Manama Travel Guide - Attractions

The bustling bazaar is a must for any visitor here given the outstanding quality of many of the products, especially the gold and pearls.

Bahrain Fort: on the edge of Manama’s western suburbs, this impressive historical site was once the capital of the Dilmun civilisation and is today UNESCO protected.

Al Fateh Mosque: featuring the largest dome in Bahrain, this magnificent Islamic structure was built in the early 1990s; and in late 2006 the national library was added to the huge complex. All urban planning calculations are made from its location, point zero, meaning it’s the beating heart of Manama and therefore should not be missed.

Manama Souq: extending out past Bab Al Bahrain, the British-built gate in the capital, this market is one of the best in the region, certainly in terms of the quality on display.

House of Koran: located in the Hoora district of Manama, this superb collection of Islamic artefacts garnered from across the Muslim world is worth a visit whether you are a member of the faithful or not – all visitors are welcome unlike in most mosques.

It includes a library, 10 exhibition halls, a mosque and a school. The museum is home to extremely rare Islamic artefacts and calligraphy.

Ibrahim Al Arrayed Poetry House: dedicated to Bahrain’s most celebrated poet of the same name who died in 2002, this new cultural centre features displays of the artist’s work and is considered a shrine to the country’s fledging literary movement.