Are you planning to visit the Kingdom of Bahrain in the near future? Do you want to learn about the history and culture of the island? Are you ready for an unforgettable gastronomic experience that you will remember for years? I’ll enjoy having this!
I visited the beautiful country of Bahrain last December, and I can’t seem to forget those memories. We were lucky to have Eman Hassan Ali from WFTGA (World Federation of Tourist and Guide Associations) as our tour guide to ensure we didn’t miss out on any quintessential Bahrain experiences. She took me to the best cafes, historic buildings, and the most magical islands, allowing me to immerse myself in Bahrain’s rich culture. I couldn’t be more grateful to her and Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA).
Here is a list of 6 places to visit in Bahrain.
manama souk
Souk means market or bazaar in Arabic. The Manama Souk is a picturesque (and Instagrammable) arcade adorned with stone alleyways. It all starts with the famous Bab al-Bahrain Gate. The buildings on Customs Square are painted white and steeped in history. Considered the region’s first public space, Bab al-Bahrain was opened in 1949 and designed by British chief advisor Charles He Belgrave.
Back at Manama Souk, you’ll find everything Bahrain is famous for. On the other side of the alley, you’ll find shops selling intricately designed carpets, local perfumes, and antique products. Take the first right turn and you’ll be greeted by spice shops and shop owners to sample dates, local chocolate, halawa and other traditional desserts.
Bahrain National Museum
It is a well-known fact that even modern culture has its roots in history. Therefore, your sightseeing trip should definitely start at the Bahrain National Museum. It was opened by Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa of the Emirate of Bahrain in December 1988 and is considered Manama’s most popular tourist attraction. It also boasts of covering 5,000 years of the country’s history. With three halls dedicated to archeology and two halls dedicated to pre-industrial Bahraini culture, it offers a rich glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of Bahrainis.
What particularly fascinated me were the halls of Dilmun Cemetery and its unique burial mounds. Dilmun refers to an ancient East Semitic-speaking civilization. In this hall you can also learn more about the Dilmnite stamp seals, the artefacts of the Balbar and Saar temples, and the Dilmnite pottery.
Bahrain National Museum also has a beautiful souvenir shop where you can purchase artifacts as gifts for your loved ones. All you need is a ticket to enter the museum and we guarantee that your next hour will enlighten your mind and fill you with awe.
Harada Island
For me, this was the best part of the trip. Interestingly, Harada Island is a disappearing island, remaining above water only at low tide. The turquoise water is crystal clear and the beaches are pristine. The best ways to spend time on the island are swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sunbathing, and barbecuing. Just take a private speed boat from Manama to reach Harada Island in 30-40 minutes.
Riding a boat across the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf is truly enjoyable and even cathartic. If you’re interested, the boatman will anchor his boat in the middle of the ocean and take you oyster hunting. The water here is shallow and you can clearly see the coral reef.
If you spend even one day in Bahrain, you should definitely visit Harada Island.
Al Fateh Grand Mosque
Al-Fateh Grand Mosque in Juffair is one of the largest mosques in the world, reportedly able to accommodate more than 7,000 people at a time. One of the most attractive features of this mosque is the huge dome atop it, made entirely of fiberglass. The marble floors are from Italy, the chandeliers are from Austria, and the doors are made from teak wood from India.
We were the last group to visit the mosque for the day as it closes to tourists at 4pm. To experience true local fashion, the women in our group donned abayas and took a tour of the mosque, whose walls were decorated with kufir. calligraphy. The huge mosque is intricately designed and its majestic beauty is something to behold. Tours are offered in many languages including English, French and German.
bahrain fort
Bahrain Fort, also known as the Portuguese Fortress, has a rich history. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, making it Bahrain’s first cultural heritage site. For history and archeology buffs, this fort is a great place to visit as it also boasts of Dilmnite ruins in the form of mounds. We visited the site at sunset and also had the opportunity to go horseback riding. Needless to say, we traveled back in time as we explored the ruins of an ancient civilization. Next to the fort is His GB Café His Bahrain Fort Ruins Museum, which not only serves the best hot He coffee and chocolates, but also offers stunning views of the fort adjacent to the sea.
Haji Cafe
If you want to taste authentic Bahraini local cuisine, Haji Café is the place to go. Founded in 1950, it is located in Manama’s old souk. It is currently run by his third generation of the Haji family. Must-trys include sweet noodles with eggs, signature cheese omelets, keema and dhal mixes, and traditional breakfast spreads including liver and shakshoka. These main dishes are accompanied by kubus (a type of flatbread made in a special type of traditional oven). Finish this platter with a glass of saffron milk.
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Their bread is the freshest and their kebabs are the most flavorful. Haji Café is extremely cost-effective and offers a true Bahraini gastronomic experience. Interestingly, the owner is almost always around and is more than happy to strike up a good conversation while you eat most of the delicious food.
First published: January 25, 2024, 10:56 IST
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