Things to Do in Bahrain

Bahrain, a small island nation in the GCC, is brimming with cultural treasures and modern marvels. It’s perfect for a memorable 2-3 day getaway. Bahrain is an incredibly safe country, there are currently no travel restrictions or travel advisory for US travelers. It’s easy to get around if you speak Arabic or English as most hotels, shop owners, and restaurant workers speak English. Although a phrase or two in Arabic goes a long way to connect with the locals. So let’s delve into the logistics of arriving and all the things to do in Bahrain that await you in this enchanting destination.

Visa and Arrival in Bahrain

Bahrain offers a visa upon arrival at the airport which is available to certain countries including the USA. Check their website here for more detailed information. A visa costs 25 BD (approximately $66) and is valid for two weeks, which is more than enough time to explore the island. After getting off the airplane, walk up to the customs officer and pay right there. It’s super easy. While eVisas are available online, it comes with an additional fee that for us just did not justify the convenience. 

Getting out of the airport is relatively easy. As with most countries recently, ride hailing apps can’t pick you up at the airport. Instead the local taxi service is the only option. Although it’s slightly more pricey, this is a great way to meet a local Bahraini who can share some tips with you on your drive into the city and your hotel. 

There is one additional way to enter Bahrain which is via the connecting bridge from Saudi Arabia. Make sure you have your visa paperwork ready to go if you are going to be driving over. 

Where to Stay in Bahrain

The main city of Manama is Bahrain’s capital city. This is a bustling downtown area. With accommodations ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious penthouse suites, there’s something to suit every traveler’s preferences. We recommend staying here as a lot of the action is in this area. You’ll be right next to the Manama Souq and Avenues Shopping Mall. 

Manama Souq

The Manama Souq is sprawling with so much to explore. They have block after block of stalls to wander through and get lost. Here you can buy anything from Persian rugs to spices to handmade goods. This is a great place to get souvenirs. Pro tip: The shops are open from 9-1pm and then 4-10pm so make sure to get there early or wait until the late afternoon/evening. 

There is a Shree Krishna Temple hidden in the streets of the souq! The people at the temple are so warm and welcoming. I highly recommend you stop by and get an English speaking tour of the grounds. After you take your shoes off, they will guide you around the temple sharing their history and excitement around their religion. We asked a lot of questions and our guide was so happy to answer. They allowed us to participate in their religious ceremony as well. I highly recommend making a stop here to learn about other cultures and religions and how they can co-exist peacefully. 

Off the Beaten Path Things to Do in Bahrain

Since Bahrain comprises a small archipelago made up of 50 natural islands and an additional 33 artificial islands, we rented a car for one day (for only 10 BD!) and drove around the whole thing in just a few hours. It was a great way to explore and I’d highly recommend it. Some of the things mentioned here are not worth taking a taxi to but if you do rent a car, they are easy to drive to. 

• Tree of Life – Begin your adventure at the iconic Tree of Life, a centuries-old marvel nestled in the heart of the desert. This huge tree is in the middle of the desert and it has mysteriously been growing for over 400 years. It’s such an odd experience because you drive out through oil fields and campsites scattered in the desert and arrive at just this tree. Park along the barriers. It literally takes just 2-3 minutes to walk around the whole area as that’s the only thing there. Plan ahead as there are no bathrooms, facilities or water/gas stops out this way. 
• The Caves – steeped in mystery and graffiti-laden charm, these rough rooms with a single door in the rocks are rumored to be prisoner jail cells on the side of the cliff. Now they house the perfect spot for a night time graffitied hang out for young people. If you’re in the area of the Tree of Life, it’s worth the quick drive over for a stop.

• Bilaj Al Jazayer Beach – while on the south side of the island, don’t miss the beautiful beaches with an awesome sunset opportunity! This beach does cost a few BD to visit but it’s worth it for the day. 
• Al Dana Amphitheatre –  is a great place to catch international concerts and shows. They are bringing in big names so check to see if any of your favorite artists are performing while you are there.
• Bahrain International Circuit – home to adrenaline-pumping Formula 1 Grand Prix. Race enthusiasts can test their skills here by renting a race car to drive the track. 
• Al Liwan Outdoor Mall – as you head north on highway 90, discover the oasis of tranquility at this beautiful outdoor mall. We’ve seen a lot of malls in our travels but this one took our breath away with the amount of greenery and beauty built into the store fronts. It’s a great place to grab some food or an afternoon coffee. They have tons of outdoor seating so you can enjoy the literal gardens all around you!
• Bahrain Fort – as you head back to the north side of the island, the Bahrain Fort is not to be missed. It’s an incredibly well preserved fort that has lots of information to read about the country and its history. We learned so much and enjoyed walking through the hallways to see deep rooms where they produced date syrup years ago. On top of that, it’s free! Definitely worth a stop if you want to learn the history of the island. 
• Nomad Urban Eatery – Our favorite restaurant is just a few blocks away from the Fort. With its stunning interiors of dark green and brass, and its incredible selection of gluten free (and non gluten free) brunch, I would recommend a stop here for coffee, deserts, lunch or dinner!
• The Avenues Mall – is worth a stop as it’s gorgeous. Lined with tons of shops and restaurants, the interior is fun to stroll through and beat the heat. The outside has incredible views of the bay and the water is stunning with the hotels on the other sides. It’s honestly breathtaking. We liked to stroll all the way through on the inside and again all the way back on the outside to get the full perspective. 
• Moda Mall – if upscale shopping is your thing, this mall has it all: luxury and designer stores from every country. This mall is also below the most iconic building in the Bahrain skyline, The Bahrain World Trade Center. 
• Bahrain National Museum – this museum is full of artifacts, culture and history.  There are 6 sections including the Graves where you can learn about how the ancients buried their dead, Documents and Manuscripts that highlights important Arabic contributions through writing, Tylos and Islam which explores the history of the island including when Alexander the Great’s people arrived. Don’t miss the exterior of the museum as it is lined with a sculpture garden full of beautiful art.  

1. Al Fateh Grand Mosque – take a free tour of the inside of this beautiful mosque. Make sure to look up the dress requirements here as they are pretty strict but it’s a great way to learn about the culture and religion of the land.  
2. Diyar Al-Muharraq island/neighborhood – finally drive over to the Diyar Al-Muharraq island. There are a few really interesting spots to stop at. The newly created Souq Al Baraha is another outdoor mall fashioned after the old style markets. You can browse clothing, art, and food. Make sure to try the local treats like halva and Arabic coffee. Just a few blocks away you’ll find Dragon City. All the stalls sell goods from Asia. You can get anything from cheap lighting, to crazy fun clothing, to toys and so much more. Take a walk through the stalls and see if anything catches your fancy!
3. Conclude your day with a journey through Block 338, Bahrain’s culinary hotspot, offering a diverse array of global cuisines and vibrant nightlife options. Savor authentic Mexican, American BBQ, British high tea, and local delicacies, accompanied by live music and entertainment, making it the perfect ending to your Bahraini adventure.

Overall, we really enjoyed Bahrain. The people are friendly, down to earth, and very helpful. While it is a small island, it’s fun to drive around and see all the spots. We’d recommend just a few days here so you can enjoy all the things to do in Bahrain. Enjoy and can’t wait to hear about your experience in Bahrain!