Manama
Bahrain International Garden Show
Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), 25 - 28 Feb 2010 (annual)
The Bahrain International Exhibition Centre fills with all the trimmings that make up an impressive-looking garden. As well as conferences and workshops, the Bahrain International Garden Show is blooming with seeds, new garden technology, accessories and designs.
Bahrain International Book Fair
Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), 17 - 27 Mar 2010 (annual)
The impressive Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) fills with reading material in all its guises - traditional paper pages and their electronic versions too - for the International Book Fair.
Bahrain Human Rights International Film Festival
Ahlia University, 1 - 4 May 2010 (annual)
Bahrain Human Rights International Film Festival screens free movies at the Al Ahlia University in Manama. This non-profit festival promotes cinema that highlights human rights, showing a wide range of features, documentaries and short films from around the world.
Jewellery Arabia Show
Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Nov 2010 (annual)
The annual Jewellery Arabia Show began in 1991 and now attracts over 500 exhibitors to Bahrain's International Exhibition Centre every year. An international exhibition of fine jewellery and luxury watches, it attracts buyers and private collectors from throughout the Arab World.
Beit Al-Qur'an
Beit Al-Qur'an, Daily; not Fri
Housed in an Arabic-script-engraved building, the Diplomatic Area's Beit Al Qur'an features a mosque, a library and an internationally celebrated collection of Qur'anic manuscripts. Offering insights into Islam, this is also a treat for those interested in calligraphy.
La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art
La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Daily
A beautiful example of 19th-century Islamic architecture, the La Fontaine art centre in Manama was once a pearl merchant's home but now showcases international art in a gallery that wraps around a courtyard where performances are held under the stars.
Club Seven
Club Seven, Daily
One of Juffair's sexiest nightspots, featuring a cobbled dance floor and bright red furniture, Club Seven attracts a fashionable set with a mix of House, R'n'B and Arabic hits. Half-price Martinis let you play James Bond on Mondays.
Al Fateh Mosque
Al Fateh Mosque, Daily
Featuring the world's largest fibreglass dome and beautiful Arabic architecture, Juffair's Al Fateh Mosque and Islamic Centre can accommodate 7,000 worshippers at a time. Non-Muslims are not only welcome, they are provided with modest attire and a guided tour.
Fish Market
Fish Market, Daily
A visit to Manama's Fish Market is as authentic a Bahraini experience as you will find. Go in the morning to see fishermen fresh off their dhows touting shrimp, crabs, squid and giant spotted hammour (grouper).
Gold Souk
Gold Souk, Daily
Manama's Gold Souk is a three-storey Aladdin's Cave where you can haggle for everything from contemporary jewellery to over-the-top Arabian headdresses in 18- to 24-carat gold. If time permits, you can even have something custom-made.