Top Must-Do Activities for an Unforgettable Trip to Bahrain

You’re probably wondering: “How much time should I spend in Bahrain, and what is there to do?” The answer really depends on your travel style.

If you’re the type who loves to see and do as much as possible, three days is plenty to experience Bahrain’s highlights. However, if you prefer to slow down, relax, and truly take it all in, I recommend spending six to seven days to enjoy the country at your own leisurely pace.

Bahrain Travel Guide Overview

• Ideal Trip Length: 3–7 days

• Best Time to Visit: November–March (cooler months)

• Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD)

• Getting Around: Uber or taxi

• Top Attractions: Bahrain National Museum, Al Fateh Mosque, Pearling Path, Qal’at al-Bahrain, Tree of Life

Know Before You Go

• Language: Arabic (official), but English is widely spoken.

• Dress Code: Modest clothing is required in public areas and mosques.

• Weather: Hot most of the year, best from November to March.

• Currency Exchange: ATMs are widely available.

• Visa: Apply directly upon arrival at the airport.

Best Hotels in Bahrain

We stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa in the Diplomat area of Manama — and it was perfect for our stay.

The hotel offered complimentary snacks and water in the lobby, relaxing spa treatments, and multiple dining options. There are also on-site specialty shops including a bakery, art gallery, and tea shop.

Family-Friendly Perks

The Rad Family program at Radisson is such a thoughtful touch. At check-in, each child receives a welcome pack with stickers, postcards, coloring sheets, and a voucher for a complimentary drink.

Room service also includes a Rad Kids Menu with healthy options — not just chicken nuggets and fries. Our little one loved the salmon, fruit, and veggies!

Transportation

Bahrain is easiest to explore using Uber or taxis instead of renting a car. We used both throughout our stay, and it was quick and affordable.

Day One: Cultural Exploration

Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum is a must-visit and can easily take half a day — or more.

Inside, you’ll find rotating art exhibits, a cozy café, and fascinating displays of Bahrain’s Dilmun Civilization, traditional homes, burial mounds, and ancient souks.

It’s the perfect first stop to introduce you to Bahrain’s history, heritage, and culture.

Entry Fees:

• Children under 6: Free

• Adults: 1.0 BHD (~$2.65 / €2.40)

• Students (with valid ID): 0.5 BHD (~$1.33 / €1.20)

Pearling Path (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The Pearling Path is one of Bahrain’s most historic landmarks, showcasing the country’s long-standing connection to the pearling industry.

You can access it by boat from the National Museum or by car. If taking the boat, confirm return times in advance so you don’t miss the last one back!

This is a must-see for anyone interested in Bahrain’s cultural and economic past.

Avenue Mall – Shopping & Dining

Though still expanding, Avenue Mall has plenty to offer — from well-known chains like Raising Cane’s and Pizza Hut to sit-down restaurants such as Lumee, serving authentic Bahraini and Mediterranean cuisine.

We also stopped by Crème, a London bakery known for its soft, chewy cookies — and instantly wished we had bought more!

After some shopping for toddler essentials, we headed back to our hotel to relax and prepare for our next adventure.

Day Two: Guided Tour of Bahrain

We spent about six hours on a guided tour with both a local and an expat — a perfect combination of perspectives. The tour included hotel pickup, snacks, and drinks, and it was infant-friendly (we brought a few extras just in case).

Tree of Life

This tree is recorded to be over 400 years old and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Bahrain with approximately over 55,000 tourist annually. Why? Well, the tree is a symbol of wonder and resilience because the tree has not received any source of water for centuries or been watered. It is in fact seen as a natural wonder because it has survived the harsh, arid desert, remains green year round and lastly, lived past its time as acacia trees typically live for only 70-80 years.

First Oil Well (Well No. 1)

Marking the first discovery of oil in the Arabian Gulf (1931–32), this site is historically significant. Though the museum was closed, our guide provided great context about Bahrain’s oil history.

Camel Farm

We walked among dozens of camels and saw a newborn just one day old — and another that had recently given birth to twins. It was such a heartwarming experience!

Bahrain International Circuit

Home of the Formula One Grand Prix, this site was exciting even without a race happening. We saw the track, bleachers, and gift shop — and immediately added “watch a Formula One race” to our travel bucket list.

Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort)

Also called the Portuguese Fort, this UNESCO site was once the capital of the Dilmun Civilization. It’s free to enter and explore, and offers insight into ancient Bahraini life.

Manama Souq

We wandered the Manama Souq before enjoying lunch at Haji’s Traditional Café, where we devoured authentic Bahraini dishes. The food was delicious — next time, we’ll make sure to linger longer!

Al Fateh Mosque

Our last stop was the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, part of an Islamic center that includes a Qur’anic studies department and a large library. For women, proper attire is provided upon entry.

This was the perfect way to end our day — cultural, educational, and memorable.

Afterward, we returned to our hotel and ordered dinner using a local food delivery app (widely used by locals and tourists alike).

Day Three: Marassi Galleria Mall

On our final day, we were feeling a bit under the weather, so we decided to take it easy — enjoying the hotel spa and amenities before heading to Marassi Galleria Mall.

Now, you might be thinking: “Who goes to Bahrain just to visit a mall?”But if you’ve experienced a Middle Eastern mall, you’ll understand why!

Opened in February 2024, Marassi Galleria sits on a man-made island and is one of Bahrain’s best destinations for families. We spent nearly 12 hours exploring and still didn’t see it all!

Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

This massive aquarium is one of the largest in the region, offering interactive educational experiences. We did the behind-the-scenes tour, which included café drinks and discounted gifts — highly recommend!

Across from the aquarium is Reel Cinema, featuring an IMAX experience that looked amazing (we’ll save that for next time!).

We had both lunch and dinner at the mall — from quick bites to elegant dining, there’s something for everyone.

Alternative Options

If you have more time, you can also:

• Take a day trip to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway

• Visit more historical and cultural landmarks around Bahrain

• Spend a day relaxing at Bahrain’s beaches and resorts

Final Thoughts

Bahrain may be small, but it’s full of history, charm, and warmth. Whether you’re there for a quick 3-day getaway or a week-long escape, you’ll find a beautiful mix of culture, modernity, and family-friendly experiences.

It’s a destination that you would be surprised to visit, but the memories made in Bahrain will stay with you long after you have visited.