Bab Al Bahrain

Manama


This handsome twin-arched gate is a fitting entrance to Manama Souq. Built by Sir Charles Dalrymple Belgrave, British adviser to the royals, in 1949, the 'Gateway to Bahrain' originally stood where huge dhows (traditional cargo boats) laden with goods came to dock, as this was Bahrain's original customs pier. The sea has since been pushed several kilometres north through land reclamation, and Bab Al Bahrain now houses an information centre.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Manama attractions

1. Manama Souq

Manama Souq is a warren of narrow streets and alleyways emanating south from Bab Al Bahrain. Here you can pick up everything from electronic goods and…

2. Yateem Mosque

0.06 MILES

Built in 1992 by Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, this mosque is easily identified by its unique minaret, which (unusually for a mosque) also serves as a…

3. Little India

0.17 MILES

Close your eyes in this little corner of Manama's historic souq and you would be forgiven for thinking you were in downtown Delhi. The lingua franca is…

4. Jai Shri Khrishna Temple

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This 200-year-old Hindu temple is the oldest in the Gulf and a testimony to Bahrain's ancient Indian community. Situated down a narrow alley in the heart…

5. Financial Harbour Towers

0.28 MILES

These iconic twin towers, resembling two huge glass slides, belong to the Financial Harbour and are amongst Manama's most distinct examples of modern…

6. World Trade Centre

0.5 MILES

Built in 2008, these 240m-high, 50-floor office towers were inspired by the traditional badqeers (wind towers) seen in historic Bahraini homes. They are…

7. Manama Craft Centre

0.59 MILES

Home to a variety of showrooms and workshops, this centre promotes the revival of traditional Bahraini crafts, such as weaving, palm-leaf paper making,…

8. La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art

0.63 MILES

Showcasing regional and international contemporary artists, this beautiful space hosts regular exhibitions. The venue is a magnificent elaboration of a…