Manama Souq is one of Bahrain's oldest markets. It dates from the early 19th century and sits next to Bab Al Bahrain in central Manama, which is why it is also called "Souq Bab Al Bahrain". Bahrain's tourism authority describes these shopping areas:
- Gold: the souq is the historic centre for Bahraini gold jewellery, from necklaces and bracelets to rings, including traditional designs.
- Sweets: Bahraini halwa and other local sweets such as rahash, zalabiya, khanfaroush and darabeel.
- Spices, textiles and souvenirs.
- Traditional clothing: embroidered thobes, malfas, burqas and wide-legged trousers, along with modern clothes.
- Traditional cafés serving Bahraini breakfasts, bread and karak tea, plus restaurants with food from around the world.
Hours: the tourism authority lists the souq as open 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM. The page shows these hours for Wednesday to Saturday.
Recommended places
- Manama Souq