Discover Bahrain's Unmissable Attractions

Bahrain is a beautiful island nation in the Middle East, comprising around 51 islands, including 33 artificial ones. It boasts stunning architectural buildings, mosques, museums and traditional markets that reflect the true culture of the country. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Bahrain:

- Bahrain National Museum: The country's most popular attraction, this museum offers an outstanding introduction to Bahrain's history, with signage in English and Arabic.

- Manama Souq: A warren of narrow streets and alleyways where you can buy everything from electronic goods to traditional clothing and spices.

- Beit Al Quran: A wonderful homage to Islam's holiest book, displaying Qurans from almost every century.

- Al Fateh Grand Mosque: Bahrain's grand mosque, built in honour of the founder of modern Bahrain, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Muhammad Bin Khalifa.

- Tree of Life: A lone mesquite tree that stands in the desert, hundreds of years old, and hundreds of feet tall.

- Bahrain Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, thought to be the former capital of ancient Dilmun, and one of the most important archaeological sites in the Persian Gulf.

- Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve: A conservation project that's home to a variety of indigenous species, including the Arabian oryx, Bahrain's national animal.

Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum is a must-see attraction in Bahrain. It is the largest and oldest public museum in the country, covering 27,800 square metres, and is considered one of the finest museums in the Gulf region. The museum is located in Manama, adjacent to the National Theatre of Bahrain, and was inaugurated on 15 December 1988 by the late Amir H.H. Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa. It is believed to be the region's first modern museum.

The museum was designed by Danish architects Krohn & Hartvig Rasmussen and is characterised by its white travertine marble facade. The building is centrally located on an artificial peninsula overlooking the island of Muharraq. The complex consists of two connected buildings with approximately 20,000 square metres of floor space. The main building houses the permanent exhibition area, temporary exhibition halls, an art gallery, a lecture hall, a gift shop, and a café. The administrative building contains offices, curatorial research areas, conservation laboratories, exhibition construction, and collection storage areas.

The Bahrain National Museum showcases 6,000 years of Bahrain's history through its various exhibits and galleries. The Halls of Graves, Dilmun, Tylos and Islam, Customs and Traditions, Traditional Trades and Crafts, and Documents and Manuscripts bring Bahrain's story to life. The exhibition halls are accessed through a grand foyer, a large dramatic space accented by natural light, which hosts the "Investing in Culture" exhibition.

The museum's collection includes ancient archaeological artefacts, some dating back to 5000 years ago, such as Dilmunite stamp seals, artefacts from the Barbar and Saar Temples, Dilmunite pottery, and the Durand Stone, a black basalt sculpture from the Babylonian era. The Hall of Dilmun Graves is a notable exhibit, featuring an actual burial mound transported from A'ali and reassembled within the museum.

The Bahrain National Museum is highly recommended by visitors, who praise its well-curated exhibits, beautiful architecture, and clean and comfortable facilities. It offers a wealth of information and artefacts that provide a comprehensive overview of Bahrain's history and culture.

Manama Souq

The souq is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, where you can find a wide variety of goods for sale, including traditional clothing, spices, perfumes, gold jewellery, fabrics, electronic goods, t-shirts, shisha pipes, and souvenirs. It is renowned for its lively atmosphere and colourful stalls, and it is a great place to buy gifts and souvenirs.

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 included the addition of a new wooden roof and cafes.

The souq is a great place to immerse yourself in local life and to experience the atmosphere of an ancient souk. It is a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike and is a highlight of any trip to Bahrain.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

The Al Fateh Grand Mosque, also known as the Al Fateh Islamic Centre and the Great Mosque, is one of the largest mosques in the world. It is located in Manama, Bahrain's capital, and is part of an Islamic centre, which includes a department for Qur'anic studies and an Islamic library. The mosque occupies an area of 6,500 square metres and can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers. It is the only mosque in Bahrain open to non-Muslims.

The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1987 and was named after Ahmed Al Fateh. In 2006, it became the site of the National Library of Bahrain. The mosque was constructed with Italian marble, Austrian glass, and Indian teak. The dome, weighing over 60 tons, is the world's largest fibreglass dome. Throughout the mosque is Kufic calligraphy.

The library has around 7,000 books, some over 100 years old. These include copies of the books of the teachings of Muhammad, known as the books of Hadith, the Global Arabic Encyclopedia, the Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence, and Al-Azhar journals printed over a hundred years ago. The mosque also has periodicals and magazines in several languages, including English, French, Filipino, and Russian.

The mosque is open to visitors from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday to Thursday, and on Fridays. Modest dress is required, and abayas and headscarves are provided free of charge. Entry is free, and free guided tours are available in several languages.

Tree of Life

The Tree of Life, or Shajarat-al-Hayat, is a must-see for anyone visiting Bahrain. This iconic symbol of the country is a 9.75-metre-high Prosopis cineraria tree that is over 400 years old. It stands alone on a barren hill in the Arabian Desert, about 40 kilometres outside the capital city of Manama.

The Tree of Life is a local tourist attraction, with approximately 65,000 visitors each year. It is a mystery how the tree survives, as Bahrain has little to no rain. Some believe its roots, which are 50 metres deep, reach hidden water reserves, while others speculate that the tree draws moisture from the morning dew, the sand, or even oil. The tree has also been associated with the biblical Garden of Eden and is said to be blessed by the Sumerian God of Water, Enki.

The Tree of Life is accessible by a bumpy, sandy dirt road. It is recommended to travel in a 4x4 vehicle and be vigilant for soft sand traps. The tree is surrounded by a perimeter wall with informational plaques and a shaded information area. Visitors can park outside the tree but should keep their vehicle on the path to avoid getting stuck in the soft sand.

The Tree of Life is a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature and life. It stands as a testament to the endurance and strength of life in the face of adversity.

Bahrain Fort

History and Archaeology

Excavation Findings

Only about 25% of the site has been excavated so far, but the findings include streets, residential structures, monuments, protective walls, a temple from the Iron Age, sanitation systems, lavish residences, and sarcophagi. The site also provides insights into ancient trade, with relics of copper, ivory, and pottery, including Barbar pottery, found around the walls of the central building. Additionally, excavations have uncovered a small settlement from the same period in eastern Arabia, indicating the development of agriculture and fishing in the area.

Portuguese Fort

The fort in the northern part of the site, known as Qal`at al-Burtughal or the Portuguese Fort, dates back to the early 16th century. However, it was in 1561, under Portuguese rule, that the fort became a significant military installation, protecting trade routes from Africa, India, and Europe. This fort gave the whole site its name, with "qal`a" meaning "fort" in Arabic.

Visitor Experience

Frequently asked questions