The Best Places to Visit in Bahrain
Bahrain is a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. It is an archipelago with 33 islands, however most of them aren’t actually inhabited. It’s a tiny country, with one big mainland home to over 1.5 million people. The appeal comes from it’s classic middle-eastern style developments which have become more popular in the last century. This basically means it’s a country home to skyscrapers, and high rise architecture. It’s like a smaller version of it’s neighbors (Qatar and the UAE), and also hosts Formula 1 Grand Prix every year on the Bahrain International Circuit.
Capital: Manama
Currency: Bahraini Dinar
Language: Arabic
Best time to visit: November to March
1) Manama
Manama is Bahrain’s capital city, found on the northeastern coast. Almost everyone in Bahrain lives in the city’s larger metropolitan area, and the city has a long history dating back to it’s days of being a small trading port. Since independence, it’s become a modern, rapidly growing and financially strong middle-eastern city. It almost feels like a ‘mini’ Dubai, with a lot less yearly visitors.
Things to do:
The photos of Bahrain’s skyline stand out thanks to one building - the Bahrain World Trade Center, an architectural marvel in the city center. For shopping check out Bab Al Bahrain and Manama Souq, there is many shops and stalls inside these places. Walk along the Corniche waterfront promenade for city views, and take a daytrip to Bahrain International Circuit (F1 Circuit) if you please.
How to get there:
Bahrain International Airport (BAH) has direct flights, mainly from around the Middle East but sometimes Europe and Asia too.
You can cross overland via Saudi Arabia, too.
2) Bahrain Fort
Just outside Manama city is one of Bahrain's most significant historical sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bahrain Fort (also known as Qal'at al-Bahrain). It sits up on an artificial hill, and represents continuous human occupation from around 2300 BC to the 16th century AD.
Things to do:
Just walk through the Archeological ruins of the site, see all the exposed foundations, walls and ruins. There is a small on-site museum with display artifacts too. The top level is the Portuguese Military Fort built during the time when Portugal had heavy gulf occupation.
How to get there:
Take Bus route 1 or 2 from Manama toward Karbabad or Adliya. (Check local timetables in case of changes).
3) Muharraq
Muharraq is a city located on Muharraq Island, the island northeast of Manama connected by multiple bridges. It is where you find ‘Old Bahrain,’ a place filled with streets and streets of traditional Bahraini houses and neighborhoods. Walk round and explore it’s narrow alleyways.
Things to do:
There are a few main focus points you can use as a base for walking the streets of Muharraq. The first one being the Sheikh Isa Bin Ali House, which dominates the area. The second being Siyadi House, which once belonged to a 19th-century pearl merchant. Finally, if you walk quite a bit further northeast to Arad, you’ll find Arad Fort, a cool 15th century fortress.
How to get there:
Bus Routes 1, 2, or 5 from Manama head towards Muharraq (check local timetables first).
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