Manama
is a shopper's paradise
Welcome to Manama
Try as it might, Manama lacks the polish and in-your-face commercialism of Doha or Dubai, but therein lies its charm. Yes, you'll find here all the hallmarks of modern Gulf prosperity: vast air-conditioned shopping malls and daringly designed skyscrapers are present in abundance. But the juxtaposition of the city's pearling past and its oil-rich future is everywhere to be seen: in the National Museum set alongside the avant-garde National Theatre, and in the traditional homes of Muharraq with views across the rooftops to the skyscrapers of downtown Manama. Throw in fabulous eating options and a dynamic art scene and you'll soon discover that there's more to Manama than first meets the eye.
Top experiences in Manama
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Manama activities
Bahrain Historical Private Half Day Tour
You will be met by your English speaking guide in your hotel lobby and proceed for the tour. The first stop of the day will be at the Ahmed Al Fateh Grand Mosque. This mosque is the largest mosque in the country which can accommodate 7,000 worshipers and has been crowned with the worlds largest fiberglass dome. The next visit will be the Bait Al Quran. It is one of the island's most attractive pieces of architecture and is the home to an immensely fair and valuable collection of Islamic manuscripts collected from all around the Islamic world. Moving on, the tour will proceed to Bahrain National Museum. One of the first museums in the Gulf, the Bahrain National Museum opened in 1988 and its the place to learn Bahrain's history, culture and traditions. Next, you will have brief stop by the Bahrain World Trade Center for a photo stop. The Bahrain World Trade Center is 240 m (787 ft) high and the twin tower complex located in Manama was built in 2008. It is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design. The last visit of the day will be the King Fahad Causeway. Opened in 1986, this remarkable 25km feat of engineering links Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The causeway traverses Umm Al Nasan Island, which is a sanctuary for wildlife and at the halfway point there is a facility area, including a tower restaurant, which you can visit even if you don't travel the whole distance to Saudi Arabia. You will then be returned to your hotel in Manama.
Catch the Essence of Manama - The Half Day Tour of a Lifetime
Half a day of WonderUnravel the essence of Bahrain in a mesmerizing knit of traditions and modern trends. As the clock hits 9:00 AM, you’ll step into our sightseeing bus and embark on an unforgettable tour with an expert guide - the kind of storyteller guide that knows the inside-outs of Manama. Our first stop will be at the at the impressive Al-Fateh Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in the world. Here, we’ll gain a deeper insight into the Arabic culture and admire the beautiful Kulic calligraphy and fiberglass dome that stand testimony of its greatness.If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Friday, we’ll make a quick photo stop to snap a fantastic memory. We’ll continue our historical quest with a visit to the Bahrain National Museum and immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of Bahrain which accounts for more than 6000 years. Next, we’ll head to the Muharraq Souq and have a taste of the delectable Bahraini ‘Halwa’ and make an unforgettable stop at the Old Houses of Muhharaq and Bahrain Fort to revive the Bahraini tradition. We’ll end the tour at the Bab al Bahrain, where we’ll try to reconstruct with our imagination what Bahrain looked some hundreds of years ago when this gate stood close to the water’s edge. Highlights: Locally flavored stories by our expert English Speaking Guide A bite of history at the Al Fateh Grand Mosque Cultural immersion at the Bahrain National Museum Gem chasing at the Muharraq Souq Heritage discovery at the Old Houses of Muharraq and the Bahrain Fort Time travel into the past at the Bab al Bahrain
Archaeological Tour Bahrain
You will be met by your English speaking guide at your hotel lobby in Manama and proceed for your sightseeing tour. The first stop will be to Bahrain Fort. Thought to be once the centre of power for the ancient Dilmun civilization, Qal'at Al Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) has UNESCO World Heritage status. Next up visit Barbar Temple. These temples are among the most remarkable architectural survivals of the ancient world. It is an archaeological site located in the North-western village of Barbar in Bahrain. Archaeologists found three temples built on top of each other belonging to different eras.You will then move onto Saar Ancient Settlement. Saar is a well laid out settlement with a main street running up from the southeastern outskirts. It has a temple in the centre at the crossroads of the settlement and two and three roomed buildings constructed in rows with standard room plans and suites of domestic installations. Over 80 buildings, mainly buildings have been discoeverd here. Saar Burial Complex is next up. There are large number of interconnecting graves in this ancient site. It is a type of burial unique to Bahrain.Finally you will see the Burial Mounds.: These archaeological mounds are of great historical importance going back to the Dilmun civilization in the third millennium BC. Other archaeological mounds, which go back to the Hellenistic period of Alexander the Great (2500 BC) are also found in various areas in Bahrain. The most imposing mounds are those believed to be the Dilmunite Royal Tombs. These tombs are seen in A'ali close to modern dwellings. You will then be returned to your hotel in Manama.
Nature Flora and Fauna Trip from Manama
You will be met by your English speaking guide at the hotel lobby at 14.00. You will then proceed on your sightseeing tour. The first stop will be to Jabel Al Dukhan, the highest point of the country. It stands at 137 meters above sea level in the middle of Sakhir Desert in Bahrain.Next you will see the First Oil Well in the Middle East. Bahrain was the first country to discover oil in the Arabian Gulf in 1932 beneath Jabel Al Dukhan or Mountain of Smoke. You can see the Gulf's first oil well here. Next up you will see the Tree of Life. This well-matured tree has come to be known as the Tree Of Life because of the mystery surrounding its existence in the middle of the desert without any known water sources. The tree is believed to be from the Acacia family which is able to withstand harsh environments and can live for many years.The last stop will be to Al-Areen Wildlife Park (Sanctuary). Established in 1975, the park is perfect for families and animal lovers to explore at leisure and to enjoy the opportunity of seeing animals in the wild. On the way back to the hotel there will be brief photo stop at the Bahrain International Circuit 'The home of Motorsport in the Middle East'.
Private Half Day Bahrain Heritage Tour
The tour will start at 09:00 am and first visit of the day will be the Bahrain Fort. Thought to be once the centre of power for the ancient Dilmun civilisation, Qal'at Al Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) has UNESCO World Heritage status. The Bahrain Fort occupies a strategic military position where the navigation movement could be watched. Excavations have revealed ancient soldier's barracks, horse stables, an ammunition depot, a secret passageway, ceramic utensils and Islamic and Chinese currency coins. You will then walk to the Bahrain Fort Museum. The museum is located on the northern coast of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and is surrounded by a picturesque seascape and lush greenery that escaped urban encroachment. The museum’s collection showcases five different historical periods which are arranged chronologically, each within its own separate gallery. The tour will continue to the Royal Camel Farm. This farm was owned by His Highness Late Shaikh Mohamed Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the uncle of the King of Bahrain. There are more than 500 camels in this farm. Have your camera ready to pose with the camels, as they are very friendly. The next stop will be the Al Jasra Handicraft Center. It is located close to Al Jasra House and is worth visiting as it showcases varieties of homemade handicraft such as pottery making, cloth weaving, wood working, basket weaving, and sadow making that are created using the traditional methods. A short drive from here to visit the Al Jasra House. Al Jasra House was constructed by Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa in 1907. It was later used as a summer residence for Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, ruler of Bahrain from 1942 to 1961. The current ruler's father The Late Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa was born in this house in 1933. The house was designed according to the traditional Bahraini architecture to suit the local environment. Local materials such as coral, gypsum and palm-tree trunks were used for its construction and truly represent the traditional Bahraini house. The last stop of the day will be the Ancient Burial Mounds. These archaeological mounds are of great historical importance going back to the Dilmun civilization in the third millennium BC. Other archaeological mounds, which go back to the Hellenistic period of Alexander the Great (2500 BC) are also found in various areas in Bahrain. The most imposing mounds are those believed to be the Dilmunite Royal Tombs. These tombs are seen in A'ali close to modern dwellings. The tour will then head back to the hotel.
Old Capital of Bahrain City Tour
You will be picked up from your hotel in Manama around 09:00 am. The tour will head to Muharraq Island and first visit of the day will be Shaikh Isa Bin Ali House. This 19th century ruling family residence in Muharraq Island is Bahrain's most impressive example of Gulf Islamic architecture featuring four courtyards, beautiful carved wooden doors and perforated gypsum panels. Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, the current King's great-great-grandfather, who ruled the country for 63 years was residing in this house. You will then have a short walk to the next place of interest, the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre. This is a new building with a traditional architecture in the heart of old Muharraq. It was built on a plot of land that was originally part of the house and forum of Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, an intellectual and man of letters, in the early 20th century. The design incorporates a large Islamic arch, mashrabiya (traditional windows) and gypsum panels with Arabic calligraphy. Very nearby is Kurar House that you will visit. The house provides a venue for elderly Bahraini ladies to pass on the art of the Kurar to younger generations. Kurar is a form of embroidery using a golden thread. The next visit is to Abdullah Al Zayed House. This is the house of the founder of the first weekly newspaper in Bahrain and the Gulf. The house is dedicated to the preservation of Bahrain's press heritage and at the same time preserves part of the country's unique architectural traditions. Continue to visit the Mohammed Bin Faris House. This small house, off Shaikh Hamad Avenue and close to the souq, once belonged to thefamous Bahraini oud player and songwriter Mohamed bin Faris. It was recently converted into a museum in honor of the late musician. You will then visit Arad Fort, built in the 15th century in Arad area, Muharraq. Arad Fort was built in the typical style of Islamic forts before the Portuguese invasion of Bahrain in 1622 A.D. This fort is one of the compact defensive forts in Bahrain. The last visit of the day will be the Muharraq Souq. Smaller than Manama Souq, the Muharraq souq offers a wide range of merchandise and famed sweet shops. The oldest section of the souq, Al Qaisariya, offers a charming shopping experience. Souq Al Qaisariya is an integral component of the "Pearling; a testimony of an Island Economy" (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The tour ends with a visit to a Traditional Coffee Shop.