10 Best Things to Do In Bahrain

All set to dive into Bahrain’s vibrant combo of modern thrills and ancient treasures? From adrenaline-pumping adventures to historic forts, this island packs a punch!

Looking to explore UNESCO treasures? Or perhaps want to explore a 6,000-year-old legacy brimming with ancient forts? Or might your idea be to whisk away into thrilling adventures? Whatever your interest lies in Bahrain has got you covered! Bahrain, a Middle Eastern island set in the Arabian Gulf, provides you with an exceptional combo of history, excitement, and culture. Whether you wish to step back in time with Dilmun civilization remnants or opt for some scuba diving, indoor skydiving, and vibrant artisan hubs, this Great Paradise effortlessly offers a mashup of something old and new. Ready to uncover the 10 best things to do in Bahrain? Let’s dive in!

Situated in Bahrain's capital, Manama Souq, serves as a bustling traditional market featuring a mix of modern and ancient stores and winding lanes. As you wander, you will come across kiosks filled with conventional Bahraini sweets, aromatic fragrances, and vibrant spices. The souk is renowned for its jewelry, particularly its pearls, silver, and gold pieces. Additionally, local fabrics, souvenirs, and handicrafts are available.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Bahrain then look no further than Dilmun Water Park's Lost Paradise! Every member of the family is sure to enjoy a fantastic day in the water thanks to the numerous attractions and facilities offered by this expansive waterpark. You may unwind in the spa pool, oasis pool, and lazy river. Get to experience LPOD beach's real sand as well as enjoy speed slides, family raft rides, and much more to get your heart racing.

People symbolize camels as a representation of fertility, strength, prosperity, and life. When visiting Bahrain, take your children to Royal Camel Farm, which is located off King Fahd Causeway. The farm's camel breeding program is an attempt to protect the species and several camels are available to transport guests around the property. Furthermore, younger animals reside in separate enclosures from adult animals, and males dwell apart from females.

Bahrain boasts a diverse range of traditional crafts, including calligraphy, wood carving, needlework, and ceramics, all of which are preserved by different cultural organizations. You can visit Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre where local artisans showcase everything from carpentry to basket weaving. Students may also take advantage of expert-led lessons in mosaics, jewelry-making, Bahraini embroidery, and other crafts. Constructed with palm fronds and classic coral stones, the Centre itself serves as a treasure. Moreover, visit the Craft Industries Development Centre located in Manama brimming with workshops for craftspeople where you may buy items straight from the makers.

Similar to its Gulf neighbors, Bahrain's contemporary skyline has been dominated by tall skyscrapers and bizarre designs, with the World Trade Center, a triangular structure, serving as the city's striking focal point. However, the nation also cherishes its older traditional architecture, as seen by the preservation of the quaint homes of its old capital, Muharraq. Here, the mansions plus courtyard villas of the former pearl traders are decorated with coral, mashrabiya which are patterned screens, and hand-carved wooden doors. Look for the old royal house of Sheikh Isa bin Ali House as well as Kurar House, which is known for its exquisite embroidered fabrics, while you are exploring.  

Bahrain's economy relied on pearls for over two thousand years, long before oil and gas were discovered. Local scuba divers would search the ocean below for the best specimens, which affluent traders would then ship abroad. Although the majority of pearls around the globe are now harvested from farms, diving for oysters is still possible in Bahrain, and you can keep everything you discover. The Kingdom is home to five authorized pearl-diving companies, as well as the Bu Maher Fort featuring exhibitions and photographs with a pearl theme.

The Bahrain National Museum should be your first stop if you have limited time to explore Bahrain. This cultural institution, which covers over five thousand years of regional history, is crammed with artifacts, photos, and interactive exhibitions. From jewels and rudimentary tools recovered from ancient civilizations to treasured pearls; you'll find plenty to see here. Furthermore, nearby is Bahrain's cutting-edge National Theatre, and the adjoining Bait al Quran Museum, which has the largest collection of Islamic books in the world, honoring the history and beauty of the Quran.  

The Ahmad Al-Fateh Grand Mosque stands out as one of Bahrain's top attractions for curious minds, where welcoming and knowledgeable staff openly encourage questions about Islam, religion, and Bahraini culture. The mosque structure is striking and can accommodate up to seven thousand worshipers and is embellished with French hand-blown glass, Italian marble, and Indian teak.

Qalat al Bahrain serves as the oldest World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO in the country and one of the most significant Bahrain attractions. It has been inhabited since around 2300 BC. It also boasts a Portuguese fortification from the sixteenth century that has undergone extensive restoration in recent years. Walking under the stone archways is undoubtedly a shiver-inducing experience, but the surrounding region is even more impressive. Artifacts dating back 4,500 years have been discovered here, many of which are displayed in the nearby museum.

The Amwaj Islands are far from a typical archipelago. Formed in the 2000s, these entirely man-made islands were created to provide Bahrain with much-needed space for new residences, hotels, and other facilities. Easily accessible from the mainland—just a 15-minute drive from central Manama—the islands are seamlessly integrated into Bahrain's infrastructure. However, an adventurous twist awaits visitors through Scuba Life, a Bahraini water-based activities company. They offer kayaking trips around the islands, allowing guests to admire the unique architecture from a completely new perspective.