Manama

Unsurprisingly Manama and Bahrain has an arid climate, with little rain (most of it falling during the winter months) and high temperatures during much of the year. During the summer daytime highs around +40°C can be expected, during the winter the mercury generally approaches +20°C.

The Bahrain Island has been inhabited since around 3000 BC, and has been an important trading point ever since. Back then, it was the site of the Dilmun civilization, of which world heritage listed burial mounds remain, mainly around the city of A'ali just southwest of Manama.

In the first millenia the island went by the names of Awal, Mishmahig and Tylos and was ruled by several empires from around 700 BC onwards - the Assyrian, Babylonian, and different Persian empires. The inhabitants converted to Islam in 628, and towards the end of the 7th century the first Khamis Mosque was built at the western outskirts of today's Manama. The mosque that today stands there is the third.

The first records of a town by the name Manama is in a manuscript from 1345. Around that time, the island was a tributary of the Kingdom of Hormuz and the island's capital Bilad Al Qadeem (today a suburb of Manama) had became a centre of religious scholarship and pearl fishing. Buildings related to pearling in the adjacent island city of Muharraq comprise another of the country's three world heritage sites.

In 1521, the Portuguese who at the time controlled the spice trade along the Cape Route took possession of the island and set up a fort at the western outskirts of present-day Manama. The Portuguese fort, going by the name Qal'at al-Bahrain is the third world heritage site in Bahrain, and the only one administratively in Manama. Bahrain was reconquered by Persians (the Safavid Empire at the time) in 1602.

In addition to pearling and trading, also agriculture trived; orchards, date palms, barley and wheat was grown. Pearls was however the main export product that brought wealth to the island. Persian rule continued until 1783, when the Arab Bani Utbah tribe invaded and set up Bahrain as an independent kingdom. This was followed by almost a century of unrest with the governments along the coast fighting each other and a civil war between the island's co-rulers in 1842. In 1862, Manama consisted of ruins and pearl fishermen's shacks - the port was closed and its merchants had moved elsewhere.

Now the British, who had an interest in safeguarding the routes to the Raj, made Bahrain into a protectorate in 1861 as part of the Persian Gulf Residency, with Manama as its capital. With peace and safety guaranteed, the pearl trade grew rapidly again. But so did the British influence. After WWI, in 1919, Bahrain was made part of the Empire. Administrative reforms were made, and in practice the British ran the country. Pearling was replaced with oil industry in the 1930s, which proved important for the British war effort a few years later. The airport which had been opened in 1927 served as the airbase RAF Muharraq during WWII and until Bahraini independence.

As in many parts of the world, after the war voices were raised for independence from Western colonial overlords. Increasing protests after the Suez Crisis led to the British withdrawing from Bahrain in 1971, at the point which Bahrain became independent. Up until then, Manama was a much smaller town than it's today but it changed in the 1970s with a construction boom where the surrounding towns and villages were incorporated into Manama. This also led to a large influx of construction workers from the Indian subcontinent, soon outnumbering the native Bahrainians. Also land reclamation was used to create land that could be easily built on.

Over the following decades, Manama developed into the Gulf state metropolis it is today with a number of financial institutions, albeit it's much smaller than Kuwait, Doha, Abu Dhabi or Doha and it also doesn't have a flag carrier whose jumbojets can be seen on all major airports of the world. As such it's less of a destination where people stop over for a few hours or a day on their trip between, say, Europe and Australia, but rather a place that you travel to as the main destination, to get a glimpse into Middle Eastern culture.

• The tourism section of the website of the Capital Governorate

• Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority

Bahrain Public Transport operate a network of bus routes across the city, with route A1 linking the airport and Manama every 20 minutes.

As of September 2019, a paper single ticket bought on the bus costs 300 fils, or there is a "pay as you go" option using a Go Card (card price 500 fils, sold at ticket machines including at the airport, then load with credit up to BD 50 maximum, but note that credit you load is not refundable) which reduces the fare for a single trip to 250 fils and offers a daily cap of 600 fils. Transfers are not offered (a fare is charged on each bus), and there are no discounts for children, students or elderly people.

Weekly passes (BD 3) and "monthly" 28-day passes (BD 12) are available, but these can only be issued on a Personalised Go Card sold at bus terminal ticket offices, not the anonymous card sold at ticket machines.

Taxis are expensive. Extra charges are added to fares starting from the airport (BD 2) and any hotel (BD 1). Always use the meter or you will, guaranteed, get ripped off. A ride to the central parts of city will cost around BD 5-6.

Renting a car is far less costly than paying for taxis, but beware of driving styles you might not be used to in your home country. Manama is a small city on a small Island, you won't get lost for very long. Make sure to buy a map: it should cost BD 0.50-1.00.

• 🌍 Al A'Ali Mall, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, Seef District, ☏ +973 1758 1000. Sa-F 10AM-10PM. A'ali Mall has the look and feel of a traditional open air souk within its air-conditioned confines. A glass roof, stores with old-fashioned Arabic wooden doors and carts selling souvenirs all add to the atmosphere. Outlets include top designer stores. 
• 🌍 City Centre Bahrain, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, Seef District, ☏ +973 1717 7771, info@bahraincitycentre.com. Su-W 10AM-10PM. Bahrain City Centre is the first and biggest mixed-use development in Bahrain offering the shopping, leisure and entertainment experience to its customers under one roof. Bahrain City Centre has 150 of its over 350 internationally reputed brands making their debut in the country. The centre includes the region’s first indoor/outdoor temperature-controlled 15,000-m² Wahooo! Waterpark, Bahrain’s biggest cinema complex Cineco 20, and a family entertainment centre for children and young adults, Magic Planet. Over 50 food court outlets offer choices from all over the world. 
• 🌍 The Bahrain Mall, ☏ +973 1755 8100, fax: +973 17555569, info@thebahrainmall.com. F-Th 10AM-10PM. The Bahrain Mall is situated in the heart of Bahrain's new retail district. It is easily accessible from the main highway and all parts of the city. It covers an area of 750,000 square feet and has more than 120 international brands and specialty stores. 
• 🌍 Dana Mall, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, Seef District, ☏ +973 17 558500, fax: +973-17 552581, vanessa@danamall.net. F-Th 10AM-10PM. 
• 🌍 Moda Mall, located on the ground floor of the landmark Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC), Diplomatic Area. Sa-F 10AM-10PM. Moda Mall is an ultra-exclusive shopping complex located on the ground floor of the landmark Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC). The mall is home to some 160 exclusive brand name boutiques, including lots of famous international ones. 
• 🌍 Seef Mall, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway / Seef District, ☏ +973 17 58 11 11, fax: +973 17581888, nivs@seefproperties.com. M-F 10AM-10PM, Sa Su 10AM-midnight. Magic Island, the largest indoor amusement park in the Middle East, is located on the first floor. 
• 🌍 Yateem Centre, Manama Downtown, Diplomatice Area (To get to Yateem Centre, approach the Suq from Government Avenue, under Zamil Tower and follow the road in. Air Arabia on the corner announces that you have arrived at the Yateem Centre.), ☏ +973 1721 5615, fax: +973 1721 2969, yateem@batelco.com.bh. Management Office Su-Th 9AM-1PM, 2PM-5:30PM. 
• 🌍 Al Murjan Shopping Center, Jufair. Many stores in a large supermarket. 
• 🌍 Juffair Mall. Mall in the centre of the Juffair residential area, has the regular shops as well as some restaurants, an atm and a taxi stand. (updated Jun 2017)

Cheap restaurants abound in the Adliya district.

• 🌍 Al-Abraaj, Adliya St. Perfect introduction for non-Arab folks to become accustomed to the Middle Eastern hospitality charm. Food is generous and tasty, and primarily from Lebanese/Turkish and Persian cuisines. Good value at BD 2-4 per head. (updated Feb 2020)

• 🌍 Al-Suraj. The second-best shwarma in Bahrain for only 300 fils. (updated Feb 2020)

• 🌍 Habara Snacks & Fish, Osama bin Zaid Ave, Adliya, ☏ +973 17 715 461. Great diner that cheerfully serves cheap fish and chips and other assorted snacks. 

• 🌍 Bahay Kubo, Bldg 822, Rd 723, Area 307, Gudiyabia (Behind the Middle East Hotel and across from the Indian), ☏ +973 17231996. Daily from 10:30AM to 10:00PM. Traditional style Filipino restaurant for dine in, take out and delivery. Bahay Kubo also offers a private function room with karaoke less than BD 5. 
• 🌍 Café Lilou's, ☏ +973 17 714 440. Sa-Th 8AM-11PM, F 10AM-10:30PM. Paris style interiors, popular with ex-pats and locals. Excellent French-café fare, including large salads and delicious cakes. Caters for groups, take out, cateringservices, outdoor seating. Breakfast,lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks US$10-30. 
• 🌍 Lanterns, ☏ +973 17 59 0591, +973 17 591807. An atmospheric Indian restaurant with great food and lovely decor next to Burgerland Roundabout in Budaiya. 
• Nando's (Portuguese), Adliya, ☏ +97 31 771 2445, nandosbahrain@yahoo.com. Restaurant chain serving Mozambiquan cuisine, multiple restaurants. 
• 🌍 Senor Pacos, Um Al Hassam (Oasis Mall), ☏ +973 17 725 873. An atmospheric Mexican restaurant with great ambience and lovely decor on the Road opposite KFC in Um al Hassam. They have their own guitarist and vocalist singing on most evenings. 
• 🌍 Trader Vic's. Polynesian dining/drinking experience, on the grounds of the Ritz Carlton. 

• 🌍 Upstairs Downstairs, Building 754, Road 3825, Block 338. A long time classic Bahrain restaurant. Smooth jazz band, music videos and great yet pricey food. 
• 🌍 Zahle, Gulf Hotel, Al Juffair Street, ☏ +973 17 746 417, +973 17 746 418. Serving impeccable Lebanese food with daily buffets and live entertainment. 

• 🌍 Al Burge Hotel, Municipality Road, ☏ +973 17 210227, fax: +973 17 223976. Check-in: noon, check-out: 2PM. If cost is more important than comfort for you, then the BD 10 double room with bathroom should make you happy. Do not expect fancy stuff such as quietness or toilet paper, but it is fairly clean and fairly well located, in the street behind Gold City. Do try the bed before taking the room. Single females are not permitted. 10BD. 
• 🌍 Awal Hotel, Al Khalifa Rd. Located in the main commercial & business district, 10 mins drive from International Airport and a short walking distance from the Bahrain seashore and the upcoming Financial harbor. 

• 🌍 Bahrain International Hotel, Government Avenue Road، Block 304, Building 187, ☏ +973 1721 1313. Three-star hotel that is of average quality, but in a convenient location for travellers. Free airport transfer, breakfast and wifi. BD 30 single room. 
• 🌍 Gulf Gate Hotel, Manama (10 min drive from Bahrain International Airport), ☏ +973 17 210 210. 125 rooms and suites. Located in central Manama, the commercial centre of Bahrain. Cafés, a restaurant, night clubs and bar. 2 minutes walk from the main souk and shopping centres. Business centre, gym, restaurants, spa, swimming pool. 24-hr room service, internet, mini bar, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities. 
• 🌍 Gulf Pearl Hotel, Bldg. 169, Blk. 304 Rd.353, ☏ +973 17 224 466. A/C rooms and suites equipped with Internet connection, a private toilet and shower, mini-bar, and a cable television. Swimming pool, restaurant/café/bar, fitness room, and a business centre. Best rates on official website start at BD 19. 

• 🌍 Al Safir Hotel, Building 670, Road 2411, Block 324 (Juffair), ☏ +973 17 827 999. Standard rooms with a choice of twin or double beds. It offers comprehensive business and banqueting facilities, including the latest audio-visual equipment, telephone and UPS points in every room and an inbuilt PA system. The hotel also has two restaurants, a swimming pool and a fitness centre. Babysitting service, bars, business centre, restaurants, swimming pool. 24-hr room service, mini bar, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities. 
• 🌍 Best Western Olive Hotel, Building No 507, Rd No 2408 (Juffair), ☏ +973 17 827 600. Best Western Elite Hotel Bahrain is conveniently located just 5 min from downtown shopping complexes and 10 km from Bahrain International Airport. It is also close to the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre and the US Naval Base. 96 guestrooms are spacious and well furnished with a coffee maker and internet access. 5 outlets for dining and entertainment. Conference and banqueting facilities for up to 140 persons. Health and leisure facilities include a rooftop swimming pool and a fully equipped health and fitness centre. Babysitting services, bars, gym, restaurants, swimming pool. 24-hr room service, mini bar, internet, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities. 
• 🌍 Golden Tulip Bahrain (formerly Hilton Bahrain), Old Palace Rd, ☏ +973 17 535 000. Standard hotel that maybe in need of a renovation. Rooms are clean and the staff are amiable however the dull façade and decor may be depressing to people who are lodging here for more than a couple of days. One of the few redeeming qualities is that it has the only authentic Japanese restaurant in Bahrain. The hotel was renovated in 2008. 
• 🌍 Mashtan Hotel, Bldg 3578, Rd. 471, Blk. 304, ☏ +973 17 217 333. A/C rooms with private toilet and bath with shower, high-speed Internet connection, cable TV and mini-bar. Swimming pool, fitness room, business center, and airport transfer. 
• 🌍 Mercure Grand Hotel, Road No 2827 (2 km from the city centre of Manama, and 6 km from Bahrain International Airport), ☏ +973 17 584 400, fax: +973 17 584 401, karim.zaki@accor.com.bh. Recipient of 2007 MENA Travel Awards (Silver Best Four Star Business/Corporate Hotel Category). In the Seef business district. 72 suites and 48 family suites. Nearby to Seef and Al Aali malls. Restaurant, 2 bars, meeting rooms, health club, sauna, steam room, massage facility with gymnasium and a swimming pool. Private parking is available. 
• 🌍 Novotel Al Dana Resort, Shaikh Hamad Causeway (5 km from Bahrain International Airport.), ☏ +973 17 298 008, fax: +973 17 298 338, aldana@novotel-bahrain.com. Traditional Arabic architecture and design with contemporary fittings and comfort. 172 rooms. Close to the diplomatic area and business centre. The hotel offers a variety of restaurants, bars and meeting rooms. Babysitting service, private beach, watersports, swimming pool, fitness centre, kids’ club, kids’ pool. 24-hr room service, internet, mini bar, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities. 
• 🌍 Pars International Hotel, Juffair, ☏ +973 17 814 777, fax: +973 17 814778, info@parsbahrain.net. Located in Juffair's commercial and residential area and overlooking Manama Bay. Standard and deluxe rooms to regal suites. Lobby bar, a disco, Arabic night club. Restaurant and 24 hr coffee shop. Conference and banqueting facilities including a ballroom suitable for functions and accommodating up to 300 people. Swimming pool, sauna, steam room and fitness centre. Parking is available for all guests. Swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, business centre. 24-hr room service, internet, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities. 
• 🌍 Phoenicia Tower Hotel, Building no. 299, Road no. 1910, Block 319, City Center, ☏ +973 1731 1666. Individually controlled A/C, private toilet and shower with bathtub, cable TV, and internet access. Swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna, fitness room/gym. From US$94. 
• 🌍 Ramada Bahrain, Building 88 Road 351, ☏ +973 1774 2000. Airport transfers free of charge if you email in advance. Has pool on site but the cleanliness of the pool is questionable. 
• 🌍 Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain, Juffair, ☏ +973 1781 1889, enquiry.bahrain@the-ascott.com. Its 118 apartments, which range from one to three bedroom and four two-bedroom penthouse suites, are furnished with contemporary décor and modern fittings. Wi-Fi is available in the apartment and lobby. (updated Sep 2017)
• 🌍 Swiss International Palace Hotel, Gudaibiya Avenue, ☏ +973 17296660, fom.palace@swissinternationalhotels.com. 84 rooms, a variety of dining options and evening venues. Free Wi-Fi is available in the guests’ rooms & public areas. There's an outdoor pool and a gym. From BD 24 per night. (updated Jun 2018)

• 🌍 Crowne Plaza Bahrain (formerly Holiday Inn), King Faisal Highway (Diplomatic Quarter, a few km east of the city center on the road to the airport), ☏ +973 17 531 122, fax: +973 17 530 154, cp@cp-bahrain.com. Gracefully aging sprawling low-rise complex. The Astroturf-surrounded pool is rather depressing, and the hotel's main draw seems to be the popular Harvesters pub (see Drink). Largish gym (men and women have separate facilities), decent breakfast, service can be mixed. BD 100. 
• 🌍 Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Bldg 112, King Mohammed VI Ave, Block 428, ☏ +973 1758 0000. 7 stories of luxurious rooms with a modern design. The Club Lounge restaurant features five different food presentations a day, and includes an American breakfast. Stunning views of the Arabian Gulf from the rooms. 
• 🌍 The Regency InterContinental, King Faisal Highway (10 min from the airport.), ☏ +973 17 227777, fax: +973 17 229 929. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon, late check-out available. 321 rooms and a variety of suites, including the Summit, deluxe suites, royal and presidential suites. 5 restaurants offer a range of international and themed cuisine, plus a number of bars with live entertainment. Babysitting services, bars, business centre, gym, kids’ club pool, restaurants, spa, sports facilities, swimming pool, 24-hr room service, internet, mini bar, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities (on request). 
• 🌍 The Gulf Hotel, Aliya. (15 min from Bahrain International Airport and 5 min from City Centre), ☏ +973 17 713 000, fax: +973 1771 3040, ghbc@gulfhotelbahrain.com. The biggest 5-star hotel on the Island with more than 35 years of experience. Combines luxury, tradition, comfort and service. 366 rooms in total. 12 restaurants, lounges and bars. 
• 🌍 The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, Road 1701 (10 min from the airport.), ☏ +973 17 531666, fax: +973 17 530843, sales.diplomat@radissonblu.com. 246 rooms in three styles: Classic, Maritime and Italian. 3 exclusive "Royal Club" executive floors and a variety of suites. Claims to have Bahrain's biggest rooms, fully renovated and all with sea view. Meeting facilities, a selection of restaurants and entertainment options. Babysitting services, bars, business centre, gym, kids’ club,, sports facilities, swimming pool. 24-hr room service, internet, mini bar, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities. 

• China, Building 1109, Road 2819, Block 428, Al Seef 428, ☏ +973 1 772 3093, fax: +973 1 772 7304, chinaemb_bh@mfa.gov.cn. Su-Th 08:30-12:30AM. (updated Feb 2024)
• 🌍 Pakistan, Building No. 35, Road No. 1901, Block No. 319, Diplomatic Area, P. O. Box 563, Manama, Bahrain, ☏ +973 1724 4113. (updated Feb 2023)
• 🌍 Turkey, Building 924, Road 3219, Bu Ashira, Manama, ☏ +973 1753 3448, fax: +973 1753 6557. Su-Th 8:30AM-12:30PM. (updated Feb 2023)
• United Kingdom, 21 Government Avenue. 
• 🌍 United States, Bldg 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj District, ☏ +973 1724 2700, fax: +973 1727 2594. Su-Th 8AM-5PM. (updated Jan 2022)