Bahrain is a small archipelago of 33 islands situated on the Persian Gulf whose history goes back to around 2800 BCE. Numerous civilisations conquered the island and settled here, shaping the country’s heritage along the way. The Dilmun people were one of the first calling it home, together with a small part of today’s Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and are an important part of the country’s cultural identity.
Later on, the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Persians would come here, mainly for trading activities. The constant struggle for the archipelago led to the construction of castles and forts, some of which can be visited nowadays. It was no earlier than the 19th century that Bahrain became a protectorate of Britain, remaining so until its independence, in 1971.
Much alike neighbouring nations, the archipelago possesses abundant oil and gas fields that play an important part in the country’s economy. However, in recent years they’ve been trying to diversify their income with banking and tourism. While no longer being a significant activity in Bahrain, pearling has historically been profitable here and drove the economy for centuries. The “Pearling Path” in Muharraq is one of the highlights of the country, which we will describe later on this post.
Day 0:
We had a late arrival to Bahrain International Airport (BAH) with Turkish Airlines, at around 1am. To reach the capital, Manama, you can choose whether to go by bus or by taxi/Uber. Buses A1 or A2 leave the airport to different spots of the city centre, and as of 2023 a single ticket costs 0,3BHD (Bahraini Dinar), or 0,75€. You can check the micro-country bus network on this website. An Uber from the airport to Manama should cost around 5BHD.
We found a good accommodation deal on booking.com and thus chose to stay a bit further away from the centre, in the Al Seef neighbourhood. We spent 65€/night for a double room in the Loumage Suites and Spa. The hotel is very decent and has a rooftop pool and relax area from which you can see Manama’s skyline. Breakfast, however, was not included.
Day 1: Eastern Manama
On our first day of sightseeing in Bahrain, we took an Uber to Beit Al-Quran. After visiting it we walked to the nearby National Museum, and later to the Grand Mosque. The total walking distance is around 4,5km, and part of it is on a scenic seaside promenade so you’re unlikely to regret it. By sunset, we returned to the centre using a metered taxi and visited the main souq of Manama.
1.1. Beit Al-Qur’an
Our first stop in Bahrain was established in 1990 by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. It houses a collection of rare Quranic texts and artefacts from various historical periods and regions, including one of the first printed Qurans of history, from Germany and dated from 1694. Furthermore, it also hosts meetings and conferences dedicated to Islamic art and culture.
- Admission fee: 1BHD
- Working hours: Sun-Wed 08:30-16:30 / Thu and Sat: 08:30-13:30 / Closed on Fridays
- Expected duration of visit: 1h
1.2. National Museum
Not far from Beit Al-Quran, the National Museum might be the best single museum in Bahrain. It offers a comprehensive overview of the archipelago’s history and culture, making it an excellent option if you’re short on time but still want to explore Bahrain’s heritage. Since it closes at 20:00, you may want to consider visiting it last on your sightseeing itinerary for the day.
The building itself breathes modernity since its inception in 1988. The exhibition takes place in two floors with three large rooms each. Every section delves a different aspect about social standards, heritage, culture, and archeological findings, for instance. We regard it as a must visit sight in Bahrain, as it provides us insights into the archipelago’s prehistoric civilisations (with a special focus on the Dilmun era), the Islamic period, and modern development.
- Admission fee: 1,40BHD
- Working hours: 09:00-20:00 (closes on Tuesdays)
- Expected duration of visit: 1,5-2h
1.3. Al-Fateh Grand Mosque
The Great Mosque of Bahrain is a significant landmark of the kingdom, whose construction took four years to complete (1984-1988). It is the biggest mosque in Bahrain and one of the largest of the world, accommodating up to 7000 devotees at a time. In addition to serving as a place of worship, this religious structure also functions as a center for Islamic education and cultural activities, supported by a library showcasing a vast collection of Islamic manuscripts.
The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, who are welcome to attend a guided tour and explore its architecture, history and significance. The tour is free and typically takes around 1 hour. It’s important to note that men should not wear shorts, and women are required to dress modestly. However, if visitors are not appropriately dressed, abayas and tunics are available to cover them up.
- Admission fee: free entrance
- Working hours: 9-16h (closed on Fridays)
- Expected duration of visit: 1h
1.4. Souq Bab Al-Bahrain
Sunset brought us to the main souq of Manama, Bab Al Bahrain (which translates to “Gate of Bahrain”). As in any market, Bab Al Bahrain serves as a vibrant center of commerce, culture, and social life. The Gate of Bahrain is situated on the northern entrance of the market, and should not be missed.
The quick development of the country in the last decades has somehow faded the traditional features of the market. Still, we can delight ourselves with the traditional handicrafts and textiles, spices, modern clothing and electronics sold here. In addition to shopping, the souq is also a great place to enjoy a meal and indulge in traditional Bahraini dishes and sweets.
- Expected duration of visit: 2,5-3h (dinner included)
Day 2: road-tripping Bahrain
This second day was meant to visit the most distant sights of the main island. Initially, we thought of going by public transportation, but quickly found that some attractions are not served by bus. We then opted to rent a car for the day to facilitate logistics, which only set us back 13 BHD.
2.1. Riffa Fort
- Manama -> Rifah Fort (20km; 23min)
In no time we arrive in Riffa, a small town mainly known for this beautiful fort. It was built in the 19th century by Sheikh Al Fateh, the ruler of the kingdom at the time. The traditional architecture reminds us of the picturesque Omani forts, not so far away on the Arabic Peninsula.
The fort is square-shaped and includes elements such as wind towers, narrow slits for archers, and thick walls made from coral stone, limestone and gypsum. While it is possible to enter some of the rooms, they are mostly empty. Wandering along the labyrinthine hallways of the fort, visitors may find stairs leading to a terraced ceiling from where we can observe the desert and the town of Riffa.
- Admission fee: free entrance
- Working hours: 10:15-22:15 daily
- Expected duration of visit: 30-45min
2.2. Tree of Life
- Riffa Fort -> Tree of Life (19km; 27min)
After a quick drive through the desert and past the oil fields and pipes of Bahrain, one can find the Tree of Life. Surrounded by sand and rocks in the middle of the desert, the tree thrives with no apparent water source whatsoever. Its ability to survive here has intrigued scientists and Bahrainis for many years.
The tree is estimated to be over 400 years old, and its ability to thrive in such an environment has made it a symbol of resilience. It rests in the middle of a circular wall that was built to protect it from the wind and erosion. On this wall a small exposition showcases the tree’s importance for the scientists and locals, as well as theories for its survival.
- Admission fee: free entrance
- Working hours: 24/7
- Expected duration of visit: 15min
2.3. Bahrain International Circuit (B.I.C.)
- Tree of Life -> Bahrain International Circuit (22km; 31min)
One of the main reasons why Bahrain has seen an increase in tourism is likely due to the inclusion of the national track into the Formula 1 calendar. The B.I.C. is fully operational since 2004 and quickly became a reference in motorised sports, igniting the interest of oil-rich countries in these competitions. Apart from races, the track also hosts concerts and festivals, thanks to its superb amenities, including grandstands, lounges, restaurants, and outlets.
If no major events are booked for the day, the staff will allow visitors to access the central stands near the finish line. There is also a store selling F1 souvenirs, clothes and equipment at the entrance.
- Admission fee: free
- Expected duration of visit: 30min
2.4. Dilmun Mounds
- B.I.C. -> Dilmun Mounds (20km; 25min)
Throughout central Bahrain we may bump into groups of small mounds or larger complexes, the purpose of which you may already know if you visited the National Museum in Manama. These are important archeological features and UNESCO World Heritage sites, as they were used as a burial sites for the Dilmun civilisation, the ancestors that lived here during the Bronze Age.
The size of the mound typically reflected the social position of the deceased. They were usually erected with limestone and sandstone, containing a central chamber or a group of central chambers for both individual and communal burials. The deceased was frequently buried along with goods that would be useful in the afterlife, such as pottery or jewellery.
There’s no entrance fee or specified opening hours, as these mounds can be observed from the sidewalks.
2.5. The Avenues
- Dilmun Mounds -> The Avenues (22km; 22min)
Our last stop for the day was this impressive and brand-new mall, part of a Kuwaiti franchise that has been very successful in its expansion. It is a sprawling shopping hub that’s very hyped within locals as of 2023, and aims to resemble the traditional Middle East souqs.
While not being completed yet, some galleries are already open with bustling cloth stores, restaurants and ice cream stalls (we couldn’t resist having some fresh ice cream while strolling through the galleries). It makes an excellent last stop for a day of sightseeing, when the air conditioning is most needed.
- Working hours: Sat-Wed 10:00-22:00 / Thu-Fri 10:00-00:00
Day 3: Northern Bahrain and the financial centre
After our tiresome day checking out the most distant attractions of the main island, the third day was quite more relaxed. We stayed in the north to visit the ancient temples and forts of the region, as well as the financial centre of the capital, Manama.
3.1. Qalat Al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort / Portuguese Fort)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, Bahrain Fort has dominated the north of the archipelago for 4000 years. Evidence linking the Dilmun civilisation to the site has been found, which retained its importance through various civilisations such as the Persians, Greeks, and Babylonians.
In the 16th century, the Portuguese took over the port city of Hormuz, in present-day Iran. Hormuz, in turn, controlled the island of Bahrain, which fell into Portuguese hands. They refurbished and reinforced the fort, coining it its current appearance, hence the designation “Portuguese Fort”.
Nowadays this is the largest fortress in Bahrain, surpassing the dimensions of Riffa and Arad forts. The complex comprises the actual fort, the ancient Greek fort now in ruins (formerly known as the city of Tylos), and a very interesting museum with a restaurant.
- Admission fee: 2,20BHD
- Working hours: 08:00-20:00 (closed on Tuesdays)
- Expected duration of visit: 2h
3.2. Barbar Temple
Bus #23 covers most of the five kilometres between the Portuguese Fort from the Barbar Temple, another archeological site linked to the Dilmun civilisation. While the exact purpose of the temple is not fully understood, it is believed to have served as a religious centre millennia ago. Excavations have revealed pottery vessels, animal figurines, and offerings, suggesting that the site was used for rituals and possibly sacrifices.
The site is interesting but has not stood the test of time well. It does not match any other ancient heritage site we’ve seen in Bahrain, so if you’re short on time our advise is to skip it.
- Admission fee: free entrance
- Working hours: 08:00-17:00 daily
- Expected duration of visit: 30min
3.3. World Trade Centre
The best way to return to the centre is by taxi/Uber, but if you don’t mind walking south to the Budaiya Highway you may also take the bus (13 or X3), which was what we did. The most iconic modern building in Bahrain is, undisputedly, the WTC. The complex consists of two twin buildings interconnected by three bridges that feature giant fans for self-sustainability. Construction was completed in 2008, aiming to attract international firms and brands to establish their offices and shops here.
Public access to the top floors is restricted to workers, and we’re not aware of any way to take the views from the top. Anyway, the main attractions of the building still are the luxury retail stores of the lower floors. Almost every big brand has an outpost here, which makes the WTC the place to go for some expensive shopping or simply admiring the unique pieces sold here.
- Working hours: 08:00-22:00 daily
- Expected duration of visit: 1-2h
Day 4: Muharraq and Arad
Our last day in Bahrain! It has been really fun so far, but we still have some business to attend to before leaving. First of all, we’ll visit our last landmark in Manama, the Al-Khamis Mosque. After that, we’ll head east to Muharraq and Arad.
4.1. Al-Khamis Mosque
This mosque is one of the oldest in the Arab world, dating all the way back to 692, during the rule of the Umayyad Caliphate on the archipelago. It showcases early Islamic architecture, with its most distinctive features being its twin minarets, which rank among the oldest surviving minarets in the Islamic world.
The complex was transformed and upgraded to accommodate the growing Muslim population. It has been rebuilt twice during the 14th and the 15th centuries, when the actual minarets were erected. Today, the remaining structures are the twin minarets, a praying hall with columns also from the 14th century, and a segment of walls with arched doorways.
- Admission fee: free entrance
- Working hours: 08:00-14:00 (closed on Mondays)
- Expected duration of visit: 45min
4.2. Pearling Path
From Manama we headed east to a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Muharraq. Before the oil industry took over and Japan started harvesting oysters on a large scale, Bahrain heavily relied on the pearling industry for economic sustainability.
Today, pearling is almost non-existent in the island, but we can still see the signs of its legacy. In Muharraq, the Pearling Path takes us on a journey through time to the most important sites of pearling. It consists of a central exhibition where we can learn the dynamics of the industry through the decades, as well as a 3,5km-long path on the quaint streets of Muharraq.
The path is marked by pearl-shaped street lights, which are easy to find when leaving the visitor centre. However, it’s always easier if you follow the map on the official website here.
- Admission fee: free entrance
- Working hours (visitor centre): 10:00-18:00 (closed on Sundays)
- Expected duration of visit: 2h
4.3. Arad Fort
Our final destination in Bahrain is another typical Arab fortress, similar to the Riffa Fort we visited earlier. This fortress is also constructed in a square shape, with thick walls and fortified circular towers at the corners and along the perimeter.
The fort dates back to the 15th century and protects the northeast of the island. It is said to be one of the best-preserved castles in Bahrain, and in fact the exterior design is very well preserved. However, the inner hall is very disregarded when comparing to the Riffa Fort.
- Admission fee: 1BHD
- Working hours: Sun-Thu 12:00-17:00 / Sat 09:00-17:00 / closed on Fridays
- Expected duration of visit: 45min
And so concludes our quick but comprehensive visit to the small Kingdom of Bahrain. Despite its small size, it remains a fascinating country with a unique history and heritage that undoubtedly makes a nice add-on to a trip in the Middle East. The comment section below is, as always, open for any inquiries or suggestions 🙂