The Kingdom of Bahrain is a progressive country located in the Middle East. Renowned for its long stretches of beaches and impressive mosques, this small Arab state is perfect for travelers who want to spend a weekend going on a road trip or sunbathing on the sand. It boasts a modern skyline that does not overshadow its strong cultural foundations. Modern Bahraini can trace their roots to the Dilmun (noble) civilization that thrived from 3200 to 330 BC. Leisure and entertainment options in Bahrain rival that of its larger neighbors. They say the best time to visit the Island of Pearls is from November to February. Schedule your trip now, and check out our list of the best things to do in Bahrain.
1. Witness Bahrain's culture and history in the Bahrain National Museum
Opened on December 15, 1988, the Bahrain National Museum is the largest and oldest public museum in Bahrain and is believed to be the region’s first modern museum. Witness over 5000 years of Bahrain’s history through the museum’s extensive collection of ancient archeological artifacts.
There are even exhibits devoted to the ancient civilization of Dilmun, which existed from 5000 BC to 400 BC, alongside exhibits showcasing the country’s culture and lifestyle during its pre-industrial era and the natural environment featuring the local flora and fauna.
Bahrain National Museum
Address: Shaikh Hamad Causeway, Manama, Bahrain
Website: Bahrain National Museum
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
2. Take a nice dip in The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Would you rather ride the closed tube body flumes or the open one?? Good morning Thursday Don’t forget to avail our couples offer today from 10am-6pm #bahrain #offer #couple #waterpark #thursday
Posted by Lost Paradise of Dilmun on Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Prepare for a fun, water-filled adventure in The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park. This sprawling waterpark features many attractions and amenities that are guaranteed to help everyone in the family have a great time in the water.
You can relax in the lazy river, oasis pool, and spa pool. Feel the authentic sand of the LPOD beach. Feel that adrenaline rush on family raft rides, speed slides, body slides, and so much more. Whether you’re going in alone or with a group, you’re sure to get out of this water park feeling refreshed and cooled.
The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park
Address: Building 1663, Road 6227, Block 1062 Hawrat Ingah، Southern Governorate 000, Bahrain
3. Cheer for your favorite racer in the Bahrain International Circuit
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Bahrain International Circuit on Monday, December 13, 2021
Racing fans are in for a treat in the Bahrain International Circuit or BIC for short. Opened on March 17, 2004, the BIC is one of the Middle East’s leading motorsport venues that host races in their stadium. You can also rent the BIC’s function facilities to host weddings, meetings, and conferences for your family, group, or corporation. Other than that, the BIC hosts a variety of races, including championships, that you can enjoy like Formula 1 and Drag Races.
Bahrain International Circuit
Address: Gate 255, Gulf of Bahrain Avenue Umm Jidar, Sakhir، 1062, Bahrain
Website: Bahrain International Circuit
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8am - 5pm (closed on Fri & Sat)
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4. Learn more about the Dilmun civilization from this archeological tour (from USD 107.0)
Archaeological Tour Bahrain takes you on a comprehensive tour of Bahrain’s major archeological sites. With your guide’s insightful commentary, you’ll learn about the ancient Dilmun civilization that thrived from 5000 BC to 400 BC.
You begin your tour at the Qal'at al-Bahrain which was the center of power of the ancient civilization. Here, you’ll learn about how the ancient civilization operated during its heyday. You’ll eventually stop by Barbar Temple and the Dilmun Burial Mounds where you’ll learn more about the civilization’s religion and burial practices.
Archaeological Tour Bahrain
Duration: 4 hours
5. Take a whole day tour around Bahrain (from USD 189.0)
Bahrain in One Day With Traditional Bahraini Lunch takes you on a whole day tour of the country. From the ancient sites of Bahrain Fort to the modern buildings of Bahrain Bay, you’re in for a historical and cultural treat.
You will be taken to various places that represent part of Bahrain’s rich history and have an unforgettable chance to enjoy a traditional lunch during your escapade. Some of the places you’ll visit are Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Bahrain International Circuit, Bab Al Bahrain, and the Bahrain World Trade Center.
Bahrain Small-Group Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
6. Dive into the world's largest underwater theme park
Dive Bahrain is an eco-friendly underwater theme park seeking to promote the preservation of marine biodiversity and environmental awareness. It also wants to offer diving experiences like no other. If you have always wanted to explore a submerged Boeing 747 aircraft, then sign up for tickets to Dive Bahrain from any of the registered dive centers on the website. The site vows to uphold international standards, and more structures are due for installation to make it into an exceptional haven for professional divers and marine enthusiasts. The theme park is one of the projects geared to developing the country’s tourism industry.
Dive Bahrain
Address: North of the Persian Gulf, near Bahrain International Airport
Website: Dive Bahrain
7. Spend a day with camels at Royal Camel Farm (from USD 100.0)
Camels are regarded as a symbol of life, power, prosperity, and fertility. They are sacred and used to be owned only by the most prestigious families. While on vacation with kids, take them to Royal Camel Farm which sits just off King Fahd Causeway. The farm is a project completed with the support of Sheik Mohammad, King of Bahrain. The breeding of camels at the farm is a concerted effort to preserve the species. Some of them may be available to carry visitors for a ride around the farm. Male animals live separately from the females, while younger ones have separate pens from adult animals. Royal Camel Farm is a camel sanctuary and is one of the most popular attractions in Bahrain.
Half-Day Manama Camel Tour
Duration: 3 hours
8. Take a tour at Al Fateh Mosque
Ahmed Al Fateh (Sheikh Ahmed Bin Muhammad Bin Khalifa) was the founder of Bahrain. The Al Fateh (The Conqueror) Mosque, which is dedicated to him, is the largest mosque in the country. The mosque was built in 1987 by Sheikh Isa ibn Salman Al Khalifa. The marble floors were sourced from Italy, while the doors were built from Indian teak wood. European glass is a material used widely in many architectural features. The fiberglass dome is the largest structure of its kind in the world and weighs more than 60 tons (54 metric tons). The mosque, otherwise known as Al-Fateh Islamic Center, serves as the site of the National Library of Bahrain. Arabic and English guided tours are available for free.
Ahmed Al Fateh Mosque
Address: Awal Avenue Corner Al Fatih Highway، Bahrain
Website: Ahmed Al Fateh Mosque
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 9am - 4pm (closed on Fri & Sun)
9. Eat Bahraini cuisine at Saffron By Jena in Muharraq
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Saffron by Jena experience is all about traditional Bahraini breakfast. They don’t offer anything other than warm sandwiches, salty and sweet balaleet, ful, beans, and eggs with tomato, to name a few. This platter of stand-out food is the only one you will get and it is good enough for two. Saffron By Jena is an award-winning restaurant with three branches. The one situated on a side street in Muharraq, right in the heart of Souq Al Qaysariya, gets the top prize. The restaurant makes for a better venue than one in a mall or the branch in Riffa Fort.
Saffron By Jena
Address: Boomaher Ave, Muharraq, Bahrain
Website: Saffron By Jena
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
10. Go horseback riding and witness the sunset in the desert (from USD 129.0)
Bahrain is an arid archipelago with hot and humid summers. Dust storms are common, and drought is a periodic challenge in a country that is about 92% desert. The desert may be harsh but it is also a place of stark beauty. You can go to the desert on horseback with a guide to see for yourself the low plains and dunes of Bahrain. It’s not every vacation that you get to visit an ancient part of the planet where timelessness is palpable. Bring lots of water and stay until the end of the day to watch the sunset.
Arabian Sunset Horse Riding & Stable Tour
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
11. Hunt for fine pearls underwater in Muharraq (from USD 125.0)
Pearl diving is an essential part of Bahraini culture. The most excellent natural pearls are pure, brilliant, and beautifully formed. The pearls from the oyster beds of Bahrain are of the highest quality because they are said to grow near underwater springs. For centuries, pearling has been an enduring trade in Bahrain and has boosted the Gulf economy. Muharraq is famous for its Pearling Trail that has been on UNESCO World Heritage List since 2012. Instead of just looking at pearls in merchant shops, you can experience finding pearls on the ocean floor. When in Bahrain, go on on a snorkeling or diving adventure under the supervision of professional instructors.
Amwaj Islands Pearl Diving Experience
Duration: 2 to 5 hours
12. Visit the mysterious Tree of Life
During your trip here, look for the 400-year-old Prosopis cineraria that can only be found on a hill of the Arabian desert, 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away from Jebel Dukhan. The Shajarat-al-Hayat (Tree of Life) has survived the harsh desert environment despite the obvious lack of a consistent water source. It is believed that it has roots growing up to 165 feet (50 meters) deep in the ground. The 32-feet tall (9.7 meters) Tree of Life is considered by many as natural phenomenon. It is one of the most-visited sites in Bahrain.
Tree of Life
Address: Off the Musakar Highway, between Riffa and Awali, near Jebel Dukhan, Bahrain, Jebel Dukhan, Bahrain
13. Check out Bargain souvenirs and goodies at Manama Souq
Manama is the capital city of Bahrain. It is a bazaar between Old Quarter and Central Business District. The entrance to Souq is at the historic Bab Al Bahrain Building. The bazaar has an old section with narrow streets and walkways, and a new section allows only pedestrians. There is no better place to find unique souvenirs to bring home to family and friends than at Manama Souq. You will also find many diners and cafes around the marketplace.
Manama Souq
Address: Al Mutanabi Ave, Manama, Bahrain
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Fri)
14. Join a mosaic workshop at The Art House in Al Maqsha (from USD 29.0)
The Art House is a place that fosters artistry and camaraderie. It is a place where adults can relax while engaging in an artistic pursuit like a mosaic painting. Even if you haven’t tried the craft yet, you will not feel bored or out of place. Workshop facilitators are always happy to guide and assist tourists like you. It is also a place where children can express themselves and discover their creative inclinations. There is a stone pit where children can play and identify different types of stones, making it more fun and educational at the same time. Spending a few hours in The Art House in Al Maqsha can make a huge difference in your family’s vacation experience in Bahrain.
Al Maqsha Private Mosaic Making Class
Duration: 2 hours
15. Satisfy your sweet cravings at Jamal Showaiter Sweets, Co. in Manama
If you want to satisfy your sweet cravings, visit Jamal Showaiter Sweets in the capital for a box of Bahraini treats. A combo box contains halwa malaki, halwa theen, halwa muharraqqiya, two types of samboosa, mathai, daraja oula, and mixed nuts. Halwa is a confectionery that is popular in Asia, Africa, and Middle East. The Bahraini version of halwa is different because it uses rapeseed oil and cornstarch instead of the usual recipe with flour or semolina. Jamal Showaiter Sweets has been in business for 30 years, and the name is synonymous with quality and deliciousness.
Jamal Showaiter Sweets, Co.
Address: Exhibition Road, Road No 18 Block No 318 Shop No B108 Manama, Bahrain
Website: Jamal Showaiter Sweets, Co.
Opening hours: 9am - 1am (daily)
Bahrain is ours and yours
A nation of warm and welcoming people, Bahrain’s rich culture and breathtaking attractions will surely leave you intoxicated. The Kingdom of Bahrain is making inroads in developing its tourism sector. So enjoy the many benefits of spending a vacation in Bahrain today.
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