Bahrain Visitor’s Guide

OK, so let’s face it, Manama’s not New York. But if you want to cover it in a couple of days you’ll need a sightseeing strategy Discuss this article

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What to see

Historic Bahrain
Bahrain has a history that goes back 5,000 years, and if you are looking to get a sense of the island’s importance in terms of trade and culture, then you don’t need to look that far. The Bahrain National Museum is the best repository for all of the country’s visual history. Although not all that spectacular, Bahrain’s ancient burial mounds are a testament to the fact that Bahrain was once one of the world’s biggest graveyards. It was thought that Bahrain was once the centre of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, and the Saar Digs, Barbar Temple and Duraz Temple are the remnants of Bahrain Island’s ancient past. Al Khamis Mosque is thought to date back to 692 and is one of the oldest mosques in the world, while Bahrain Fort and Arad Fort are remnants of Portuguese and Omani invaders, respectively. Those looking for Bahrain’s more recent history should head to Muharraq, to Siyadi House, once the home of a wealthy Bahraini pearl merchant, and Sheikh Bin Isa Al House, which served as the main royal residence. Indeed, the Muharraq Heritage Zone is one of Bahrain’s best preserved ancient neighbourhoods and is a great place to wander, its alleyways the perfect place in which to hide from the heat.

Water world
Bahrain might be an island but, although the sea has historically been integral to the Bahraini way of life, bad planning, a huge amount of reclamation work and a craggy coastline have all conspired to make any visit to Bahrain habitually land-based. Which is a shame, because one of the best things about Bahrain is the fact that it is surrounded by a frequently stunning waterscape. There are one or two beaches worth checking out, and a huge array of water sports and water parks that can take you out into the Arabian Gulf. The Coral Beach Club (17 312 700) has practically the only easy access beach around, though there are stretches of sand at the Novotel Al Dana (17 298 008) and the Ritz-Carlton (17 580 000), the latter of which is almost impossible to get into if you are not staying and don’t have an elusive membership.

Those looking for water sports should try out the Bahrain Yacht Club (17 700 677) for sailing, the Ritz-Carlton (17 580 000) for fairly pricey island hopping trips, Scuba Master (39 692 266) for pearl diving, and Skate Shack (17 697 176) for kite surfing. Those looking for a couple of days on the coast should head to the bird-filled Hawar Islands, and check out the Tulip Inn Hawar Beach (17 532 272). Although Bahrain might not sound like the best place in the Gulf for beach parties, Al Dar Islands’ periodic Full Moon Parties (17 704 600) are the best in the region. If you want to splash around on land, check out Wahooo Water Park (17 584 444) which, on the roof of City Centre Mall, is the country’s newest, and the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park (17 845 100) was one of Bahrain’s first water parks and is an oasis amid the heat of the sun.

Art
For such a small island, the art scene here is nothing if not impressive. With a wealth of local talent, and a selection of art galleries that are among the most active organisations on the island, you could spend at least a day traversing what’s on offer. Bin Matar House (17 322 549) is part of the Muharraq Heritage Zone and is a recently refurbished heritage building near the airport. Showcasing a number of internationally renowned artists as well as local talent, the gallery has a permanent exhibition on the pearl heritage of the country. Al Riwaq Art Space (17 717 441) is a not-for-profit crusader for local artists and hums with the buzz of creativity. Located in Block 338 in Adliya’s restaurant district, this is a great place to grab lunch after a gallery visit. Albareh Art Gallery (17 717 707) is one of the country’s leading exhibition spaces, and showcases a variety of leading regional artists. La Fontaine (17 230 123) has to be seen to be believed. A former residence in the heart of Manama, this is a spa, restaurant and gallery combined and is an oasis of calm in the chaos of the city centre. Elham (www.elhambahrain.net) is the country’s leading arts group and holds monthly art meets with exhibitions, poetry readings and slide shows giving a space and time to fledgling artists and writers. The Elham Festival in May is one of the leading creative festivals in the country.

Health kicks
One thing that Bahrain does best is spas. From cheap and cheerful foot massage clinics on Exhibition Road to the occasional back alley Thai massage joint in Juffair, you can be rubbed, cracked, pummeled and prodded to your heart’s desire. For indulgent treatments try Ritz-Carlton (17 586 808), for hydrotherapy head to the second biggest spa in the world at the Banyan Tree Al Areen (17 845 000), those looking for women’s only health and beauty, head to Dessange (17 713 999), and for complimentary medicine, head to Bahrain Wellness Resort (17 795 961). If meditation is your thing, then book into a session at the Bahrain Meditation Centre (17 712 545), while people looking for more unusual energy work and Reiki ought to call Lisa Kennedy (36 813 408). If you are in need of a health tonic you can find one on every street corner in the Manama Souq in the form of juice bars. Just make sure you ask for no sugar. For the Western style wheat grass shots and power smoothies, head to Watermelon (17 581 785) in Al A’ali Mall. The best gym in Bahrain is Fitness First (13 322 200).

Ask an expert

Ali al Saeed, writer
‘I think a visit to Isa Town would be interesting. It’s a fascinating place, and I say that having lived all my life in that area. Souq Almaqasees (weekend flea market) is where people from all corners of the island converge to buy and sell random things. You can find literally anything you might be looking for - scraps, clothes, pets, food, old magazines, books, broken equipment (I once found a very rare lens for my father’s 30-year-old camera!) - it’s gritty and real. Unlike any other market place in Bahrain. It’s a unique experience.’