Bahrain is the smallest Arab country. It is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf and occupies three large and thirty small islands.
Bahrain is famous for its warm year-round climate and sunny beaches. They are well equipped and located close to hotels, many of which are five-star rated. The hotels are distinguished by luxurious rooms, fashionable restaurants, an abundance of green spaces, spas and fitness centers. There is always something to do here for lovers of active entertainment.
The country attracts tourists with a high level of service, hospitality, special flavor, great shopping and offers many interesting excursion programs. The kingdom annually hosts a significant event in the world of Formula 1 sports, which many travelers seek to see. Let's take a look at the sights of Bahrain with photos and descriptions in this article.
King Farhad Bridge
Connects the kingdom with Saudi Arabia. The structure has the largest length in the world - 25 km. They named it after the ruler of a neighboring state. The cost of the work on the construction of the bridge was $ 1.2 billion, which was allocated by Saudi Arabia.
The Farhad Bridge has been in operation since 1986, and its construction lasted for five years. The grandiose structure combines spans and dams, which together represent a fantastic sight.
In the event of riots, the bridge to Saudi Arabia serves to move troops from the mainland.
Manama
The capital of Bahrain, first mentioned in the 14th century. Periodically, the city was captured by the Persians and Portuguese, and received the title of the capital of the state in 1971.
Manama is located in the northern part of the island on the Persian Gulf coast. The capital is rich in ancient sights, historical and architectural monuments. The city is attractive for tourists with an abundance of entertainment facilities, restaurants, a variety of outdoor activities, including diving and other water sports.
World trade center
A structure consisting of two 240-meter towers. They are connected to each other using three junctions. Each of them is equipped with wind power generators, which provides 15% of their electricity demand.
The towers are two giant sails. They seem to develop in the wind.
The structures are located on the shores of the Persian Gulf. On the 42nd floor of the structure, there is an observation deck that opens up a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding area.
What to visit in Bahrain? Of course, this mall. In addition to large-scale shopping, its guests can also eat deliciously in restaurants and cafes located near the shops.
Al-Fatiha Great Mosque
Built in Manama from light marble imported from Italy. She is the symbol of the kingdom and its main religious temple. The mosque is very beautiful, and in terms of its size it belongs to the largest structures on the planet.
The building has four domes. The diameter of each is 25 meters. Up to seven thousand people can be in the temple at the same time. Since 1988, the mosque has been the main place of prayer for city dwellers and pilgrims. It is included in the list of must-see attractions in Manama.
The building is distinguished by the Islamic style. To see the interior of the shrine, you must follow certain rules, which the guide will tell you about before the excursion. It should be noted that during Muslim holidays, the mosque is closed for tourists.
Bahrain National Museum
The richest in the number of exhibits in the Persian Gulf. Numerous exhibitions are held annually within its walls. The historical collection of the institution covers a period of seven thousand years. It features works by contemporary artists, as well as a chic collection of ceramics and various sculptures.
What else to see in Bahrain at this museum? Separate premises of the institution are dedicated to the holy scripture of the Koran. Here they will also tell you about the Arabic language, introduce you to calligraphy, the country's handicrafts and branches of the local economy. History buffs will surely enjoy the interesting and informative collection of the National Museum.
Qal'at al-Bahrain
Portuguese fort built five millennia ago. The fortress consists of structures made in various styles. They have different purposes. On the territory of the fortress, residential buildings were discovered, there are temples, meeting areas and premises resembling barracks. The object is under the protection of UNESCO.
Excavations are still underway in the port, so certain areas may be closed to tourists. Be sure to visit this significant landmark of Bahrain, only 25% excavated by archaeologists.
Al-Khamis Mosque
The first stone for the construction of the temple was laid in the seventh century BC. Since then, it has been rebuilt and reconstructed many times. Its last reconstruction was already in the current century.
The mosque has two minarets and stands out from other buildings. The construction area is 455 square meters. The building has a flat roof supported by natural stone columns. In the prayer hall of the temple, there are wooden columns made in the 15th century.
Many people want to visit the shrine, so on the network you can often find photos of tourists in front of it.
Camel farm
It is home to more than 500 camels and is one of the largest. The guests of the farm enjoy watching the animals. Here you can take photos and even pet them, but you need to be careful, as the animal may spit.
The farm also has camels belonging to the royal family. Many of them are for horse racing, but you are not allowed to ride them.
Al-Arin Nature Reserve
Occupies an area of almost 8 thousand square meters. km. Its territory is inhabited by exotic representatives of the fauna, unusual plants grow. Guests of the natural complex can visit only one section, which occupies 300 hectares. The rest of the territory is under protection in order to preserve the natural environment that contributes to the development of flora and fauna.
In the park, there are rare representatives of fauna and plants adapted to survive in arid conditions.
The reserve also has a hospital and a veterinary clinic where falcons are treated.
The tree of life in Bahrain
There are no analogues of this natural attraction anywhere on the planet. This tree is an acacia tree, which is over 400 years old. Moisture does not flow to the tree, but this does not prevent it from remaining green and not drying out.
The tree is located on a hill 25 meters high, two kilometers from Jebel Dukhan, so it can be seen very clearly. According to the local population, acacia grows on the site of the Gardens of Eden, which flourished here thousands of years ago.
Bahrain beaches
Another attraction, most of which are located on the coast of the capital. The entrance to them is mostly paid. You can go to the beach for free only if you have settled in a hotel complex. There are very few public beaches in the country and they are always crowded.
The beaches of Manama, like all others in the kingdom, are well equipped. They have sun loungers, umbrellas, showers and changing cabins. They are perfect for families with small children, as they have a gentle entrance to the bay. The beaches in the country are mostly sandy, but there are pebble and sandy shells.
You can sunbathe on the hotel beach in a swimsuit common for Europeans, however, when going to a public beach, it is better to wear the most closed bathing suit.
Formula 1 Grand Prix
What to see in 1 day in Sakhir? Of course, car racing tracks, on which the best racers of the planet have been demonstrating their skills for a decade and a half. People from all over the world come here to see this stunning sight. Other competitions are also organized here, and in their free time from Formula 1, guests have the opportunity to get a shot of adrenaline, riding with the breeze in a rented racing car.
Quran Museum
What else to do in Bahrain? Take some time to visit this museum, which features many themed exhibits on Muslim sacred teachings. The institution receives visitors only twice a week, but its huge book depository is open every day.
The Quran Museum is quite spacious. It unites ten rooms. One of them showcases designs dating back to the eighth century.
House of Al Jasra
The royal residence is the birthplace of Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa, which really deserves attention. When you look at this magnificent building, you can immediately feel the greatness of the royal dynasty. The aesthetic beauty of the house makes an indelible impression on tourists and is a vivid example of Islamic architecture.
The facade of the building is finished with plaster, coral and other materials of local origin. This is the peculiarity of the building.
What can and should be seen in Bahrain? Of course, this attraction.
Fort Riff
Once upon a time, sheikhs lived in a fortification. The complex includes a palace and a defensive wall. The fort is located on the outskirts of Manama. In the past, it was not the capital of the country, but even then it played the role of an important strategic object.
The port was built in the 18th century to protect the city from external enemies.
Today, Fort Riff is a huge space with powerful fortress walls, which have already begun to collapse, but still remain attractive for tourists. When you are near the walls of the citadel, you can see the city quarters. They, as in those days, protect the capital from the attack of ill-wishers.
Now a historical museum is open in the fortress.
Bahrain Resorts
Zallak resort | Hotel Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
They gained fame far beyond its borders. Most of them are located along the coast of the capital, offering travelers a high level of service.
Numerous guests at the resorts receive positive emotions from the excellent service and Arabian hospitality, get acquainted with the amazing history and culture of the country.
Where to go to rest in Bahrain? All major tour operators send their tourists to:
- Manam,
- Siif,
- Jufeir,
- Zallak,
- Amvazh.
Shri krishna temple
Asking ourselves the question: what to do in Bahrain? Visit this Hindu temple in Manama that is over 100 years old. It is opened at different times during the day for a short period.
Sri Krishna celebrates holidays related to Krishna and Vaishnos. There is an outdoor area and several prayer rooms.
