So you’ve already arranged for a car rental in Manama? Don’t take your car out for a drive yet. Review the following tips and tricks to help you navigate the streets of Bahrain’s capital.
The essential
You drive on the right side of the road. Most traffic lights on major highways and main roads are equipped with road sensors that are located just beyond the white line. What this means is that if yours is the only car at a four-way intersection and you are driving in the early morning, you have to stop your car just behind that white line for the light to turn green.
speed cameras
Flaunting the speed limit doesn’t pay, especially in Manama where speed cameras abound. Expect a traffic light and speed camera at the end of long driveways and at intersections. Areas to watch for speed cameras include: south of Fateh Avenue north of Fateh Avenue west of Sheikh Khalifa Road the Tubli intersection (just past the US Embassy stationed there) the hotel the intersection of Diplomat Raddison the mosque Al Fateh intersection.
driving in the city
Renting a vehicle is very cheap in Manama. Because the city is quite small, you don’t have to worry about wasting gas. Don’t forget to get a map. A map usually costs between 0.50 and 1 dinar. That’s roughly $2 to $3, based on the prevailing exchange rate. Good luck!
curb markings
Manama follows the Middle Eastern curb marking system, specifically:
black and yellow – this means no parking
black and white – this marks the parking areas
red and white – in some areas this also indicates parking spaces
eat well
There are many restaurants in the city, from very cheap shawarma stalls to five-star places. If you are on a tight budget, try the cheap restaurants in the Adliya district. Al-Abraaj should get you used to Middle Eastern cuisine, while Habara Snacks & Fish is an excellent restaurant serving affordable fish, chips and other snacks. If you don’t mind paying extra for your meal, visit the Bahraini classic Upstairs Downstairs, as well as Café Lilou’s, frequented by locals and expats alike.