Despite Bahrain’s rich heritage, our Kingdom still remains a hidden gem when it comes to tourism. But explore our islands and you will be rewarded. When you visit Bahrain, you will discover a truly unique destination that blends the best of modern Arab culture with the history and traditions of the Middle East.
More and more tourists from all walks of life are taking the trip to Bahrain to explore the historic ruins, mosques, and coral reefs our country has to offer. While you might come for the diverse attractions, you’ll no doubt stay for the warmth and openness we show to every guest. Bahrainis are famous for our friendliness and we’re ready to welcome you with open arms to show you the very best of our country. Here are the best places to visit in Bahrain.
Manama
The capital of Bahrain has been the centre of many trade routes since antiquity and blends the history of the country with the hustle and bustle of a thriving metropolis. The glistening skyline of Manama is home to the Bahrain World Trade Center with twin towers that stand 240 meters above the ground. If you’re looking for the tradition of the city, visit Bab Al Bahrain, a traditional souk framed by an arched gate entrance. The market is lined with stalls where the locals sell fruits, veggies, clothes, spices and pearls. Al Fateh Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and another great stop while in Bahrain. Tours of the mosque are available and led by volunteer Bahrainis to help you experience Al Fateh like a local.
Riffa
One of the largest cities in Bahrain, Riffa is located in the heart of the Kingdom and is full of rich history. The Riffa Fort, made of clay, has been preserved for hundreds of years and overlooks the Hunanaiya valley. The city is also home to Arabic bazaars and markets that make the perfect spot to find a trinket to remember your trip. Riffa is also home to one of the most famous golf courses in the Middle East – The Royal Golf Club.
If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of a lesser-known wonder of the world, located two kilometers outside of Jebel is the Tree of Life. This mythical site has been nominated to join the official 7 wonders of nature list and is considered a true marvel by many who visit Bahrain as the ancient tree is located in the midst of the desert without a water source anywhere near it. The tree stands 9.75 meters high and is over 400 years old. Approximately 65,000 people make the trek to see this legendary tree every year, making it one of the top tourist places in Bahrain.
Hawar Island
A short boat ride will get you to Hawar Island on the southern end of Bahrain. The island boasts many things to do in Bahrain with resorts, hotels, and water-sport rentals to venture into the Arabian Gulf. Hawar Island is home to the endangered Socotra cormorant bird and those who visit may also see an Arabian oryx, Bahrain’s national animal and, as some believe, the origin of the fabled unicorn.
A’ali
The art lover will enjoy visiting A’ali which is known for its pottery. The city is lined with pottery shops where you can admire the work of local artists and might catch one of them in the process of working on their craft. The artists often love to let visitors have a chance at the pottery wheel. A’ali is also known for its burial mounds that date back over 5,000 years. Many cultural artifacts have been found in these mounds and now reside in the Bahrain National Museum.
Muharraq
A trip to Bahrain isn’t complete without a visit to the ancient town of Muharraq, which was once Bahrain’s capital city. While in Muharraq, you’ll be able to witness some of the best examples of the Kingdom’s rich history. Visit a traditional souq market or marvel at the oldest display of traditional architecture in the Fareej Al Bin Ali district. Take a step back in time as you dive into the Pearling Trail which was once the centre of the global pearl industry.
Source: Dive Bahrain
One of the newest tourist places in Bahrain is the world’s largest underwater theme park, Dive Bahrain. This dive site features beautiful artificial reefs and the first decommissioned Boeing 747 to be submerged. The site will provide a unique view of Bahrain and an exceptional dive experience located off the coast of Muharraq. For sports lovers, Muharraq is also said to have one of the best football teams in Bahrain.
Amwaj Islands
The Amwaj Islands are a group of man-made islands located in glistening blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. This rapidly growing city is a great place to visit in Bahrain with luxurious towers popping up all over the island and many hotels and fine eateries to keep you entertained.
Al Jasra
Located just a 4-hour drive from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is the town of Al Jasra. One of its must-see attractions is the Handicraft Centre where visitors can witness traditional Bahraini arts and crafts. To learn about traditional things to do in Bahrain, this government-run centre encourages tourists to participate in activities such as basket-weaving in an attempt to preserve these arts.
There are many places to visit in Bahrain no matter what your interests. The Middle East is becoming a more desirable vacation spot for many reasons including the exquisite landscapes. 13.8 million tourists visited Bahrain in 2018, making it an exceptional market for tourism investments and business opportunities alike. With a $10 billion investment in future tourism infrastructure projects such as new hotels and museums, Bahrain is creating a foundation of great investment opportunities. From the rich history and ruins to the vibrant city life, there is no wonder why Bahrain has become one of the most visited countries in the Middle East. Visit today and explore opportunities for investment in Bahrain!
