A small kingdom of 36 islands between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Bahrain is much less well known than its neighbors Dubai and Abu Dhabi, even if it is nowadays famous for its Formula 1 Grand Prix. Land of the mysterious Dilmun civilization, guardian of the Garden of Eden, Bahrain still enjoys a certain authenticity and charm. From north to south, let's discover it! Petit Futé has teamed up with the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority to offer you its ten must-sees in the kingdom.
N° 10 - Admire the Manama skyline during a windsurfing initiation
Capital of the kingdom, Manama surprises with its skyline of ultramodern skyscrapers that elegantly contrast with the thousand-year-old history of the archipelago. Its graceful towers are reflected in a clear sea where windsurfers enjoy themselves... For beginners, initiation courses allow you to discover the pleasures of the sea while admiring these symbolic buildings of Bahrain. Not to be missed!
No. 9 - Share a family experience at Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve
The Kingdom of Bahrain was one of the first countries in the Gulf to realize the rapid decline of some of the region's wildlife. To contribute to the preservation of species, the Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve houses 45 mammals and more than 82 species of birds from the Arabian Peninsula. A beautiful project that will seduce young and old!
No. 8 - Buying dates and spices in Manama's souk
When you move away from the modern center of the capital, Manama, you discover a picturesque universe: the small alleys of the souks that you can access through the majestic Bab Al Bahrain gate. Here, nothing has lost its authenticity and the animation is there! Spices, fabrics, jewelry and especially dried fruits fill the stalls in a joyful and colorful chaos. For the amateurs, the gold souk is also worth a visit!
N° 7 - Enjoy a trip to the Hawar Islands
South of the main island of Bahrain, the Hawar archipelago gathers 36 splendid lands. Classified on the Ramsar list of important wetlands, they are home to a very rich fauna and flora. It is the ideal place to admire many species of birds! Excursions are possible from Manama, only 45 minutes away by boat. Meals and nautical activities such as jetski or aquatic banana are on the program, strong sensations guaranteed!
N° 6 - Pretend you're Lewis Hamilton for a test drive on the Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain is famous for its Formula 1 Grand Prix, in the heart of its desert. Outside of the competitions, this circuit opens its doors to afficionados, professionals or amateurs, for tests. A great place to try this fascinating speed sport, especially since you will walk (or drive) in the footsteps of the greatest, from Schumacher to Alonso to Hamilton. Mythical!
No. 5 - Finding the rare pearl, during a scuba dive
The pearl culture was the wealth and pride of the kingdom: even today, real treasures are displayed in the National Museum of Bahrain. The fresh and salt water currents in the gulf - Bahrain literally means "two seas" - give an exceptional luster to the kingdom's underwater pearls. Be careful, if you are lucky enough to find one or if you are acquiring one, ask for a certificate!
No. 4 - Rest in one of the many hotels in the archipelago
Bahrain has a wide range of hotels to suit all types of visitors. The most popular ones all offer luxury services, worthy of the greatest palaces of the Gulf. For a relaxing stay: the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa offers its guests a real thalassotherapy center, all on the edge of a natural beach. To enjoy the landscape, prefer the Four Seasons Manama, located on its island, with a breathtaking view of the city skyline, or the Ritz-Carlton to enjoy the seaside.
No. 3 - Stroll through the galleries and cafes of Block 338
Located in the heart of Adliya, Block 338 is a modern and dynamic neighborhood full of various stores and international restaurants, with local cuisine being less common. Aesthetes will also appreciate its artistic side and its numerous galleries that host young Bahraini artists or already recognized international talents. This is definitely the place to be in Bahrain!
No. 2 - "Cultural Immersion" in the former capital, Muharraq
Capital until 1923, Muharraq is the second city of the archipelago and is located on the island of the same name. Connected to the current capital, Manama, by a bridge, Muharraq is a timeless stopover. Authentic, it shelters houses, stalls and traditional grocery stores. You can also admire the construction of dhows, Arab commercial ships, in the fishing port. Since 2012, the traditional district of Muharraq is the only place in the Arabian Peninsula recognized for the pearl culture and the starting point of the route of the pearl activities of Bahrain, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. Cultural immersion guaranteed!
N°1- Admire the Qal'at Al Bahrain fort, symbol of 3,000 years of history
Ancient capital of the Dilmun civilization, the fort of Qal'at Al Bahrain is a superb historical testimony dating back to the Bronze Age. Inhabited as early as 2300 B.C., the site held great importance until the 17th century. The fort is incredibly well preserved and immersed in an oasis of greenery. Classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, it is now possible to visit it in complete tranquillity, and audio guides in French are even available!
