It may not have the sophistication that is seen in Doha or Dubai, Manama has its own charm. With the retention of its charm, there is so much that meets the eye in the city. The city is the one stop holiday destination known for its art and culture.
Along with boasting its oil reserves, Manama is known for its hotels, shopping malls and nightlife. Tourists can explore the souks, craft markets and National theatre. Traditional roofs, mouthwatering Machboos and Gahwa and the Bab Al Bahrain are things people will be in awe off. Tourists are often attracted to the candor and simplicity of the Bahranian city.
Top 8 Things To Do In Manama: Unwind At The Place Of Dreams
Known to the world as the island of golden smiles, Manama has won several awards and is said to be the ideal place to live and work. There are all kinds of fun things to do in Manama, tourists should take complete advantage off. In Arabic, Manama means place of rest or dreams. Over the years, it has stayed to true to its name as it is a city of dreams and captivating wonders.
With giving birth to its financial and commercial services, Manama has the sustained the incandescence of modern life with a touch of tradition and culture. There are a million activities in Manama for everyone.
1. Unfold the Mysteries of Bahrain National Museum
The largest one stop tourist destination, Bahrain National Museum has a lot of history and culture waiting to be explored. Did you know there are several halls dedicated to the 4000-year-old Bahrain history? To improve and ensure people have a broad understanding of the history, is achieved with various displays and several art and culture exhibitions.
One of the many things to do in Manama, Bahrain, is to explore a replica of the souq sitting on the 1st floor, an image of Bahrain through a huge satellite, and a number of archaeological artefacts from old Dilmun. An insight into the Islamic era, burial mounds halls, to old manuscripts and traditional handicrafts exhibits is offered at the national museum.
Location: Shaikh Hamad Causeway, Manama, Bahrain
Operational Hours: 8 am- 8 pm
2. Dive Into The History of Bahrain At Qal'at al-Bahrain
Understanding the history of Bahrain is a must at one of UNESCO’s world heritage site, Bahrain fort. This archaeological site on the Persian Gulf, is one of the places to visit in Bahrain. Several cultural, commercial and military discoveries have been showcased through various excavations. Nestled on of a majestic artificial mound made with years of rebuilding's, Qal'at al-Bahrain was occupied since 2800 BC and has remnants of forts surrounding it.
Open since 2008, it has a museum with several archaeological finds nestled in give exhibition halls. One of the most interesting things to do in Manama is to explore Bahrain fort, Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Bahrain National Museum, Manama Souq and Bahrain City center. These are some of the most interesting things to do in Manama.
Location: 892 3618, Karbabad, Bahrain
Operational Hours: 8 am – 6 pm
Suggested Read: Bahrain Travel Guide: Escape to this Culturally Vibrant Island Nation
3. Discover The Fine Architecture and Interior Design At Al-Fatih Mosque
The biggest mosque in Bahrain, Al Fatih Mosque can have over 7000 worshippers at any given time. Built with marble from Italy, teak wood from India and glass from Austria and the biggest fiberglass in the world, the marble is a wonder to look at for hours on end. Decorated with Kufic calligraphy, the walls of the mosque are absolutely breathtaking. It is by far one of the best places to visit in November in the world.
Before entering the mosque, women will be asked to wear a black cloak and headscarf. Discovering and observing the aspects of religious etiquette is a must for every tourist along with being awe struck with the architecture and interior design.
Location: Awal Avenue Corner Al Fatih Highway، Bahrain
Operational Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Bahrain That Travelers Can't Afford To Miss
4. Explore The 15th and 16th Century Architecture of Arad Fort
One of the most stunning castles, Arad fort is one Bahrain’s ideal examples of fine 15th and 16th Islamic century architecture. The history behind the fort is interesting to know. It was once a defensive fortress was a place that saw several conflicts including the country’s occupation by the Portuguese. The fort has seen several phases of construction over the year and at present is host to several seasonal festivals. One of the many things to do in Bahrain is to explore the archeological layers of the fort.
Tourists will get to see a trench, wells, a canal and lookout towers at the 4 corners of the fort. Exploring the fort is a once in a lifetime opportunity that people should not miss. There is a lot to learn about the fort.
Location: Rd No 4233, Arad, Bahrain
Operational hours: 12- 5 pm
Suggested Read: Resorts in Bahrain: The Best Accommodations For Discovering The Luxury
5. Discover the Architecture and Sepulchral Traditions At Dilmun Burial Mounds
Nestled in the western part of the island of Bahrain, Dilmun Burial mounds is created by 21 archaeological sites. The burial mound fields include all kinds tumuli. Given birth to over 300 years, the Dilmun Burial mounds has witnessed the Dilmun civilization flourish. On an international level as a trade hub, Bahrain gained economic importance which led to population growth and diverse social complexity.
The burial mounds are an interesting place to visit while on vacation as it is not something one will discover anywhere else in the world. Besides exploring the mounds, one can go shopping, one of the many fun things to do in Manama.
Location: Bahrain
Operational Hours: 24 hours
Suggested Read: Malls In Bahrain For A Crazy Shopping Experience
6. Discover The Mystical Legend in The Tree Of Life
The lone mesquite tree, the tree of life is seen sitting atop sandy hill close to the highest point in Bahrain. It is a tree that has stood the test of time, which include extreme weather conditions and lack of water. The source of water is said to be a complete mystery and has become a mystical legend in Bahrain. It said that the tree is taken by the God of water, Enki and is said to be the last from the Garden of Eden.
It is impressive to see how the old tree has tapped into the underground spring without legends and myths. The tree of life is a natural survivor and is amazing to see its old bark and etchings. In an attempt to keep it alive, there is a fence that surrounds it. So, when on vacation, put visiting the tree of life on the list of things to do in Manama.
Location: Off the Musakar Highway, between Riffa and Awali, near Jebel Dukhan, Bahrain, Jebel Dukhan, Bahrain
Operational Hours: 24 hours
Suggested Read: Best Beaches in Manama: Delve in the Pristine Glory of Bahrain
7. Explore the world of Islamic Arts At Beit al Quran Manama
The world of Islamic arts is discovered at Beit Al Quran, born in 1990. It is one of the most popular Islamic museums in the world with 10 exhibition halls. Engraved with Arabic scripts, people can discover a collection of Quranic manuscripts with several books written in various languages like Arabic, English and French. Dating back to the 7th century, there are manuscripts and Qurans based on parchments and impressive objects like grains, peas and rice.
Besides the art work, tourists should explore the mosque, library, an auditorium, and a madrasa, some of the most interesting things to do in Manama.
Location: Building No.17، Rd No 1901, Manama, Bahrain
Operational Hours: 8 am – 2:30 pm
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Manama: The Historic Ruins, Mosques And Coral Reefs
8. Discover Modern Art At La Fontaine Centre
The modern art found at La Fontaine Centre is home to historical monuments that go back to 150 years, nestled at the heart of Manama. It is a heaven for architectural connoisseurs as it is home to some of the most divine architectural and artistic masterpieces. A glimpse of European chateau and Gulf Islamic architecture is captured at the Centre. Jean Marc Sinan, a French artist gave the Centre a unique and distinct look.
Modern art galleries, open- air amphitheater, fine dining restaurant, spa and the ideal Pilates and Dance studio are some of the things the Centre flaunts. When it comes to exploring the world of architectural and artistic masterpieces, what more can anyone want?
Location: 92 Hoora Ave, Manama, Bahrain
Operational Hours: 11 am- 11 pm
With a million things to do in Manama, people will never have a dull moment. Manama has something in store for everyone. Manama is one of the most stunning places to explore and should be on everyone’s bucket list. So, what you waiting for? Go ahead, pack those bags and have the best time of your life.
Things To Do In Manama - FAQs
Along with boasting its oil reserves, Manama is known for its hotels, shopping malls and nightlife. Tourists can explore the souks, craft markets and National theatre. Traditional roofs, mouthwatering Machboos and Gahwa and the Bab Al Bahrain are things people will be in awe off. Some of the attractions in Manama include:
- The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park
- Bahrain National Museum
- Al-Fatih Mosque (Great Mosque)
- Bab el-Bahrain Souk
- Bahrain International Circuit
Understanding the history of Bahrain is a must at one of UNESCO’s world heritage site, Bahrain fort. The archaeological site on the Persian Gulf, is one of the places to visit in Bahrain. Several cultural, commercial and military discoveries have been showcased through various excavations. Nestled on of a majestic artificial mound made with years of rebuilding's, Qal'at al-Bahrain was occupied since 2800 BC and has remnants of forts surrounding it.
Al- Faith Mosque is located at 892 3618, Karbabad, Bahrain. The biggest mosque in Bahrain, Al Fatih Mosque can have over 7000 worshippers at any given time. Built with marble from Italy, teak wood from India and glass from Austria and the biggest fiberglass in the world, the marble is a wonder to look at for hours on end. Decorated with Kufic calligraphy, the walls of the mosque are absolutely breathtaking.
Nestled in the western part of the island of Bahrain, Dilmun Burial mounds is created by 21 archaeological sites. The burial mound fields include all kinds tumuli. Given birth to over 300 years, the Dilmun Burial mounds has witnessed the Dilmun civilization flourish.
The best time to visit Manama is March as the weather is quite pleasant. Known to the world as the island of golden smiles, Manama has won several awards and is said to be the ideal place to live and work. There are all kinds of fun things to do in Manama, tourists should take complete advantage off. In Arabic, Manama means place of rest or dreams. Over the years, it has stayed to true to its name as it is a city of dreams and captivating wonders.
The lone mesquite tree, the tree of life is seen sitting atop sandy hill close to the highest point in Bahrain. It is a tree that has stood the test of time, which include extreme weather conditions and lack of water. The source of water is said to be a complete mystery and has become a mystical legend in Bahrain. It said that the tree is taken by the God of water, Enki and is said to be the last from the Garden of Eden.
The national museum is located at Shaikh Hamad Causeway, Manama, Bahrain. The largest one stop tourist destination, Bahrain National Museum has a lot of history and culture waiting to be explored.
The modern art found at La Fontaine Centre is home to historical monuments that go back to 150 years, nestled at the heart of Manama. It is a heaven for architectural connoisseurs as it is home to some of the most divine architectural and artistic masterpieces. A glimpse of European chateau and Gulf Islamic architecture is captured at the Centre.
