Things to do in Bahrain for a culture-infused island getaway

First things first. Practicalities. Before your mind begins racing around the exciting plans that await you during your holidays in Bahrain, it is time to think about the seasons. Given the archipelago’s tendency to reach scorching temperatures during the summer, the best time to travel to Bahrain is between December and March. While you can travel any time, this window allows you to enjoy sightseeing, shopping and the island culture without breaking a sweat. The pleasant temperatures, gentle breeze and occasional showers make this season the best for exploring all the places to visit in Bahrain.

Often mistaken as being a stand-alone island, Bahrain is, in fact, a kingdom of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands. Yet, Bahrain Island, the largest of the archipelago is what most people refer to when talking about this Persian Gulf destination. This island stretches across 30 miles in length and measures just 10 miles from east to west. 

But while Bahrain is small in size, it certainly packs a punch with its cultural offering. What’s more, despite Arabic being the official language, English is widely spoken making it easier than ever to enjoy all the things to do in Bahrain. 

There are so many cool things to do in Bahrain without stepping foot outside the capital that we would need another article to cover them all. Yet, here is our pick of the best things to do in Bahrain if you are staying in the heart of the city. 

Nestled between the old town and the central business district, the souq of Manama is a main hangout in the city. Enjoy a plate of traditional Bahraini cuisine such as ghouzi or spend time hunting for artisan treasures in the form of pottery, embroidery, or pearls. You could even get a personalised fragrance blended by an expert perfumier. Support local craftsmen in their trade and bring home some stunning souvenirs as a reminder of your trip. 

Hailed as being one of the largest mosques in the world, the Al Fateh can hold over 7000 worshipers inside its serene structure. Built in 1988 under the patronage of the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, it is the first mosque in the area to open its doors to tourists. It was designed in honour of Ahemd Al Fateh, the conquistador of Bahrain and is now one of the Bahrain places to see for locals and tourists alike. Step inside its ornate interiors and take time to marvel at the large fibreglass dome, the largest in the world. But the architecture is just one of the wonders of this place. Once inside you can immerse yourself in the goings-on of life inside the mosque, mingling with worshipers and learning first-hand about their culture, beliefs and celebrations. 

If you still have an appetite for more local culture, head to the oldest museum in Bahrain, the Bahrain National Museum. Past the sleek, ultra-modern exterior, neatly ordered Inside these four walls you will find 6000 years of Bahrain history mapped out in artefacts uncovered at many of the island’s archaeological sites. Yet it is not all about treasures found at dusty digs. The museum also houses two large halls dedicated to local traditions where clothing, housing and traditional crafts all vie for your attention, eager to share a piece of the island’s fascinating history with you. If you are looking for creative places to go to in Bahrain, this is certainly number one on your list.

Regardless if you only have a weekend in Bahrain or can enjoy the island for days on end, these are the top things to do in Bahrain. Take note! 

Travel back in time to over 4500 years ago with a trip to Qal’at al-Bahrain, the UNESCO World Heritage site of a tell (artificial mound created by successive layers of human occupation) in Karbabad. While only 25% of the site has been excavated, the findings are fascinating. From 2300 BC to the 16th century, the site was witness to continuous human daily life and during this time historical remains were left dotted around the 300 x 600 metre landscape. 

Today archaeologists have uncovered commercial, religious and military artefacts that pinpoint the site’s importance as a trading site over the centuries. It is known that the site was the capital of the Dilmun, one of the region’s most important ancient civilizations and has been referenced in important Sumerian literature. Enjoy a free visit to the museum here where you can see up close the over 500 historical artefacts found during the excavation of this site.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testimony to the island’s single-product island economy and the subsequent social economy created as a result. Pearling is a big part of Bahrain’s cultural identity to this day despite the activity declining in the 1930s. Located in the historic city of Muharraq, visitors can follow the pearl-shaped street lights down the pearl path which guides people through the maze-like alleyways to the old merchant houses, pearl diver hideouts and emblematic buildings built on the wealth of this prosperous industry. Head to the coast and you can see the oyster beds that were once scoured to find the most precious pearls. 

If you are a petrolhead with a need for speed, one of the things to do in Bahrain is to visit the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix which takes place each year. Plan your trip around the event dates and head to the Sakhir circuit which becomes the protagonist of this thrilling event, one of the most important Grand Prixs in the world. If you are looking for fun stuff to do in Bahrain, take note of the dates and book your trip.

Bahrain may be a desert but that doesn’t mean that it is void of natural beauty. From picture-postcard beachscapes to flourishing nature reserves, venture off the beaten path and discover the real Bahrain.

Dip your toes in the Persian Gulf and enjoy a day at the uninhabited islands of Al Dar. Scattered just 7 miles off the coast of Manama, these islands offer blissful days spent floating from the sun lounger to the Ocean, only to be interrupted by a freshly grilled BBQ lunch. 

These islands are also a wonderful snorkelling destination so be sure to grab a mask and tube to be able to marvel at the multi-coloured marine life that lies under the topaz waters of this resort.

Nature lovers will have fun exploring the Al Areen Wildlife Park, one of the best things to do in Bahrain with kids. It is the only area of protected land in the country and budding naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts can spend time admiring the 100,000 species of plants, 45 species of animals and 82 species of birds. When it comes to things to do in Bahrain, a day out here is a fun way to get acquainted with the local wildlife while enjoying a more environmentally responsible style of tourism. 

One of Bahrain’s attractions for nature enthusiasts is the Tree of Life, a 400-year-old Prosopis cineraria tree that grows abundantly in the middle of the arid desert. It is located 6 kilometres from the highest point of the island, Jebel Duckhan and 40 kilometres from Manama, placing it quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Yet it is the abnormal vitality that a tree of this age and size possesses that makes it such a popular site to see in Bahrain for visitors from far and wide. Brave the dusty desert track and witness this natural miracle up close.

The island of Bahrain may have an international Formula 1 track but the island of Hawar is home to virgin landscapes, and species in danger of extinction and is prized for being the best place in the country for birdwatching and scuba diving. Escape the buzz of cosmopolitan Bahrain and escape to the blissful landscape of Hawar where you can spend your days hopping from cove to cove, eyeing western coastal herons, Socotoran cormorants, Arabian terns, Saunders' little terns, slaty falcons and other exotic breeds of birds. If you are a fan of the water, dive deep into the alluring azure waters and swim with sea turtles while trying to spot the largest group of dugongs outside of Australia. This is by far one of the most relaxing things to do in Bahrain.