The Avenues Bahrain

The Avenues Bahrain is an open-air waterfront shopping and dining destination on Palace Avenue in the Bahrain Bay development of Manama, Bahrain, close to the Diplomatic Area. Unlike the enclosed malls elsewhere in the city, it is laid out as a promenade of shops and restaurants along the water, with views across the bay toward the Manama skyline, which makes it as much a leisure destination as a place to buy things. The retail mix includes international and regional fashion labels, accessories, beauty and lifestyle shops, positioned in the mid-range to high-end bracket. Goods are branded and priced at fixed tags, so there is no bargaining culture, and there is virtually no trade in tourist trinkets; shoppers looking for traditional crafts should visit Manama Souq. Cards and contactless payments are accepted throughout, and visitors should check with individual retailers about tax-refund procedures for value added tax. The main strength of the venue is its dining: a wide set of restaurants and cafes, many with outdoor terraces, serves Arabic, Asian, Italian and casual international cuisine, as well as coffee and desserts, and the waterfront setting is popular for evening meals. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with strolling couples and groups, and it is at its busiest on Thursday and Friday evenings, when opening hours extend to midnight. Because much of the complex is outdoors, summer midday heat can make walking uncomfortable, and the pleasant times to visit are the evening and the cooler months from roughly November to March. The walkways are level and wide, so access is generally easy for strollers and wheelchairs. The site is a short drive from the Bahrain World Trade Center and Moda Mall and from the main business district, and parking and taxi drop-offs are available. Hours in listings vary, so visitors should verify before travelling.