It’s mostly true when they say you ruin a good joke or a good pun by explaining it, but, then again, it’s also true that there is an exception to every rule. This instance is an exception and here is my rightful explanation: Here in the Gulf region, we say “enzain” a lot and it means “okay” or “all right” (like, “enzain let’s go!”). It also sounds a lot like insane, and, thus, lies the pun and my hope for you all to have an insanely enzain time in Bahrain! 🇧🇭
So, when people come down to visit and ask, “What are things we can do in Bahrain during our time here?” I always half-jokingly answer, “Well, a day is really all you need to see Bahrain.” But that’s certainly not true — I have managed to keep friends busy in over a week with a loaded itinerary around our little island kingdom. (Be sure to also check out our other Bahrain posts on some offbeat island activities and a foodventure with local food bloggers!)
For this post, I’ve squeezed everything Bahrain has to offer over four days — loosely based on the breakdown of destinations across the four Governorates, which the country is divided into (I had to base the guide off something or else all the driving up and down would drive you crazy! :p ). So, whether you are visiting the Kingdom or have lived here all your life yet never ventured into these destinations, I hope you’ll find something of use to you. Enzain, friends, let’s go!
Day 1 in the Capital Governorate
Start your time off in the heart of the capital: Bab Al Bahrain. It is crazy to fathom that this building, meant to serve as the gateway into Manama Souq, actually “once stood on the Manama coastline!”
Grab some traditional breakfast from Naseef, located in the modern building right behind the historical landmark. The restaurant has been around since 1920 and, while their breakfast trays are amazing, you should save space for their ice cream — some of the creamiest scoops you’ll ever enjoy!
Spend the rest of the morning walking around the Manama Souq’s narrow streets and alleyways, where you’ll find spices, traditional clothes, handicrafts, and beautiful lamps (they make for perfect souvenirs!). If you’re up for it, make your way to Khalaf House, one of the traditional houses in the area. It is now open to the public and serves as a cultural landmark to honor the significant role of pearling merchants in the history of Bahrain.
Speaking of history, you can’t miss out on the oldest public museum we have in the country, Bahrain National Museum! Journey through the civilizations that dwelt in Bahrain, going as far back as 6,000 years, and catch a glimpse of their way of lives through the manuscripts and customary articles on display.
Don’t forget to catch the boat ride that will take you to Bu Maher Fort, the site designated as the starting point to discover more about the Pearling Path in Bahrain and is now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You may also drop by the Bahrain National Theatre, located just behind the museum, and take photos of this mesmerizing structure right by the water! If all the walking and sightseeing has worked up your appetite, Darseen Café, right inside the National Museum, will have you covered for the rest of the day!
Next up is the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the country with a capacity of hosting 7,000 worshippers. Join the tour around this wondrous place of worship, receive a crash course on Islam, and marvel at the interiors that comprise this area for communal prayers. Note: Make sure, however, not to drop by on a Friday when the mosque is closed to visitors.
Cap off your long, cultural day with a sunset stroll around the Bahrain Fort, also known as Qal’at al-Bahrain. More than just a fortress built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, this site is a “tell” — an archaeological term for an artificial mound formed by the accumulated remains of ancient settlements. It was the capital of the Dilmun civilization and an important trading port. The site’s historical significance has earned it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 2 in the Northern Governorate
Let’s kick day 2 off by discovering, first-hand, the skills behind the beautiful, traditional handicrafts that Bahrain has to offer! Head to Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre to interact with craftsmen and artisans in their workshops creating fabulous traditional crafts from various materials such as clay, gypsum, palm leaves, and wood.
Pop by Papercup, only a few blocks from the Handicrafts Centre, for your morning coffee refuel and a quick bite before proceeding with the rest of your day!
While there are not many options for camel trekking in Bahrain, visitors can still have close encounters with the desert’s majestic creatures at the Royal Camel Farm. Here, over 600 camels are preserved and looked after with the sole intention of protecting them. (While the chains on the male camels are quite off-putting, it is merely done as a precaution in order for them not to attack each other in trying to mate with the female camels, who are also onsite roaming freely in the pens.)
In the mood for a nice drive? Since you’re already so close, head on down to the 25 km causeway that links Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. Right before border control, a boxy park awaits visitors; a good place to breathe in the fresh air blowing from both sides. But, that’s not all there is to it! When restorations are not underway, an observation deck is available for guests to look out at the two borders.
As the afternoon sets in, head on down to A’Ali for your last dose of local artisanry at the A’ali Pottery. During the drive, catch glimpses of the burial mounds, a series of necropolis sites that’s over 4,000 years old and traced back to the Dilmun Civilization.
At A’Ali Pottery, you can withness traditional pottery workshops with craftsmen employing methods learned from their forefathers. Swing by one of the grill restaurants along avenue 38 for authentic roadside grub, that is freshly-prepared shawarma or malghoom, with some juice to end the day!
(For more Bahrain posts, check out some offbeat island activities and go on a foodventure with local food bloggers!)
Day 3 in the Southern Governorate
For the third day, we’ll go further south with a hearty breakfast at Saffron by Jena, located within the Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Fort (also known as the Riffa Fort). There’s no better way to start your morning than with a tray of traditional dishes and a view of Bahrain’s sandy deserts.
Drive down to the Tree of Life, the country’s centuries-old tree located on barren land in the middle of the desert. What is extraordinary about this Prosopis cineraria tree is how it has survived the harsh conditions of the desert with very little to no water for over 400 years!
Just 2,000m away, you’ll spy Bahrain’s highest point, Jebel Dukhan (which really isn’t that high) at about 134m above sea level. Dukhan translates to “smoke” and what makes this point interesting is that, depending on the time of year, the hill actually gets surrounded by haze creating that smokey effect for the site.
While the drive to and out of the desert may be slightly bumpy, emanating feels of an off-road course, the true race track is just a few miles away at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). The VIP tour offers behind-the-scenes access to the race control towers, media centers, and the very tracks Formula 1 racers speed on! Other more thrilling tours are also offered by the circuit. (You may check out more BIC experiences on their website.)
While away the afternoon in the Zallaq - Sakhir area and enjoy a scenic dinner at Sofitel overlooking the Arabian Gulf; the night is yours for the taking!
Day 4 in the Muharraq Governorate
It’s off to Muharraq for the last full day of sightseeing around the island! Make a beeline for the Information Center within the old town area, where maps of the various traditional houses under the supervision of Shaikh Ebrahim Center, can be found.
If you’ve come with an empty stomach, Raazji, located within the Shaikh Ebrahim Center, will come to the rescue with platters of Bahraini goodies! If something lighter is what you’re after, look for the house with the avocado-green wood doors to discover a cooling retreat from the harsh sun and some tasty refreshments! 😉
Spend an hour or two exploring all the houses in the vicinity, opening doors to years of history; rooms of beautiful memories and garden spaces with tales of what has been.
One of my personal favorite traditional houses in the area is Beit Sheikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa, once the ruler of Bahrain from 1869 to 1932. Despite the architecture being typical of the houses in the area, I still find it to be exceptional in its own right, with beautiful woodcarvings and fine materials lining the home.
The third and last fort in the country, Arad Fort, is a quick stop on the way to Amwaj / Marassi. One of the oldest archaeological sites in the country, Qal’at ‘Arad is a 15th-century fortress constructed in the typical Islamic fort style. This fort has also been used as a concert venue — John Legend performed here back in 2015!
Despite being an island, public beaches are not that abundant; the sands in Bahrain are not entirely beachfront-conducive sands. One recently-opened public beach is Marassi Beach, which is perfect for some sun and relaxation without having to splurge. (Private beaches at hotels are free for guests but can go up to 50 BD per person on weekends for non-guests.)
A variety of water sports activities are also offered at Marassi while those who would prefer to stay onshore may also enjoy a family picnic or a game of volleyball with friends.
While Bahrain does not often make it on people’s list of places to visit, I’m hoping this little guide will somehow make it a worthwhile and enjoyable trip for those who choose to visit this beautiful country I call home. Enzain, when will you be booking a visit? <3
Lots of love and travel miles,
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