As Bahrain’s capital city, Manama is prosperous in fascinating history, arts, and entertainment. The city is less than five miles away from Bahrain International Airport, making it easily accessible to visitors. Manama is a modern city with numerous architectural marvels scattered around it. Tourists and locals alike can find rewarding attractions like the Bahrain National Museum and the Great Mosque.
The Bahrain National Museum is one of the crown jewel locations in Manama. The museum consists of various grand halls, each covering a part of Bahrain’s 5000-year history. Rich collections of archeological artifacts acquired through decades fill one of these halls, while another hall is devoted to exhibits depicting the ancient civilization of the Dilmun. Other halls feature Bahrain’s culture and lifestyle in the form of artworks, sculptures, crafts, and various textiles. The blissfully decorated museum is an ideal location for an afternoon of educative exploration.
Al-Fatih Mosque, also called the Great Mosque, is another top tourist destination. The Great Mosque is an architectural wonder constructed using materials from all over the world. The world’s largest fiberglass dome covers the mosque, and it can seat up to 7000 worshippers at a time, making it one of the largest mosques in the world. Non-worshippers visiting the mosque are to observe a dress code, with women expected to wear a headscarf and black robes. Tourists should also note that the mosque entirely prohibits the wearing of shorts.
Another architecturally pleasing site in Manama is the Sheikh Isa Bin Ali House. The house is an example of classic Gulf architecture that has been well conserved through the centuries. Historians believe the house was constructed in the early 1800s and was the home of Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s longest-ruling sovereign, between 1869 and 1932. The house, though unfurnished, features rooms intricately designed to depict 19th-century royal life.
The Qala’at al-Bahrain is a must-see location for tourists. The fort was once the capital city of the Dilmun civilization and an ancient hub for commerce. The picturesque site features various ruins, excavations, and artifacts that would make for an exciting afternoon experience.
Not too far away from Qala’at al-Bahrain is the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park. The Dilmun-era-themed park is the first-ever outdoor waterpark in Bahrain. The park features over 20 slides and is a family-friendly destination great for an afternoon of relaxation with the kids.
Another must-see location in Manama is the Bahrain International Circuit. The circuit is a paradise for motorsports lovers and hosts several motorsport races, including the annual Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix, which it has hosted since 2004. As a lover of the sport, it is advisable to plan your trip for race weekends to experience the track in all its glory. The race track is considered one of the most modern tracks, and it is worth seeing for non-motorsport fans even when it is not in use.
Manama also boasts numerous world-class hotels for tourist accommodation. Some of its top hotels include the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay, The Merchant House, Downtown Rotana, and The Ritz-Carlton, all located within three miles of the city center. Tourists can best experience the tropical city in the summertime, with peak periods lasting between June and July.
