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Manama
Capital and largest city of Bahrain

Manama

Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with an approximate population of 743,066 as of 2025 estimate.

Plan a trip to Manama→From Ad Dammam

Long an important trading center in the Persian Gulf, Manama is home to a diverse population. After periods of Portuguese and Persian control and a short invasion from the ruling dynasty of Saudi Arabia, followed by a longer invasion by Oman, Bahrain established itself as an independent nation in 1971 following a period of British hegemony.

Get in

Getting to Manama

All roads in Bahrain lead to Manama, so see the main Bahrain article for details.

  1. 01
    Bahrain International Airport
See

Worth seeing

  1. 01
    Bab Al Bahrain

    The Gateway of Bahrain, located in the Customs Square in Central Manama.

  2. 02
    Manama Souq

    The souq is network of small lanes that houses small stores selling everything from souvenirs and gifts to electronic products.

  3. 03
    Corniche

    On the east coast of the city, this pleasant seaside promenade offers good views of the skyscrapers to the south and planes taking off from the airport nearby.

  4. 04
    Bahrain Fort

    Bahrain Fort, on the island’s north coast, was built in the 14th century but excavations have revealed it was built on the site of Dilmun settlements, dating back to 3,000 BC.

  5. 05
    Bahrain Fort Museum
  6. 06
    Barbar Temple

    This is an archaeological site located in the village of Barbar.

Do

Things to do

Manama is a getaway for Arabs and expats residing in Arab countries where alcohol is banned. Tourists, particularly Saudis and residents of Saudi Arabia, come to Bahrain mainly for the nightlife. Dolphin Watching,.

  1. 01
    Adhari Park

    A small amusement park with 25 rides and attractions, built around the Ain Adhari spring.

Eat

Where to eat

Restaurants in Manama run the gamut from cheap shawarma joints to 5-star restaurants. In addition to the places listed in this section, hotels often have one or several restaurants and bars. Cheap restaurants abound in the Adliya district.

  1. 01
    Al-Abraaj

    Perfect introduction for non-Arab folks to become accustomed to the Middle Eastern hospitality charm.

  2. 02
    Al-Suraj

    The second-best shwarma in Bahrain for only 300 fils.

  3. 03
    Habara Snacks & Fish

    Great diner that cheerfully serves cheap fish and chips and other assorted snacks.

  4. 04
    Bahay Kubo

    Bldg 822, Rd 723, Area 307, Gudiyabia (Behind the Middle East Hotel and across from the Indian),.

  5. 05
    Café Lilou's

    Paris style interiors, popular with ex-pats and locals.

How locals move

Getting around Manama the local way

  • Go nextAs such practically anywhere in the country connected with a road can be visited as a day or half-day trip, especially if you have a car.

From Wikivoyage: Manama, CC BY-SA. Not yet checked by us. Last edited 2026-09.

Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons (see file page), Wikimedia Commons.