Bahrain, with its capital Manama, is a small nation comprising Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands in the Arabian/Persian Gulf.
It’s one of those Middle Eastern countries you’ve likely heard of but might not know much about.
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Many people have trouble locating Bahrain on a map; you’re not alone!
Part of the reason Bahrain flies under the radar is its size—it’s the third smallest country in Asia, just behind the Maldives and Singapore.
So, let us tell you about the top sites to visit in this tiny nation.
10 Best Things To Do In Bahrain
1) Discover Manama Souk in Old Manama
Manama Souk, located in Bahrain’s capital, is a vibrant traditional market filled with narrow alleys and a blend of old and new shops. You’ll encounter stalls brimming with colourful spices, fragrant perfumes, and traditional Bahraini sweets as you explore.
The souk is known for its jewellery, especially gold, silver, and pearls. You can also find local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
The atmosphere is lively and inviting, offering an authentic glimpse into Bahraini culture and daily life.
2) Tour Around Al Fateh Grand Mosque
Start your journey in Bahrain with a visit to the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.
Its massive fibreglass dome and intricate Islamic art make it a must-see.
A free guided tour is on offer – and it’s very informative.
Led by a passionate local guide, the tour offers a deep and welcoming insight into Islam and the way of life in Bahrain.
Women must wear long, loose trousers, long sleeves, and a scarf or hijab to cover their hair. We were requested to wear an abaya over our long-sleeved clothing to enter the mosque.
They provided the abaya for us.
The mosque, open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM except on Fridays, offers a rich experience.
From its impressive exterior to the enlightening guided tour, this is the perfect place to begin your exploration of Bahrain.
3) Visit Bahrain National Museum
The Bahrain National Museum offers many exhibitions, from modern art to ancient history.
Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, it showcases artifacts from the Dilmun civilization, dating back over 4,000 years, as well as pieces from the Mesopotamian era, reflecting Bahrain’s vibrant past.
Indian influences are also evident, particularly in the colourful attire adopted by locals.
You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the island’s evolution, its role in regional trade, and how it has maintained a unique cultural identity over millennia.
The museum is spacious, so plan to spend about an hour exploring inside. There’s a nice cafe here with fantastic coastal views.
Open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM, except Tuesdays. Entrance fee is 1.1 BHD, payable by card.
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4) Explore Bahrain Fort (Qal’at al-Bahrain)
Bahrain Fort is a must-visit spot that reveals the island’s rich history.
Located on the northern coast, this ancient site dates back to the Dilmun era, from 2300 to 500 BC. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the fort has been a key player in the region’s trade and stability.
The well-preserved fortifications and towers offer a glimpse into Bahrain’s past amidst its rapid modernisation. You’ll find great photo opportunities, art installations, and stunning city views as you explore.
A visit to the fort takes about 20-30 minutes, and you can also explore the nearby museum or relax at the coastal café.
The fort is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, except on Mondays, and entry is free.
5) Visit the Budaiya Farmer’s Market – Operates every Saturday
Think nothing grows in the desert? Think again. Bahrain’s prospering farmers bring their stunning produce to the island’s vibrant farmers markets, an absolute must-visit.
The market is in Salmabad, open daily from 8 AM to 3 PM. Located in a pristine, air-conditioned building run by the government to support local farmers, it’s packed with bright, fresh produce and makes for a great year-round visit—the perfect to enjoy a good breakfast, too.
This outdoor market, open from November to April during the cooler months, runs every Saturday from 8 AM to 12 PM. It offers fresh vegetables, plants, dairy products, arts and crafts, and more.
With a scenic park for picnicking, food stalls, and home-made quality goods, it’s an ideal spot to soak up the local atmosphere.
6) Try some delicious Bahraini cuisine
Of course, we couldn’t write about the best things to do in Bahrain without including where to eat the best local cuisine!
For an unforgettable food experience in Bahrain, head to Block 338 in the Adliya district, the heart of the island’s dining scene. This vibrant area is packed with restaurants offering various cuisines, from traditional Bahraini dishes to international flavours.
To truly savour the local cuisine, start with a traditional Bahraini breakfast at Haji’s Cafe in Manama, where you can enjoy dishes like balaleet (sweet saffron noodles) and khubz (freshly baked bread).
For lunch, visit Saffron by Jena in Souq Al Qaisariya, where you can try classic dishes like muhammar (sweet rice with dates) and machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish).
For dinner, Lanterns in Adliya offers a perfect mix of Bahraini and Indian cuisine, set in a beautiful ambiance.
Whether you’re a foodie or just curious, Bahrain’s culinary scene offers something for everyone.
7) Chill on the Beaches with watersports and BBQ
Beach Culture in Bahrain is the go-to spot for natural water sports, offering an eco-friendly experience with non-motorised activities that harmonise with the environment. You can try paddleboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and kayaking.
Certified instructors are available for lessons, but if you’re already skilled, you can rent gear and explore independently.
If you’re not keen on watersports, you can relax by the beach and perhaps have a beach BBQ.
8) Discover the A’Ali Burial Mounds
The A’Ali Burial Mounds in Bahrain are one of the largest prehistoric cemeteries in the world, dating back to the Dilmun civilization (2300 to 500 BC).
These ancient mounds, found in the village of A’Ali, were used as burial sites for people of different social statuses. The larger mounds often contain multiple chambers constructed from limestone and earth.
Excavations have uncovered artifacts like pottery, jewellery, and tools, shedding light on the lives of the Dilmun people. Many of these items are displayed in the Bahrain National Museum.
Visitors can explore the mounds and even visit a nearby craft village where traditional pottery is still made, offering a connection between ancient and modern Bahrain.
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9) Visit the Royal Camel Farm
The Camel Farm in Zallaq, owned by the royal family, offers a unique opportunity to interact with these animals up close and learn more about their importance to the region.
You can freely roam among the camels, with some wandering in open areas where you can approach them. There are also baby camels in fenced sections, so cute!
It’s open daily from around 9 AM to 5 PM, and entrance is free of charge.
You can drive there in your hire car (if you have one) or join this full-day tour that includes a 30-minute stop at the farm, which I highly recommend.
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10) Check out Bahrain International Circuit
One of the best things to do in Bahrain is visit the Bahrain International Circuit, a massive Formula 1 stadium where you can explore the venue and pick up some souvenirs. The circuit hosts several Formula 1 races yearly, making it a must-visit for motorsport fans.
Even if you’re not a motorsport fan, this place is worth a visit.
You can enter parts of the circuit and browse the souvenir shop for free, or amp up the excitement by paying around 14-16 BHD for a 15-minute go-kart session on the actual track.
For more details on go-karting, visit the official website.
If your visit coincides with a major F1 race, don’t miss the chance to experience the thrill live—check the event schedule to plan your trip.
How to get around in Bahrain?
The best way to explore Bahrain is to rent a car or join an organised tour, such as this full-day guided tour that covers all the key spots in one day.
Public transportation in Manama is limited and nearly nonexistent outside the city because locals drive everywhere, so driving yourself or taking a tour is the most convenient option.
How to get from Bahrain airport to the city?
To get from the airport to the city centre, you can take the A1 or A2 bus, which costs around 0.3 BHD ($0.80) per trip.
You can pay the bus driver directly with the exact change, and the bus will take you to the Manama Bus Terminal. The bus journey from Bahrain Airport to downtown Manama typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
From there, I recommend using Uber to reach your final destination. Opting for an Uber directly from the airport costs at least 6 BHD ($16).
So, if you’re staying near the city centre, it’s often more economical to take the bus first and then catch an Uber.
Of course, you can always book a private transfer if you have a healthy budget.
Where to Stay in Bahrain
If you plan to stay for just a few nights, I recommend basing yourself in the heart of Manama. This location is close to major attractions like the Bahrain National Museum and Bab Al Bahrain (Manama Souk).
Bahrain isn’t a cheap destination, and the taxes you must pay on hotels are crazy! So, expect to pay quite a bit for basic accommodation.
If you’re searching for inexpensive accommodation, view these budget properties in Manama.
If you’d like a little more comfort, I recommend viewing this list of hotels. My two personal recommendations are the Ibis Styles hotel, located in the Manama Diplomatic area, and the Crowne Plaza.
Both properties are in excellent locations and offer great facilities for guests.
Another option is to stay in the popular area called ‘Seef’, which can be more affordable. View hotels in Seef.
So, there you have it! Ten of the best things to do in Bahrain. Do you have an experience in Bahrain that should be included in our list? Tell us more about it in the comments below.
If you plan to travel in other Gulf countries, you may be interested in reading about the 10 best things to do in Kuwait, or learn more about how to visit Dubai on a budget!
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