For
most visitors it’s the sea, the beach and the shopping that are
Bahrain’s main attractions. Though
overall Bahrain’s man-made ‘sights’ (and
sites) are modest in number, a half or full-day tour will produce some
interesting surprises from the past. Allow a little time, too, for the Al-Areen
Wildlife Sanctuary.
WHAT
TO SEE
Manama
National Museum
The
Manama National Museum is the second largest museum of its kind in the
Middle East. Here you can trace the history of
Bahrain from the Stone
Age.
Manama
Heritage Centre
The
Manama Heritage Centre is now dedicated to the display of traditional aspects of
Bahrain's heritage. A key attraction
is the building of the Museum of
Pearl Diving, presenting the history of
Bahrain and its
people.
Beit
Al-Quran (Koran House)
Beit
Al-Quaran (Koran House) was built to accommodate a priceless collection of the
Holy Koran and manuscripts, showing Islamic calligraphy dating from the
7th century.
Al-Fateh
Islamic Centre
Al-Fateh
Islamic Centre is Manama’s largest grand
mosque.
Manama
Souk
Though
modern in setting, the capital’s souk
is a colourful and lively affair and very much a city ‘must
see’.
Bahrain
Fort
Built
in the early 16th century to defend Portugal's acquisition of the islands, this is
one of the first landmarks you see on arrival in Bahrain
and is illuminated at night.
Siyadi
House
An
impressive 19th century structure, built for the pearl-merchant Ahmed
Bin Qassem Siyadi - boasting ornate ceilings, stained-glass windows and carved
screens.
Suq
Al-Khamis Mosque
Not
far from Manama and partially restored, this is
Bahrain’s oldest mosque, with
foundations possibly dating back to 692 AD.
Shaikh
Isa's House
In
the old town of Muharraq, and the home of a former Amir of
Bahrain, this is a fine example of local architecture, complete with wind tower,
wall carving and lattice work.
Oil
Museum
Near
Bahrain’s landmark ‘Oil Well
No.1’, the museum commemorates the 60th anniversary of the discovery of oil in
Bahrain and houses many fascinating
exhibits.
Tree
of Life
All
alone in the desert just over a mile from the Jebel Dukhan, this flourishing
mystic tree provides welcome shade from the heat of the day, although its source
of water remains a mystery.
Salman
bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort
Overlooking
the valley between the east and west Riffa, this restored 18th century fort
features a display of illuminated Qur'an and other religious documents, and also
has a reconstruction of a typical souk of the 1930s.
WHAT
TO DO
Sports
Bahrain’s
kind climate year-round allows for a wide range of sea and land-based
activities. Its clear waters, fringed by long sandy beaches, are ideal for
snorkelling, game-fishing (grouper and barracuda), windsurfing, scuba-diving,
waterskiing, parasailing and yachting can all be found here. Diving can be
especially rewarding and exciting, with both reef and wreck-diving around the
island. Dolphin-watching boat trips provide a less strenuous option. For those
more at home on dry land horse riding is available from several stables – and
for golfers the immaculately green Riffa Golf Club offers an international
18-hole, par 72, grass course. See
At a Glance section for more
information on scuba-diving and golf.
Racing
(Horse, Camel and Motor)
Spectator
sports are also big in Bahrain, with horse and camel-racing
leading the way during the October-March season (although betting is
prohibited!). The country also regularly hosts a round of the Formula One World
Championship.
Excursions
Visit
the Al-Areen Wildlife Sanctuary not far from the Banyan Tree Desert Spa &
Resort. Primarily a conservation area for many of Arabia's indigenous species, including the Arabian Oryx
and the Reem Gazelle, Al-Areen also attracts at least 15 species of resident
birds and over 80 migratory species.
Shopping
No
stay in Bahrain would be
complete without a trip to Manama’s souk, where cloth of many colours and
textures, gold, jewellery as well as the traditional array of spices and local
produce are all on display.
Shopping malls? Yes, there are several here, with both international and
regional outlets represented, as well as some familiar UK names. You’ll
find many imported luxury goods, with pearls the main local product. Famous red
clay pottery is available from the village of A'ali – and there are weavers at Bani
Jamra village and basket-makers at Jasra village.
Entertainment
Thanks
to its large ‘expat’ community, Bahrain
can claim a surprising abundance of clubs and pubs – many located in hotels, in
close proximity and delivering everything you could possibly want, from top DJs
and live music to karaoke and pub quizzes.