Nightlife and Entertainment in Manama

Manama, though not as high-spirited and exuberant as Dubai, is a popular nightlife destination because of its relatively relaxed alcohol policy and more liberal attitudes compared to other Persian Gulf nations. The nightlife in the capital of Bahrain is a mix of pubs, bars, discotheques and nightclubs that offer an array of entertainment events and special performances for its patrons. Here is an overview of the gems that color Manama’s buzzing party scene.

Introduction to Manama’s Nightlife

Manama’s major entertainment and nightlife activities are centered in the districts of Adliya, Hoora and Juffair. These areas have an assortment of nightclubs, bars and pubs that are operational until the early hours of morning. Night clubs here play an eclectic line-up of music that includes house, hip hop, R&B, Latin grooves and a range of other genres. Most high end hotels in Manama have snazzy bar zones that play mostly jazz or live music. Their ‘happy hours’ feature an array of bright and discounted cocktails. There are also several Lebanese restaurants that play Arabic music and occasionally even feature enthralling traditional dance performances. A great way to unwind is to share a traditional hookah pipe with friends in a typical Arabic/Lebanese restaurant. For visitors who don’t enjoy a very boisterous night out, Manama is interspersed with several pubs where you can enjoy a quiet and intimate gathering with friends. You can have fun with a game of darts or a nice pool session with pals over a few drinks. Unlike other Gulf countries, tourists in Bahrain are allowed to consume alcohol, but they need to be careful of not overdoing it because the police aren’t exactly known to be lenient with tourists and do arrest people for excessive drinking.

Diggers

This is one of the most popular nightclubs in Manama and sports the look of a mining cave. The destination has bands playing live music, which includes haunting old tunes and latest rages. Diggers is located in the happening Souq region and offers a range of inexpensive drinks and nibbles. The staff here is very friendly and serves speedily and in a highly personalized manner.

Baranby Jones

Baranby Jones is frequented by a largely British crowd and a few locals, as well.  The place is popular for its light show and eclectic dance music ranging from Hip hop to techno.
 
Ric’s Kountry Kitchen

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen is a nice, unassuming bar located in Juffair and is frequented by a large expatriate crowd. The place, though slightly congested, presents a relaxed and intimate feel and features gigantic screens that are constantly relaying action- packed sports events. The scruffy and rugged charm of Ric’s provides a perfect backdrop to hobnob with the locals and the expats over drinks and friendly banter. Other good places to try in Manama are Club Blue Elephant in the Seef District, Z-Club at the Pars International Hotel, Casa Bar in the Seef District, Upstairs Downstairs in Adliya and Khushboo at the Bahrain International Hotel.

Manama’s diverse nightlife is silhouetted by vivid nightclubs and quiet, relaxed bars and pubs that are all equally charged about offering their visitors a fun night out. Owing to a relaxed alcohol policy and a huge influx of expatriates, the nightlife of the region has burgeoned over the last years and is a nice melting pot of different cultures.