centre

    Many Bahrainis love the sophisticated shopping experiences of modern complexes, such as the Yateem Centre .

    reviewed

  18. Al-Hilal Bookshops

    Branches located in many top-end hotels, modern shopping centres and in the souq.

    reviewed

  19. Books Plus

    Offers a wide range of books, including some Lonely Planet titles.

    reviewed

  20. I

    Family Bookshop

    Stocks some attractive coffee-table books on the region.

    reviewed