The Best Travel Guide to Bahrain (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Bahrain

Bahrain

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Overview

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Bahrain The guide was updated: 2024-07-17

It is easy to overlook this small island nation, having, as it does, such powerful and flashy neighbours as Qatar and the Emirates, but to ignore Bahrain would be a huge mistake. It is an emerging power in the region, with all the luxury and worldliness of a cosmopolitan destination and all the charm and personality of a small island. Add to this the growing arts scene and burgeoning international cuisine in the country, and you have the newest prime travel destination in the region, and the most socially liberal one, to boot.

Facts

Population:	Bahrain: 1.4 million (2023) Manama: 147,000 (2023)
Currency:	Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency (Police, Fire and Ambulance): 999
Newspapers:	Bahrain This Week: www.bahrainthisweek.com Gulf Weekly: www.gulfweekly.com Voice of Bahrain: vob.org/en
Opening hours:	Most businesses open from 8/9am to 6/8pm. Bars and cafes stay open late, usually until 2/3am. Many establishments close on Friday and Saturday or work only half the day.

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Section in Bahrain

Bahrain's long and rich history has left its mark wherever one looks on the island. The Bahrain Fort speaks to its colonial past, the Dilmun Burial Grounds give us a glimpse of prehistoric times, while the Oil Museum is a testament to recent development. The stunning National Museum, the world-class National Theatre and the International F1 circuit are all proof of the state-of-the-art facilities of the country.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Bahrain's grand mosque, named after the founder of the country, is a sight to behold. It's one of the largest mosques in the world, accommodating 7,000 worshipers and containing a library with many ancient volumes. Its precious materials were brought from all over the world and processed by local craftspeople: visitors have been endlessly fascinated by the huge domes and the beautiful calligraphy ornamenting the walls. Guided tours are available in both English and Arabic.

Bahrain Fort

Bahrain Fort

Just outside of Manama lies the imposing, centuries-old Qal'at al-Bahrain, originally built by the Portuguese in order to defend their outposts in the Gulf. The site has been in use for almost 5,000 years, and the archaeological digs around the fort showcase the rich history of the area, including the ruins of two earlier forts.

Tree of Life

Tree of Life

An old belief says that Bahrain was the location of the Garden of Eden: this majestic tree is considered to be all that is left of it. At over 400 years old, this solitary mesquite tree has survived in the desert for centuries and is believed to be the site where ancient cults practised worshipping rituals.

Bahrain National Museum

Bahrain National Museum

Housed in an impressive building that seems to float effortlessly on calm waters, Bahrain's National Museum is the country's most visited attraction. It provides a thorough and fascinating tour through the archaeological, artistic, and cultural history of the country, with its numerous exhibits, including traditional handicrafts, manuscripts, and burial mounds.

Beit Sheikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa (House)

Beit Sheikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa (House)

This majestic building of Beit Sheikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa was once the seat of power for the ruling Sheikh, and it is one of the finest and best-preserved traditional Gulf buildings found anywhere. A marvel of architecture, the rooms are kept quite cool in the summer heat through an inventive system of draft towers. Though unfurnished, the meticulous decoration in the different rooms deserves hours of examination.

Bahrain National Theatre

Bahrain National Theatre

Emerging from the placid waters just like the nearby National Museum, the National Theatre is one of the biggest theatres in the Arab world. It hosts performances by some of the foremost artists in the world, ranging from classical music and ballet to contemporary shows. The impressive architectural achievement owns much to local tradition with the wooden interiors and the 1,001 seats inspired by the world-famous Arabic tales.

Bahrain International Circuit

Bahrain International Circuit

A must-see for motorsports enthusiasts, the Bahrain Formula 1 racetrack is a modern structure located just at the heart of the Shakir desert. Besides the Bahrain Grand Prix, it hosts many events and offers tours as well as a variety of driving experiences.

Dilmun Burial Mounds

Dilmun Burial Mounds

This burial site complex is believed to be the largest prehistoric cemetery in the world, encompassing thousands of burial mounds spread throughout the island's northern area. Dating as far back as the Dilmun era, some of the tombs are incredibly well preserved, particularly those around the village of A'Ali.

Dar al-Naft Oil Museum

Dar al-Naft Oil Museum

Bahrain owes much of its wealth to the oil reserves present on the island, and the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum, housed in an impressive white building at the site where oil was first discovered, provides insights into the oil industry in Bahrain through exhibits and photographs. The country's first, rather primitive oil well, dating from 1932, can also be admired.

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