Things to do in Bahrain
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Mezzaluna
If you're looking for that 'somewhere special' but don't want to lose sight of the country you are in, then you can't do better than the atmospheric and sophisticated Mezzaluna. Occupying a stylish Bahraini courtyard house, the high-ceilinged restaurant has a live Latin band (on Fridays) and jazz music at other times. It offers a Mediterranean menu with imported cheeses from France and an excellent wine list.
The Algerian fillet mignon is a melt-in-the-mouth classic. Book to avoid disappointment.
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Shwarma stands
There are plenty of shwarma stands in the centre of Manama, around the back of Bab al-Bahrain and in the souq, where the large turnover of customers ensures the freshness of the snack. Woody's, near the rear of Bahrain International Hotel, is one such establishment, where roll-up sandwiches cost 250 fils and a mixed-fruit juice 500 fils - there's no charge for the ringside view of life behind Government Ave.
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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.
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The Conservatory
One of the oldest cafés in Manama, this has earned a fine reputation for its excellent teas and homely atmosphere. Step through the door of the town house and it feels like stepping into a secret garden.
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Natural Pearl Palace
The owner of Natural Pearl Palace is particularly knowledgeable and has some priceless pearls in the shop's collection.
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Al-Fatih Mosque
A visitor wanting to learn more about Islam could not do better than to visit this grand mosque, with its unpatronising, informative guides. Built on reclaimed land in 1984, Al-Fatih Mosque is the largest building in the country and is capable of holding up to 7000 worshippers. The mosque was built with marble from Italy, glass from Austria and teak wood from India, carved by local Bahraini craftspeople, and has some fine examples of interior design.
The dedicated guides lead visitors through the mosque, explaining aspects of religious etiquette while pointing out special features of mosque architecture. Visitors begin their guided tour at the small library immediately to…
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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…
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Beit al-Quran
With its wrapping of carved Kufic script, the distinctive Beit al-Quran is a fine example of modern Bahraini architecture. It was opened in 1990 as a museum and research centre, and houses a large and striking collection of Qurans, manuscripts and woodcarvings. It functions as a good introduction to Islam in general, and Islamic calligraphy in particular. Look out for the miniature Qurans, the smallest of which (from 18th-century Persia) measures only 4.7cm by 3.2cm.
The exhibits are well labelled in English and can be superficially perused within an hour. The bookshop in the foyer sells crafts. Visitors should dress conservatively. The building is next to the Bahrain Red…
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Bab al-Bahrain
Built by the British in 1945, Bab al-Bahrain, the 'Gateway to Bahrain' was originally designed by Sir Charles Belgrave. It was redesigned in 1986 to give it more of an 'Islamic' flavour. The small square in front of the bab (gate) was once the terminus of the customs pier (which provides some idea of the extent of land reclamation in the area). The building now houses the Tourist Department and a souvenir shop.
Despite having been moved back from the water's edge, the gateway is still aptly named, as goods of various description, people of all nationalities, street vendors, shoppers and workers pass under its arches in a constant pageant of activity in this, the heart of…
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Museum of Pearl Diving
Originally built in 1937 to house the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs, this museum still bears the emblem of weighing scales above the great wooden entrance doors (not the Government Ave entrance). The rooms, which can be seen within an hour, contain displays of Bahrain's pearl-diving and seafaring heritage, exhibits of antique weapons, traditional games, medicine, costumes and musical instruments, as well as the various uses of the date palm.
Upstairs, the collection of photographs of state occasions and of numerous Arab and foreign dignitaries from Bahrain throughout the 20th century is interesting. Photography is prohibited.
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Casa Blu
This fashionable Arabic-style café has a personality as large as the giant TV screens suspended from the ceilings. Antique typewriters, tills, cameras and gadgetry strewn around the walls will keep you occupied if your companion's conversation doesn't. The plush divans, kofta kebabs (around BD3), sheeshas (around BD3) and live hip hop music add to the mixed-messages of this quirky venue. Dress code stipulates 'no thawb without gutra' - in other words, don't wear shorts.
Bare legs are not the only things stopped at the door: the 'blue' in the title discourages 'evil eye' from entering too.
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Funland Centre Ice-Skating Rink
Ice-skating clearly carries some kind of magical enchantment for people in the Gulf and no capital is worth its salt, it seems, if it can't generate a piece of ice in the 50°C heat that is good enough for a Muscovite ice-skating team. Manama is no exception and it boasts a fine rink at Funland Centre. There's even ice disco for travelling Travoltas - don't forget your white t-shirt for the ultraviolet lighting.
Look out for a new development called 'Iceberg Tower'. When built, it will apparently have a ski-run that will compete in piste and permafrost with the one in Dubai.
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Aquatique Scuba Centre
Pearl diving in Bahrain has been a tradition (and was the backbone of the economy) for centuries. While the industry has come to an end, the oysters have continued to grow, uncollected on the shallow sea beds. If you're interested in learning about pearls, and even diving for them, Aquatique Scuba Centre runs a very informative pearl-diving course.
It covers everything from the history of the pearl industry to what sort of oysters are likely to contain pearls; the grand finale is a dive trip to one of Bahrain's abandoned pearl beds.
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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.
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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.
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Royal Tombs
The Royal Tombs are the largest and most impressive of Bahrain's 85,000 burial mounds. Located in the village of A'ali the tombs may or may not have been the final resting places of kings, but they're definitely large: up to 15m (50ft) high and 45m (150ft) in diameter.
A'ali is also the home of Bahrain's best-known pottery workshop, and many fine pieces are available for purchase.
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BJ's Nightclub
One of the coolest nightspots in Bahrain. It plays a mix of world music, house, R&B, hip hop and Latin grooves.
Serious night clubbers should pick up the detailed Bahrain Hotel & Restaurant Guide, which lists recommended bars and nightclubs. Live shows are listed in the 'Nitelife' section of Bahrain This Month, and in the English-language newspapers.
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Likwid
One of the coolest nightspots in Bahrain. It plays a mix of world music, house, R&B, hip hop and Latin grooves.
Serious night clubbers should pick up the detailed Bahrain Hotel & Restaurant Guide, which lists recommended bars and nightclubs. Live shows are listed in the 'Nitelife' section of Bahrain This Month, and in the English-language newspapers.
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Bam Bu
Practical, filling, tasty, fresh-to-the-table home-cooking is what makes this Shanghai establishment worth a visit. The cooking may be traditional but the venue certainly isn't: the open-kitchen restaurant is painted lime-green, has electronic sliding doors and is wi-fi enabled. The set-price dinner option (around BD12), which includes unlimited beverages, is excellent value.
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Habara Snacks & Fish
No-one could fail to enjoy the name of the best diner in Adliya with its cheery streamers of plastic flowers. And there's more than just the name to enjoy: try the fish and chips (around BD2) or pluck up courage for the liver with cheese sandwich.If you're looking for pudding and don't fancy the carrot with ice-cream juice, pop into Al-Jazeera supermarket next door.
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Jim's
If you're feeling homesick this is one venue that might cheer you up with regular roasts (around BD7) and a cosy cottage interior. It also serves a 'Full Monty' breakfast on a Friday with home-cooked eggs, bacon and black pudding. With a convivial atmosphere and legendary homemade chocolate vodkas, Jim's is highly popular with Western expats, so it's worth booking.
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Funland Centre Kids Activities
Bahrainis welcome visiting children to their amenities. The principal amusement area for kids is Funland Centre, and you'll find plenty of information about what's on for children in the media; in particular, the 'Teens & Kids' section in the magazine Bahrain this Month has heaps of information on fun activities including lessons in hip hop and salsa.
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Al-Reem Tours
If you're interested in ecotourism, it's well worth contacting Al-Reem Tours before your visit. This unique company specialises in environmental tours. It runs daily bird-watching and wildlife trips to remoter parts of the Hawar Islands and to the mainland desert. It also has a special six-day bird-watching package. Check the excellent website for more details.
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Al-Sawani
If you're curious to know where Bahraini families go to celebrate that special occasion, join a buffet lunch at this plush Arabic restaurant, next to the Bahrain National Museum. Housed in a traditional wind-towered building overlooking the sea, the brightly-lit, cavernous restaurant is best visited with a group of friends or you may feel rather conspicuous.
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Kids Kingdom
An amusement park called Kids Kingdom has a few rides if nearby construction work isn't off-putting, and you'll find plenty of information about what's on for children in the media; in particular, the 'Teens & Kids' section in the magazine Bahrain this Month has heaps of information on fun activities including lessons in hip hop and salsa.
reviewed