Exploring Bahrain: A 48-Hour Itinerary

Bahrain may be small, but this tiny Gulf State has a lot to offer tourists. With over 6,000 years of history, there is an abundance of historical and cultural sites to explore.

Day 1

- Start your day in the capital city of Manama.

- Head south to see the Tree of Life, a natural wonder located in the desert that is at the heart of many local legends.

- Spend some time at Al Jazair Public Beach, Bahrain's most popular beach, with facilities including BBQ areas, playgrounds, food stalls, and paddleboards for rent.

- Drive north to Malkiya Beach, a calmer alternative to Al Jazair.

- Visit Bahrain Fort, also known as Qal'at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage site and thought to have been the capital of the ancient Dilmun Empire.

- Return to Manama and visit the Manama Souk in the historic district, a network of narrow streets and alleyways with vendors selling spices, perfumes, gold, and more.

Day 2

- Begin your day at Bab Al Bahrain, the city's main gate, and explore the Manama Souk.

- Go to City Centre Bahrain, the largest mall in Bahrain, for some people-watching and a taste of local life.

- Visit Avenues Mall, which features some of the fanciest shops in the world.

- Head to the Bahrain National Museum to learn about Bahrain's rich history.

- Check out the Hanan Kanoo Mosque, which offers beautiful skyline views.

- Visit the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Bahrain and one of the largest in the world.

- End your day at Arad Fort, one of Bahrain's most important historical sites, featuring a museum and a landscaped garden.

Explore Manama: the capital city, with its beaches, malls, museums, forts, and souks

Explore Manama: The Capital City

Manama, Bahrain's capital, is a bustling city with a rich history and culture, offering a unique blend of old and new. From beaches and malls to museums and souks, here's an overview of what to explore in Manama during your two-day trip:

Beaches

Manama boasts stunning beaches that offer a peaceful escape from city life. Some of the top beaches to visit include:

• Bahrain Bay Beach: A cosmopolitan beach offering a range of water sports activities such as kayaking and boating. It's an ideal spot for families, with a play area for children.
• Water Garden City Beach: A serene beach where you can relax under an umbrella with a cocktail in hand while enjoying sea views.
• Coral Bay: A beach with its own resort offering pampering services, water sports, and fine dining.
• Juffair Beach: Known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Malls

Manama is famous for its shopping malls, which provide a mix of retail therapy, dining, and entertainment. Here are some notable malls:

• The Avenues: A waterfront shopping centre with a food court and good vibes.
• Seef Mall: A popular mall with a variety of stores, located in the Seef District.
• Moda Mall: Located in the Bahrain World Trade Center, featuring designer brands and dining options.

Museums

The city has a diverse range of museums showcasing Bahrain's history and culture:

• Bahrain National Museum: Explore the country's history and enjoy a boat ride to the fort.
• Bait Al Qur'an: A mini Islamic Museum with a collection of Holy Qur'an copies.
• Oil Museum and First Oil Well: Learn about the discovery of the first oil well in the Arabic Gulf.
• Museum of Pearl Diving: Discover the history of pearl diving and explore an ancient pearling village.
• Mohammed Bin Faris House of Sout Music: Enjoy live Bahraini music performances every Thursday evening.

Forts

Qal'at al-Bahrain, also known as Bahrain Fort or Portuguese Fort, is an archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was once the capital of the Dilmun civilisation and offers insights into the country's ancient history. The fort stands near Manama, about 6 km away on the northern seashore.

Souks

Bab el-Bahrain Souk is a traditional market where you can find a variety of goods, including souvenirs, snacks, clothing, gold, and modern stores. It's a great place to immerse yourself in local life and enjoy bartering with vendors.

Discover Bahrain's history: from the ancient Dilmun civilisation to its time as a pearling powerhouse

Bahrain is home to one of the oldest civilisations in the world, the Dilmun kingdom, which flourished over 4,000 years ago. The island was an important trading centre, connecting Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. It was also a hub for the copper trade, with merchants monopolising trade from the mines of Oman.

The Dilmun civilisation was virtually unknown until the 20th century, when archaeological excavations began to uncover its impressive cities and temples. Today, you can explore several archaeological sites and museums dedicated to this ancient culture.

Qal'at al-Bahrain

Begin your journey at Qal'at al-Bahrain, or Bahrain Fort, located on the outskirts of Manama. This 16th-century fort, built by the Portuguese, sits atop the ruins of the ancient Dilmun capital. Here, you can explore the archaeological site, walk through the remains of the fortifications, and take in stunning views of the city and sea. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and entrance is free of charge.

Burial Mounds

One distinctive feature of the Dilmun civilisation is its burial mounds. With over 11,000 mounds spread across 21 sites, these are a testament to the belief in the afterlife, which was shared with Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. The oldest and largest of these, known as the "Royal Tombs", can be found at Aali, some reaching up to 15 metres in height and 45 metres in width.

Saar

The ancient city of Saar, currently undergoing restoration, offers a glimpse into daily life during the Dilmun era. The site includes well-preserved foundations of temples, homes, ovens, shops, and even restaurants. It also boasts temple sites, where evidence of altars and animal sacrifice has been discovered.

Barbar

Barbar is a complex of three temples centred around a freshwater spring. While the exact deity worshipped here is unknown, it is believed to have been Enki, the Sumerian god of wisdom and freshwater. A visitor centre provides more insight into this site.

Pearling Path

Bahrain's history is also closely tied to its pearling industry. The Pearling Path in Muharraq, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases this aspect of the country's heritage. The path takes you through the former pearling capital of the world, where you can learn about the history and techniques of pearling, as well as the lives of the divers and traders who made it a thriving industry.

Visit the Tree of Life: a 400+-year-old natural wonder in the desert

The Tree of Life (or Shajarat-al-Hayat) is a natural wonder located in the southern Bahraini desert, approximately 40 kilometres outside of the capital city of Manama. This iconic symbol of the country is a 9.75-metre-high Prosopis cineraria tree, abundantly covered in green leaves, and is believed to be over 400 years old.

The Tree of Life is a popular tourist attraction, with approximately 65,000 visitors each year. It stands alone on a barren landscape, with no other major trees or sources of water in sight. It is a mystery how the tree has survived for so long, with some speculating that its roots reach deep underground to tap into hidden water reserves, while others believe it draws moisture from the morning dew, sand or air. Some even claim that the tree is standing in what was once the biblical Garden of Eden and has a mystical source of water.

The tree has cultural and historical significance for the people of Bahrain, who regard it with reverence and awe. It has become a symbol of endurance, strength and resilience, and serves as a reminder of the power of nature and life's ability to thrive in challenging environments.

To get to the Tree of Life, it is recommended to travel in a 4x4 or similar vehicle, as the tree is located in the desert and sand. Be cautious of soft sand traps and follow the signs to the tree. There is a perimeter wall surrounding the area, with informational plaques and a shaded information area.

The Tree of Life is a must-see destination when visiting Bahrain. Its resilience and beauty will leave you in awe.

Enjoy the beaches: from the popular Al Jazair to the secluded Malkiya

If you're looking for a beach to visit in Bahrain, there are two notable options: the popular Al Jazair and the secluded Malkiya.

Al Jazair Beach

Al Jazair is a public beach in Zallaq, accessible by bus from Manama. It has been described as the best public beach in Bahrain, with soft sand and clear water. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the shallow, warm, and clear waters, as well as activities such as jet skiing and sailing. There is a play area for children and clean toilets, but limited shade and snack options. There is a fee to enter the beach, but some cafes and restaurants will redeem this against food or drinks.

Malkiya Beach

Malkiya Beach, nestled in the Al Malkiyah region, is a great spot for families, couples, and friends. It offers a range of activities, including watersports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and boat tours, as well as beach football and volleyball. There are walking paths for strolling, jogging, or running, and horse riding is also available. The beach provides essential facilities such as parking and public toilets, and there are nearby hotels and attractions, including Reef Mall Bahrain and Al Malkiyah Park.

Indulge in food: from traditional Bahraini cuisine to international fare

Bahrain's cuisine is a blend of flavours influenced by the country's history and cultural diversity. Here is a list of foods and drinks to indulge in while in Bahrain:

Traditional Bahraini Cuisine

• Machboos, the national dish of Bahrain, is a spiced rice dish made with basmati rice, meat (chicken, lamb, or fish), and a blend of aromatic spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and black lime. It is often garnished with fried onions and served with a side of tomato sauce called "dakous" or "daqoos".
• Harees is a savoury porridge made from wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb). The ingredients are slow-cooked until they form a smooth, thick consistency. It is often served during Ramadan and other festive occasions.
• Jireesh is made from crushed wheat cooked with chicken or lamb, seasoned with spices, and topped with ghee. It has a porridge-like texture and is often served with a side of buttermilk.
• Samboosa is a deep-fried pastry filled with a mixture of meat, onions, and spices, similar to samosas found in other parts of the world.
• Ghreybeh/Ghuraiba is a traditional Bahraini shortbread cookie with nuts on top, usually served with Arabic coffee.
• Balaleet is a sweet and savoury dish made with vermicelli noodles cooked with sugar, spices, and occasionally saffron. It is typically served with a side of fried eggs.
• Muhammar is a sweet rice dish made with sugar, dates, and various spices, often served with grilled or fried fish.
• Halwa Showaiter is a traditional Bahraini dessert made from cornstarch, ghee, sugar, and flavourings like saffron and rosewater. It is often garnished with nuts.
• Ma'amoul are small, filled pastries, often made during festive seasons, with popular fillings such as dates, nuts, or figs. They are typically enjoyed with Arabic coffee.
• Qoozi/Ghoozi/Quzi is a celebratory dish consisting of roasted lamb stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices. It is often served during special occasions.
• Falafel, although not originally from Bahrain, is a popular dish consisting of fried fava beans served as balls in sandwiches with vegetables.
• Malgoum is a dish of shawarma served inside chapati or paratha bread with cheese, French fries, and various sauces.
• Fūl is a stew of cooked fava beans served with olive oil, cumin, and optionally with chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices.
• Khanfaroosh is a popular fried dessert prepared using molasses or milk, usually served at breakfast with tea or coffee.
• Zalabia is fried dough soaked in syrup (made with sugar, lemon, and saffron) and has a distinctive swirly shape.
• Arabic coffee (qahwah) is the national beverage, while tea is also commonly drunk for hospitality.
• Other drinks include laban (salty buttermilk), yoghurt drinks, sharbat (sweet drinks like rose sharbat), and soft drinks.

International Fare

Bahrain also offers a variety of international cuisine, including:

• Indian cuisine, such as biryani and samosas, is widely available and popular in Bahrain.
• Shawarma, a Middle Eastern dish similar to a hamburger, is a popular street food in Bahrain.
• Italian cuisine, such as pizza and pasta, can be found at restaurants like Vapiano in the City Centre Bahrain.
• Brazilian cuisine is offered at Via Brasil Bahrain in Juffair, Manama.

Frequently asked questions