The lanterns
Shops glowing with coloured lamps.
Zairon — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Shibu Parambil Varghese — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Zairon — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Andrew Griffith — CC BY 2.0 · Zairon — CC BY-SA 4.0
Manama Souq is the old bazaar of Bahrain's capital, in the north of the city between its old quarters and the Central Business District, east of Noaim and west of Ras Rumman. Its main entrance is the historic Bab Al Bahrain building, so a visit usually starts at the gate. The souq has been redeveloped in stages and is now in two parts: a new pedestrian section and an older section where cars share the lanes with walkways. The redeveloped part was given a new wooden roof and new cafes opened around it, and the renewed souq was unveiled on 20 July 2013. In the narrow lanes, shops hang with colourful lanterns and glass lamps, while others show embroidered fabrics and souvenirs. Strings of small red and white flags run above some passages, and simple street cafes with plain chairs line the pavements, full of regulars. The best time to come is late afternoon and evening, when the heat eases and the lanterns light up. Carry cash for small shops, bargain politely, dress modestly, and ask before photographing traders. The redeveloped section is easy to walk, while in the older part watch out for cars.
Shops glowing with coloured lamps.
Plain chairs along the lanes.
Over the redeveloped section.
Behind Bab Al Bahrain, north Manama, Bahrain
Bab Al Bahrain and Manama SouqA white historic gateway on Customs Square in central Manama, the main entrance 5 minutes walk4.5
Bahrain Financial Harbour and World Trade CenterBahrain Financial Harbour and the Bahrain World Trade Center are two groups of t11 minutes walk
Bahrain BayBahrain Bay is a modern district on reclaimed land in northern Manama, with offi24 minutes walkAt Bab Al Bahrain, the souq's main entrance.
Late afternoon and evening, when it is cooler and the lanterns are lit.