Bahrain's vibrant capital — the Bahrain Fort, the Gold Souq, the Four Seasons and Gulf Hotel, world-class dining and the most authentic city atmosphere in the Gulf
Flight Time
6.5h from UK (direct)
Best Time
November to March
Country
Bahrain
Suppliers
our travel partners ·
Manama is the most authentic and characterful capital in the Gulf — the Bahrain Fort, the Gold Souq, the National Museum and the Adliya dining district make it the finest city-break destination in the Arabian Gulf. The Four Seasons Bahrain Bay is exceptional.
November to March is the best time to visit. Bahrain is the most relaxed and liberal country in the Gulf.
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Jan
19°C
Feb
21°C
Mar
25°C
Apr
30°C
May
35°C
Jun
38°C
Jul
40°C
Aug
40°C
Sep
37°C
Oct
32°C
Nov
27°C
Dec
21°C
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Call 01282 960 460The Bahrain Fort, the Gold Souq, the National Museum and the Adliya arts district that make Manama the most authentic and characterful capital in the Gulf.
Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important archaeological site in the Gulf — a massive fortified complex built on an ancient tell (mound) that has been continuously occupied for over 4,000 years, from the Dilmun civilisation through the Portuguese occupation to the present day. The fort has extraordinary views over the sea and the Manama skyline. The adjacent museum is excellent.
The Manama Souq is the most atmospheric traditional market in Bahrain — a labyrinthine network of covered alleys with the Gold Souq (one of the finest in the Gulf, with over 100 gold and jewellery shops), the Spice Souq (fragrant with frankincense, saffron and cardamom), the Fabric Souq and the Manama Central Market. The Bab Al Bahrain gateway is the traditional entrance to the souq and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Bahrain.
The Bahrain National Museum is the finest museum in the Gulf — a beautifully designed waterfront museum with an extraordinary collection spanning 6,000 years of Bahraini history, from the ancient Dilmun civilisation (one of the oldest in the world) through the Islamic period to the present day. The Dilmun burial mounds, the pearl diving exhibits and the traditional crafts galleries are particularly impressive.
Adliya is Manama's most vibrant dining and arts district — a neighbourhood of converted villas and low-rise buildings housing excellent restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops and cafes. The Adliya dining scene is the most diverse and creative in Bahrain, with excellent Lebanese, Indian, Italian and Bahraini restaurants. The Block 338 area is the most concentrated dining and nightlife destination.
The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is the finest hotel in Bahrain — a stunning 68-storey tower on a private island in Bahrain Bay with 273 rooms and suites, an extraordinary infinity pool, six restaurants and bars and a world-class spa. The hotel is connected to the Bahrain Bay waterfront by a private bridge and has the most dramatic views of the Manama skyline in the country.
The Gulf Hotel Bahrain is the most established luxury hotel in Manama — a landmark hotel with 16 restaurants and bars (the most of any hotel in Bahrain), a large pool complex, a health club and a central location near the Adliya district. The hotel is a Manama institution and its restaurants (including the Ric's Kountry Kitchen and the Fusions restaurant) are among the most popular in the city.
The Bahrain World Trade Centre is one of the most iconic buildings in the Gulf — the world's first skyscraper to integrate wind turbines into its design, with three massive turbines suspended between its twin towers. The building is a landmark of the Manama skyline and the surrounding area has excellent restaurants and cafes. The Seef Mall and City Centre Bahrain shopping malls are nearby.
Manama is a compact and walkable city — the souq, the National Museum and the Bab Al Bahrain are all within easy walking distance of each other. The Bahrain Fort is 10 minutes by taxi. The Adliya district is 15 minutes from the city centre. Taxis and Uber are inexpensive. November to March is the best time to visit. Bahrain is the most liberal and relaxed country in the Gulf — alcohol is available in hotels and licensed restaurants.
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