We went to Bahrain originally for some paperwork, but decided to extend our stay for almost a week to take advantage of the opportunity and explore the country. Bahrain is rich in history, having once been home to the Dilmun civilization, which dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. We were so excited to learn more about its history, culture, and, of course, the famous pearls.
But the moment we landed, we were hit by our first shock (surprise): the humidity. We had traveled in July, and let me tell you, I was not prepared. As soon as we stepped out of the airport, it felt like I had walked straight into a sauna wearing all my clothes. I couldn’t breathe. The air was so thick and heavy. We were supposed to wait for the hotel shuttle at the airport, but I just couldn’t take it, I was so overwhelmed by the heat and humidity that I ran straight to the first taxi in line I bolted like it was a matter of survival, and headed to the hotel without waiting another minute.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at The Arch Hotel by Best Western, a really beautiful place. But the surprises didn’t stop at the weather. When we got to our room, I noticed the walls and door were covered with padded leather in decorative way, like something out of a sound studio. I had no idea what was going on, was it just a design choice? Or maybe they really didn’t want us to hear the neighbors?
Mystery solved when I got into the elevator later and saw the floor buttons: one for a belly dance nightclub, another for a live band, and one for a DJ club. That’s when it hit me: the soundproofing wasn’t for show it was to keep the party downstairs from turning into a concert in your bedroom.
Then came another twist: I learned that Bahrain is basically the Las Vegas of the Gulf. People, especially from Saudi Arabia, cross over for the weekend to unwind, let loose, and enjoy a more relaxed vibe.
Bab Al Bahrain
Bab Al Bahrain is the old gateway to the city and the entrance to Bahrain’s most famous souq. It’s a must-see, even if you’re melting from the heat like we were.
The souq is a vibrant maze of shops selling just about everything: spices that hit you with their scent from ten meters away, rich oud perfumes, colorful textiles, and every type of souvenir imaginable. And speaking of the heat, walking the souq in July was bas crazy. Every few minutes we had to pop into a shop just to cool down in the blessed air-conditioning. I’m not even sure we were shopping half the time, we were just chasing AC.
Still, we couldn’t skip it. A visit to Bahrain without seeing the souq is like going to Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower. Bab Al Bahrain is where the old soul of the city still lives, buzzing with life, color, scents, and more gold shops than you’d think possible in one place.
My biggest surprise: You might pay for a coffee in Bahraini dinars and get change in Saudi riyals, or the other way around. Both currencies are accepted almost like you’re in one big economic blur. I was so confused the first time it happened, I thought the cashier made a mistake. Nope. Totally normal. Welcome to Bahrain.
Al Fateh Mosque
Al Fateh Grand Mosque is a large and beautiful mosque built in 1988. It’s the biggest mosque in Bahrain.
The architecture is elegant, with graceful arches, high ceilings, and a calm, peaceful vibe. It’s beautiful in a modest, meaningful way. The space feels open and serene, and even if you’re not particularly into architecture, it’s hard not to admire the craftsmanship.
We joined a free guided tour (highly recommended) and got to learn about the architecture, Islamic culture.
The Bahrain Fort
Bahrain Fort, also known as Qal’at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an ancient Portuguese fort built over layers of history dating back to the Dilmun civilization. Honestly, I’m not a big fan of forts (give me castles or palaces any day), but this one little different. The arches were beautiful, the shape was unique for the region, and I saw, for the first time, where they used to make date molasses, super interesting. Plus, the view of the sea and city from the top was absolutely worth the visit.
Tree of Life
Another surprise: one giant tree standing alone in the desert, with no water source in sight. It is estimated to be around 400 to 500 years old. Scientists are still puzzled, and I was too. I mean, this tree is thriving like it’s in a rainforest, while I’m out here turning into jerky under the sun. so how it survives in such harsh conditions.
Bahrain International Circuit
We also made sure to visit the Bahrain International Circuit, home of the famous Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Even if you’re not a racing enthusiast, the scale and energy of the place are impressive. Walking around the track is an experience in itself. If you have time, check out the tours or even try go-karting, it’s a fun way to feel part of the action without the high speeds.
Camel Farm
No trip to the Gulf is complete without seeing camels, and Bahrain didn’t disappoint.
At the Royal Camel Farm, we got up close with dozens of camels, some chill, some curious, some clearly hungry. We took photos, fed a few, and had too much fun.
Camels are extremely precious in Arab countries, alongside horses and falcons, they are symbols of heritage, pride, and survival. Historically, camels were the primary means of transport across the desert, often called the “ships of the desert” because of their ability to carry heavy loads over long distances without water. Fast, reliable, and remarkably resilient, camels were the backbone of trade, travel, and communication long before modern vehicles.
Even today, they hold cultural significance: they feature in traditional races, festivals, and breeding competitions, and their milk, meat, and even fur are considered valuable. Seeing them in person gives you a glimpse of a living tradition that has shaped life in the Gulf for centuries.
Al Areen Wildlife Park
We visited Al Areen Wildlife Park mainly for our son because kids love animals. As we were about to enter, I suddenly saw an animal running in the distance. My imagination went straight into survival mode, and I whispered “Is that a lion chasing someone?!”
The woman at the entrance looked at me with the calmest smile and said,
“If there was a lion walking freely, do you think you’d find me standing here?”
Fair point. Meanwhile, my family was already laughing at me, turns out, the “ferocious beast” was just a deer casually jogging. Crisis averted.
The zoo itself was really nice. We enjoyed seeing the flamingos, monkeys, zebras, and even some rams. It’s a perfect place if you’re visiting with little ones, and honestly, even us grown-ups had a good time.
Lost Paradise of Dilmun
Lost Paradise was exactly that, a true paradise, especially in that intense Bahraini heat. I honestly didn’t expect to have that much fun, but the moment we got in, it felt like a whole other world. The park was huge, with what felt like endless rides, pools, and water games. we were either sliding, swimming, splashing, or when we’ve had enough, we just grab a float and let the lazy river carry us around like royalty on vacation.
As the sun began to set, the whole place took on a calmer, more magical vibe. We sat by the jacuzzi, letting the bubbles do their thing while palm trees swayed above us. An aqua park with palm trees, warm night air, and the sound of water all around, definitely a highlight of the trip.
The Dolphin Resort
This place was another kids’ paradise right in Manama, where little ones can interact with the sea lion, watch the dolphins perform, and even get soaked by the splashing, which was half the fun. If you’re visiting Bahrain with kids, The Dolphin Resort is definitely a place to be. It’s located near the Marina in Manama.
Hassan Shuwaiter Sweet Factory
We also visited the Hassan Shuwaiter Sweet Factory, surprisingly, even though it’s called a “factory,” there were no machines in sight, everything was completely handmade, just like it’s been done for generations. and honestly, it was one of the most unexpectedly wonderful experiences of the trip. We got to see how they make Bahraini traditional halwa, not the usual kind you find in a box, but the real, handmade version, cooked in large pots with constant stirring and a lot of patience. It is infused with rose water, saffron, cardamom, and all those magical spices that make Bahraini sweets so special. After seeing how it’s made, we got to taste it fresh. Of course, we couldn’t leave empty-handed. We bought some directly from the factory.
clay pottery factory
We also visited a traditional clay pottery factory, where everything is handmade the old-fashioned way. It was amazing to watch skilled artisans shape the clay into beautiful dishes and pots right before our eyes. What made it even more special was that you could try making your own pottery, a fun chance to dive into Bahraini culture and get hands-on with a centuries-old craft. Definitely a memorable and unique experience!
Clay itself is a heritage material used for centuries around the world. Traditionally, it’s been used for kitchenware, food storage, and cooling, acting like an old-fashioned fridge that keeps water refreshingly cool on hot days. Even today, water stored in clay is believed to be revitalized, and many chefs still prefer unpainted clay cookware, which naturally brings out the best flavors. It’s amazing how this simple material has been valued for generations everywhere.
Al Aali Mall & Dragan City
As I always say, I’m not really into shopping. When I travel, it’s for the outdoors, culture, and landscapes, malls are usually my worst enemy. But this time, I had a mission. My husband had promised, as he always does, to get me a pearl from its country of origin, and here we were, in Bahrain, famous for its natural pearls.
So I took him to Al Aali Mall, known for its luxury jewellery and pearl shops. As soon as I saw the handbags decorated with pearls, I knew this place wasn’t for us. I spotted a beautiful necklace, simple and elegant, and thought maybe this would be the one. Then came the surprise, over $300,000! My husband turned to me and said,
“You have to choose: a house or this necklace.” (we still renting hahaha)
And he was right. That store is made for very wealthy people, or very generous husbands. Sadly, he’s neither.
So we changed course and went to Dragon City, Bahrain’s massive Chinese-themed mall. It was fun, colorful, and packed with clothes, gadgets, snacks, etc. And suddenly, my husband turned into Mr. Generosity, asking,
“Do you want anything, babe?”
Of course, everything’s cheap there! I couldn’t help but laugh. He didn’t ask that question once in the jewellery store!
Best Tips for Your Visit to Bahrain
- Best time to visit: November to March, Skip the summer unless you want to know what it feels like to breathe in soup. Bahrain is like other Golf countries, much more enjoyable in winter.
- Book the right accommodation, we stayed at The Arch Hotel by Best Western you can book it through this link or check Best western official website.
- Bahrain is small, and in 3 days you can cover the highlights. Anything more is a bonus
- Try the best breakfast in the Souq, Head to Saffron by Jena in Bab Al Bahrain Souq , traditional Bahraini breakfast in a charming setting. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get lost in the Souq after you eat.
Dinner spot: if you want traditional food try Emmawash Traditional Restaurant.
Treat yourself to a seafood dinner at Pasquale Restaurant, it is Italian cuisine which I adore, located in Reef Island, Manama, Pasquale serves amazing grilled seafood, shrimp, lobster, and other delicious meals, you name it. Sit on the terrace for a beautiful evening view over the water.
Don’t just see Bahrain, experience it
Watch how halwa is handmade at Hassan Shuwaiter Sweet Factory, and eat it warm.
Get your hands messy at a clay pottery workshop.
Visit a camel farm and take a selfie with your new desert friend.
Try to make your own pearl necklace, then realize you might need to break a bank or take out a loan to pay for it.
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