Beautiful Bahrain, also known as the “Pearl of the Gulf,” is a lovely country with a rich history.
It is part of a group of 33 islands and was an important spot on ancient trade routes.
Nowadays, it is a key point for oil tankers traveling from the Gulf to the rest of the world.
Bahrain is more liberal than many of its Gulf neighbors but still conservative compared to Western countries.
Arabs and foreigners get along well in business here. The capital city, Manama, looks very modern and Western, but it also has many historical treasures.
When you look at a Bahrain travel guide, you’ll see many exciting places to visit in Bahrain.
There are excellent museums, beautiful beaches like Al Jaza’ir and Az Zallaq, and options for water sports and mountain biking in Jebel-Al Dukhan.
These attractions will surely make your visit enjoyable.
20 Best Places to Visit In Bahrain for a Wonderful Vacation
Bahrain is a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, near Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
It’s made up of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial ones.
The capital city, Manama, is the largest city. Bahrain is famous for its desert plants, water adventures, and growing art and food scenes.
Each April, the Bahrain Grand Prix F1 race draws tourists from around the world.
Let’s check out the best places to visit in Bahrain for an amazing travel experience.
1. Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain blends modern Arabic culture with its rich history.
You can find many historic forts, museums, and mosques, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Manama has a unique charm with fancy malls, gold markets, and luxury resorts.
One of the most famous places to visit in Bahrain is the Tree of Life, a lone tree in the middle of the desert that has survived without a clear water source for hundreds of years.
Another top spot is Dive Bahrain, the largest underwater theme park in the world.
Bahrain’s beaches are perfect for relaxing, and you can enjoy activities like falconry, horse and camel racing, scuba diving, and pearl diving.
The Juffair and Seef districts are popular with tourists, while Amwaj Islands offer a relaxed resort vibe with many places to stay.
Despite its small size of just 650 square kilometers, Bahrain is known for its hospitality, petroleum reserves, and offshore banking.
The country has a vibrant history, having been the center of the Dilmun civilization.
Though it is a Muslim nation, Bahrain has a relaxed atmosphere compared to its neighbors, which makes it a popular destination for tourists.
There are many wonderful places to visit in Bahrain that showcase its unique blend of history and modern culture.
Key Things to Know Before Visiting Bahrain:
- Workweek in Bahrain is from Sunday to Thursday.
- Friday is a prayer day; most shops and tourist attractions are closed in the morning or all day.
- Local businesses usually open between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and close between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
- Many shops close in the afternoon due to the heat and reopen in the evening.
- Alcohol is available in most hotels and some restaurants, but not in locally owned shops.
- During Ramadan, eating, smoking, and drinking in public are prohibited.
- Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Food in Bahrain
- The diet mainly includes dates, camel milk, and meat products.
- Camel meat is eaten during special occasions.
- Seafood is widely consumed.
- Staple foods include bread, hummus, and tabbouleh (salad).
- Special dishes of Bahrain:
- Falafel (fried chickpea balls)
- Machboos (rice with meat or fish)
- Muhammar (rice with dates)
- Shawarma (chicken or lamb)
- People enjoy traditional pita bread called khubuz with fish and dates.
- Black tea called Sulaimani, made with Arabic spices, is served to guests as a sign of honor and respect.
Shopping in Bahrain
The Souk (Market) is where you can shop for spices, leather items, food, and souvenirs at different stalls.
Popular Attractions: Arad Fort, Reef Island, Al- Khamis Mosque, Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Fort, Marassi Beach, Durrat Al Bahrain, Indoor Skydiving
Nearest Airport: Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
2. Manama
Manama might not have the same high-end glamour as Dubai or Doha, but it has its own unique charm.
There is so much more to this city than you might first see.
Manama offers a different kind of Middle Eastern beauty, with amazing food and lively art and culture, making it a great travel spot.
When exploring places to visit in Bahrain, Manama is a must-see.
The city has grown from a pearling economy into a major center with large oil reserves.
You can find top-notch hotels, great shopping malls, and fun nightlife here.
Manama also features traditional souqs (markets), a craft market, and the National Theatre.
One of the highlights of Manama is its traditional architecture, delicious Machboos (a spiced rice dish), and Gahwa (Arabic coffee).
Don’t miss the Bab Al Bahrain, a historic gateway in the heart of the city. Manama’s honest and simple beauty attracts travelers from all over the world.
If you’re looking for great places to visit in Bahrain, Manama offers a special mix of history, culture, and local experiences that you won’t want to miss.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Popular Attractions: Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain National Theatre, Qala’at al-Bahrain, Al Fatih Grand Mosque
Nearest Airport: Bahrain International Airport
3. Arad Fort
Arad Fort is one of the oldest and smallest forts in Bahrain. It’s located behind Seef Mall Muharraq, right by the sea.
From the top of the fort, you can enjoy some of the best views of the city.
Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, this fort was a key part of the defense system and is a great example of Omani military architecture.
If you’re looking for interesting places to visit in Bahrain, Arad Fort is a great choice!
Location: Rd No 4233, Arad, Bahrain
Timings to Visit:
Monday-Wednesday and Sunday:- 7:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Thursday and Saturday:- 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
Entry Fees: Adults: 200 Fills (0.2 BD)
4. Al-Khamis Mosque
Al-Khamis Mosque is the first and oldest mosque in Bahrain.
It is located in Bilad Al Qadim on Sheikh Salman Highway.
This historic mosque is especially busy on Thursdays, which is a special day for it.
The mosque was a place of worship until the 1960s before it was restored.
Today, Al-Khamis Mosque is one of the must-see places to visit in Bahrain for anyone interested in faith and architecture.
Location: Sh Salman Hwy, Tashan, Bahrain
Key Things to Know Before Visiting Al-Khamis Mosque
- When visiting the mosque, it’s best to wear modest clothing and keep quiet.
Timings to Visit: Sunday – Monday: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Entry Fees: NA (Free)
5. Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Fort
Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Fort, also called Riffa Fort because of where it is, is one of the best places to visit in Bahrain.
The fort is on a cliff and offers a great view of the Hunanaiya Valley below.
From here, you can see the old town of East Riffa on one side and the new town of West Riffa on the other.
This fort is also important in Bahrain’s history. It was used as a home for the government until 1869.
If you’re looking for places to visit in Bahrain, Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Fort is a must-see spot.
Location: Rd No 368, Riffa 903, Bahrain
Timings to Visit: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sunday- Closed
Entry Fees : NA (Free)
6. Marassi Beach
Marassi Beach is one of the nicest and cleanest beaches in Bahrain.
Located in Diyar Al-Muharraq, in the northeastern corner of Bahrain, this private beach is a fantastic spot for fun and relaxation.
If you’re looking for places to visit in Bahrain, Marassi Beach has something for everyone.
You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or trying out exciting water activities like jet skiing, paddle boating, and kayaking. It’s a great place for water adventure lovers!
Families with kids will find it especially fun here. The beach has a large inflatable pool just for children, with lots of slides that kids absolutely love.
While the water activities close around sunset, you can still enjoy the restaurants at the beach, which stay open until midnight.
So if you’re planning a trip and looking for great places to visit in Bahrain, Marassi Beach is a perfect choice for a fun day out.
Location: Eagles Hill Marassi Beach, 233, Bahrain
Timings to Visit: Sunday – Monday: 9:00 AM till Sunset
Entry Fees :
- Adults(over )12Yrs: 2-3 BHD per head
- Kids(below 12Yrs): 1 BHD per head
- Kids(below 3Yrs): Free
Suggested Read: The Top 11 Best Beaches in India That You Must Explore
7. Durrat Al Bahrain
Durrat Al Bahrain is a group of artificial islands located at the southern end of Bahrain.
It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bahrain. You can reach these islands from Bahrain Island by crossing a causeway.
The islands are home to lovely villas with great sea and beach views.
You’ll find mosques, shops, sports facilities, restaurants, bridges, and a jetty here.
These islands are open only to residents, their friends and family, or tourists who book a stay at one of the resorts on the islands.
Durrat Al Bahrain is made up of 15 islands, including six atolls and five islands shaped like fish.
It was built for both living and tourism, making it a wonderful place to visit in Bahrain.
The islands are peaceful, not too crowded, and feature small, clean beaches. Each beach has a small play area for kids and a sports ground.
If you’re looking for a quiet and beautiful spot, Durrat Al Bahrain is a great choice among the places to visit in Bahrain.
Location: Persian Gulf
Area: 5.00 km2 (1.93 sq mi)
Total Islands: 15
8. Bahrain Pearling Trail
The Bahrain Pearling Trail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on Muharraq Island, near Manama.
This 3.5 km path includes historic squares and buildings, making it one of the must-see places to visit in Bahrain.
You can see sites like the Bu Mahir Visitor Center, Qal’at Bu Mahir, Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Center, and Al Nukhidhah House.
You can start your walk from any point along the path or begin at the Pearling Path Visitors and Interpretation Center.
The houses along the path once belonged to pearl merchants in the 19th century, adding to its rich history.
Timings to Visit: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Muharraq, Bahrain
9. Prince Khalifah Bin Salman Park
Prince Khalifah Bin Salman Park in Al Hidd is a wonderful spot for a day out.
It’s near Seef Mall, Bahrain Mall, and the Bahrain National Museum, making it one of the great places to visit in Bahrain.
The park offers beautiful views of Manama by the sea. Visitors love taking long walks on the pathways lined with palm trees.
The park also has an artificial lake where you can relax and enjoy Bahrain’s lively atmosphere.
You can rent bikes to explore the park and dine at the different restaurants inside.
Location: Prince Khalifah Bin Salman Causeway, Al Hidd, Bahrain
Timings to Visit: 7:00 AM to 10:15 PM
10. Dohat and Prak
Dohat and Prak is a marine reserve in Central Bahrain that covers 3 kilometers.
This beautiful place is home to many sea creatures. It has restaurants, pretty fountains, and shaded chairs to relax.
There are also four amazing bridges, and one of them connects the reserve to Muharraq.
Dohat is a great family park and is open all day and night.
If you’re looking for places to visit in Bahrain, Dohat and Prak should be on your list.
11. Andalus Garden
In the Manama region, Andalus Garden is a lovely spot with a view of the Nile.
This garden is special because it has beautiful Andalusian architecture mixed with designs from Moorish Spain.
It’s one of the nice places to visit in Bahrain, offering a peaceful break from the busy streets.
Location: Palace Ave, Manama, Bahrain
Timings to Visit: 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
12. Sitra Park
Sitra Park is one of Bahrain’s largest places for fun and relaxation.
It’s located on Nabih Saleh island and you can get there by crossing the Sitra bridge.
Sitra Park is a great place for a day out in Bahrain. It has many walkways for running and jogging, play areas for kids, and places to eat.
The park is full of green fields and has many seating areas.
If you’re looking for places to visit in Bahrain, Sitra Park is open every day, all day and night.
Location: Nabih Saleh island
Timings to Visit: Open 24 Hours
13. Hawar Island
The Hawar Islands in Bahrain are made up of 6 big islands and 30 smaller ones.
You can reach them in just 30 minutes by boat from Manama.
These islands are perfect for nature lovers who want to enjoy a quiet life away from everything.
They are home to endangered animals like dugongs (sea cows), Oryx, and many rare birds.
The Hawar Islands have a beautiful environment and are great for diving and birdwatching.
Eight of these islands are UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of their coral reefs and the endangered animals and birds that live there.
When looking for places to visit in Bahrain, the Hawar Islands should be on your list.
Location: Persian Gulf
Nearest Airport: Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
14. Tasneem Zoo
Tasneem Zoo in central Bahrain, located in the Shakhurah region, is a great place to visit.
It has many birds, animals, reptiles, and even peacocks. There is also a restaurant with snacks and special meals for kids.
Plus, the zoo offers fresh and organic fruits and vegetables from their farms.
When looking for places to visit in Bahrain, Tasneem Zoo is a fun spot for the whole family.
Location: Shakhurah, Bahrain
Timings to Visit: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Entry Fees: 2 BD
15. Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve
If you love plants and animals, Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve is a great place to visit in Bahrain.
It’s one of the top tourist spots in the country. The park has over 25 kinds of plants, more than 80 types of birds, and many different mammals.
For the past 30 years, it has been caring for these species and making animal lovers happy.
The park includes a Water Birds Park, Wild Birds Park, Desert Flora Garden, and a Wild Animals Complex.
Location: Zallaq, Bahrain
Timings to Visit:
Sunday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Friday & Saturday – Closed
Entry Fees:
BD 1 (No charge for children under 2)
16. Isa Town
Isa Town is one of the best places to visit in Bahrain for shopping.
It may seem like a simple town with fancy homes and villas, but there’s more to it.
The town has a lively marketplace that rivals the top shopping malls in Bahrain.
Visitors can explore colorful bazaar stalls and find the best fabrics and handicrafts without any trouble.
Besides shopping, you can relax at local cafés and visit the huge Bahrain National Stadium, the largest football venue in the country, which is packed on matchdays.
Location: North-Central part of Bahrain
Nearest Airport: Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
17. Saar
Close to Manama, Saar is one of the best places to visit in Bahrain.
It’s a peaceful spot perfect for a relaxing holiday in the Middle East.
If you’re planning a trip to Bahrain soon, you should definitely check out Saar.
Many people think it’s one of the best places to visit in April because of all the things you can see and do there.
Saar is a great escape from the busy city life. It’s known for its many summer houses owned by Bahrain’s rich and famous.
You’ll also find lots of cafes and coffee houses, along with various dining options that serve delicious food.
Besides food and cafes, Saar has some historical sites that attract many visitors.
One of the key attractions is the early Dilmun Settlements, famous for their metalwork and copper artifacts.
This makes Saar one of the most interesting places to visit in Bahrain.
Location: West of Manama
Nearest Airport: Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
18. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is a popular adventure in Bahrain. The country has miles of clear, turquoise-blue sea filled with beautiful plants and animals.
Scuba diving organizers in Bahrain offer courses for both snorkeling and deep diving.
The diving gear is included in the cost, and there are special courses for kids over 8 years old.
Some of the best places to visit in Bahrain for diving are Abu Thalma, Fasht Najwah, Shetaya, Fifi Wreck, and Fasht Al Adham.
Timings to Visit: Sunday – Monday: 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM
Entry Fees :
Adults: 95 BD & above(per session) per person
19. Pearl Diving
Bahrain is famous for its beautiful pearls, making it a great place to go pearl diving.
The clear blue waters of Bahrain are home to pearl-bearing mollusks.
Many tours and diving agencies can help you with this activity.
For adventure lovers, there is a year-long license pass for pearl diving.
When thinking of places to visit in Bahrain, pearl diving should be on your list.
Timings to Visit: Sunday- Monday: 9:00AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fees: 5 BD (diving pass for a year)
20. King Faisal Corniche
The unique and vibrant beachfront of King Faisal Corniche covers 67,000 square meters and is located in the Manama region of Bahrain.
Overlooking the sea and the city’s tall buildings, the beachfront lights up with colorful lights at night.
It has benches, palm trees, and colorful pathways, making it one of the top places to visit in Bahrain.
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Timings to Visit: 24 Hrs – Open
How To Reach Bahrain?
The best way to travel for those in a hurry is by airplane, while the cheapest way to travel is by bus.
By Air
Bahrain International Airport is the main airport for Gulf Air flights. Every day, you can catch flights from cities around the world with airlines like Flydubai, Gulf Air, SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, and Jet Airways.
By Road
Saudi Nationals don’t have to pay visa stamp fees when coming into Bahrain via King Fahd Causeway, but there is a 20 SAR toll charge. Visitors from Saudi Arabia must pay 150 SAR at the causeway. SABTCO taxis are available for around 300 SAR, including the toll charges. Renting a car is not advised because it involves a lot of paperwork.
By Train
The country closest to Bahrain is Saudi Arabia, which is about 415 km away. You can take a train from Riyadh to Dammam. Once you get to Dammam, you can take a taxi to the SABTCO bus station. From there, you can catch a bus to Bahrain, which takes around one hour. Just remember that train schedules might not always be on time.
By Bus
SAPTCO buses are safe and comfortable, and they are the official service for this route. There are eight buses each day from Riyadh to Manama. Make sure to book your ticket in advance because seats fill up quickly. The trip takes around 4 hours or more. A one-way ticket costs 60 SAR, and a round-trip ticket is cheaper. Don’t forget to bring your passport when booking your ticket. You can pay with Saudi Riyals or US dollars. Be prepared for passport and customs checks at the border.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bahrain offers a fantastic blend of modernity and rich history, making it a wonderful travel destination.
From the bustling streets of Manama to the serene beaches and historical sites, there is something for everyone.
The warm hospitality, diverse attractions, and vibrant culture make Bahrain a memorable place to visit.
Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient forts, enjoying water sports, or simply relaxing on beautiful beaches, you’ll find plenty of amazing places to visit in Bahrain.
Plan your trip and discover the unique charm of this island nation!