Exploring Bahrain In April: A Cultural Adventure

Bahrain is a tiny Gulf kingdom, but it has a lot to offer in terms of arts, culture, and cuisine, as well as a compelling history. It is an archipelago of more than 30 islands in the Arabian Gulf, with a blend of modern city living and historical immersion. The weather in April is usually cold and humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 32—51°F (0—11°C). Here are some of the best things to do in Bahrain in April:

- Explore the capital city, Manama, with its rapid transformation since independence in 1971. Visit landmarks such as the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Beit Al Quran, and the Bahrain National Museum.

- Wander through the Manama Souk, a large open-air market where you can find anything from spices and traditional clothing to jewellery and souvenirs.

- Take a trip to the desert and visit the Tree of Life, a standalone tree in the middle of the sands, as well as the Royal Camel Farm and the A'Ali Burial Mounds.

- Island-hop to the Al Dar Islands or the Hawar island group to enjoy pristine beaches, clear waters, and protected wildlife.

- Dive for pearls in Muharraq, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the epicentre of the pearling industry.

- See archaeological ruins such as the Qal'at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO site believed to be the ancient capital of the Dilmun civilisation, and the Saar Heritage Park.

- Indulge in the food scene, including Bahraini breakfast spreads at Saffron By Jena and innovative Bahraini cuisine at Fusions by Tala.

Explore the Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum is the perfect place to visit if you want to immerse yourself in Bahraini culture and understand the history and development of the nation. The museum is believed to be the region's first modern museum and is the country's most popular tourist attraction. It is the repository of 6,000 years of Bahrain's history, with six permanent exhibitions, an educational hall, a gift shop, and a cafeteria.

Halls of the Museum

The Halls of Graves, Dilmun, Tylos and Islam, Customs and Traditions, Traditional Trades and Crafts, and Documents and Manuscripts bring the story of Bahrain to life.

The Hall of Dilmun Graves focuses on the burial practices of the Dilmun civilization and features an actual burial mound from A'ali. The Hall of Tylos and Islam covers the Hellenic-influenced history of Bahrain from the 2nd century BC, as well as interactions with the Seleucid Empire and Characene Kingdom. The Islamic portion follows Bahrain's adoption of Islam in the 7th century AD until the 18th century, featuring artefacts from the Khamis Mosque, the oldest mosque in Bahrain.

The Hall of Documents and Manuscripts displays rare copies of the Quran from the 13th and 14th centuries, notes on astronomy, and historical documents and letters from the ruling Al Khalifa family.

The Hall of Customs and Traditions showcases the customs and traditions of Bahrain before the discovery of oil in 1932, including aspects of everyday life such as childhood, marriage, fashion, and local religious and medical practices.

The Hall of Traditional Trades and Crafts features a recreation of a traditional Bahraini souq and includes a section on pearl diving, a key component of the country's pre-oil economy.

Practical Information

The museum is located in Manama, adjacent to the National Theatre of Bahrain, and is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The entrance fee is approximately 3 US dollars, payable by credit card only. There is a toilet area on the left side, and photos and explanations of Pope Francis' visit to Manama can be found on the left. A vintage car, various Qurans, Dilmun mounds, and clay pots used for burial are also on display. The museum has two floors of exhibits, accessible by elevator, and sculptures outside provide an excellent photo opportunity.

Wander the Bab Al Bahrain souk

Bab Al Bahrain, meaning "Gateway of Bahrain", is a historical building located in the Customs Square in the central business district of Manama, Bahrain's capital city. It was opened in 1949 and designed by British advisor to the emir, Charles Belgrave. The building marks the main entrance to the Manama Souq, a vibrant collection of shops offering a wide range of goods, from textiles, spices, incense, perfumes, handicrafts and souvenirs, to more modern products from across the globe. Here are some things to do and see when wandering the Bab Al Bahrain souk:

Admire the Architecture

The monument was refurbished in 1986 to incorporate Islamic architectural features. A further refurbishment in 2013 saw the ground floor transformed into a tourist information office and a handicrafts shop. The building now consists of a huge arch, with a road running underneath, and two side arches for pedestrians. Bab Al Bahrain is expected to become an interchange station for the Bahrain Metro, which is due to be fully operational by 2030.

Shop for Local Crafts and Souvenirs

The souk is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir of your trip to Bahrain. You'll find traditional handicrafts, textiles, perfumes and spices, as well as modern products from around the world. Remember to haggle for the best price!

Enjoy a Refreshment

Take a break from shopping and enjoy a refreshment at one of the traditional coffee shops located within the souk, including Naseef Cafe, the first ice cream shop in the country.

Explore the Gold Souq

For something a little more glitzy, head to the Gold Souq, where you'll find a range of gold ornaments and jewellery. Remember to bargain for the best price!

Experience Local Life

The souk is a great place to experience local life in Manama, with its narrow pedestrian paths and bustling atmosphere. It's especially lively in the evening, so time your visit for then if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Visit the Tree of Life

The Tree of Life (Shajarat-al-Hayat) is an iconic symbol of Bahrain. This 9.75-metre-high (32 feet) Prosopis cineraria tree is over 400 years old and is the only major tree growing in the area, making it a popular local tourist attraction.

The tree is located in the heart of the Arabian Desert, approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) outside of the capital city of Manama. It is a challenging journey to reach the tree, which is surrounded by swaths of desert and sand. It is recommended to travel in a 4x4 vehicle and keep an eye out for soft sand traps.

The Tree of Life is a true natural wonder, standing alone on a sandy knoll in a dry and barren landscape. Its resilience and ability to thrive in an unforgiving environment have puzzled locals and scientists alike. Various theories exist about how the tree sustains itself, with some speculating that its roots reach deep underground to access water, while others believe it draws moisture from the morning dew, the sand, or even the air.

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, making it a cherished part of the country's natural heritage.

A visit to the Tree of Life is a unique and memorable experience, offering a combination of natural beauty, mystery, and cultural significance.

Tour the Qal'at al-Bahrain

Qal'at al-Bahrain, also known as the Bahrain Fort or Portuguese Fort, is an archaeological site located on Bahrain Island, about 6km from the capital city of Manama. This fort is a popular tourist attraction and can be easily accessed by rental car or public transport.

History

Qal'at al-Bahrain was once the capital of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, which was the "land of immortality" according to the Epic of Gilgamesh. The area is thought to have been occupied for about 5000 years and contains valuable insights into the Copper and Bronze Ages of Bahrain. The first Bahrain Fort was built around three thousand years ago, with the present fort dating back to the 6th century AD.

What to See

The site spans 17.5 hectares and has been termed Bahrain's "most important site in antiquity". About 25% of the site has been excavated, revealing residential, public, commercial, religious, and military structures. The strata, or layers of human occupation, spread over an area of 180,000 square feet, testifying to a continuous human presence from 2300 BC to the 16th century AD.

At the top of the 12-metre-high mound sits the Qal`at al-Burtughal (Portuguese Fort), which gave the whole site its name, with 'qal`a' meaning 'fort' in Arabic. The fort contains a small museum showcasing items such as pottery, stamp seals, snake bowls, sarcophagi, seals, and a mirror.

Tours

There are several tours available that include a visit to Qal'at al-Bahrain, ranging from half-day to full-day private tours. These tours typically combine a visit to the fort with other attractions such as the Royal Camel Farm, Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Bahrain National Museum, and Manama Souq.

Discover the Pearling Path

The Bahrain Pearling Path is a serial cultural heritage site that was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 30 June 2012. It is Bahrain's second World Heritage Site after the Bahrain Fort.

The Pearling Path is located on Muharraq Island, close to the capital, Manama. It covers 330,000 square metres, including oyster beds and buildings related to the 19th-century pearl industry.

The site consists of three oyster beds in the northern waters of Bahrain, a segment of the coast and the seafront Bu Mahir Fort in the southern tip of Muharraq Island, and 17 buildings in the historical section of Muharraq, connected by a 3.5km visitor pathway.

The pathway, known as 'The Path', extends from the Bu Mahir seashore to the Siyadi complex in the heart of Muharraq. Along the route are various buildings that played a role in the pearling economy, particularly during its golden age in the 19th century. The path also includes a modern visitor centre, 16 public squares, cultural buildings, and four car parks.

The buildings listed by UNESCO include the residences and majlises of pearl merchants, traders, and divers, trade establishments, storage houses, and the Siyadi family mosque.

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities is working to preserve and revive the spirit of this historical area, emphasising its social and economic importance, especially regarding the historical pearl trade. The urban regeneration project aims to ensure that any new construction in the area is sensitive to heritage conservation and contemporary public space planning.

The Pearling Path offers a fascinating journey through the heritage of Bahrain's pearling industry, with insightful information and exhibits showcasing traditional techniques. It provides an enchanting experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the importance of pearls in Bahrain's history while enjoying a delightful stroll along the waterfront.

• The path is approximately 3.5 km long, so be prepared for a moderate amount of walking.
• Some reviewers have mentioned that the path can be a bit confusing to follow, so it is recommended to get a map from the website of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (pearlingpath.bh) or use an active map app on your phone.
• There may be ongoing construction work in the area, which can make it challenging to follow the path at times.
• The path includes various buildings that were involved in the pearling industry, and most of them are located in the same area of Muharraq. Look for the blue paving stones, recessed lighting, and signage that mark the trail.
• The path is lined with well-maintained sidewalks and whitewashed buildings, making it aesthetically pleasing for photos.
• Some of the buildings have displays, signage, stained glass, and teak details that provide information about the pearling industry.
• The path also offers a glimpse of Bahrain's traditional crafts, such as Kurar embroidery, which was almost extinct but has been revived through this project.
• There are restaurants and shops along the way, so you can take breaks and support the local businesses.
• Consider taking a guided tour or hiring a local guide who can provide insights and historical context during your walk.

Overall, the Pearling Path is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich history and cultural significance of pearling in Bahrain. It offers a delightful combination of architectural beauty, traditional crafts, and insights into the country's economic and social development.

Frequently asked questions