Bahrain may be a tiny island, but you’ll always find it buzzing with fun parties, exciting gigs, brilliant restaurants, and tons to do – no matter which city you end up in.
So, if you’re looking for the best things to do in Manama, we have you covered.
After all, with so much going on, it can be hard to narrow down where to go, eat, and stay.
You might also like: 26 best things to do in Bahrain
Whether it’s popular tourist attractions and hotels you’re after, or parties and restaurants – we’ve rounded up the nearest hotels to set up camp and top things to do in Manama.
Keep our handy list for the next time you find yourself roaming about in the very centre of the Kingdom.
24 of the best things to do in Manama
Check out the top attractions
Bahrain National Museum
Whether you’re a tourist or not, one of the top things to do in Manama is dive into the one spot that highlights Bahrain’s rich history and culture. This brilliant museum has plenty of exhibitions to check out and is split into categories such as customs and traditions or trades and crafts.
Wed-Mon 9am-8pm, Tue closed. Shaikh Hamad Causeway, Manama (1729 8777).
Beit Al Qur’an
Engraved with Arabic script, the Beit Al Qur’an (or House of Qur’an) has plenty of Islamic art and manuscripts from many centuries ago. You can take a look at some very old Qur’ans here that have been written on parchment, rice, peas, and grains. There’s a mosque, ten exhibition halls, and a library for you to visit. Learning more about Islamic Art is one of the things to do in Manama you won’t want to skip out on.
Open Sun-Wed 8am-2.30pm; Thu, Sat 8.30am-1.30pm, Fri closed. Manama (1729 0101).
Kids Kingdom
If you’re a local or an expat who has spent most of your life in Bahrain, a visit to Kids Kingdom would have likely been one of your most favourite things to do in Manama. This iconic children’s play city features tons of rides both indoors and outdoors right by the Marina Beach. If you’re travelling with kids, head here.
Sun-Wed 4pm-11pm, Thu-Sat 4pm-12am. Manama. @kids_kingdom10 (1722 7476).
Manama Souk
One of the unmissable things to do in Manama is definitely haggling for a bargain at the vibrant Manama Souk – which is really half the fun of the experience here. You’ll find plenty of brilliant items here from gold to spices and souvenirs to traditional sweets.
Open 24/7. Bab Al Bahrain, Manama.
MODA Mall at the Bahrain World Trade Centre
If luxury goods is what you’re after, a visit to MODA Mall is the one of the best things to do in Manama. Located inside the iconic Bahrain World Trade Centre, this mall has all the big names from Louis Vuitton to Dior.
After a day of maxing out your credit card, head up to Maki for award-winning Japanese sushi.
Daily 10am-10pm. Bahrain World Trade Centre, Manama. @moda_mall (1721 1398).
The Avenues
Hit four birds with one stone when you visit The Avenues where you can shop, eat, watch movies, and go on boat rides all in the same day. There aren’t many waterfront shopping malls in Bahrain, so if you really want to capture a fabulous photo – we recommend you head here towards sunset.
Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Road 4660, Manama. @theavenuesbh (1715 1060).
Fuel up at the popular restaurants
Atmosphere
Known for its brilliant buffets and stunning view of the city, having a feast here would be one of the best things to do in Manama. One of their most popular events is their seafood night which takes place every Thursday, so if you happen to be in town right before the weekend starts – this is a fab spot for the freshest catches and skyline views.
Open daily 6.30am-11pm. Wyndham Grand, Manama. @wyndhamgrandmanama (1711 6116).
Blue Moon Lounge
Looking for incredible things to do in Manama? How about admire the skyline from the 50th floor as you munch on sushis and sashimis and sip on delicious mixed drinks?
Head up to the Blue Moon Lounge by Wolfgang Puck at the Four Seasons and take in the stunning view of the city from up above.
Open Sun 12.30pm-12am; Sat, Tue 6pm-12am; Wed-Fri 6pm-2am, Mon closed. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Manama. @fsbahrain (1711 5046).
Byblos
Whether it’s to take in the views or grab something to eat, anything set by the beach tends to become some of the best things to do in Manama. Inspired by the ancient city of Byblos, this stunning beachfront Lebanese restaurant is a top dining spot at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
Try their signature dishes including the mixed mezze platter, mixed grill, manakish, salmon harra, lamb shank ouzi, and finish off with their signature dessert brownies with carob molasses.
Tue-Sun 6pm-12am. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Manama. @fsbahrain (1711 5000).
CUT by Wolfgang Puck
When on the search for a dinner to remember, one of the best things to do in Manama is make a reservation at CUT by Wolfgang Puck.
Whether you’re there for the striking views or the exquisite steaks prepared theatrically in the open kitchen, you can’t go wrong here.
There’s everything from USDA Prime to Japanese Wagyu, and add-ons to savour such as confit garlic and Roquefort blue cheese. Go on, live a little.
Mon-Tue, Sat 12.30pm-3pm, 7pm-11pm; Wed-Fri 12.30pm-3pm, 7pm-11.30pm; Sun closed. Four Seasons Bahrain Bay, Manama. wolfgangpuck.com (1711 5044).
Haji’s Traditional Café
If you’re looking for things to do in Manama that will give you a true taste of Bahraini cuisine, there’s no place more authentic than this hole in the wall inside Manama Souq that has been around since 1950. Head here for a delicious traditional Bahraini breakfast and wash it all down with a classic chai karak. Be warned – this spot can get very busy and you might struggle to get a seat.
Open daily, 5.30am-9pm. Manama Souq. @hajiscafe (1721 0647).
Legendz Steakhouse
After going through your list of things to do in Manama, you’ll need to fuel up. Luckily, you can head straight to Legendz Steakhouse which serves up premium cuts and grapes from France, New Zealand, and Europe.
Ask for their signature steak tartare or filet mignon when you’re craving something good. If you happen to be there on a Monday, you can enjoy a sizzling steak with a second one on the house.
Open daily 6pm-11pm. InterContinental Bahrain, Manama. @legendzsteakhouse (3230 0702).
re/ASIAN CUISINE
If you’ve read this far on the list, you’d have realised that Wolfgang Puck’s creations are a must-experience when looking for the best food and things to do in Manama. re/ASIAN CUISINE offers the renowned chef’s signature take on Asian cuisine.
Think crispy duck salad, pan-seared pot stickers, miso-honey marinated sea bream and cumin spiced grilled lamb.
Tue 7pm-11pm, Wed-Fri 7pm-11.30pm, Sat-Sun 7pm-11pm, Mon closed. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Manama. @fsbahrain (1711 5046).
Head out to the top parties and nightlife experiences
Alto
When it comes to fabulous things to do in Manama, head up to Alto for stunning views over the city. Situated right next to the Manama Souq, you’ll be able to see the Bahrain World Trade Centre and more from the 25th floor.
They have fabulous offers every night of the week from grape nights, ladies’ nights, crew and hotelier nights, and more.
Open daily 5pm-2am. Downtown Rotana, Manama, @thealtolounge (1721 0550).
Diggers
Without a doubt, happy hours, ladies’ nights, and parties are some of the most sought-out things to do in Bahrain. Luckily, Diggers has an offer for all that and more.
Head here any day of the week from 12pm-8pm for reduced rates on drinks. Ladies, head here between Sunday and Tuesday from 8pm onwards for five mixed drinks plus three more selected beverages on the house for BD5.
On Fridays, head here for their after brunch party, which offers up four hours of unlimited house beverages and food for just BHD19. But don’t expect a quiet brunch – it’s also a karaoke night, so get ready to belt it out during the feast.
Open daily 12pm-2am. Delmon International Hotel, Manama. @diggersbh (1722 4000).
Downtown Bar
For a more modern, chilled out venue – head to the Downtown Bar at the InterContinental Bahrain which features live Latin and international music Tuesdays to Sundays from 9pm to 1am.
On Saturdays, head here for salsa night where you can learn how to dance; plus, ladies get 1 complimentary mixed drink.
Open daily 6pm-3am. InterContinental Bahrain, Manama. @downtown.icbahrain (3696 7749).
Elements Pool & Lounge
This pool, bar, and lounge is the perfect spot when you’re looking for brilliant things to do in Manama. You can enjoy a delightful breakfast in the pool between 9am-12pm for BD16, and admire the view sipping on mixed drinks, or catch the latest sports matches.
On Thursdays, ladies can head here free-flowing selected mixed drinks at BD9 or upgrade to their drinks and flavoured pipes package (also free-flowing) for BD14 between 7pm and 11pm.
Sun-Wed 10pm-12am, Thu-Sat 10pm-1.30am. InterContinental Bahrain, Manama. @elements.icbahrain (3696 7703).
Txoko Sky Lounge
For a picturesque view of the city skyline and vibrant mixed drinks, head to Txoko sat on the 36th floor of the Domain Hotel. Between 4pm and 7pm, you can get hops, burger, and malt for BD19 – the perfect trifecta.
Mon-Sat 4pm-2am. Domain Hotel, Manama. @txokolounge.bh (1600 0000).
Set up camp at the city’s vibrant hotels
Downtown Rotana
Perfect for business travellers, staycationers, and vacationers – Downtown Rotana is a lovely, artsy 26-storey hotel with 243 rooms and suites. It has seven well-equipped meeting rooms, a 355sqm ballroom, gym, pool, and spa on the 9th floor.
On the food front you have tons of options from Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indian and Italian restaurant Teatro which also hosts the famous Le Petit Chef, international restaurant Flavours on 2, Alto rooftop lounge and restaurant, Sundeck Pool Bar, and the City Lobby Lounge.
110 Government Avenue, Manama. @downtownrotana (1311 9999).
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
Located on its own private island, your Four Seasons beachfront getaway would be as luxurious as you’d expect. You have five stunning suite options along with three guest rooms to choose from.
When it comes to the best things to do in Manama, we recommend you venture across the gorgeous property, and find the 160-metre-long private beach, stunning infinity pool, kids’ dhow water-play area and a spa with hammam.
For food, you have culinary extraordinaire Wolfgang Puck’s CUT serving prime cuts of meat, re/ASIAN CUISINE, which serves up excellent (and spicy) dishes from the Far East, plus Blue Moon Lounge also in partnership with the famous chef. You also have Bay View for Mediterranean food and Byblos serving up authentic Lebanese cuisine.
Bahrain Bay, Manama. @fsbahrain (1711 5000).
InterContinental Bahrain
One of the most recognisable hotels in the city is the InterContinental Bahrain, which has been around since 1980. The hotel features city, pool, and harbour views from its 304 rooms. There’s also a lovely spa, fitness centre, and two pools within the hotel.
On the food front, you have everything from Italian Medzo, international Selections, to Legendz Steakhouse, and Downtown Bar on the ground floor and Elements Pool & Lounge on the mezzanine floor.
King Faisal Highway, Manama. @interconbahrain (1722 7777).
The Domain
Towering above the surrounding buildings is The Domain hotel. There are six variations of suites and two rooms to choose from for your visit here, an infinity sky pool which is an indoor space with a retractable roof, a meeting room for conferences and events, and an urban wellness spa and gym.
For food, the hotel features seven restaurants and bars, from Mediterranean to Asian eateries, including Txoko Sky Bar, Figs & Olives, Le Domain, Le Sauvage, and the Cigar Lounge.
Road 1705, Block 365, Manama. @domainbahrain (1600 0000).
The Merchant House
Conveniently located right next to the Bab Al Bahrain, The Merchant House is the Kingdom’s first 5-star luxury boutique hotel with only 46 suites, meeting rooms, and a unique collection of contemporary art spread across the property. You’ll feel like you’ve walked into a museum when you enter this hotel.
On the food front, you have the Indigo Terrace which is their all-day rooftop restaurant and bar, Café Gray for quick bites, homemade cakes and afternoon tea, and The Library lounge featuring a collection of books that you can read over a cup of tea.
150 Government Avenue, Manama. @themerchanthousebahrain (1667 1000).
Wyndham Grand
The twisty tower you see shimmering at night by the Bahrain Bay is actually the Wyndham Grand. This hotel is known for its very modern and sleek rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows giving you a stunning view of the city.
They have two swimming pools, a kids’ play area, separate health clubs for men and women, one ballroom, and ten conference rooms. On the food front, you have Atmosphere – best known for its buffets and stellar 360 degree views of the Bahrain Bay and city, and the Durrah Café et Pâtisserie for dresh brews, pastries, cakes, and fresh baked bread.
Bahrain Bay, Building 316, Road 4609, Manama. @wyndhamgrandmanama (1711 6116).
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