Bahrain – A Complete Travel Guide to the Pearl of Gulf

 

Do you know Bahrain was one of the first countries in GCC that allowed expats & tourists to enter the country? Yes, Bahrain is one of the modern Arab countries that has kept tradition close to its heart. The country is filled with attractions to cater to people of myriad interests from history lovers to food troopers to adventure enthusiasts.

Visit this multilayered and multicultural destination and experience Arab culture like never before.

Top Experiences in Bahrain

 

A tour of the Manama Souq

Address: Bab Al Bahrain Ave

Opening Hours – 9am-1pm & 4-9pm Sat-Thu, 4-9pm on Friday

Pearl diving tours in Muharraq Island

Address: Ras Rayyah Port

The timings vary for every season.

The charges usually vary per person from BD30 to BD35 & for groups from BD190 to BD195.

Savor the original Bahraini cuisine at Haji’s Cafe 1950

The specialty of this place is that its menu & recipe has not changed in the last 70 years. Taste history here.

Address: Government Ave

Opening Hours – 5.30am-8.30pm every day

Price – the Main course starts from BD1.5

Watch a race at Formula 1 Racetrack

The Al Sakhir Tower of the Formula 1 Racetrack is a must visit. If there are no events or races scheduled, you can still take a tour of the stadium and get into a stand to have a feel of what it must look like when the races happen.

Address:  Gate 255, Gulf of Bahrain Ave, Umm Jidar 1062

Working Hours – 8am-5.30pm, tours 10am & 2pm Sun, Tue & Thu

Price for tours- BD6

Learn Bahrain’s history

Learn more about the glorious history of the island country at Bahrain National Museum. The museum has signages in both English & Arabic.

Address: Al Fatih Hwy

Working Hours – 8am-8pm

Entry fee – BD0.5

Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve

Start early to avoid missing out on the bus tours that are less crowded in the morning. The bus tours leave every hour & have both English & Arabic commentary.

Address: off Gulf of Bahrain Rd

Open Hours – 8am-4.30pm for Sat-Thu, 2-4pm on Friday

Entry Fee – BD1

Visit the Bahrain Fort & Museum

The Portuguese built this UNESCO World Heritage site in the 16th century. The fort has stood the test of time and stands as a testament to the era gone by

Address: Rd 3863, Block 438, Qalat Al Bahrain Ave, Al Qalah

Visiting Hours – 8am-8pm from Tue-Sun

Entry Fee – BD1 for GCC citizen & BD2 for foreign residents.

Must Visit the Beit Al Quran

Take a look at the most exquisite collection of ancient Qurans in the region.

Address: Bldg 17, Rd 1901

Visiting Hours: 8.30am-1.30pm & 4-6pm Sat-Wed, 8.30am-1.30pm Thu

Take a Mosque Tour

Bahrain has stunning mosques. Take a tour of the below mosques

• Al Fatih Mosque
• Beit Al Quran Mosque
• Al Khamis Mosque
• Sheikh Hussain Mosque
• Yateem Mosque
• Adliya Mosque
• Abu Bakr Al Sadiq Mosque

Don’t miss a trip to Riffa Fort

This is a classic piece example of Bahraini fortification. Visit in the afternoon or evening hours and get engulfed in the serene atmosphere as the sun sets in and the evening prayer goes up.

Address: Sheikh Hamood Bin Sebah Ave

Opening Hours – 8am to 8 pm every day

Entry fee – BD 2

Tree of Life

The mystique of this standalone green, desert dweller, is something that should be experienced when you are in Bahrain. The tree was planted in 1583 and remains healthy, spreading its coolness to the hundreds of visitors that drop by.

Address: Musakar Hwy

No entry fee & no visiting time scheduled

Best Hotels to Stay in Bahrain

With a range of hotels from 5-star to apartment stays, Bahrain has accommodation options for all kind of travelers, from luxury to backpackers.

Few of the best hotels to stay in Bahrain are:

• Happy Days Hotel
• Panorama Hotel
• Hotel Diva
• Taj Plaza
• Ramee Baisan Hotel, & many More

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Best Places to Eat in Bahrain

• Haji’s Cafe 1950
• Spicy Village
• Masso
• Rasoi by Vineet
• Banana Leaf
• Fish House

How to reach Bahrain?

By flights – Bahrain International Airport located in Muharraq, an island which is just minutes’ drive away from the capital city of Manama. The airport is well connected to all major airports across the world.

By bus – The Saudi-Bahraini Transport Company (SABTCO) runs eight buses daily from Riyadh.

 

Moving around in Bahrain

Bahrain Public Transport Company (BPTC) buses can take you in around the country. They are inexpensive, air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi too.

There are over 28 bus routes. You can check the complete bus schedule here:

Bahrain Bus Schedule

Bahrain Visa Requirements

GCC national’s don’t need a visa to visit other GCC countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Oman.

Best Time to Visit Bahrain

The weather is pleasant from October to early April, and this is the best time to visit this stunning island nation.

Events & Festivals in Bahrain

Major events in Bahrain are:

Annual Bahrain Heritage Festival – 24th April to 3rd May every year

Bahrain Food Festival – It happened from 28th February to 16th March 2019. Click here to know more about this culinary extravaganza.

Bahrain Grand Prix – 2019 race is over. 2020 dates are yet to be declared.

For the Grand Prix, Bahraini authorities issue a special F1 visa which allows for multiple entries in a defined two-week period around the event. The visa is available to Grand Prix ticket holders and is free of charge.