Wondering what to do during your trip to the tiny Gulf State of Bahrain? Then read on for all you need to know! Including Bahrain safety, how to get around, where to stay, a 2-day itinerary, and more!
Although Bahrain may be small and is often overshadowed by neighbors like Dubai (UAE) and Qatar, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a lot to offer tourists.
With over 6,000 years of documented history (yes, really!) – including being ruled by various empires like the Persians, the Portuguese, and the Ottomans – there is an abundance of historical and cultural sites to explore.
Having accumulated significant wealth from its rich oil reserves, the country also offers a unique blend of modernity and traditional heritage.
And not to mention…Bahrain is also known as the “liberal” party capital of the Gulf States thanks to its easy and unrestricted access to alcohol. (In fact, it’s a popular vacation spot for Saudis who live just across the border, as alcohol is strictly forbidden back home for them!)
But if you have an upcoming trip planned and are wondering what to do in Bahrain, then this article should help.
But before we get to the Bahrain itinerary…
Table of Contents
- 1 What and where is Bahrain?
- 2 How does Bahrain compare to other Gulf States in the area like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.?
- 3 What language do they speak in Bahrain?
- 4 Where to stay in Bahrain?
- 5 What’s the best way to get around in Bahrain?
- 6 What’s it like to rent a car in Bahrain? (And how to rent a car in Bahrain)
- 7 How long to visit Bahrain?
- 8 Is Bahrain safe?
- 9 How to spend 2 days in Bahrain (Bahrain 2-day itinerary by car)
What and where is Bahrain?
Bahrain is a small island country located in the Persian Gulf in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The country is connected to Saudi Arabia via the 25-kilometer King Fahd Causeway.
Given its small size and 1.5 million residents, Bahrain is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
How does Bahrain compare to other Gulf States in the area like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.?
Bahrain is often known for its “liberalness” when compared to neighboring countries.
While the Bahraini society remains fairly conservative and religious, individual Bahrainis also tend to be more tolerant.
Homosexuality, while not necessarily “celebrated,” is legal (which you’re not going to find anywhere else in the region). Dress codes are more relaxed (even as a woman, you can wear normal swimsuits on many beaches). And there is a significant party and nightlife scene in the capital city of Manama.
What language do they speak in Bahrain?
Like the rest of the Gulf States, the official language of Bahrain is Arabic. However, due to the high population of expats and foreign workers (almost all of whom speak English!), it’s quite easy to get by with English.
Where to stay in Bahrain?
Bahrain is small enough that I would recommend staying in the capital city, Manama, and making day trips anywhere else you want to go.
The itinerary below will be easiest to follow if you’re spending the night in Manama.
What’s the best way to get around in Bahrain?
Given how small Bahrain is (you can get around most of the country in just a few hours), I strongly recommend you consider renting a car.
Though Bahrain is a wealthy country, prices are quite reasonable for rental cars (I paid about $30 USD to rent a car for the day). Plus, having your own car will definitely be the best way to follow my itinerary below.
What’s it like to rent a car in Bahrain? (And how to rent a car in Bahrain)
Overall, it’s very easy and cheap to rent a car in Bahrain.
You can take a look at my article here for the best places to book your rental car in Bahrain.
It’s worth mentioning that there are a few crazy drivers in Bahrain. However, compared to other neighboring countries (Saudi Arabia was the worst!), it’s significantly easier to drive here 🙂
In general, parking is easy to come by (except for near the souk/downtown during rush hour).
How long to visit Bahrain?
Honestly, the country is small enough that I felt like I was able to see everything I wanted to in my 2-day Bahrain itinerary below.
The only reason I’d recommend staying longer than a few days is if you’re interested in spending more time at the beach or enjoying the nightlife!
Is Bahrain safe?
Yes! Overall, Bahrain is considered to be a safe destination for travelers.
The country has a reputation for being politically stable and has low crime rates compared to many other countries.
However, petty crime and pickpocketing do sometimes occur (particularly when going out at night)…so just make sure to take your usual precautions.
And to keep yourself protected no matter what happens, make sure you don’t forget travel insurance for Bahrain!
How to spend 2 days in Bahrain (Bahrain 2-day itinerary by car)
Although you could technically cram all of these stops into one day, I recommend spreading this itinerary out over one and a half to two days.
This way, you can spend one day focusing on the attractions in and near Manama, Bahrain’s capital. And then you can spend the other day visiting attractions in the rest of the country.
Note that this itinerary is also written with the assumption that you’ve rented a car (see the section above about this).
You could technically try to take public buses to many of the stops below. But this will consume a lot of your time, which you don’t want if you only have two days in the country. And you likely still won’t be able to get everywhere listed here.
All that said, let’s get to the itinerary!
BAHRAIN ITINERARY DAY #1: AROUND THE ISLAND
Stop #1: Manama
Given that Manama is the capital city, home of the airport, and near the King Fahd Causeway if you’re crossing overland from Saudi Arabia, your trip to Bahrain will likely begin here.
However, you aren’t yet going to stop and visit any attractions in Manama (we’ll save those for later today and tomorrow). So for now, grab your rental car and start driving south!
Stop #2: The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is a natural wonder located in the desert in southern Bahrain.
Despite the harsh, arid environment and the fact that there appears to be no surrounding water source that the tree could use to survive, it’s estimated to be 400+ years old.
As you might expect, this means this tree is now at the heart of many local legends and myths…as well takes the claim as one of Bahrain’s iconic landmarks!
Stop #3: Al Jazair Public Beach
Al Jazair is Bahrain’s best and most popular beach for locals and visitors alike.
The beach has many facilities including BBQ picnic areas, playgrounds, food stalls, beach bars, paddleboards for rent, and lifeguards. Whether you’re a beach person or not, it’s worth stopping by here to soak up the local environment!
You do have to pay an entrance fee (roughly $5 USD). However, this fee includes a voucher that you can use to get a drink or a snack.
Stop #4: Malkiya Beach
After driving 40 minutes to the north, you’ll find Malkiya Beach, Al Jazair’s calmer cousin.
Though this beach is free to access, you won’t find much in the way of facilities. I still think it’s worth a quick stop, however.
Stop #5: Bahrain Fort & Museum
As you continue making your way north back to Manama, it’ll be time for a stop at Bahrain Fort – also known as Qal’at al-Bahrain – on the outskirts of the city.
Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the fort is a modern-day UNESCO World Heritage site and is thought to have served as the capital of the ancient Dilmun Empire.
When you visit the fort, you can explore the archaeological site, walk through the remains of the fortifications, and get beautiful views of the city and the sea.
While entrance to the fort itself is free, there is a small fee (about $5 USD) to visit the Bahrain Fort Museum.
Stop #6: Back home (AKA your hotel in Manama) and/or The Manama Souq
After you visit the fort, you’ll have a short drive back (just 10-15 minutes) to Manama for the night.
If you still have energy, consider visiting the Manama Souk in Manama’s historic district. The Souk really comes alive in the evening (around 6 or 7 PM)…so this will be a good time to visit!
Alternatively, if you don’t have time to make it to the souk tonight, it’ll be the first thing on your agenda tomorrow.
BAHRAIN ITINERARY DAY #2: MANAMA ATTRACTIONS
Stop #1: Bab Al Bahrain and the Manama Souq
Your second day in Bahrain will start at Bab Al Bahrain, the city’s main gate, an important landmark, and the entrance to the vibrant Manama Souk.
If you didn’t get the chance to visit the souk on day #1, then make sure you take some time to wander through it on day #2!
Stop #2: City Centre Bahrain
I always love going to shopping malls when I’m in a new country. Not for the shopping…but for the people watching and taste of local life!
Because of this, I recommend you add a stroll through Bahrain’s largest mall, City Centre Bahrain, to your itinerary.
Stop #3: Avenues Mall & Bahrain Bay/Harbour Area
On the opposite end of the spectrum from the popular City Centre shopping center is Avenues Mall, which was full of the fanciest shops I’ve *ever* seen in my life.
Remember what I said at the beginning of the article about Bahrain being wealthy? Well, I guess this is where that wealth gets spent.
However, not only was this the fanciest mall I’ve ever seen in my life, it was also the emptiest!
It was a weirdly fascinating experience (and very eerie to be the only one there, especially knowing there was no way I would, or could, buy anything :-).
While you’re in the area, take a quick drive through the coastal loop road that Avenues is located on to see the harbor, the Bahrain World Trade Center (which has massive wind turbines between its two towers!), and all the fancy hotels.
Stop #4: Bahrain National Museum
After gawking at all the shiny, modern buildings and wealth, head back in time with a visit to the Bahrain National Museum.
This excellent museum will give you an impressive overview of Bahrain’s 6,000+ years of documented human history. (Plus, the building that houses the museum is quite beautiful as well!)
Stop #5: Hanan Kanoo Mosque
Next, make your way to the striking Hanan Ali Kanoo Mosque, which sits on the shore of the Persian Gulf on the Al Ghouse corniche…and features some great skyline views!
As far as I can tell, non-Muslim tourists aren’t allowed inside the mosque. However, the mosque (as well as the region) is beautiful enough from the outside that it’s still worth stopping by!
Stop #6: Al Fateh Grand Mosque
Your next stop will be the majestic Al Fateh Grand Mosque.
Not only is this the largest mosque in Bahrain, but it’s also one of the largest mosques in the entire world with a capacity for 7,000+ worshippers!
The mosque is named after Ahmed Al Fateh, the founder of Bahrain, and is open to non-Muslim visitors.
If you’re interested in visiting, just make sure you are dressed appropriately for a religious site.
Stop #7: Arad Fort (and the airport)
Your final stop will be Arad Fort. The fort, which is one of Bahrain’s most important historical sites and best examples of Islamic military architecture, dates back to the 15th century.
Following a significant restoration by the Bahraini government in the 1980s, the fort has become a prominent cultural site that includes both a museum and a landscaped garden for visitors to enjoy.
The fort is also conveniently located near the airport (making it a great final stop if you’re on your way to the airport for your departing flight!).
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And that’s it!
As you can see above, you can do quite a bit with just two days in Bahrain – from exploring ancient forts to getting lost in bustling souks to admiring skyline views.
If you have any more questions about traveling to Bahrain, let me know in the comments area below and I’ll get back to you!