Capital Governorate is the heart of Bahrain: Manama's old souq and Bab Al Bahrain, the National Museum and Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Adliya dining district and the waterfront towers of Bahrain Bay sit within a short taxi ride of each other.
Nightlife in Manama is hotel-based. Alcohol is sold only in licensed hotel bars and clubs and some licensed restaurants; there is no drinking in public, and being drunk in public is an offence. Bahrain is more relaxed than Qatar or Saudi Arabia, with a long-running bar scene in Juffair, Adliya and the five-star hotels of Bahrain Bay and the Diplomatic Area, but Ramadan closes or restricts most venues and opening status changes, so verify before going.
Skyline lounges at the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay and The Domain, hotel bars and clubs in Juffair, and shisha and coffee cafes in Adliya and around Manama Souq.
At a glance
- Peak hours
- 21:00 to 01:00, busiest Thursday and Friday; most hotel bars open about 18:00 and close between 01:00 and 02:00
- Average drink
- Hotel-bar cocktail about BHD 6-10 (~$16-27) (estimate); shisha about BHD 3-5 (~$8-13); mocktail about BHD 4-6 (~$11-16)
- Dress code
- Smart casual; sportswear, flip-flops and revealing clothing are refused at many venues
- Cover charge
- Bahrain permits alcohol only in licensed hotel venues and some licensed restaurants, and rules, hours and opening status change; Ramadan closes or restricts most nightlife, so details should be verified before going.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Bahrain Bay and the Diplomatic Area
Licensed lounges on the upper floors of five-star hotels, including Blue Moon Lounge and Cut Bar & Lounge at the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay and Txoko Sky Lounge at The Domain.
Best for: Cocktails with skyline views
Adliya (Block 338)
Block 338 is the city's creative quarter with cafes, galleries and restaurants; the area is better for dinner and coffee, with the nearest licensed venues in nearby hotels.
Best for: Early-evening strolls, dinner and cafes
Juffair
Juffair has the highest concentration of hotel bars and nightclubs in Bahrain, with a lively expatriate crowd; venues change often, so check current hours.
Best for: Late-night hotel clubs and bars
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Blue Moon Lounge by Wolfgang Puck
Known for: 50th-floor cocktail lounge with Wolfgang Puck-curated sushi and bar food, and guest cocktail takeovers
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Bahrain Bay, Manama, Bahrain (hotel tel +973 1711 5000)
Cut Bar & Lounge
Known for: Signature cocktails and live music with views over Manama
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Bahrain Bay, Manama, Bahrain (hotel tel +973 1711 5000)
Txoko Sky Lounge
Known for: Rooftop bar on the 36th floor of The Domain with panoramic views, DJ sets and a happy hour reported by guides
The Domain Bahrain Hotel and Spa, Bldg 365, Block 317, Road 1705, Diplomatic Area, Manama, Bahrain
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Trader Vic's Bahrain
Polynesian-themed bar in a hotel with cocktails and live music in the evening; alcohol is served only in licensed hotel venues.
Jazz Lounge at Gulf Hotel
Hotel venues in Adliya host live bands and DJs; busiest on Thursday and Friday nights. Confirm current venues and entry rules with the hotel.
Coral Bay Lounge
Juffair's hotel clubs cater to expats and visiting crowds; guests must carry ID and follow dress codes.
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Drinking in public or being drunk in public is an offence in Bahrain.
Alcohol is available only at licensed hotel venues and some licensed restaurants; there are no independent pubs on the street.
Smart-casual dress is expected at most lounges.
Hotel bars are closed or restricted during Ramadan; shisha cafes reopen after sunset.
Summer evenings stay near 35°C, so indoor venues are more comfortable from June to September.