Bahrain is a small island but has a lot of history which can be visited around the region. If you find yourself free with nothing to do, here are some Bahraini things to check out around the country!
Muharraq Souq (Al Qaisariyah Souq)
Experience the traditional old-style Bahraini souq (market) where you can buy gold and sweets next door to each other. You can find anything like textile, spices, and furniture for very affordable prices and stop for some traditional Bahraini breakfast or tea. It’s a must to visit this spot while in Bahrain!
Bab Al Bahrain
Literally “Gateway to Bahrain” is a historical landmark built in 1949 that leads to the Manama Souq, one of the oldest markets in Bahrain. Walk through the vibrant and lit up lamps shops and check out the local Bazaars that sell just about anything from clothes to souvenirs and the famous Gold souq that’s highly recommended for gold jewelry lovers. There are also restaurants and cafes generations old that you must try like Haji’s Old Cafe, Aloo Basheer, and Mandali’s Kebab.
Bahrain National Theatre
Architecturally gorgeous theatre that is one of the largest in the Arab world as well as the third-largest opera house in the Arab world after Cairo and Muscat. It overlooks the sea and has an unobstructed view as a section of the theatre is made out of glass. It holds 1,001 seats, inspired by the tale of 1,001 Arabian Nights because Bahrain be poetic like that.
Bahrain National Museum
One of the first museums in the Gulf. The contemporary design and feel of the structure and surrounding areas makes it look very elegant and a beautiful space to walk around and enjoy. It’s a great spot to take really cool photos with all the natural light and architecture. You have to go to check out Bahrain’s history as the museum holds about 6000 years of worth of documents, manuscripts, customs, art, sculptures and much more all on Bahrain including the exhibition halls of Graves, Dilmun, Tylos and Islam.
Old Houses In Muharraq
The perfect place to go to learn about Bahrain history apart from the national museum. Experience first hand through a walking tour how people used to live in the old Bahraini capital by walking through restored old traditional Bahraini houses, street art, cultural centers, a majlis, libraries, and coffee shops that tell the story and culture of Bahrain.
Boat Trips To Bu Maher Fort
Take a short boat ride for 1 BD through the National Museum to visit the Bu Maher Fort, built-in 1840 it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012 for its Pearling Road and history in fishing, pearling, and being a gateway to the sea. Enjoy the cultural lesson and discover the fort’s architecture inside and out.
Qalat Al Bahrain
Another UNESCO Heritage Site is the Qalat al Bahrain, also known as Bahrain or Portuguese Fort. It is a prime area that was once the capital of the Dilmun ancient civilization and the presence of human occupation from 2300 BC to the 16th century. An important site that tells the history of Bahrain as well as the surrounding region in terms of the strategic political and economic thinking of the time. It is found by the Fort Museum on Qalat Al Bahrain Avenue. In between the two sites is the Fresh Water Springs in the Middle of the Sea which you can check out for yourself, shallow springs of drinking water in the sea and it is how Bahrain ancestors survived!
Tree Of Life
A beautiful tree in the middle of the desert that hangs low and wide with grand feathery leaves. The origin of it is a mystery but local legend has it that Bahrain is the site of the biblical Garden of Eden and that the tree is the “Tree of Life” from that paradise. It is around 400 years old and can be driven to from Manama. It is a tourist attraction in Bahrain and very humbling to see this lonesome grande tree in the desert.
Barbar Temple
Located in the village of Barbar, it is considered to be part of the ancient Dilmun civilization and built around 3000 years ago, the remainder of three Sumerian temples built on top of each other. A well-preserved artifact of a previous world that can be visited to learn about the region’s history.
