So you’ve already arranged for a car rental in Manama? Don’t take your car out for a spin 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 located just behind 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 must stop your car just behind that white line for the traffic 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 (right after the US embassy parked there) the hotel the intersection of Diplomat Raddison the mosque Al Fateh intersection.
city driving
Renting a car 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 about $2 to $3, depending on the prevailing exchange rate. Good luck!
curb marks
Manama follows the Middle Eastern curb marking system, specifically:
black and yellow – this means no parking
black and white – this marks 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’re on a tight budget, try the cheap restaurants in the Adliya district. The Al-Abraaj should accustom you to Middle Eastern cuisine, while the Habara Snacks & Fish is an excellent restaurant serving fish, chips and other affordable snacks. If you don’t mind paying extra for your food, check out Bahraini classic Upstairs Downstairs, as well as Café Lilou’s, frequented by locals and expats alike.
