Top 10 Things To Do In Bahrain [2024 Updated]

Riding a Horse in the Bahrain Desert

The Kingdom of Bahrain – an archipelago located in the Persian Gulf has long been a familiar destination for international tourists, attracting more than 2 million tourists annually. Bahrain is considered one of 15 countries forming the “cradle of humanity” in the Middle East.

As a developed country, Bahrain possesses modern infrastructure but still has strong traditional Arabic culture, and also has a mixture of identities of Gulf countries. Bahraini people are friendly and always warmly welcome visitors. Due to the above reasons, Bahrain is increasingly proving its attractiveness on the world tourist map. Here are 10 things to do in Bahrain you should know!

Start Your Journey from Bab Al Bahrain

To start the list of 10 things to do in Bahrain, let’s first come to Bab Al Bahrain – the gate of Bahrain. Located right in the economic center of Manama capital, built by the British in the 1940s. Previously, this work was built half on the sea surface, but later due to the process of sea reclamation, it expanded the land area. So now from Bab Al Bahrain, it takes more than 10 minutes to walk to the sea.

It is a government office, redecorated for the first time in 1986, incorporating Islamic architectural elements. The ground floor is now used as a tourist information office and a handicraft shop. In addition, there are offices of banking and financial groups, forming a key economic center, the busiest in Bahrain. Surrounding the outside of the building is mainly a series of arched corridors, forming a path leading directly to Manama’s busiest central market.

Things to do in Bahrain #1 - visit Bab Al Bahrain
Bab Al Bahrain

 

Visit Qal’at al – Bahrain fortress

The second activity on the 10 things to do in Bahrain list is the Qal’at al-Bahrain fortress. In a strategic position on the Persian Gulf, Bahrain has long been in the sights of numerous empires. Perhaps that’s why the fortress is the preferred type of construction in this kingdom.

Located on the north coast, about six kilometers from the center of Manama, the fortress of Qal’at al-Bahrain is now an important archaeological site in this country. This is also a destination that attracts international tourists, especially those who are passionate about archeology. The largest fortress in the Gulf was built in the 3rd century BC, on a mound that the ancients worked hard to build. This is not only a symbolic image of the Dilmun civilization dating back more than 5,000 years but also an important cultural and commodity exchange at that time.

Later, it was reinforced with sandstone by the Portuguese. Due to its special cultural values, Qal’at al-Bahrain has been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural and historical monument since 2005. With its lively architecture and still preserved intact, this fortress is Bahrain’s most prominent attraction. Here, we had the opportunity to look at the impressive stone works as well as admire the panoramic view of Manama with the best view.

10 things to do in Bahrain #2 - Qal'at al-Bahrain fortress
Qal’at al-Bahrain fortress

 

Discover Gulf history at Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum should be visited if you only have time to check out one location. This cultural institution is located on the beach of Manama, the capital, and it is packed to the rafters with artifacts, pictures, and interactive displays that span 5,000 years of local history. 

There is a great deal to see at this museum, ranging from jewelry and relics of a more primitive kind unearthed from ancient civilizations to valuable pearls and a Buick from the 1930s that was sent as a gift to the first Emir of Bahrain. 

The adjoining Bait al Quran museum celebrates the history and artistry of the Quran, and it has a collection of Islamic literature that is unrivaled anywhere else in the world. The state-of-the-art National Theater of Bahrain is located just next door.

Bahrain National Museum
Bahrain National Museum

Experience Localized Bahraini Heritage

Ceramics, embroidery, wood carving, and calligraphy are just a few examples of the wide variety of traditional crafts that can be found in Bahrain. These arts and crafts are all protected by the combination of numerous cultural organizations that can be around this kingdom. The Al Jasra Handicrafts Center displays the work of local craftsmen who work in a number of media, including mosaics, basket weaving, and woodwork, amongst other things. 

The center is a piece of art in and of itself since it contains a treasure trove of coral stones and palm fronds. At the Craft Industries Development Center in Manama, many handcrafted objects may be bought directly from the people who created them.

The Al Jasra Handicrafts Center
The Al Jasra Handicrafts Center

Admire the Beauty of Al Fateh Mosque

Al Fateh Mosque is also known as the Islamic Center and the Great Mosque of Al-Fateh. This is one of the largest mosques in the world, capable of receiving more than 7,000 worshipers at a time. This church is the largest place of worship in Bahrain in particular and in the Arab region in general. The Great Mosque is located very close to the Bahraini Royal Palace, the residence of Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

This is an architecture with a huge dome made of pure fiberglass. It is estimated that the total weight of the dome weighs more than 60 tons, which is considered the largest fiberglass dome in the world. Inside the current Al-Fateh, there is also a national library that was opened to the public in 2006. In addition to hosting religious ceremonies, Al Fateh Mosque is a popular tourist attraction in Bahrain.

Al Fateh Mosque
Al Fateh Mosque

Go Shopping at Al Jasra Village

Bahrain is home to a variety of modern shopping malls in addition to the well-known Gold Souk in the capital city of Manama. In addition to the more sparkling treasures, traditional Bahraini handicrafts are still a must-try thing that you should experience. Traditional crafts such as basket weaving, woodworking, and ceramics are shown and sold in Al Jasra village, where visitors may also buy the finished products of these trades. Take a photo in front of the enormous amphora that honors the 4,000-year history of the area as a center for the production of pottery.

The people of Al Jasra Village are known for their friendliness and deep understanding of history. You can absolutely ask the locals about anything related to the product, or even ask them to show you how to make a handmade product yourself.

Kayak Cruises Around the Amwaj Islands

Our suggested 10 things to do in Bahrain list will be followed by the Amwaj Islands. Located in the Persian Gulf near the coast of Muharraq Island, the Amwaj Islands are essentially reclaimed from a relatively shallow sea. With an investment capital of nearly 1.5 billion USD and over 20 years of construction and development, Amwaj today has become a complete island with enough essential infrastructure systems such as electricity and water, telecommunications and much residential use. You can also find many commercial centers, residential buildings as well as amusement parks here.

Kayaking cruises between the islands are offered by local tourist organizations, allowing visitors to see the islands’ beaches and architecture from a different viewpoint.

Experience the Halwa Bahraini Cuisine

Are you a sucker for sweets? Then the halwa Bahraini should be on your list. Nothing compares to the sweetness of Halwa Bahraini, even if you ate it halfway over the globe with the other sweets. It is available in a number of Middle Eastern countries, but the greatest one is in Bahrain. 

It’s made with starch and rapeseed oil and has a gel-like consistency, is as soft as nougat, and comes with crunchy nuts. It’s a fairly frequent food to come across; you don’t need to go to a certain store to locate it; it’s accessible virtually everywhere. Coffee is offered with the Halwa Bahraini. It’s most likely simply sugar, but you take a chance.

Riding a Horse in the Desert? Why Not?

In terms of 10 things to do in Bahrain, riding a horse can be considered the most special activity. Arabian horses are renowned for their lengthy and storied history, in addition to their alluring appearance and air of mystery. It is stated that the Queen of Sheba showed her passion for King Solomon by presenting him with a pure Arab mare as a mark of her love. 

Why not begin to understand some of the romanticism by taking your horse for a ride down Karbabad Beach as the sun begins to drop over the Gulf? They accept riders of all experience levels, and trained staff will make sure your tour goes off without a hitch.

Riding a Horse in the Bahrain Desert
Riding a Horse in the Bahrain Desert

 

Relax at Manama Massage Center

What’s the final thing you should do on the list of 10 things to do in Bahrain?

If you’re looking to unwind, massages are the best option in Bahrain. You may choose from a wide variety of massage center in Bahrain. When sightseeing, shopping, and seeing new places on vacation all grow to be too much, a trip to the massage center is just what you need to de-stress. Although Bahrain is a great destination to visit, the commotion and bustle of the city may rapidly sap your vitality. What can be a more effective way to restore it, than a massage?

Relax with Full body massage in Bahrain at Manama Massage Center
Relax at Manama Massage Center

Manama Massage Center is widely regarded as top #1 Massage in Bahrain, Juffair. The full-body massage offered at the Manama Massage Center is not only relaxing but also has the potential to alleviate neck stiffness and cervical spondylosis. The massage treatment offered by us is very helpful for those suffering from osteoarthritis and several other joint and muscle conditions. You won’t be disappointed with our attractive staff members. Don’t forget to contact us for a wonderful relaxing period!

Manama Massage Center

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Website: https://manamamassage.com/

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