Top Things to Do in the Manama | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Manama

Places To Visit In Manama

Al Fatih Grand Mosque

Bahrain's largest mosque and one of the largest in the world. Known to be able to accommodate 7000 worshippers at a time, this mosque is covered by the world's largest fiberglass dome. The construction materials were bought from all over the world, including India and carved by local craftsmen. You will be mesmerized by the fine calligraphy inscriptions on the walls. Ensure that you are conservatively dressed while visiting, shorts are specifically prohibited. Read More

The country's most popular attraction, this museum is an in-depth insight into Bahrain's history. The National Museum is housed in a spectacular building that floats on water and is quite impressive in itself. A tour of the museum is a time travel through the artistic, archaelogical and cultural history of the country. There are nine halls with exhibits, including Traditional Trades and Crafts, a Hall of Graves, one of Documents and Manuscripts and so on and so forth. Read More

After the Cairo and Muscat Opera, this is the third largest theatre in the Middle East. Yet another impressive work of architecture, this beautiful structure is adjacent to the National Museum. What is interesting about this theatre is its design that owes its inception to local tradition - right from the interwoven aluminium strips in the roof emulating traditional homes, the curvaceous interior of the auditorium is representational of the sea going dhows to the number of seats, 1001, a tribute to The Thousand and One Nights. A visit to attend a show, which varies from classical music to ballet or even contemporary is or just to admire the architecture, is quite worth Read More

A perfect example of modern Bahraini architecture. This museum showcases an extraordinary collection of Qurans, wood carvings and manuscripts. A beautiful glimpse of Islam and its different facets, this museum is very different from the National Museum. Particular emphasis is on Islamic caligraphy and its assorted forms. Another striking feature is that the exterior is covered in carvings of Kufic script.

The largest prehistoric cemetery in the world. Dating back to the Dilmun era in the 3rd millenium BC, this burial site has thousands of burial mounds, spread throughout the northern parts of the island. Some of these are quite well preserved, particularly the ones near the Al'Ali village. Best explored alone or in small groups for the eerie feel!

Qala'at al-Bahrain

The Bahrain Fort is located 4 km from Manama. Built originally by the Portugese, to defend their outposts in the Gulf, the Bahrain Fort area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of the ancient Dilmun civilization this site stood witness to Bahrain's role as a centre for commerce. Dedicate an afternoon here to explore the ruins, artefacts and excavation sites. History lovers delight!

The once seat of the ruling Sheikhs. In Al Muharraq, this magnificent building is one of the finest examples of traditional Gulf architecture, well preserved over the years. The rooms are kept cool in summers by way of an innovative system of draft towers. Although the rooms are unfurnished, the intricate detailing of the decoration is worth seeing.

Located on the Jebel Al Dukhan hill (Arabic for 'Mountain of Smoke'), named for the haze which surrounds it most of the time. Folklore has it that Bahrain was the Garden of Eden and this tree is all that remains today. In the middle of the desert, this mesquite tree has stood here for 400 years now, the source of its water supply unknown! Although there isn't much to explore here, apart from some more caves and this mysterious tree, a climb up the hill will surely bewilder you! Read More