15 Best Places to Visit in Bahrain with Your Family
Bahrain is a country full of contrasts. Its historically significant traditions go hand in hand with its modern culture.
It is a desert country, rich in an impressive past, topped with an oriental atmosphere and colorful trendy districts that are not available anywhere else. This is precisely why you should plan a vacation in Bahrain and put the country on your bucket list.
To enter Bahrain, you will need an e-Visa. The required documents vary depending on the purpose of the trip.
Visitors need a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months at the departure from Bahrain. The temporary passport and children’s passports are permitted, but the identity card is not.
e-Visa to Bahrain
All travelers coming from the eligible countries may make an online application for the Bahrain e-Visa. Simply choose one of the three types of the electronic visa to Bahrain available, fill an online application form, and pay the visa fees.
The cost of Bahrain e-Visa differs depending on which visa type should you choose. There is a:
- Single-entry visa that allows a 14-day stay in Bahrain
- Multiple-entry visa for a 30-day stay
- Multiple-entry visa for a stay of 90 days
Select the type that suits your needs best and receive your visa at your e-mail address in a PDF form!
15 Best places to visit in Bahrain
This guide will help you discover which places in Bahrain are worth visiting. Let’s begin!
Top 15 Places to Visit in Bahrain
#1 Al Fateh Grand Mosque
The Al-Fateh Mosque is also known as the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. It is located in the Northeast Bahrain, in the capital Manama.
You can find more than 7,000 prayers in the huge, imposing building, making it the largest mosque in the whole country. In 1987, it was named after Bahrain’s founder Ahmed Al Fateh and housed the National Jewish Library.
The building materials from all over the world were integrated into the mosque during construction, making it a real artwork. From seamlessly shining Italian marble to impressive doors from India to high-quality Irish carpets, impressions from all over the world can be found in this one building.
Even the gigantic chandelier that forms the center of the large prayer hall is decorated with France lamps. If you want to get a more detailed picture of the beautiful mosque and its religion, you can get a free reading and a guided tour, for which robes and veils are provided. So don’t miss this Bahrain sight!
Learn my 5 secrets to enjoyable vacations
#2 Tree of Life
Now, we come to a sight in Bahrain that was not created by human hands – the Tree of Life. This gnarled mesquite tree is estimated to have bloomed in the middle of the desert for 400 years.
Shadjarat al-Haya, as the tree of life is called in Arabic, seems to get along without water. It is a phenomenon that has given rise to numerous legends about the tree.
During your visit, you can get to the bottom of the myths surrounding the tree of life and then find out its history in the visitor center.
Bahrain is a desert country, small country. However, you can also go on a desert safari here.
#3 Bahrain International Circuit
In any case, you have to visit the International Circuit on your Bahrain vacation, as this is one of the most famous motor racing circuits.
Michael Schumacher in 2004, winner of the first race of the Formula 1 in Bahrain has been there.
#4 Qal’at al Bahrain
The fort of Bahrain, called Qal’at al Bahrain, is located on the North parts of the island on a ruins hill. Hidden in the historic site is a story that goes back as far as 2,300 years before Christ.
Archaeological excavations began over 50 years ago, revealing the fort’s impressive history with seven different ancient civilizations. Even today, new, exciting finds are continually being discovered.
#5 Bab el-Bahrain Souk
The Bab Al Bahrain building in Manama’s center hides its real highlight behind the pompous entrance: the souk, also known as the souq.
It is typical for oriental-Arabic souks that numerous stands are lined up in many small alleys, and the main trade and other economic activities take place.
#6 Bahrain National Museum
Do you want to get to know the traditions of Bahrain in addition to history? Then we recommend visiting the Bahrain National Museum.
It is one of the largest and oldest museums in the country. On 27,800 m², you can discover archaeological finds that go back to almost 6,000 years of history.
No wonder that the museum is one of the most popular Bahrain attractions because there is hardly a better way to get to know this fascinating country’s history.
#7 Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park
Sightseeing can be exhausting. That’s why you will be particularly pleased with our next item on the list: Cooling off in the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park, the largest water reserve in Bahrain.
Here you can really let off steam, test your way through the rapid slides, or slide down the ring slides while the kids play in the climbing paradise or build castles in the sand.
If that’s too strenuous after all the sightseeing, you can relax beside the pool, enjoy an ice-cold drink in the hot sun, and snack from the Arabian Grill.
Going to such a sunny country, you should pack accordingly. Check the essentials packing list for hot countries like Bahrain.
#8 Pearl path
Bahrain is where the world’s most beautiful pearls come from. Even in the ancient times, people adorned themselves with these impressive shimmering spheres, which are still of great value today.
The cultured pearl trade is prohibited in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Only natural pearls can be purchased here.
#9 Beit Al Quran
We have not yet reached the end of the most beautiful Bahrain sights. This is because, the Beit Al Quran, an absolute hotspot is waiting for you.
It is located in Hoora, Manama, the Islamic Arts Building. It includes the Islamic Museum as the most popular place and, of course, the most important of its kind.
It houses an extensive and precious historical collection of the Koranic and other essential manuscripts from various periods. The oldest copy of Koran from the year 955 translated into Latin is also safely kept in the museum.
#10 Dive Bahrain
Are you one of those passionate divers and would like to know the underwater world of Bahrain? Then this Bahrain attraction is perfect for you!
The 100,000 m² underwater theme park Dive Bahrain is the largest globally and offers you spots that make every diver’s heart beat faster. A special highlight is the 70-meter-long Boeing 747, which was sunk here as an artificial reef and can be explored during dives.
#11 Arad Fort
The Portuguese built this fort. Initially, it was on its own island, but it has now grown into the Al-Muharraq Island.
From the battlements of the fort, you have a gigantic view of the surroundings and Manama.
Located very close to the airport, this fort is now used as an amphitheater for music events. Even Eric Clapton has performed here before.
From 1984 to 1987, the fort was completely restored using original materials such as sandstone and palm trunks.
#12 Al-Muharraq
If you are already on this island, there are other sights besides the fort. Al-Muharraq used to be the capital of Bahrain and the center of the pearl industry.
Before oil, pearls were the primary source of income for Bahrain. Today, there are still many traditional craft businesses here that you can visit.
In the historic souk, you can immerse yourself in a world from 1001 nights. Let yourself be enchanted by the smells of the spices that can be bought here.
Right next to the souk, you will see a few historic houses that have survived modern times’ construction boom. The flair of the Orient can still be felt here. The third-largest city in the country also has a few restaurants that serve traditional Arabic dishes.
#13 Reef Island – an artificial tropical landscape
An island has been created North of Manama that combines living, leisure, and tourism. Houses, hotels, and beaches were built on an artificial reef.
There is also a large marina with a promenade that invites you to shop and stroll. Modern architecture, combined with Arabic elements, characterize this luxurious tropical paradise.
Here you will discover green parks that are rarely found in this country. There are also some very high-quality restaurants waiting for you along the promenade, so nothing stands in the way of a cozy evening in extraordinary surroundings.
#14 Dilmun Waterpark – The Lost Paradise
This water park’s theme is the submerged culture of the Dilmun, the first advanced civilization to exist here. Near the International Circuit, you will find this water paradise for the whole family.
After you have spread your towels on the beach, you can start exploring. The little ones can have fun in a unique baby pool.
The older children can explore the fort or the pirate ship. And the big ones? Some of them need a little courage to plunge down the breakneck slides into the depths of water. Then, relax in the spa pool between the palm trees.
So many attractions will make you hungry at some point. The physical well-being is also well taken care of. The selection ranges from burgers and pizza to typical Arabic and Chinese foods.
# 15 The Hawar Islands
The Hawar Islands are located on the border with Qatar. They are especially popular amongst divers and snorkelers.
Animal entertainment awaits you on the beach. Turtles and lizards live here, and pink flamingos stalk through the water, and cormorants fly over your heads. You can relax wonderfully on the snow-white beach.
Final words
Enjoy a trip to Bahrain for 14, 30, or even 90 days with an electronic visa to Bahrain! Plan your journey, visit the best places to see in Bahrain or create your own list of must-see places.Bahrain offers various attractions to its visitors and will make for once-in-a-lifetime memories!
If you’re visiting Bahrain, you should also visit Dubai
