Bahrain s Top 10 Must To Do

In Bahrain are many interested things to visit. Today I want to write about best places, most popular places.

1  Qalat al Bahrain site and museum

Known as Dilmun in ancient times, Bahrain s rich trading history is reflected in numerous archaeological sites, the  most fascinating of which is the Bahrain  Fort site that is registered as a Unesco World Heritage site. The Fort is located a top a 17,5 hectare artificial hill that has been built over more than 4000 years of continuous occupation. It is the site of the former capital of Dilmun and one of the most important archa eological sites in the Arabian Gulf. The excavations over the past 50 years have revealed residential, public, commercial and military structures that testly to the importance of the site over the centuries. These findings are brought to life by an audio guide available at the site museum. Open to thepublic since 2008 , the site museum display area consists of 5 exhibition halls organized around a massive  Tell Wall. With 500 artefacts showcased , the long settlement history of the site is evoked to the unique backdrop of the wall, which recreates the different archaecological layers uncovered at the site. The seaside cafe of the museum offers a stunning view over the fort and the surrounding palm groves.

Visiting hours - Fort daily 8 am - 18 pm,  Tues to Sun  8 am - 20 pm

2  Bahrain International Circuit

Even if you are not a motot-race fun , you will be caught up in the thrill and excitement of the planet s biggest race event, Formula One, during its Bahrain season. But when the Formula 1 Grand Prix isn t taking centre stage at the Bahrain International Circuit, you can take the wheel yourself  on its state of-the-art karting track or enjoy a thrilling ride in the passenger seat of a Hummer on its Extreme 4 4 course.A visit to the circuit is a must as you may also get to test drive some of the race cars on the F1 track.

3 Bahrain National Museum

One of the first museum in the Gulf , the Bahrain National Museum opened in 1988. The site itself , on the edge of the sea, is a tremendous attraction, adding to its contemporary ambience which is influenced by the white travertine facade and dramatic courtyard decorated with contemporary sculptures. The exhibition halls showcase artefacts uncovered in the numerous archaeological sites in Bahrain and underpinning the longstanding history of the island. The rich collection covers 6000 years of Bahrain s history . In addition to the archaeological exhibits, two hallsare dedicated to local customs and traditions , featuring clothing , housing, rituals and traditional crafts. Moreover, the art hall features a permanent collection of works by some of Bahrain s leading artists as well as regularly hoting temporary exhibitions. Adijacent to the National Museum can be seen the Art Centre and Cultural Hall, both of which host temporary exhibitions and concerts throughout the year. A new edition to this cultural compound is the recently inaugurated Arab Regional Centre for Worls Heritage

Visiting hours - daily 8 am - 8 pm

4 Bab al Bahrain

Is located at the entrance of the Manama Souq. Built in 1949, it once housed the government s administrative offices and overlooked the sea. Bab al Bahrain underwent many big changes over the years, but the Ministry of Culture took it upon itself to preserve this cultural landmark and restore it to its former glory, and even moved its tourism sector offices into the building and receives visitors through the visitors center . Behind Bab al Bahrain is the old Manama Souq a vibrant shopping area which contains a large number of shops selling a wide array of traditional and modern products ranging from textiles , pices, incense and perfumes, to handicrafts and souvenirs from all around the world.In addition to a number of old school coffe shops.

Shopping at the old souq is certainly unique, recalling the way day-to-day life once was. It is an experience that will live with visitors forever.

Visiting hours - saturday- thursday    9am  -12 30 pm , 4 pm- 8pm

5 Bahrain National Theatre

The exquisitely  designed Bahrain National Theater is the first national theatre in the Kindgdom and one its cultural icons. Rising from the top of the building is a golden architectural element that illuminates the center of the glass facade. The Bahrain National Theater, the third largest theater in the Arab world can accommodate 1.001 people, an homepage to the tales of 1.001 Arabian Nights.

 

6. Old houses of Muharraq

Muharraq, the former capital of Bahrain is know for its cultural splendor and traditional Bahraini houses litter the town’s narrow lanes. The Shaikh Isa bin Ali house is Bahrain’s most impressive example of Gulf Islamic architecture featuring four courtyards and beautiful carved wooden doors and perforated gypsum panels. The beautifully restored houses that make up the Shaikh Ebrahim Center for Culture and Research provide an important insight into aspects of Bahrain’s heritage.

Visiting hours - Sun- Tue - 8 am  -2 pm ; Wed - Sat - 3 pm- 6 pm; Sat - Thu 9 am - 1 pm, 4 pm - 7 pm

7. Block 338

Located in the heart of Adliya, Block 338 is a charming pedestrian quarter crammed with international restaurants, art galleries and small boutiques. Block 338 offers a wide range of restaurants appealing to all ages and tastes, be it for a fancy meal, traditional Bahraini dish or just a soothing drink.

Visiting hours -  Sat - Thu 10 am - 4 pm; 6 pm - 8 pm

8. Bait al Quran

Housed in a spectacular Arabic script engraved building, this guished museum showcases a significant collection of Quranic manupscripts and scriptures dating back to the 7th century. Many copies of the Quran you will see are works of artin themselve. Some miniature copies can fit in the alm of hand and Quranic verses have even been inscribed on a grain of rice.

Visiting hours -  Sat - Wed 9 am - 12 pm; 4 pm - 6 pm

9. Shaik Salman bin Ahmed Al – Fateh Fort

Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort, commonly known as Roffa Fort due to its location, is a historic landmark and standing witness to one of the most important junctures in Bahrain s history. Within its beautiful architecture lives the memory of the ruling family of Bahrain. A series of museological shows organized by the Ministry of Culture have brought life back to the fort. The shows not only present a chronological history of the Al Khalifa ruling family, but the place itself , and are set within a special interior space designed by the French firm La Meduse and local firm PAD which was inspired by the fort s history and people. By visiting the site, one can get to learn all about the important changes that occurred in Bahrain. The Fort also houses Saffron Cafe which overlooks the picturesque Al Haniniya Valley offering visitors a perfect ambiance created by the site s history and the environment

Visiting hours -  Sunday- Wednesday 7 am- 2 pm   Thursday- Saturday-  9 am- 6 pm Friday- 3 pm- 6pm

10.  Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre

The village of Al Jasra offers a look into the traditional arts and craftsmany of the villages in Bahrain have historically produced, showcasing pottery making cloth weaving, wood working and basket weaving that are created using the traditional methods.

Visiting hours -  Daily 8 am - 2 pm