Under $100: Manama, Bahrain

Spending a day in Manama, Bahrain ,and only spending $100 isn’t the easiest task, and you’re going to have to skip a lot of cool attractions, but you can still make a pretty good day of it.

Start out by hailing a cab to the outskirts of town and visit the Qalat al Bahrain, an ancient fort that has been under the control of the Portuguese, Persians and Arabic tribes at various points throughout history. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a beautiful relic full of fascinating history. Walking around is free, but if you want to see the accompanying museum you’ll have to pay $2.

© Rizami Annuar | Dreamstime

You’ll spend a good deal of the morning touring the fort, so once you make your way back, it’ll be time for lunch. Café Lilou is an excellent choice for a light meal and dessert, along with coffee. The cakes here are delicious. Expect to spend roughly $15 altogether.

In the afternoon, you should discover the Al-Fateh Mosque. It juts out over the skyline making it easy to spot. The architecture here is top-notch and utterly breathtaking. Prepare to be covered up with extra garments before you enter.

Al-Fateh Grand Mosque © Typhoonski | Dreamstime

Afterwards, make your way over to Seef Mall, a wonderful shopping center where you can purchase food and local goods before heading out of town. It’s one of the older shopping plazas in the city now, but still a beautiful area to walk around and enjoy a cup of coffee if you need a break.

For dinner, your best option is Bushido Restaurant, a French and Japanese-style joint with spectacular décor and delectable food. The sushi here is top notch, though you’ll pay a hefty price for it. Be prepared to drop $40 for your meal.