Bab Al Bahrain
A white colonnaded gateway building at the edge of the old city, once the entrance from the sea to the market quarter. Today it leads straight into the traditional souq lanes.
Manama
A busy dining scene, modern malls and the National Museum are found in the capital, along with the old souq that lies behind Bab Al Bahrain.
Attractive locations
Manama Souq
A maze of narrow lanes behind Bab Al Bahrain selling spices, textiles, gold, perfume and everyday goods. It is the most traditional market in the capital and busiest in the evenings.
Bahrain National Museum
The main museum of the kingdom, telling the story of the islands from ancient Dilmun burial finds to traditional life, with galleries on pearling, crafts and customs.
Beit Al Quran
A museum of Islamic art and Quranic manuscripts in a building decorated with calligraphy and a distinctive dome. Visitors of all faiths are welcome.
Bahrain World Trade Center
Twin sail-shaped towers linked by bridges that carry three wind turbines. They are one of Manama's best-known landmarks and a striking sight on the skyline, especially at night.
Khamis Mosque
The remains of one of the oldest mosques in the Gulf region, marked by two slim minarets. The site is outdoors and can be seen quickly, with the ruins showing early Islamic architecture.
National Theatre of Bahrain
A modern performing arts venue in Manama, home to concerts, plays and national events. Its large auditorium and waterfront setting make it a landmark of the city's cultural life.
Airports
Bahrain International Airport BAH
It is about 8 km in a straight line from Manama.
Scams and safe taxis
Taxi and scam advice for this country is on the Bahrain page
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan18.0 °C7 mm
- Feb18.4 °C5 mm
- Mar21.4 °C3 mm
- Apr25.4 °C4 mm
- May30.1 °C0 mm
- Jun32.8 °C0 mm
- Jul34.6 °C0 mm
- Aug35.0 °C1 mm
- Sep33.5 °C0 mm
- Oct30.4 °C1 mm
- Nov25.3 °C10 mm
- Dec20.4 °C8 mm
Driest months: May, Jun, Jul, Sep. Wettest months: Jan, Nov, Dec.
Costs
Prices here are about 43% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Who can help
Emergency
999 for police, ambulance and fire.
local government
Emergency number 999 (police, ambulance, civil defence)
Helps with: Bahrain's government emergency directory lists 999 for police rescue, ambulance and civil defence, and a separate police hotline on 80008008. No tourist police unit is shown there.
Who qualifies: Anyone in Bahrain who needs the police, an ambulance or civil defence, including visitors.
Phone: 999
local government
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA)
Helps with: Bahrain's tourism authority. Its contact page gives a general phone line and email for enquiries. No separate tourist helpline is listed there.
Who qualifies: Anyone visiting Bahrain or planning a trip there.
Phone: +973 1755 8800
Email: info@btea.bh
Address: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre, Building 158, Avenue 28, Sanabis
ngo
Bahrain Red Crescent Society
Helps with: Bahrain's national Red Crescent society, a volunteer organisation. Its programmes include social and humanitarian assistance, first aid, blood donation and restoring family links.
Who qualifies: People in Bahrain who need its humanitarian, first aid or family-links services.
Phone: +973-1729 3171
Address: Building 25, Road 1901, Block 319, Manama