Bahrain, an island nation in the Arabian Gulf, offers a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern sophistication. There is much to experience in Bahrain. At the Bahrain National Museum, you can embark on an immersive journey through the country’s fascinating past, from the ancient wonders of the Dilmun civilisation to its traditional pearl diving heritage. For history enthusiasts, the UNESCO-listed Bahrain Fort is a must-visit treasure. From racetracks to ancient souks, Bahrain has so much more to offer. Here is a curated list of 10 extraordinary places you simply must visit while in Bahrain.
Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fateh Fort, also known as Riffa Fort, is a captivating historical landmark nestled in the heart of Riffa. This majestic fort stands as a testament to a pivotal era in Bahrain's rich history. Its architecture is a striking embodiment of the heritage of the Al Khalifa family, Bahrain’s ruling dynasty. Inside, the fort showcases beautifully curated spaces that reflect its storied past and the diverse people who have contributed to its history. Additionally, visitors can indulge in delightful snacks and beverages at the Saffron Café, situated within the fort. The café boasts breathtaking views of the scenic Al-Haniniya Valley, creating a serene atmosphere where the enchanting history and stunning natural surroundings blend seamlessly.
Address: Road No 368, Riffa, Southern Governorate, Bahrain
The Bahrain National Museum, one of the first museums in the Gulf, opened in 1988. Located by the sea, the museum features a striking façade and courtyard adorned with contemporary sculptures. The exhibition halls display artifacts from various archaeological sites in Bahrain, showcasing the island's rich history that spans 6,000 years. In addition to the archaeological exhibits, two halls are dedicated to local customs and traditions, highlighting clothing, housing, rituals, and traditional crafts. The art hall features a permanent collection of works by some of Bahrain's leading artists and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. Adjacent to the National Museum are the Art Centre and Cultural Hall, both of which host temporary exhibitions and concerts throughout the year.
Address: Shaikh Hamad Causeway, Manama, Bahrain
Bahrain Fort, locally known as Qal'at Al Bahrain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to approximately 2300 BC. This place once served as the capital of Dilmun, one of the region's most significant ancient civilisations. Excavations at the fort have occurred since 1953 and have uncovered a wealth of artefacts, including pottery, metalwork, inscriptions, and various buildings, providing insight into the lives of the people who once inhabited this land. The museum here can be accessed via an arrival court, leading visitors to an exhibition space, a restaurant, and an archaeological site. The exhibition features a 30m long reconstruction of the site's archaeological layers, allowing visitors to journey through time as they ascend through the museum, passing each stratified layer of the wall.
Address: 892 3618, Karbabad, Bahrain
Al Jazayer is a stunning gem among Bahrain's beaches, captivating visitors with its allure. Nestled in the picturesque area of Zallaq, this stretch of shoreline extends for an impressive 2.5 kms along the tranquil south coast of the main island. As one of the largest public beaches in the country, Al Jazayer invites guests to indulge in a wealth of exhilarating activities, from refreshing swims to thrilling water sports, making it the perfect destination for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
The Manama Souq is a vibrant marketplace that offers a wide variety of goods, including spices, incense, perfumes, textiles, handicrafts, souvenirs, and modern products from around the world. Located in Customs Square, the souq provides a unique shopping experience that evokes nostalgia for a bygone era. As you stroll along the cobbled walkways, you will discover numerous shops selling textiles and handicrafts, bustling tailors, and eateries offering delicious local cuisine. Be sure to stop by a gahwa or traditional coffee shops to complete your visit.
Beit al-Quran is recognised as the only institute in the world dedicated exclusively to the Quran. The building is beautifully adorned with Arabic script and features an impressive collection of Quranic manuscripts, along with a library containing over 50,000 books written in Arabic, English, and French. Among its remarkable collection are manuscripts dating back to the 7th century, as well as Qurans written on various materials such as parchment, rice, peas, and grains. This three-story space is decorated with intricately carved mashrabiyyas ("latticed windows") and mosaic. From the central area, entrances lead visitors to five distinct sections of the building. One of these sections is the Mathaf al-Hayat, or Museum of Life, which showcases a variety of treasures, including armour, ceramics, glass, textiles, scientific instruments, manuscripts, clothing, and ornaments from diverse periods and countries.
Address: Building No.17, Rd No 1901, Manama, Bahrain
Located in Manama, this mosque is part of an Islamic centre with a department for Qur'anic studies and an Islamic library. Construction of the Ahmed Al-Fateh Center began in 1984 and was inaugurated in 1988 by the late Amir of Bahrain, Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa. With a total area of 6,500 sq m, the mosque has been built using Italian marble and stones from various parts of the world. The mosque's sheer scale is impressive, featuring four domes and two minarets. At its centre is a magnificent dome with a diameter of 26 m. A stunning ring of calligraphy, three meters high, encircles the ring beam.
Address: Awal Avenue Corner Al Fatih Highway, Manama, Bahrain
Bahrain is home to many burial mounds, and the most impressive and well-preserved is in the village of A’ali. These mounds, which date back to the Dilmun era (3rd to 1st millennium BC) and the Tylos era (200 BC to 300 AD), are a fascinating reminder of the region's history. A’ali East is a significant part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Dilmun Burial Mounds.” It is the largest of all Dilmun cemeteries in Bahrain, both in size and the number of burial mounds. Like in ancient times, a few wadis ("dry water channels") naturally traverse the cemetery. The northern section of this site features the Dilmun Royal Cemetery, which includes 17 Royal Mounds recognised as separate components within the UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Bahrain International Circuit, located in the heart of the Sakhir Desert, is renowned for its world-class motorsport facilities. The circuit features five different track layouts and is particularly notable for hosting the first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Middle East, making it the inaugural location for a Formula 1 World Championship event in the region. The Grand Prix Track, which measures 5.412 kms, regularly hosts international events. These include the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the FIA World Endurance Championship's Six Hours of Bahrain, GP2 Series races, and the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Recently, during pre-season testing at the circuit, Lewis Hamilton recorded the fastest time, with Ferrari topping the timesheets, while Lando Norris and McLaren led on the opening day. In addition to racing events, visitors can experience the thrill of dragster racing here. Exclusive tours are also available, allowing guests to discover what makes Bahrain International Circuit one of the most unique tracks in the world.
Address: Gate 255, Gulf of Bahrain Avenue Umm Jidar, Sakhir، 1062, Bahrain
In this unique cultural space, the women of Muharraq preserve the craft of al-kurar (gold-thread weaving), a skill that has been passed down through three generations of a family. The Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre plays a crucial role in preserving this handcrafted tradition, thereby preventing its extinction. The Centre also sells these exquisite handicrafts to support the women involved. Additionally, demonstrations are held on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, allowing visitors to admire the creativity and beauty of this unique form of embroidery.
Address: 7J36+J98, Muharraq, Bahrain