Being the third smallest nation in Asia, you might be wondering what there is to do in Bahrain. I was curious myself, so I decided to visit this little kingdom to find out. And let me tell you, there's more to this country than meets the eye.
Within this article, we will explore all the tourist attractions in Bahrain and how you can visit all of them in one day. Without further ado, here are the 10 best things to do in Bahrain for solo travelers:
- Bahrain Things to Do Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Bahrain?
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10 Best Things to Do in Bahrain
- Tour Around Al Fateh Grand Mosque
- Explore Bahrain Fort
- Learn More About Bahrain's History at Bahrain National Museum
- Check Out Bahrain World Trade Center
- Explore Bab Al Bahrain Souq
- Visit the Old A'ali Pottery Workshop
- Be Amazed by Aali and Sar Burial Mounds
- Visit Bahrain International Circuit
- See Camels Up close at Camel Farm Zallaq
- Watch the Sunset at Tree of Life
- More Bahrain Activities
- How to Get Around Bahrain?
- How to Get from Bahrain Airport to the City Center and vice versa?
- What to Pack for Bahrain?
- Further Reading for the Gulf Countries
Bahrain Things to Do Itinerary Map
Tips: If you want to see everything on this list in one day, I recommend you this full-day Bahrain organized tour.
10 Best Things to Do in Bahrain
1. Tour Around Al Fateh Grand Mosque
One of the first places you should visit in Bahrain is Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world featuring a massive fiberglass dome, intricate Islamic art adorning its interior, and a lovely guided tour that will allow you to understand a bit more about Islam and how things work.
I've been to many mosques in my life, but nothing quite like this one. From the outside, it may look similar to others, but what sets it apart is its free guided tour that delves deeper into the understanding of the world from an Islamic perspective, carefully explained by a very passionate (in a non-forceful way) local guide.
In many places, you might feel like the guide is pushing their agenda when it comes to tours like this, but not this one. The guide I had was very multicultural, and they understood very well how that could be uncomfortable for foreigners, so they approached it in a way that makes you understand more about Islam.
- ibis Seef Manama (Budget)
- Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- The Domain Bahrain Hotel and Spa - Adults Friendly 16 Years Plus (High-End)
- Full-Day Bahrain Guided Tour (9 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
- Best Bahrain Tour - Select 1 of 9+ Private & Shared Tours (5 hours to 1 day)
- Pearl Diving (Snorkeling or Scuba Diving) (2 to 5 hours)
For example, he helped us understand the difference between praying and salat, where Muslims briefly kneel and touch their foreheads to the ground during the prayer call. This act is not to kneel to God in submission as people say, but to connect with where we all came from and Earth, reminding oneself to be humbled.
If you came with the full-day organized tour, I recommend that you will have around 45 minutes here. The guide will take you through the main prayer hall and explain to you the basic principles of Islam, what makes a mosque a mosque, and the history of how the mosque came to be. It is very insightful!
The mosque opens from 9 AM to 4 PM every day, except on Fridays, and there is no entrance fee to enter. With its impressive exterior and the highly informative guided tour, there is no better place to start your journey in Bahrain than here.
Where to Stay in Bahrain?
2. Explore Bahrain Fort
Bahrain Fort is one of my favorite places in Bahrain that showcases just how rich the history is here, contrary to what most people believe about the Gulf Countries.
Situated on the northern coast of the island, this archaeological site has witnessed centuries of human civilization, dating back to ancient Dilmun times from 2300 to 500 BC. Thanks to its strategic location overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain Fort has played a crucial role in the region's stability, as well as trade and commerce.
The fort itself is very well renovated, with its fortifications and towers still pretty much intact. As you walk around its hallways, you will get a glimpse into the kingdom's past, which is something that is not so easy to find anymore, especially with all the hyper-modernization and development going on in this region.
As you wander through the fort's corridors and open courtyards, you'll find plenty of fantastic photo spots, beautiful art installations, and many great viewpoints for an incredible panoramic view of the city.
Right from the beginning, there is a viewpoint by Tylos Fortress where you can capture both the old and the new of Bahrain in one frame, so make sure to keep an eye out for that.
The fort should take about 20-30 minutes to explore. You can also check out the fort museum nearby, as well as a cafe where you can relax along the coast of Manama. The place is open from 8 AM to 8 PM every day, except on Mondays, and it is free to enter both the fortress and the museum.
3. Learn More About Bahrain's History at Bahrain National Museum
There is way more history in Bahrain than most people think, and if you are intrigued by it, there is no better place to visit than the Bahrain National Museum. It is a massive museum with a variety of exhibitions ranging from modern art to history and more.
Thanks to its strategic location overlooking the Arabian Gulf, trade and commerce have prospered throughout its history, and you can see many old excavated artifacts here that date all the way back to the Dilmun civilization, which is more than 4000 years old.
There are also many artifacts from the Mesopotamian era, which go to show just how lively this place must have been throughout history. The region was also influenced by India, with its colorful attires being brought here and subsequently adopted by the locals.
The museum is pretty big, so expect to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour here. There is also a really nice cafe with a great view of the coast that you can enjoy. The museum is open from 9 AM to 8 PM every day except Tuesdays, and the entrance fee is 1.1 BHD, which can be paid by card.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:
- Full-Day Bahrain Guided Tour (9 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
- Best Bahrain Tour - Select 1 of 9+ Private & Shared Tours (5 hours to 1 day)
- Pearl Diving (Snorkeling or Scuba Diving) (2 to 5 hours)
4. Check Out Bahrain World Trade Center
One of the most iconic landmarks in Bahrain is the Bahrain World Trade Center, which is a striking pair of double skyscrapers with wind turbines running between both towers. If you are lucky, you might even see them in operation on windy days.
Inside the tower, you will find a massive shopping mall with high-fashion shops and restaurants. It is quite similar to other shopping malls in the region, with fancy decor and supercars parked right in front. To be honest, there is nothing particularly special inside.
The tower is like the Burj Khalifa of Bahrain, and definitely worth dropping by while you are in Bahrain. If you just want to take a photo of this tower, you can simply stop by at this roadside parking lot and snap a few photos before continuing to explore Bahrain.
5. Explore Bab Al Bahrain Souq
Bab Al Bahrain is a historical gate built by the British in the mid-20th century, and it marks the entrance to a bustling souq behind it that you can explore.
There are several cafes and restaurants here that you can try. There's a lovely falafel stand that sells one for only 2 USD, or you can try some local cuisine at one of the many traditional restaurants here. If you are on the full-day guided tour, you will be stopping here for lunch before you continue exploring Bahrain.
There are also lines and lines of shops selling all kinds of things, from souvenirs to carpets and perfumes, and more. So, if you are looking to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones at home, be sure to check the Souq out. The souq is open from 8 AM to 10 PM every day, and it is free to enter.
6. Visit the Old A'ali Pottery Workshop
After spending the first half of the day exploring Manama, it is time to venture out of the city and explore the desert of Bahrain, starting with a little stop at the A'ali Pottery Workshop, a historical pottery workshop where you can see how pottery is made and buy some as souvenirs.
Inside, you will be able to see people working step by step through the process, from molding to the various stages it goes through until it becomes a finished product sold in shops.
The unique colors of clay used are what make Bahraini pottery special, so make sure to take a look around the shop here and buy some as souvenirs.
7. Be Amazed by Aali and Sar Burial Mounds
If you just came from the National Museum, you are probably curious about all the mounds in Bahrain. Well, you can see it all in the open at Aali and Sar Burial Mounds, a massive burial ground with hundreds of these mounds scattered across the desert.
The mounds were dug by the Dilmun civilization to bury their loved ones when they passed away, and as the national museum demonstrated, they often buried all kinds of treasure together with the remains.
Unfortunately, you can't go inside the area, but you can appreciate the mounds from this roadside here. Seriously, you will be surprised at how many of these mounds are discovered here. It's surreal even just to see them from the outside.
8. Visit Bahrain International Circuit
One of the main attractions outside of Bahrain's capital city, Manama, is the Bahrain International Circuit, a massive Formula 1 stadium where you can visit, walk around the stadium, and take home some souvenirs.
Many Formula 1 races often take place here every year. In fact, there was a big race happening only a few days after my visit, which is a shame because I would love to attend an F1 race once in my life.
You can enter parts of the circuit and the souvenir shop for free, or you can pay around 14 - 16 BHD for a 15-minute session of go-kart races right on the actual track. For more information on go-kart racing, check out the official page.
If you can align your visit with one of the big F1 races happening here, be sure to do so and let me know how exhilarating the experience is. You can check out the event schedule here.
9. See Camels Up close at Camel Farm Zallaq
If you have never seen camels up close before, you can also check out Camel Farm Zallaq, a camel farm owned by the royal family, where you can roam freely and interact with these majestic animals up close.
Some of the camels are in the open, where you can interact freely. There are also many baby camels you can see and interact with in fenced areas.
Thanks to the royal family, you can visit the camel farm free of charge. The farm is open during the day from approximately 9 AM to 5 PM every day. You can drive here or go on the full-day organized tour I recommend, and they will drop by here for about 30 minutes.
10. Watch the Sunset at Tree of Life
Last but not least, when you are in Bahrain, you have to see the Tree of Life, a remarkable 400-year-old tree that defies logic and somehow thrives alone in the middle of the desert where no other trees can grow.
Standing at around 9.75 meters (32 feet) tall, the Tree of Life is a striking landmark in the barren landscape of the Sakir Desert. Its ability to survive in such an inhospitable environment has led to the creation of many legends and myths surrounding it, with many locals attributing its survival to spiritual forces.
The place is a popular sunset spot for the locals, and you will often find many campgrounds surrounding the area in the winter months as people often come out here to chill during the weekends. If you want a more peaceful experience, avoid visiting this place on the weekends (Fridays and Saturdays).
You can drive here with a regular rented sedan car. No need to rent a 4WD to get here. You can also go with the full-day organized tour that I recommend, and they will take you here for sunset at the end of the trip.
How to Get Around Bahrain?
The best way to get around Bahrain is to either rent a car and drive yourself or go on this organized tour that will take you to all the places I mentioned in this travel guide, all in one day.
Public transportation in Manama is not great and is nonexistent when you go out of the city, so it is best to rent your own car or go on a tour to explore Bahrain.
How to Get from Bahrain Airport to the City Center and vice versa?
You can take the A1 or A2 bus to get from the airport to the city center. The bus will take you to Manama Bus Terminal, and then you can use Uber to go further. The bus costs around 0.3 BHD per trip, and you can pay directly to the bus driver if you have the exact change.
Catching an Uber directly from the airport costs a minimum of 6 BHD. Therefore, if you are staying near the city center, it might be more economical to take the bus from the airport and then call an Uber from another location. Catching an Uber from the city center back to the airport should cost around 4 BHD.
What to Pack for Bahrain?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Bahrain:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Bahrain in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for the Gulf Countries
I have plenty of articles to help you further with your trip planning for the Gulf Countries. Here are a selection of articles that you might find useful:
- Have spare time in Doha during your transit? Better check out what the city has to offer with our guide: 10 Best Things to Do in Doha, Qatar.
- Have a few days to spare and wondering what you can do in Dubai? Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Dubai.
- Looking for a complete backpacking itinerary to Dubai and the UAE? Here is a 7 Days Backpacking Dubai Itinerary.
- Looking for day trips to make from Dubai? Here are the 6 Best Day Trips to Make from Dubai.
- Planning to visit the Expo 2020 Dubai event soon? Here are the 15 Most Beautiful Pavilions to Visit at Expo 2020 Dubai you shouldn't miss.
- Looking to explore more? How about dropping by the United Arab Emirates Travel Guide, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar?
- Looking for more travel guides for the Middle East? You can find more on my Middle East Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
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