Bahrain, a captivating island kingdom in the Arabian Gulf, boasts a tapestry of historical wonders; explore the natural beauty and cultural activities that await you. From ancient forts whispering tales of bygone eras to serene beaches and captivating wildlife reserves, Bahrain offers something for every traveller. To explore Bahrain, you'll first need to obtain a Bahrain eVisa.

1. Qalat al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort):

Qalat al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tells an amazing story over 4,000 years old. Here, you can see the history of the Dilmun civilisation and the impact of Portuguese and British control. By visiting this ancient fort, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and harbour from its towers and learn about the fascinating history hidden within its walls.

• Timings: Open daily, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Fridays until 12:00 PM)
• Location: Manama, Northern Governorate
• Entry fees: Adults - 2 BHD, Children (6-15 years) - 1 BHD, Free for children under 6 years
• Nearby attractions: Bahrain National Museum, Beit Al Quran

2. Manama City:

Manama, Bahrain's lively capital, is full of life. Visit the busy Manama Souq to find spices, clothes, and handmade items. You can get a better price for your purchases and find special gifts like beautiful rugs and jewellery. See the big Al Fateh Grand Mosque, known for its beautiful design and huge dome. Take advantage of the Bahrain National Museum, where you can learn about the country's history and see interesting displays and old items.

• Timings: N/A (City is open 24/7, timings for specific attractions vary)
• Location: Northern Governorate
• Entry fees: Varies depending on specific attractions visited
• Nearby attractions: Manama Souq, Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Bahrain National Museum

3. Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve:

Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve is great for people who love nature. You can see many animals like oryx, gazelles, and flamingos walking around freely. The park has different areas to explore, such as the Water Birds Park and the Wild Animals Complex, where you can learn how the park helps protect these animals. There are special spots for picnics or eating at the park cafeteria. It's a great spot for a day out with the family.

• Timings: Open daily, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Location: Sakhir, Southern Governorate
• Entry fees: Adults - 3 BHD, Children (3-12 years) - 1 BHD, Free for children under 3 years
• Nearby attractions: The Royal Golf Club, Wadi Al-Sail

4. Al Jasra Handicraft Centre:

Visit the Al Jasra Handicraft Centre to see how traditional crafts are made. People make pottery, embroidery, and woven textiles like their ancestors did. Watching them work so carefully and learning why these crafts are important to their culture is fascinating. You can also try doing some of these crafts yourself with help from the experts, making it a fun and hands-on experience.

• Timings: Daily hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. (closed on Fridays until 12:00 PM)
• Location: Budaya, Central Governorate
• Entry fees: Free entry
• Nearby attractions: Arad Fort, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Bridge

5. Amwaj Islands:

Visit Amwaj Islands, a group of man-made islands, for a special island adventure. You'll find fancy hotels, top-notch places to eat, and beautiful beaches. On the fine, white sand, you may unwind, enjoy the sun, or have fun with water activities like jet skiing and kayaking. Check out The Lagoon area, full of places to eat, cafes, and stores right by the water. Take advantage of The Bridge Restaurant, located on a bridge between two islands, where you can enjoy great seafood and beautiful views.

• Timings: N/A (Islands are open 24/7, timings for specific attractions vary)
• Location: Off the northeast coast of Manama
• Entry fees: Varies depending on specific activities or attractions chosen
• Nearby attractions: The Lagoon, The Bridge Restaurant

6. Beit Al Quran:

Visit Beit Al Quran to see a beautiful collection of Qurans and learn about Islamic culture. The building is designed with traditional Islamic features and holds many old Qurans, showing how the style of writing in them has changed over time. You'll learn why the Quran is important and get a closer look at the religious traditions in Bahrain.

• Timings: Open daily, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (closed on Fridays)
• Location: Manama, Northern Governorate
• Entry fees: Free entry
• Nearby attractions: Qalat al-Bahrain, Bahrain National Museum

7. Hawar Islands:

Take a trip to the peaceful Hawar Islands, where you'll find beautiful beaches, clear waters, and many sea creatures. You can chill on the white sands, check out the plants and animals on the island, or snorkel and dive around the colourful coral reefs full of fish. Remember to visit the Dugong Reserve to see big sea animals or the Al Hawar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can watch different birds.

• Timings: N/A (Islands are open 24/7, timings for specific attractions vary)
• Location: Off the western coast of Bahrain
• Entry fees: Permit required for entry (obtainable online or at designated points)
• Nearby attractions: Dugong Reserve, Al Hawar Wildlife Sanctuary

8. The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park:

Have a great time at The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park with exciting slides like the Tornado and Cyclone, or chill out in the lazy river. There's a special area for little kids to play in, and the whole family can have fun in wave pools and other water attractions. When you get hungry, there are plenty of places to eat inside the park.

• Timings: Open daily, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Timings can change based on the season)
• Location: Manama, Safra Square
• Entry fees: Varies depending on the day, age, and package chosen
• Nearby attractions: Manama Souq, Bahrain National Museum

9. Al Fateh Grand Mosque:

See Bahrain's biggest place to pray, the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. Notice the beautiful details outside, like the big dome and towers. You can join a tour to hear about the mosque's history, design, and how people pray in Islam. When you visit, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to show respect for this important place.

• Timings: Open daily for non-Muslims, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Fridays until 11:00 AM)
• Location: Manama, Manama Souq Gate
• Entry fees: Free entry (dress code applies - respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees)
• Nearby attractions: Manama Souq, Bab Al Bahrain

10. Arad Fort:

Visit Arad Fort, an old fort from the 15th century, and learn about its history. You can walk up to the top and see great views of Muharraq Island and the water around it. Look around the different rooms and learn how the fort was used to protect Bahrain and the soldiers who lived there. You'll also learn how the fort was built using old methods.

1. Timings: Open daily, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Fridays until 12:00 PM)
2. Location: Muharraq Island, Arad
3. Entry fees: Adults - 1 BHD, Children (6-15 years) - 0.5 BHD, Free for children under 6 years
4. Nearby attractions: Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Bridge, Bahrain International Airport

11. Tree of Life:

The Tree of Life is a single tree that has been living in the desert for over 400 years. It's amazing because it keeps growing even though it's in a place with hardly any water. People are unsure how it survives, but it has become an important symbol of never giving up and is a place many tourists like to visit.

• Timings: Open daily, 24/7
• Location: Jebel Dukhan, Sakhir
• Entry fees: Free entry
• Nearby attractions: Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve, Wadi Al-Sail

12. Bab al-Bahrain (Manama Souq):

Dive into the lively world of Bab al-Bahrain, the entrance to Manama Souq. This busy market is full of different items like Bahraini handicrafts, spices, fabrics, and keepsakes. Try your luck at negotiating prices and find special items in the maze of small streets. Grab a cup of Arabic coffee or try some local snacks from the street sellers to get a feel for Bahrain's culture.

• Timings: Open daily, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (some shops may have varying hours)
• Location: Manama, Manama Souq Gate
• Entry fees: Free entry
• Nearby attractions: Al Fateh Grand Mosque, The Bahrain National Museum

13. Wadi Al-Sail:

Get away from the city and explore Wadi Al-Sail, a beautiful valley formed by old streams. Walk on the paths provided and enjoy the amazing views of the desert around you. Look out for different kinds of birds and plants, and see up close how special this area's nature is.

• Timings: Open daily, 24/7
• Location: Jebel Dukhan, Sakhir
• Entry fees: Free entry
• Nearby attractions: The Tree of Life, Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve

14. Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Bridge:

Visit the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Bridge, an engineering wonder that links Manama and Muharraq Island. Walk on the pedestrian path to see amazing views of the city and busy harbour. Don't forget to take pictures of the bridge's special design, including its famous arch and the cables holding it up.

• Timings: Open daily, 24/7
• Location: Connecting Manama and Muharraq Island
• Entry fees: Free entry (toll fees apply for vehicles)
• Nearby attractions: Arad Fort, Bahrain International Airport

15. Bahrain International Circuit:

Get ready for exciting action at the Bahrain International Circuit, or "The BIC," known for its Formula One races since 2004. This famous track draws racing fans worldwide. You can tour the circuit, check out the Paddock Club with its hands-on exhibits, or watch a live race. The BIC is also the place for various events all year, making it a centre for racing entertainment.

• Timings: Varies depending on events (check their website for details)
• Location: Sakhir
• Entry fees: Varies depending on the event (tickets required for specific events)
• Nearby attractions: Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve, The Tree of Life

FAQS

• What are the top attractions for first-time visitors to Bahrain?

First-time visitors should not miss the Bahrain National Museum, Qal’at al-Bahrain, Al Fateh Grand Mosque, and Manama Souq for a mix of culture, history, and local flavour.

• Can you recommend any hidden gems in Bahrain that are off the beaten path?

Explore Dar Island for serene retreats, marvel at the Tree of Life's solitary beauty, and delve into the Dilmun civilisation at Barbar Temple.

• What are the best outdoor activities to do in Bahrain's natural landscapes?

Bahrain's natural landscapes offer a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Diving enthusiasts can explore the Bahrain Dive Park, while Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve is a bird watcher's paradise. For those seeking an adventure under the stars, desert camping in Sakhir offers an unforgettable experience.

• What is the best time of year to visit Bahrain for sightseeing?

The optimal period for sightseeing in Bahrain spans from November to March. During these months, the weather is more relaxed and conducive to exploring the outdoor wonders of Bahrain.

• What are the top family-friendly places to visit in Bahrain?

Bahrain caters to families with attractions like the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park, Adhari Park, and the Bahrain National Zoo, each offering unique experiences, from thrilling rides to close encounters with wildlife.

• Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bahrain, and how can I visit them?

Visit Qal’at al-Bahrain and the Pearling Path in Muharraq to glimpse Bahrain’s UNESCO-listed heritage.