Bahrain might be small in size, but it carries tremendous charm with its history and culture. Bolster your knowledge of this island and discover its wonders through these must-do attractions. Here are some amazing things to do while in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Absorb the Culture

Bab Al Bahrain

If you’re looking to experience the real culture of the island, this is definitely the first place to start. Built in 1949, Bab al Bahrain which translates to “Gateway of Bahrain,” is the main entrance to the city’s vibrant Souq downtown where you will find traditional cafes, restaurants and a wide range of rare spices, fabrics, kaftans, dry fruits, regional unique handicrafts, nuts, and more. It’s a good place to stock up on souvenirs to send home.

Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre

Located in Al Jasra village, Al Jasra Handicrafts center is considered one of the most important craft centers in the Kingdom of Bahrain and offers a look into the traditional arts and crafts that many of the villages in Bahrain have historically produced. Watch as craftsmen demonstrate pottery making, textile weaving, wood working, model-boat building, basket weaving and many other crafts. The small workshops where the handicrafts are produced represent an admirable attempt to preserve skills that might otherwise be lost. They overlook a pleasant central garden, and there is also a gift shop where purchases go a little way to helping Bahrain retain some of its traditional handicraft skills.

Al-Fatih Mosque (Great Mosque)

The Al-Fateh Mosque (also known as Al-Fateh Islamic Center & Al Fateh Grand Mosque) is one of the largest mosques in the world, encompassing 6,500 square meters and having the capacity to accommodate over 7,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa ibn Salman Al Khalifa in 1987 and was named after Ahmed Al Fateh. In 2006, Al-Fateh became the site of the National Library of Bahrain. Set against a backdrop of palm trees and the sea, the Grand Mosque strikes a beautiful picture. With its exquisite Bahraini architecture, crowned by the world’s largest fiberglass dome and blessed with tranquility reserved for the holiest of holy places, the Grand Mosque truly lives up to its name. Though non-Muslim visitors are welcome, it is important to dress modestly, cover your head (for women) and take your shoes off before entering. Another mosque to check out is Khamis Mosque. Manamat Al Gossaibi Manamat Al Gossaibi is a tribute to Saudi beloved public figure Dr. Gazi Abdul Rahman Al Gosaibi in the heart of Manama. This poet’s memory is split across two locations, one is his homeland of Saudi Arabia, and the other is the home of his heart: Bahrain. His legacy is recalled by the Shaikh Ebrahim Center through The Manama of Al-Gosaibi project in Farij Al-Fadel in Manama. Through this splendidly renovated cultural heritage building, the Center dedicates a place to the works and sayings of Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, his poetry, novels, literature and thought, all of which have enriched and influenced thought throughout the Arab world. If you like this place, make sure to visit Ibrahim Al Arrayed House of Poetry, Khalaf house and take a tour in the old houses of Muharraq.

Travel Through History

Bahrain National Museum

Situated between Manama and Muharraq, Bahrain National Museum is considered one of the finest museums of its kind in the Gulf region and offers a deeper understanding of the fascinating history of the island. The 20,000-sq. meter building houses nine main halls with a wonderful collection of exhibits, from contemporary Bahraini paintings, sculptures and ceramics to scenes depicting life in the Dilmun civilization and even a reconstructed burial mound. A section on Arabic calligraphy, including a beautiful display of illuminated Qur’ans and other religious documents can be found. Visitors can indulge in the history and have a closer look at traditional trades and crafts, which are cleverly displayed in a reconstruction of a typical Souq of the 1930s. There are also photographs and models of pearl exhibitions, artifacts and many more exhibits that add up to a memorable experience.

Qal’at al Bahrain

Qal’at al Bahrain, also called Bahrain Fort or Portuguese Fort, is perhaps one of the most prolific archeological sites you’ll see in Bahrain. Once the capital of the Dilmun civilization, this fort is registered today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and carries 4,000 years of history between its arches from 2300 BC until the 18th century from its various occupants, including Kassites, Greeks, Portuguese and Persians. You can walk through different parts of the fort to transport yourself through layers of its historical legacy further highlighted with the use of an audio guide available to visitors. There is also a museum connected to the fort that explains the area’s history and contains artifacts from the past civilizations. A seaside cafe offers a stunning view of the fort and the surrounding palm groves, with a view of flying kites from the festive beach just steps away with food trucks and various activities, including horse rides. If you like your experience here, make sure to check out Riffa fort and Arad fort as well.

The Pearling Path

Discover the UNESCO-listed Pearling Trail of Bahrain that stretches up to 3.5 km through theold alleyways of Muharraq. Before the oil boom, pearl divers were a big source of economic prosperity in Bahrain. Get to know more about the pearling lifestyle as you visit a local market, Bin Matar House, and the Dhow building yard. There’s even a chance to shop for this precious “jewel of the sea” and get one for yourself or a loved one as a souvenir.

Boat Trips to Bu Maher Fort

Bu Maher Fort, which was built in 1840, served as the main fishing harbor and gateway to and from the sea. The Bu Maher Fort Visitor’s Center is the starting point to discovering more about the Pearling Path that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The center contains a three-dimensional display that guides the viewer through the history of the path and the houses that formed it from the early beginnings to the main pearling traders. The visitor’s center can be accessed via the sea by boats that depart from Bahrain’s National Museum harbor.

Archaeological Sites

Bahrain is home to numerous archaeological digs around the island starting with the Aali Burial Mounds, located on the north side of A’Alia. This archeological paradise is considered one of the largest prehistoric cemetery sites in the world with more than 85,000 Dilmun and Tylos burial mounds, dating back about 4,500 years. Saar Settlement is another gem featuring an entire residential quarter comprising well-preserved courtyard houses, a temple and a very unique honeycomb-shaped cemetery. This 3rd-millennium BC site offers fascinating insights into the daily life of the ancient inhabitants of Bahrain. Lastly, the Barbar Temples and Diraz Temple are some impressive archaeological discoveries dating back to the 2nd and 3rd millennium BC. These sites are well worth your time, as they represent some ofa the earliest examples of the dawn of human civilization.

Experience an Adventure

Al Areen Wildlife Park

This nature reserve and zoo, located in Sakhir, is one of five other protected areas in the country and is the only designated protected area on land in the country. The park covers a total area of 7 km sq and was first established in 1976. Species native to Bahrain, both plants and animals, as well as species originating from Africa and south Asia are present in the zoological park. It houses rare and endangered species. Persian gazelle, Impala and Arabian Oryx (nearly extinct in the wild) are among the featured enclosures in this small wildlife reserve that cares for over 500 different species. For agricultural lovers the park offers over a 100,000 different species of plants and trees to enjoy.

Pearl Diving

Pearl diving is a part of Bahrain’s past and current heritage, and this is a hands-on way to experience a piece of local culture. This adventure gives you the chance to search for pearls underwater. Either snorkeling or scuba diving, you’ll collect oysters in the hopes of finding some that contain that desirable mineral. Professional dive instructors will guide you according to your ability and teach you the process of gathering oysters and cracking them open to find pearls. All pearl diving trips take place from Ras Rayyah Port and can only be done in the company of government-approved dive centers licensed for pearl diving.

Bahrain International Circuit

Even if you are not a motor racing fan and even when Formula One is not taking center stage at the Bahrain International Circuit, you are guaranteed a thrilling experience in the state-of-the-art circuit. Located 20 miles south of Manama, The Bahrain International Circuit is a motorsport venue opened in 2004 and hailed as one of the best and most advanced in the world, from its design to its safety measures. The circuit has many activities such as the Land Rover experience, the Jaguar experience and the Clio Cup experience in addition to open track days where you can take your own car and drive on the track. The venue also has the biggest Karting circuit in Bahrain where you can have your own Karting experience with your kids and friends.

Dive Bahrain Park

The world’s largest underwater theme park opened to the public in September 2019 and covers an area of 100,000 square meters. The dive site has a 70-meter long decommissioned Boeing 747 as its centerpiece, the largest aircraft ever to be submerged. You can book a tour through one of the official dive centers listed for an exceptional dive experience in its artificial reef.

Al Dar Island

Al Dar Island is a resort near Sitra that lies 12km southeast of the capital Manama and is a ten-minute offshore trip from the dhow harbor in Sitra. It offers beautiful beaches and a variety of facilities, such as palm leaf huts, tents, or chalets, and a restaurant offering delicious dishes and refreshing drinks. The island also offers jet skiing, snorkeling and other water sports. Visitors to the island can also enjoy pearl dives and cruises to the stunning Jarada Island which affords one the opportunity to see up to 30 different types of coral, more than 200 species of fish, and the chance to watch the always delightful dolphins.

Hawar Islands

A trip to Bahrain would not be complete without a visit to the Hawar Islands. Located 20 kms south of Bahrain, the Hawar Islands are a renowned wildlife reserve of international significance. The islands are home to pristine beaches, indigenous fauna and flora and migratory birds. Take a sea voyage about 45 minutes from Al-Dur Jetty on Al Fateh and enjoy a weekend stay in the resort where you can see approximately 150 species of birds, desert species like the Reem Gazelle, Arabian Oryx and Nubian Ibex and marine species such as the endangered Dugongs, Green Turtles & Bottlenose Dolphins.

Royal Camel Farm

This is a sanctuary for several hundred camels, where visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the camels, feeding and touching them. The farm is home to over 600 camels of all ages and sizes. The farm was created by the King of Bahrain, Sheik Mohammad, as a means of preserving camels in Bahrain. Before the introduction of cars to the country, camels were the primary means of transport for the people of Bahrain and they hold a deep-rooted cultural connection to them. This farm is open every day from sunrise to sunset, with free entry and free parking on-site as well as washroom facilities.

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