Bahrain

The Land of immortality

Bahrain was known in history of the ancient Dilmun civilization, the land of immortality while now it is known as a multi-cultural nation that anyone who visits can witness the variety of religions and races, that shaped the capital of Manama through centuries. Presently, Manama has become a spot where many stories to say about diversity and tolerance. All those factors made Bahrain different in comparison to its neighbors.

If you get the chance to fly to the Gulf region from Dubai, then you must visit Bahrain for the weekend where you can enjoy historical agrological sites like Bahrain Fort " Qal'at Al Bahrain" or known by locals "Qal'at Al Portughal" in Karbabad. The site is protected and registered by the UNESCO as a "World Heritage Site" since 2005.

Another fun experience you can enjoy, also registered by the UNESCO since 2012, is the pearling path that you can experience in the old quarter of Muharraq. You can also visit many traditional local Bahraini houses, including culture centers like Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Centre.

Naseej Factory

Located in Northwest of Bahrain, you can visit the 3000-year-old traditional weaving factory in Bani Jamrah. The Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities has recently constructed "Naseej Factory" on the site of the current remaining traditional weaving workshops in this authentic village.Naseej Factory, located at the heart of the village, takes the shape of “barasti”( palm tree branches) theme, that is harmonious with the traditional and popular characteristics of this historical handicraft.

Saar Settlement

Furthermore, visiting Bahrain would be incomplete without seeing the "Ancient Dilmun Saar Settlement”, where you can discover the very first early settlement that was inhabited more than 4000 years ago. The Dilmunian merchants that had lived in these settlements travelled from the Mesopotamian regions to the Indus River. These merchants were considered to be the titans of trade and culture before the rise of the empires of the Persians or the Ottomans. Dilmun civilization was created on the back of trading in pearls, copper, and dates.

Largest Ancient Cemetery

One feature of Bahrain that you shouldn't miss is the burial mounds that made Bahrain the largest ancient cemetery in the world. Nowadays, only a handful of these mounds can be visited in Shakhura, Janabiyah, A'ali, Hamad Town. One of the burial mounds to visit would be the Dilmun Mound, at the western part of Bahrain.

Bab Al Bahrain

Bab Al Bahrain is located at the entrance to the Manama souk and post office. Built in 1949, it once housed the government’s administrative offices and overlooked the sea.

Popular local cafes are frequented by many people. These cafes include "Qahwat Haji" in the old quarter of Manama Souk that stretches out of the historical gate of the capital "Bab Al Bahrain". You can shop around in the old gold market "Souk Al Dhahab" where you can buy natural pearls and gold. Follow the blue signs for different spots and buildings in the old quarters of Manama.

Local Bahraini Breakfast

While visiting Bahrain, you should try the local traditional Bahraini breakfast. One of the most famous Bahraini dishes "Balaleet" is a type of dish which consists of a pasta type called vermicelli mixed with saffron, sugar, rose water and an overlying omelet on top. This dish is heavily inspired by the vast amount of past multicultural civilizations that had inhabited the island before. For example, the vermicelli type pasta came from the Portuguese settlers who occupied the island five centuries ago. Another dish favorably dined by the locals is "Mehyawa" which is a type of fermented fish sauce on local bread. This type of dish originated from the Southern Persian culture.

Bahrain Bay

If you want to experience modern Manama, then you must visit Bahrain Bay where you can try paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and enjoy the sea taxi short tour from "The Avenues" in a wonderful touring. The tours are available daily from 10am till 10pm. The atmosphere of Bahrain Bay is like London Embankment - full of cafes, restaurants, and events such as food festival, that are periodically held.

Jaradah Island

Feel the beauty of Jarada Island and silky sand and crystal water in one of the most beautiful islands in Bahrain. Book online to boat trip for half day from Sitra harbor or Marina Amwaj. As of writing, online prices start from BD 20 per person.

Block 338

To spice up your nights on the weekend, you could visit Block 338 in southern Manama quarter of Adliya and move from one place to another where you see many of the unique restaurants of many types of international cuisines. There are restaurants such as Calexico (Mexican cuisine), Lanterns (South Asian cuisine), My Café (variety of international cuisine), Escobar (Latino cuisine) and many others.

Hotels

There are many hotels that provide a unique view and perspective of the island from their differing locations and settings. From hotels such as Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Sofitel Zallaq and Westin Hotel City Centre to the boutique ones such as the Merchant House.