Enjoy Shopping for Gold, Spices, Sweets in This Historic Souq
This charming souq, one of Bahrain’s oldest and most famous markets, is the ideal setting for a unique shopping experience. Established in the early 19th century and located near Bab Al Bahrain in central Manama. The souq invites visitors to explore Bahrain’s heritage and culture through a wide selection of shops, from souvenirs to gold, spices, and textiles, alongside traditional cafés.
One of the souq's distinctive features is its proximity to Bab Al Bahrain, which is why it is sometimes called “Souq Bab Al Bahrain.” Built in the 1940s, Bab Al Bahrain was once the entryway to Bahrain for those arriving by sea at the Manama Port, which was located just a few meters away. The port served as Bahrain’s main entry point, and goods arriving there would make their way directly to Manama Souq. A stroll through Manama Souq and passing through Bab Al Bahrain offers a delightful blend of historical exploration and traditional shopping in a beautiful heritage setting.
Photos & Videos
What to Expect
Traditional Cafés and Restaurants
Every market has its own unique charm, and one of Manama Souq’s highlights is its traditional Bahraini cafés and eateries. For those who enjoy the classic ambiance of traditional Bahraini settings, Haji’s Café is a must-visit. With its wooden tables and chairs, traditional dishes, and walls adorned with photos telling the café’s story since its opening in the 1950s, Haji’s Café offers an authentic experience. The menu includes over 30 breakfast dishes, such as balaleet , liver, assorted egg dishes, fresh Bahraini tanoor bread, and karak tea. For fans of spicy dishes, Alou Basheer restaurant offers a distinctive treat: potato-stuffed samosas topped with a spicy sauce. Manama Souq also offers numerous restaurants with flavours from around the world to suit every taste.
Bahraini Sweets
Manama Souq is famous for its traditional Bahraini sweets, which make delightful gifts for loved ones back home. Like gelato in Italy or baklava in Turkey and Syria, Bahraini sweets are an essential part of the country’s cultural heritage. Shops throughout the souq compete to impress visitors with an array of colourful sweets. In addition to traditional Bahraini halwa, other notable local desserts include rahash, zalabiya, khanfaroush, and darabeel. Bahraini halwa has been made for around 200 years and is perfect when paired with piping-hot cardamom coffee.
Gold Souq
Manama Souq is renowned for its Bahraini gold, famous for its quality, purity, and exquisite designs. The souq is filled with shops offering fine gold jewellery, from necklaces and bracelets to rings, with endless options. Bahraini traditional designs are particularly popular. While gold shops are found throughout Bahrain, Manama Souq remains the historic centre for gold craftsmanship and a must-visit destination for locals, Gulf residents, and international visitors alike.
Traditional Clothing
Manama Souq offers both modern and traditional clothing, with the latter showcasing traditional pieces that Arab grandmothers have worn for generations, making them excellent gifts and souvenirs. The souq takes you on a journey back in time, offering traditional attire such as embroidered thobes, malfas, burqas, and vibrant wide-legged trousers in bright colors. These small, quaint shops invite you to experience Bahrain’s heritage and add a touch of tradition to your wardrobe or gift collection.
Enjoy Shopping for Gold, Spices, Sweets in This Historic Souq
This charming souq, one of Bahrain’s oldest and most famous markets, is the ideal setting for a unique shopping experience. Established in the early 19th century and located near Bab Al Bahrain in central Manama. The souq invites visitors to explore Bahrain’s heritage and culture through a wide selection of shops, from souvenirs to gold, spices, and textiles, alongside traditional cafés.
One of the souq's distinctive features is its proximity to Bab Al Bahrain, which is why it is sometimes called “Souq Bab Al Bahrain.” Built in the 1940s, Bab Al Bahrain was once the entryway to Bahrain for those arriving by sea at the Manama Port, which was located just a few meters away. The port served as Bahrain’s main entry point, and goods arriving there would make their way directly to Manama Souq. A stroll through Manama Souq and passing through Bab Al Bahrain offers a delightful blend of historical exploration and traditional shopping in a beautiful heritage setting.
Photos & Videos
What to Expect
Traditional Cafés and Restaurants
Every market has its own unique charm, and one of Manama Souq’s highlights is its traditional Bahraini cafés and eateries. For those who enjoy the classic ambiance of traditional Bahraini settings, Haji’s Café is a must-visit. With its wooden tables and chairs, traditional dishes, and walls adorned with photos telling the café’s story since its opening in the 1950s, Haji’s Café offers an authentic experience. The menu includes over 30 breakfast dishes, such as balaleet , liver, assorted egg dishes, fresh Bahraini tanoor bread, and karak tea. For fans of spicy dishes, Alou Basheer restaurant offers a distinctive treat: potato-stuffed samosas topped with a spicy sauce. Manama Souq also offers numerous restaurants with flavours from around the world to suit every taste.
Bahraini Sweets
Manama Souq is famous for its traditional Bahraini sweets, which make delightful gifts for loved ones back home. Like gelato in Italy or baklava in Turkey and Syria, Bahraini sweets are an essential part of the country’s cultural heritage. Shops throughout the souq compete to impress visitors with an array of colourful sweets. In addition to traditional Bahraini halwa, other notable local desserts include rahash, zalabiya, khanfaroush, and darabeel. Bahraini halwa has been made for around 200 years and is perfect when paired with piping-hot cardamom coffee.
Gold Souq
Manama Souq is renowned for its Bahraini gold, famous for its quality, purity, and exquisite designs. The souq is filled with shops offering fine gold jewellery, from necklaces and bracelets to rings, with endless options. Bahraini traditional designs are particularly popular. While gold shops are found throughout Bahrain, Manama Souq remains the historic centre for gold craftsmanship and a must-visit destination for locals, Gulf residents, and international visitors alike.
Traditional Clothing
Manama Souq offers both modern and traditional clothing, with the latter showcasing traditional pieces that Arab grandmothers have worn for generations, making them excellent gifts and souvenirs. The souq takes you on a journey back in time, offering traditional attire such as embroidered thobes, malfas, burqas, and vibrant wide-legged trousers in bright colors. These small, quaint shops invite you to experience Bahrain’s heritage and add a touch of tradition to your wardrobe or gift collection.
Manama
Closed Opens Tuesday at 08:30 AM
Monday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 08:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Nearby Attractions
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