Why visit
Manama is Bahrain's island capital, a compact Gulf city with souqs, museums, modern towers, and pearling history nearby in Muharraq. It is an accessible introduction to Bahrain's older trading and modern finance layers.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Manama is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Bahrain. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Manama, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Bahrain better matches the trip style.
Manama at a glance
City population
147k
Elevation
12 m
39 ft
Time zone
UTC+3
Asia/Bahrain
Airport
BAH
Bahrain International Airport
Bahrain at a glance
Country center
26.0°, 50.5°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
765 km²
295 mi²
Country population
1.6 million
2,052/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
Bahraini dinar (.د.ب)
BHD
Dial
+973
Language
Arabic
Demonym
Bahraini
Internet
.bh
UN
Member state
ISO code
BH / BHR
Where in the world
26.0° - 50.5°
Bahrain
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Manama is linked by causeway to Muharraq, Bahrain's older pearling and trading center.
- The Bab Al Bahrain gateway marks the entrance to the old souq area.
- The 25 km King Fahd Causeway links Bahrain to Saudi Arabia and is one of the busiest land crossings in the Gulf.
- Bahrain was the first Gulf state to strike oil (1932) and the first to pivot toward a post-oil financial economy.
- The Tree of Life stands alone in the Bahraini desert: a 400-year-old mesquite tree with no visible water source.
Traveler notes
- Bahrain National Museum is the best first stop
- Bab Al Bahrain marks the old souq entrance
- Muharraq's pearling path adds UNESCO-listed context nearby
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Manama
What currency is used in Manama?
Manama uses the Bahraini dinar (.د.ب), ISO code BHD.
What languages are spoken in Bahrain?
The primary language is Arabic.
What is the international calling code for Bahrain?
The calling code is +973.
When is the best time to visit Manama?
Nov–Mar. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Manama?
Bahrain International Airport (IATA: BAH).
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