Exploring Bahrain: How Many Days Are Enough?

Bahrain is a small but mighty country, packed with culture, history, and modernity. With its mix of liberal attitudes and conservative values, it offers a great introduction to the Middle East for those who have never been.

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 natural islands and 51 artificial islands, centred around Bahrain Island, which makes up 83% of the country's landmass. The country is known for its exquisite pearls, historic forts, and vibrant souks.

The best time to visit Bahrain depends on your preferences. If you want to avoid the heat, the winter months (December to March) are ideal, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the off-season (April to September) offers lower prices and fewer crowds.

For a short trip, 2-4 days is sufficient to explore most of the country. However, if you're looking for a more relaxed pace and want to fully immerse yourself in the culture, a 2-week trip will give you a more comprehensive experience.

So, how long should you spend in Bahrain? It depends on your interests and travel style. A short trip will give you a glimpse of the country's highlights, but a longer stay will allow you to discover the local lifestyle and explore beyond the typical tourist attractions.

Exploring Manama Souq

The Manama Souq is the old bazaar of Bahrain's capital, Manama. It is located in the north of the city, between the old parts of the city and the Central Business District. The main entrance is the historic Bab Al Bahrain building, a handsome twin-arched gate built in 1949.

The souq is a warren of narrow streets and alleyways emanating south from Bab Al Bahrain. Here, you can find a wide variety of goods for sale, including electronic goods, t-shirts, spices, shisha pipes, fabrics, gold, nuts, and pearls. It is a bustling market that evokes the atmosphere of an ancient souq, with a mix of traditional and modern shops.

When visiting the Manama Souq, be sure to try the local cuisine. There are plenty of food vendors offering a variety of spices, dried fruits, and sweets. For a traditional Arabic breakfast, head to Haji's Cafe, a popular spot for locals and foreigners alike.

The Manama Souq has been redeveloped and is now divided into a new part and an old part. The new part is pedestrianised, while the old part has roads for cars and walkways for pedestrians. The redevelopment includes new wooden roofs and cafes designed by His Majesty.

Surrounding the Manama Souq are several points of interest, including the country's only synagogue and the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.

Visiting Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Al Fateh Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world, covering 6,500 square metres and accommodating over 7,000 worshippers. It is located in Manama, Bahrain's capital, and is part of an Islamic centre that includes a Qur'anic studies department and an Islamic library. The mosque is open to visitors and tourists on all Fridays, with tours conducted in a variety of languages, including English, French, Filipino, and Russian. The dress code is modest, and abayas and headscarves are provided free of charge.

The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1987 and named after Ahmed Al Fateh. In 2006, it became the site of the National Library of Bahrain. The mosque's huge dome, constructed from fibreglass, weighs over 60 tons and is the world's largest fibreglass dome. The floors are made of Italian marble, the chandelier is from Austria, and the doors are made of teak wood from India. The interior features intricate Kufic calligraphy.

The library of the Ahmed Al-Fateh Islamic Centre contains around 7,000 books, some over a hundred years old. These include copies of the books of the teachings of Muhammad, the Global Arabic Encyclopedia, the Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence, and Al-Azhar journals printed over a century ago.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque is a premier tourist attraction in Bahrain and welcomes visitors of all religions. The guided tours offer an opportunity to learn about Islam, the country's history, and culture. The mosque regularly hosts events and exhibitions, and free reading materials are available in various languages.

The mosque is a stunning example of Bahrain's beauty and cultural richness, with its impressive size, intricate calligraphy, and magnificent Arabian architecture. It is a must-visit destination when in Bahrain and provides a great introduction to the country's culture and religion.

Touring Bahrain Fort

Bahrain Fort, also known as Qal'at al-Bahrain, is located on top of a 17.5-hectare artificial hill, a mere 10-minute drive west of Manama. This majestic fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is believed to have been the capital of the ancient Dilmun Empire and has been continuously inhabited since 2300 BC.

The fort is supported by a modern visitor centre and an excellent museum where you can pick up a free audio guide. As you wander through the atmospheric excavations, you will discover residential, commercial, public, military, and religious buildings, showcasing the continuous human occupation of the site over millennia.

Bahrain Fort is a testament to Bahrain's rich trading history, with numerous archaeological digs in the surrounding area. The Qalat al-Bahrain site is considered one of the most exciting and prolific archaeological sites in the Arabian Gulf. Over the past 50 years, excavations have revealed a wealth of structures that highlight the importance of this location throughout history.

When you're done exploring the ruins, be sure to relax and enjoy the stunning sea views with a refreshing drink at the Museum Café. This is the perfect way to end your tour of Bahrain Fort, taking in the glorious scenery and reflecting on the rich history of this ancient site.

Getting There

Bahrain Fort is easily accessible, located just a short drive from Manama, the capital of Bahrain. It is also within close proximity to other popular tourist destinations such as the Bahrain National Museum, the Manama Souq, and the Al Fateh Grand Mosque.

Horseback riding

Bahrain is home to a wide range of stables and training centres catering to all levels of riders. Beginners can opt for a private guide, while more experienced riders can explore the magic of the country on their own.

One recommended route is to start at the Equestrian Centre, continue to the Bahrain Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and end at Karbabad Beach. This route offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience a bit of Arabian history.

Another unique horse riding experience can be found in Karzakan Forest, where you can enjoy the tranquillity of the greenery and birds surrounding you. Alternatively, you can ride around Qalat al-Bahrain, the main centre of the Dilmun civilisation, and feel like you're living in a historical story.

So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, horseback riding in Bahrain is an excellent way to explore the country's natural and historical sites while enjoying the freedom and beauty of being on horseback.

Pearl diving

The Bahrain Pearling Track, located in Muharraq, became the second Bahraini place to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012. Ras Rayyah, the northern tip of Muharraq, is the starting point for all diving activities in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Visitors with a licensed permit can dive for two hours and collect up to 60 oysters in one session.

The pass allows access to four diving sites: Sayah, Amamah, Shataya, and Balata, located off the coast of Muharraq, north of Bahrain Island. Sayah, the site closest to the beach, is the most convenient for beginner divers, while the other three sites are deep-water locations requiring a full PADI license and scuba diving equipment.

After collecting the oysters, participants return to shore to shuck them, hoping to find precious pearls inside. If they are lucky enough to find any, they get to keep them.

Frequently asked questions