Manama Bahrain 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Manama

Morning:

  • Start your day with a traditional Bahraini breakfast at Gulf Hotel’s Alba Restaurant. Try their famous Kesra bread with Laban and Jaboon.
  • Visit the Bahrain National Museum to learn about the country’s rich history and culture. (Open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Sunday - Thursday; closed on Fridays)

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Bahrain World Trade Center, one of the most iconic structures in Manama with its unique twin towers. Visit the Sky Tour observation deck for a panoramic view of the city. (Open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM)
  • Take a stroll around Bay Al Quran, an open-air museum that houses over 1,000 copies of the Holy Quran in various languages and scripts.

Evening:

  • Visit the bustling Manama Souq for some shopping. Don’t miss the Gold Souk where you can find exquisite gold jewelry.
  • Have dinner at La Piazza, a popular Italian restaurant in the heart of Manama. (Located within the city center)

Night:

  • Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain City Centre. Their rooftop bar, Daih Al-Bahrain, offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Day 2: Cultural and Modern Manama

Morning:

  • Visit the Arad Fort, a historical fortress overlooking Manama’s harbor. (Open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed on Fridays)
  • Explore the Bahrain Pearl Museum to learn about the pearl diving history and see the process of making pearls.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Durrat Al Bahrain, a man-made island with luxury villas, parks, and a marina. Relax at the beach or take a boat tour around the island.
  • Visit the Bahrain Fintech Bay to see the future of finance technology in action. (Located within Diplomat Area)

Evening:

  • Have dinner at Il Mercato, an upscale Italian restaurant located in the heart of the diplomatic area.
  • End your day with a visit to Bahrain’s largest mosque, Al-Fateh Grand Mosque. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world and can accommodate over 7,000 worshipers. (Open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, closed on Fridays)

Things to Know:

  • Bahrain is a Muslim country, so it’s important to dress modestly when visiting mosques and other religious sites.
  • The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken.
  • The local currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD). Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.
  • Taxis are readily available and affordable, or you can use ride-hailing services like Careem.

Tips:

  • Negotiate prices at the souq for a better deal.
  • Haggling is not common when it comes to taxi fares. Always check the meter.
  • Stay safe at night in less crowded areas and avoid walking alone after dark.

Where to Stay:

  • The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain City Centre: Luxury hotel located in the heart of Manama, offering a rooftop pool, spa, and several dining options.
  • COMO Muraka Underwater Suite by VIRGIN HOTELS: A unique underwater suite experience in the heart of the Arabian Gulf.