The streets of Manama are filled with history seen in the old souks, grand houses and other attractions. Walking through the alleys of the streets offer the most interesting experience. To experience the architectural mastery, cuisines and the nightlife, one will have to travel around the world. There are several places to visit in Manama for their nationality, culture and traditions.
10 Best Places To Visit in Manama: Explore The Sleeping Streets And Alley
Known to the world as the sleeping city, there are several streets and historical places tucked away in a corner, waiting to be discovered. There are several places to visit in Manama for its fun and excitement.
1. Reef Island
Do you want to take a break and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life? Well, Reef Island is just the place for you. Nestled at the heart of Manama, the reef island offers tourists the peace and quiet of a tropical island getaway. It is said to be the cities benchmark of luxury living, peace and relaxation that offers the best facilities like 5-star hotels, marina, yacht club, aquarium and much more. Enjoy the peaceful splendor and embrace life the way it is meant to be as it is a once in a lifetime experience. So, the reef islands are a must visit in Manama.
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Popular Attractions: Marina, Yacht club, Aquarium
Things to Do: Visit the aquarium
2. National Theatre Of Bahrain
National Theatre of Bahrain is a national landmark, a one stop tourist attraction in Manama Bharain, after Cairo and Muscat Opera. Known for its stunning architecture, the national theatre is said to have a 750-seat auditorium for drama, symphony concerts, conferences, jazz and other music events. Intimacy, sightlines and flexibility were the 3 things taken into consideration while making the theatre. Tourists are often awe- struck by the architecture as it has a touch of tradition seen in the interwoven aluminum strips to the curvaceous interiors. Attend some of the musical shows and ballets for the ideal evening with friends.
Popular Attractions: Architecture
Things to Do: Attend a musical show and ballet
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3. Bab Al Bahrain Souk
Have you ever visited an old souk in Manama? Old souks have a charm of their own that is not found anywhere else. Made with a labyrinth of alleys filled with spice vendors, carpet merchants and specialist stores, discover the old souk that is Bab Al Bahrain Souk. Enjoy the views and smells of the market, buy things from the local handicrafts and yummy snacks home. It is one of the most ideal attractions in Manama, that has attracted people from all the world. So, if you haven’t been yet, then what you waiting for? Get a glimpse of the old souk and spend a few hours shopping your heart out.
Popular Attractions: Carpet merchants, Spice vendors
Things to Do: Shop away at local handicrafts
4. Al- Fateh Mosque
A little secret: One of the many things to do in Bahrain is to visit a mosque. A part of an Islamic center, Al- Fateh Mosque is home to a mosque, a department for Qur’anic studies and an Islamic library. Born in 1988, the grand mosque is said to accommodate at least 7000 worshippers. One of the finest features of the mosque are the Italian marbles that covers the floors and are a part of the mosque walls.
The fiberglass dome and stained-glass windows have left people awe- struck. The teak wood that has made the doors have been imported from India. With modern policy, the kingdom of Bahrain has still retained its Islamic values and Arab character of the country.
Popular Attractions: Teak wood doors, Fiberglass domes
Things to Do: Explore the Islamic library
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5. La Fontaine Centre Of Contemporary Art
The historical monument, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary art goes back to 150 years, found at the heart of Manama. Said to be a masterpiece of architectural and artistic glory, the Centre of modern art is said to be a haven for all the architecture lovers.
The importance of a European chateau and Gulf Islamic architecture is captured at the Centre. What was once a stunning home, Jean March Sinan gave birth to an exceptional Centre for art and leisure enthusiasts. It is a first in the Gulf region that features several modern art galleries, an open- air amphitheater, fine dining restaurant, a spa Centre and Pilates and Dance studio. It is by far one of the best places to visit in Bahrain.
Popular Attractions: European chateau and Gulf Islamic architecture
Things to Do: Visit the modern art galleries and an open- air amphitheater and enjoy fine dining restaurant
6. Gold City Mall
Gold City Mall offers opportunities for networking between jewelry retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and retail customers. It is a platform that offers the ideal experience of buying and selling jewelry. The mall flaunts an array of jewelry designs and styles which makes it a fun shopping experience for people. Tourists can buy all kinds of things right from jewelry, coins and bars, which makes it an experience to remember for a long time, making it one of the ideal places to visit in Manama Bahrain.
What more can anyone ask for when it comes to enjoying the ideal shopping experience that may not be found elsewhere in the world.
Popular Attractions: Jewelry designs and styles
Things to Do: Jewelry shopping
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7. Seef Mall
Popular for its architecture and stimulating ambience, Seef Mall is the best family shopping and entertainment destination. Home to over 370 outlets, people can shop for various world class retail, fashion and jewelry brands and much more. With several brands in store, people can eat the best cuisines at the restaurants, food stalls, coffee shops and cafes. When it comes to entertaining the little ones, the magic island indoor theme park is the place for them.
Packed with fun and entertainment, people will never want to leave the mall and will always come back for more.
Popular Attractions: Magic Indoor Theme Park
Things to Do: Tuck into some of the finest cuisine and enjoy the entertainment
8. The Avenues
The 1st shopping and leisure destination of its kind in Bahrain, the Avenues is known for its seafront, sitting at the heart of Manama. The shopping destination offers people a feeling of being outdoors while staying indoors, protected by the heat of the sun.
Besides shopping one’s heart out, people can always grab a bite to eat or drink at the restaurants and cafes. It is one of the most ideal malls in Bahrain that has an entertainment are for families like a special play hall, cinemas, public parks, walkways and parking spaces.
Ideal Duration: 2- 3 hours
Popular Attractions: Public parks, walkways and parking spaces
Things to Do: Shopping, eat and drink at the cafes and restaurants
9. Qalat Al Bahrain
The archaeological site of a port, Qalat Al Bahrain was once the capital of Dilmun civilization and served as a Portuguese fort. An artificial mound created by several layers of human occupation is its typical tell. Several remains right from 2300 BC to the 16th century BC is seen in the hills. It is one of the rarest archeological and historical sites in Eastern Arabia and the Gulf region. It has been named after Qal’at al- Burtughal.
The Portuguese, back in the 1500’s, saw Bahrain as a key point to protect their trade routes between India, Africa, and Europe. A military base was set up the Bahrain fort, and in due of course of time, new stone towers were erected. It is safe to say it is one of the ideal places to visit in Manama.
Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
Popular Attractions: Military base
Things to Do: Explore the military base
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10. Almoayyed Tower
The first real skyscraper in Bahrain, Almoayyed tower is a true landmark building. Nestled within the Seef district, the 47-story tower sthat was commissioned in 2001, was completed in 2004. It has been for years the tallest building in Bahrain as it measures over 170 meters.
It is said to be the one stop tourist places in Manama, Bahrain that boasts of the stunning view of the gulf. What more can anyone want when it comes to exploring every corner of Manama?
Ideal Duration: 3- 4 hours
Popular Attractions: View of the Gulf
Things to Do: Enjoy the view of the Gulf
Manama is clearly the one stop holiday destination that has been attracting tourists from around the world every year. There is so much to explore as the capital has something for everyone. So, go ahead and make a list of places to visit in Manama and have the best time of your life.
FAQs
The streets of Manama are filled with history seen in the old souks, grand houses and other attractions. Walking through the alleys of the streets offer the most interesting experience.
- The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park
- Al-Fatih Mosque
- Bab El-Bahrain Souk
- Bahrain International Circuit
National Theatre of Bahrain is a national landmark, a one stop tourist attraction in Manama Bharain, after Cairo and Muscat Opera. Known for its stunning architecture, the national theatre is said to have a 750-seat auditorium for drama, symphony concerts, conferences, jazz and other music events. Intimacy, sightlines and flexibility were the 3 things taken into consideration while making the theatre.
The historical monument, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary art goes back to 150 years, found at the heart of Manama. Said to be a masterpiece of architectural and artistic glory, the Centre of modern art is said to be a haven for all the architecture lovers. The importance of a European chateau and Gulf Islamic architecture is captured at the Centre.
Gold City Mall offers opportunities for networking between jewelry retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and retail customers. It is a platform that offers the ideal experience of buying and selling jewelry. The mall flaunts an array of jewelry designs and styles which makes it a fun shopping experience for people.
The time to visit Manama is between March- May as the weather is pleasant. Known to the world as the sleeping city, there are several streets and historical places tucked away in a corner, waiting to be discovered.
Tourists can spend at least 3 days exploring Manama. Right from the water parks, to shopping malls to historical sites, there is a lot to do in Manama. Tourists will never have a dull moment.
Royal Phoenicia hotel, Diva hotel, Oriental Palace hotel, Juffair Grand Hotel are some of the hotel's tourists can stay at in Manama.
Bahrain International Airport in Manama, nestled close to Muharraq Island. It is the center for the national carrier Gulf Air.
