Exploring Bahrain: Top Attractions And Activities

Bahrain is a small Arab state located in the Persian Gulf, consisting of Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands. It is a popular destination for tourists from neighbouring Saudi Arabia, who come to enjoy its restaurants and bars. Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Bahrain:

- Visit the Bahrain World Trade Center

- Test your skills at the Bahrain International Circuit

- Go horse riding on Karbabad Beach

- Dine at CUT by Wolfgang Puck

- Go diving for pearls at Jarada Island

- Tour the Ahmed Al Fateh Grand Mosque

- Discover Bahrain's history at the Bahrain National Museum

- Shop at Manama Souq

- Bring your family to the Lagoon Park

- Get a thrill on the Jetovator at Amwaj Islands

- Explore historic houses on Muharraq Island, such as the Beit Sheikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa

- Take a boat trip to Al Dar Island

- Spend a day at Hawar Islands

Visit the Bahrain World Trade Center

The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) is a must-see destination when visiting Bahrain. This iconic landmark is known for its striking design, combining state-of-the-art architecture with sustainability and eco-friendly features. Standing at 240 metres tall with 50 floors, it is currently the second-tallest building in Bahrain.

Located in Manama, the BWTC is easily accessible and just a short distance from the King Fahd Causeway, Bahrain International Airport, and major hotels. The complex consists of twin towers connected by three sky bridges, each equipped with a 225 kW wind turbine, showcasing the integration of wind power technology into the building's design.

The BWTC offers a range of attractions for visitors. Here are some things you can do during your visit:

• Admire the Architecture: Take in the sleek design and bold aesthetics of the towers, which have become synonymous with Bahrain's modern image.
• Shopping Experience: Explore the MODA Mall, located within the towers, and discover over 160 luxury retail outlets offering a range of high-end brands and designer names.
• Dining Options: Indulge in a variety of dining experiences, from casual cafes to fine restaurants serving a range of world cuisines. Satisfy your taste buds and enjoy the ambience of these dining establishments.
• Corporate Hub: The BWTC is Bahrain's premier business address, housing global corporations and luxury brands. If you're looking for office space or interested in learning about the businesses operating there, this could be an informative visit.
• Sustainability and Innovation: Learn about the BWTC's commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. As the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design, it has received multiple awards for its innovative and green design features.
• Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the towers, especially during the blue hour, when the lighting is perfect for photography. Don't forget to get snaps of the wind turbines, which are a unique feature of the BWTC.

Whether you're interested in architecture, shopping, dining, or sustainability, a visit to the Bahrain World Trade Center is sure to impress and provide you with a deeper understanding of Bahrain's modern developments and attractions.

Explore the Bahrain International Circuit

The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is a motorsport venue located in the heart of the Sakhir desert. It opened in 2004 and was the first track in the Middle East to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The BIC hosts over 400 events every year, including international, regional, and local racing series.

The circuit offers a range of track experiences for both experienced and beginner drivers, such as drag racing, GP2 Series, and the annual Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix. You can even try your hand at off-road 4x4 driving in a Land Rover.

The BIC is also known for its excellent facilities, including the Sakhir Tower, which offers a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the track, the Race Control Tower, the BIC Media Centre, and well-maintained toilets. The track surface provides a high level of grip, and the organisers ensure that the sand from the surrounding desert doesn't blow onto the track by spraying an adhesive on the sand around it.

If you're a fan of motorsports, a visit to the Bahrain International Circuit is a must. You can take a tour of the facilities, including the track itself, and even drive on the track in anything from a motorbike to a single-seat racing car. The BIC is a unique and contemporary sports venue that has delivered some of the most iconic moments in modern-day Formula 1 racing.

Horse riding on Karbabad Beach

Horse riding tours in Bahrain typically start at the Equestrian Centre, where you will be paired with a well-trained horse. From there, you will ride towards Qal`at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main centre of the ancient Dilmun civilisation. The fort is located on the seashore on the northern side of Bahrain Island, offering picturesque views of the sunset.

After taking in the breathtaking scenery at the fort, you will continue your journey towards Karbabad Beach for a breezy ride along the coast. The beauty of riding horses on this beach is truly remarkable, and you will feel as if you are living a historical story.

Horse riding in Bahrain typically lasts for one hour and is available every day from 5 am to 7 pm. The price for this activity starts from 6 to 35 BHD.

Dine at CUT by Wolfgang Puck

CUT by Wolfgang Puck is a modern American steakhouse located in the Four Seasons Hotel in Manama, Bahrain. It is recognised as one of the top steak restaurants in the world, impressing guests with its unique culinary, service, and design combination.

The restaurant boasts a sleek and modern interior, with an elegant dining room featuring palm wood and mahogany. The menu showcases a wide selection of prime beef, along with premium shellfish and whole fresh fish, offering something for every taste.

Guests are treated to a view of the state-of-the-art kitchen and a stunning panorama that extends over the pool, the hotel's lush grounds, and the city of Manama. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with striking 180-degree views.

Executive Chef Brian Becher, hailing from Philadelphia, brings his six years of experience at the Wolfgang Puck American Grille in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to CUT by Wolfgang Puck. Chef Becher is passionate about racing and enjoys working on cars himself. He believes in exceeding guest expectations, stating, "When we open our doors to our guests, we have one shot to meet and exceed their high expectations. To me, anything less than excellent is a failure."

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant directly. CUT also offers private dining, group dinners, and corporate events, providing an immersive experience of Wolfgang Puck's hospitality.

• Pan-Seared Chicken Breast: Served with zucchini ribbon, confit tomato, shallot, corn purée, and natural jus.
• Wagyu Beef Pastrami Sandwich: Served with colslaw, Emmental cheese, and pretzel rolls.
• Prime Sirloin Steak Tartare: Served with mustard and herb aioli.
• Grandma's Chocolate Cake: An heirloom signature dessert from Chef Wolfgang Puck.

CUT by Wolfgang Puck is open for lunch and dinner, with varying hours on different days of the week. It is closed on Fridays for lunch.

In addition to the main dining room, CUT also features the Blue Moon Lounge, a 50th-floor bar and lounge conceived by Wolfgang Puck and inspired by Moroccan design. The lounge offers handcrafted cocktails, floor-to-ceiling views of Bahrain, and a sushi bar menu featuring Nigiri, Maki, and Sushi specialties.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, dining at CUT by Wolfgang Puck is definitely one of the top things to do in Bahrain, offering a combination of exquisite cuisine, elegant ambiance, and breathtaking views.

Shop at Manama Souq

Manama Souq is the old bazaar of Bahrain's capital, Manama. It is one of the oldest and most popular markets in the country, renowned for its lively atmosphere and colourful stalls. The souk is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and streets with shops offering a variety of goods, including traditional clothing, spices, perfumes, gold jewellery, and textiles.

The main entrance to the souk is the historic Bab Al Bahrain building, which was constructed in 1949 by Sir Charles Dalrymple Belgrave, a British adviser to the royals. The Bab el-Bahrain Souk is a great place to pick up souvenirs, with shops selling local handicrafts and small gifts. It is also a good place to buy gold, with impressive jewellery available in both traditional and modern designs.

The Manama Souq has been redeveloped in recent years 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 new cafes in and around the site, and the construction of a wooden roof over the redeveloped part of the souk.

There are several tours available that include a visit to the Manama Souq, such as the "Bahrain Must-Eats Food Tour" and the "Catch the Essence of Manama" tour. These tours can be a great way to navigate the tight knot of streets and alleyways and to get recommendations on the best spots to shop and eat.

Frequently asked questions