Manama walking tour & city guide

The souq and the modern waterfront

Bab Al Bahrain, an arched gateway built in the 1940s, once stood at the water's edge and now marks the entrance to Manama Souq. Inside, lanes branch off into small markets for spices, fabrics, perfume and electronics, and the gold shops of the nearby Gold City glitter with bracelets and necklaces. Old houses and small mosques hide in the side streets.

North of the souq, land reclaimed from the sea holds the modern city: the Bahrain World Trade Center with wind turbines slung between its towers, the hotels and promenades of Bahrain Bay, and the Bahrain National Museum on the waterfront. In the Adliya district, Block 338 is a lively area of galleries, cafés and restaurants.

A classic walk: Bab Al Bahrain and the souq

Start at Bab Al Bahrain in the late afternoon and walk through the gateway into the souq. Wander the main lanes, then drift into the side streets and the gold market as shops reopen after the afternoon break and the streets fill with shoppers.

After dark, take a short taxi ride to Bahrain Bay and walk along the waterfront promenade, where the towers are lit up and the marina is lined with cafés. On another day, cross to Muharraq, where a marked trail links restored houses of the old pearl merchants.

Good to know

November to March is the best time to visit, with warm days and mild evenings; summer is hot and humid. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get around. Qal'at al-Bahrain, an ancient fort and archaeological site on the coast west of the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and lovely at sunset. Dress modestly in the souq and mosques; the Al Fateh Grand Mosque welcomes visitors. Check current travel advice before you go.