10 of the best things to do in Bahrain

1. Snorkel for pearls

Step into the shoes – or flippers – of generations of Bahrainis. Once the centre of the global pearling industry, Bahrain’s natural pearls have been sought after for more than 2,000 years and are known as some of the most luminous in the region.

Guided tours departing from the Bu Maher Fort allow visitors to slip beneath the shallow, warm waters of the Gulf, and explore expansive oyster beds. If you get lucky, you may find a pearl of your own.

On land, explore the legacy of the pearling industry by following the UNESCO World Heritage Pearling Path. Besides the oyster beds themselves, there’s the ruins of a coastal fortress that protected the pearlers against pirates, the homes of boat captains and the elaborate Muharraq city mansions of merchants who made their fortunes from the pearling industry.

2. Go behind the scenes at the Bahrain International Circuit

The Bahrain International Circuit is home to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and with its location in the Sakhir desert, it’s one of the most unique racetracks in the world.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the racecourse. Twice daily tours stop at the control tower, track and media centre. Take to the track yourself as a driver or passenger in a Renault Clio Cup sports car and either a Radical SR1 or SR3 race car. Thrill seekers can reach up to 274kph as a passenger in the drag racing Dragster Experience. Or head to a Burnout Night to see the smoke rise from the tyres or cars spinning at high speed.

3. Maroon yourself on Jarada Island

Spend half a day swimming in clear waters, snorkelling or relaxing on a pristine beach. Only appearing at low tide, Jarada Island is a spit of golden sand that emerges twice a day and is approximately 40 minutes by boat from Amwaj Island.

Typical excursions spend four hours on the island itself, and some operators offer group or private sailings, with the option for drinks or even a BBQ package on the island.

Remember to take all your essentials, from suncream to towels. Aside from sand and crystal-clear waters, rather wonderfully there’s nothing else here.

4. Explore Al Fateh Grand Mosque

A distinctive part of capital Manama’s skyline, the Al Fateh Grand Mosque may look like it has stood for centuries but was only opened in 1988.

In fact, in many ways the mosque – one of the largest in the world at 6,500 square metres, and able to hold up to 7,000 worshippers – is an international affair. Beneath its towering fiberglass dome, there’s marble walls and flooring from Italy, teak doors from India and a colossal central chandelier from Austria, with French glass lamps.

Open for visitors from 9am to 4pm Saturday to Thursday, remember to cover legs and avoid revealing clothing. Female visitors are also required to wear a special visiting cloak (Abayah) provided at the Mosque’s reception desk.

5. Seek treasures in Manama souq

Whether you’re seeking gold, spices or textiles, the souq is the place to go. One of Bahrain’s oldest markets, Manama’s souq is located just south of Bab Al Bahrain (the city’s historic business district), and dates back to the early 1800s. It’s worth a visit for the atmosphere alone.

Step out of the sun and wander its warren of narrow lanes and alleyways, pausing at traditional cafes to watch the haggling in action.

6. Immerse yourself in history at the National Museum

Covering more than 6,000 years of history, the Bahrain National Museum, located on a peninsula overlooking the island of Muharraq, has one of the most significant collections in the Gulf region.

Exhibits focus on the nation’s pre-oil heritage from before 1931, exploring its traditional crafts and traditions from the Dilmun civilization, Tylos and Islamic eras. What might stick most in the memory for many visitors is its recreation of a marketplace, with barbers, bakers, blacksmiths and all.

Open from 9am to 8pm every day except Tuesday, a stop here at the beginning of your trip is a useful way to understand the geography and culture of Bahrain, including the vast number of ancient Dilmun burial mounds scattered across the north and west. More than 80,000 graves from between 2250 and 1700 BCE remain.

7. Catch sunset at Qal’at al-Bahrain Fort

Though just a ten-minute drive from the sleek skyscrapers of Manama, the Qal’at al-Bahrain Fort feels centuries apart. In many ways, it is.

Though altered over successive centuries, the imposing stone walls, towers and streets of the fort date back as far as 2300 BC when the site was the ancient harbour and capital of the Dilmun civilisation, one of the oldest known civilisations in the region. Only a quarter of the site has currently been uncovered, with most still buried under the sands of the north coast.

Stop by the visitor centre and museum, open from 8am to 8pm daily. And for memorable holiday snaps, visit just before sunset to catch it in the glowing light of dusk.

8. Take a leap of faith with some indoor skydiving

Feel the wind in your hair, and the full G force upon your limbs as you take a 12-metre freefall. No parachute, or indeed plane, needed.

If you want to give skydiving a go, but leaping from a plane is just a step too far, then Gravity Indoor Skydiving is your chance. Located 35 minutes outside of Manama, spend 90 minutes prepping for your flight, with the guidance of instructors, then experience the feeling of freefall in the wind tunnel itself. The experience is open to children over four making it a fun family activity.

9. Shop until you drop

With other nearby destinations known for their designer shopping, you can’t expect Bahrain to be left behind. For traditional goods and good vibes, head to the souq. But to shop – or window shop – designer and mid-range fare, The Avenues is your spot.

Located in Manama on the south side of the bay, it’s the largest waterfront shopping and leisure destination in the country. Stores such as Balmain and Calvin Klein sit alongside the likes of Levis and Victoria’s Secret. Relax in a restaurant along the bay when you’re done.

If you have some cash to splash, the Marassi Galleria is a hub of designer brands and high-end dining spots. It’s a particular hotspot for fashion, watches and jewellery – think Gucci, Cartier, Dior and more alongside luxury local brands.

10. Fill up on a food tour

One of the best ways to get to know a country is by sampling its food. PinkAlien Food Tours will take you on a food tour of Manama souq, giving you a history lesson as you go.

Find out how and why Bahrain’s sea faring history means its cuisine fuses influences from across the world as you sample drinks, local favourites, traditional sweets and local grills. You’ll sample up to 12 items, so arrive hungry.

Frequently asked questions about Bahrain

What type of traveller is Bahrain suitable for?

Travellers seeking great value for money. Safe and liberal compared to other countries in the region, Bahrain is suitable for everyone from families to female solo travellers.

How should I dress in Bahrain?

Western clothing is common across malls, restaurants and resorts.

Can I drink alcohol in Bahrain?

Aside from Ramadan, alcohol is freely available across restaurants, hotels and bars.

How do I get to Bahrain from the UK?

With regular direct flights from London and Manchester, Bahrain is easy to reach in under six hours, with British Airways and Gulf Air flying there daily.

For more information on Bahrain visit https://www.bahrain.com/