Manama has traditional charm, as well as all the hallmarks of modern Arab prosperity. The shopping malls and daringly designed skyscrapers confidently nestle beside delightful relics and reminders of the city's proud heritage as a busy port town. Historic sites are given equal footing with the brash, modern ones. This is most apparent in Manama's Souq, where the hustle and bustle still evoke an ancient bazaar, and the globally diverse local cuisine is slowly elevating the city into a foodie destination. Manama's world-class National Museum, Beit Al Quran and avant-garde National Theatre represent the commitment of the city to not just preserve the past but actively celebrate it.
