Bahrain Tourist Top Attractions:

Bahrain National Museum:

A rich collection of Bahrain’s ancient archaeological artifacts is on display at the Bahrain National Museum. The museum covers 6,000 years of Bahrain’s history. The complex includes four halls: one devoted to archaeology and the ancient civilisation of Dilmun, while two halls depict the culture and lifestyle of Bahrain’s recent pre-industrial past, and the fourth is devoted to natural history, focusing on the natural environment of Bahrain featuring specimens of Bahrain’s flora and fauna.

Oil Museum and the First Oil Well:

As the name suggests, this is the first oil production well in the Arabian Gulf and is located in Bahrain. The museum showcases the history of the oil industry in Bahrain for over a century. The Oil Museum houses some fascinating exhibits, including drilling equipment, documents, old photographs and a working model of an oil rig.

Bab Al Bahrain:

means ‘Gate of Bahrain’ and is located in Manama’s central business district. Built by the British in the 1940s, it housed the government offices.

Manama Souq:

is a bustling market place with numerous traditional as well as modern shops. The souq market place is located in the heart of the city, near Bab Al Bahrain. All kinds of spices, fabrics, kaftans, handicrafts, souvenirs, dry fruits, nuts, and just about everything one can imagine are on view and available for purchase.

Gold Souq:

The Gold Souq is well worth a visit, and all the gold on display is of the highest purity and hallmarked as 18 carat and 21 carat. The Bahraini pearls available for sale are the only natural pearls in the world today and every one unique.

Bahrain International Circuit:

In a unique desert venue, the Bahrain International Circuit is undoubtedly the most technologically advanced and architecturally stunning race track in the world. It is not only an exciting racing circuit, but it also offers unparalleled opportunities and attractions. The Driving Days is fast becoming one of the most popular activities that the BIC has to offer. This intensive program gives a taste of the wide variety of on-track and off-track activities that can be experienced at the award-winning circuit making it a one-of-a-kind experience. The website to visit is www.bahraingp.com.bh

Bahrain Fort:

is an archaeological site composed of an artificial mound created by human habitation ranging in age from 2,300 BCE up to the 17th century CE. Archaeological evidence indicates that the site once served the capital of the Dilmun civilization, and most recently as a Portuguese fort. Due to its archaeological importance it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

Dilmun Burial Mounds:

The Dilmun Burial Mounds is a necropolis dating back to the Dilmun era. A Danish group excavating what they considered a city of the Bronze Age came across artifacts dating back to around 4,100 – 3,700 BCE within the tumuli.

Barbar Temple:

is an important archaeological site located in the village of Barbar. The most recent of the three Barbar temples was discovered by a Danish archaeological team in 1954. A further two temples were discovered on the site with the oldest dating back to 3,000 BCE.

Arad Fort:

is a 15th century fort in Arad built in a typical Arab style. Close to the Bahrain International Airport, the fort has been extensively renovated and presents a magnificent sight when it is illuminated at night. Little is known of the history of the fort and there is no firm evidence of the precise date of construction; however, comprehensive excavations are in process in order to discover its past.

Khamis Mosque:

is believed to be the first mosque in Bahrain, built during the era of the Umayyad caliph Omer II(Omar bin Abaulaziz). It is considered to be one of the oldest relics of Islam in the region with the foundation of the mosque believed to have been laid as early as 692 AD.

Al-Fatih Mosque:

(also known as Al-Fatih Islamic Centre/Grand Mosque) is Bahrain’s largest mosque. Besides being a place of Islamic worship where people of all faiths are welcome to visit, it is one of the major tourist attractions.

King Fahd Causeway:

is a multiple causeway and bridges combination connecting Khobar, Saudi Arabia with the island nation of Bahrain. The 25 kilometer causeway officially opened to traffic on November 25, 1986.

The Tree of Life:

is a 400-year old mesquite tree in Bahrain considered a natural wonder. This lone tree rises from the desert and nurtured by a source of water the origin of which remains a mystery as no aquifers are known to exist at the tree’s location.

A’ali Pottery Workshop:

You can watch the potters at work at the A’ali Pottery Workshop where traditional methods using ancient kilns in a tradition that has been handed down generation after generation.

Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre:

Located in the village of Al Jasra, you experience the practice of local crafts where the centre is divided into small rooms, each containing craftsmen engaged in the traditional arts of pottery, cloth and basket weaving. Souvenirs are also available for purchase

The Craft Centre:

The craft centre is run entirely by Bahraini women and has some of the most exquisite creations you will find, ranging from jewellery, iron, wood and paper products to embroidered and crocheted goods as well as highly artistic Arabic calligraphy.

Al-Jasra House:

The house was built by Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa in 1907, and was the birthplace of the late Amir in July 1933. When the family moved to Riffa later in the 1930s the building fell into disrepair, but was restored in 1986 and is now open to the public.

Nature lovers may visit the Al Areen wildlife sanctuary where they will see flamingos, ostriches, camels and the renowned Oryx; or take a trip to the centre of the Island and gaze in wonder at the Tree of Life which has survived for hundreds of years in the middle of the desert. If your interest is sports, then take a Friday trip to race course at Sakhir. And whilst you’re there, why not pop across to the Bahrain International Circuit for some motor sports fun, or enjoy the nearby water sports at the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park, the largest and most advanced water park in the Middle East.

Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park:

Whether it is a relaxing river or thrilling high-speed descent, the Lost Paradise of Dilmun has something for you. Bahrain’s first fully themed water park is a perfect blend of top-class water attractions and facilities, stunning architecture and an ambience that makes your day one you won’t forget. Over 14 slides and attractions are blended seamlessly to create a desert oasis and garden of paradise for guests to enjoy: spa pools, interactive children’s wet play area and family raft ride to name a few. The park also features the Gulf region’s largest wave pool, the first in the region with a natural sandy beach. The website to visit is www.lpodwaterpark.com

Dolphin Watching:

Take a boat trip from the Bahrain Yacht Club and watch the dolphins and manatees playing in the warm Gulf waters. See local fisherman head out in traditional wooden dhows to catch the prized hammour, a member of the Grouper family. Pearl Diving Bahrain is famous for its pearls, and you can try your hand at pearl diving and maybe take home one of these natural gems of the sea.