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.

If you’re looking to experience the real culture of the island, this is 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 souk 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.

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.

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.

Located in the heart of Manama, Block 338 is a charming pedestrian quarter crammed with international restaurants, art galleries and boutique shops. Known as Bahrain’s hot dining district, Block 338 offers a wide range of restaurants appealing to all ages and tastes, offering a variety of options ranging from a fancy meal to traditional Bahraini food or just a soothing drink. In addition to this distinguished eating experience, Block 338 has a number of good retail opportunities tucked along its side streets and has grown over the years into a vibrant space for art lovers.

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.

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.

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.

Bahrain is home to numerous archaeological digs around the island starting with the A’ali 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.

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.

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