Jewel of the Middle East-Bahrain
Called the jewel of the Middle East, the Kingdom of Bahrain is named after the largest island, Bahrain. Bahrain, which means “between two seas” in Arabic, means a special and valuable place by its name. After jewelry, the Kingdom of Bahrain, with its oil-rich economy, is developing as fast as any other Arab country and attracting more and more tourists every year. You can better understand all the details of the country with our travel guide for the Kingdom of Bahrain, the only island country in the Persian Gulf. Although Arabic is the official language of the Kingdom of Bahrain, English is spoken in the country. For this reason, you can easily communicate in English in many areas, from tours to shopping. Manama is both the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the cultural and economic heart of the country.
The Kingdom of Bahrain, the only Arab country established on the islands, is located in the Persian Gulf of Asia. Saudi Arabia is located in the west of the Kingdom and Qatar in the southeast.
When to go to Bahrain?
In the desert climate of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the summer months are very hot and humid. If your trip is in the summer months, take into account the temperature, take light clothes and be prepared to be protected from accidental sandstorms. In the Kingdom of Bahrain, where the winter months are hot and rainy, the best time to visit is autumn or winter. We recommend that you pack your suitcase for a trip to the Kingdom of Bahrain, where the days are hot and the evenings are cool.
Transportation in Bahrain
Public transport options in the Kingdom of Bahrain are very limited. Most people in the country do not prefer buses or other options because they provide transportation by private transport. In a country with insufficient infrastructure for subways and trains, tourists prefer car rental services, which are more economical and convenient than taxis
Places to visit in Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain, which welcomes visitors with an exotic atmosphere, has many routes that will keep the traditional Arab culture alive thanks to its historical heritage. It would be useful to take a look at the list before visiting the country, which presents the old and the new with the grandeur of the Gulf.
Bahrain Fortress
The Bahrain Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest building in the country. The fortress, built in 2300 BC, is also known as the “Portuguese Fortress”. Archaeological excavations have been carried out in this important building since 1954, which sheds light on the traces of the Cassite, Greek, Portuguese and Persian civilizations. Located on the hills of Manama, the Bahrain Fortress is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient times and ruins.
Fatih Mosque
In a Muslim-dominated country, mosques are also quite magnificent. Fatih Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world with a total area of 6,500 square meters, can accommodate more than 7,000 people at a time. The mosque, which receives many tourists in addition to worship, is closed to visitors on Fridays (2019).
Riffa
Riffa is Bahrain’s second largest city with ancient buildings and time-traveling markets. Host to one of the Middle East’s most famous golf courses, the city is a combination of Bahrain’s traditional and modern architecture.
Zallagh
Famous for the white sands of Zallagh Al Jazeera beach, this city is an attractive tourist destination. You should also stop at El Arin Wildlife Park in Zallagh, which is a popular destination for those who want to experience water sports such as jet skiing and kite surfing.
Pearl Extraction Museum
In the Kingdom of Bahrain, where the economy was dominated by jewelry before oil, pearls were the main source of livelihood. This museum exhibits materials used by the Kingdom of Bahrain, one of the most important pearl centers, in the past to the present day.
Where to stay in Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain, distinguished by its hospitable society, has accommodation options for every budget. You can stay close to popular restaurants and nightclubs by staying in five-star hotels in the capital city of Manama or in the Diplomatic Zone. The capital of the country, Manama, with its rich accommodation options, has many hotels around Awal Street, Shabab Street and Juffair Street. Areas such as Zallaq, Amwaj Island and Juffair have many accommodation alternatives, especially for maritime tourism.
What and where to eat in Bahrain?
In Bahrain, you can see all the examples of spicy Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as feel the flavor of Lebanese cuisine. Among the popular flavors of Bahraini cuisine, where meat dishes play a leading role, are machboos, muhammara and samosa. The most popular delicacies of the country and Manama restaurants where you can find these delicacies;
- Muhammar: Bayti Contemporary Middle Eastern Cuisine
- Machboos: Dar Zowayed
- Samosa: Zahle
- Halwa Bahrain: Rayes Restaurant
- Gahwa (Arabian coffee): Maya La Chocolaterie
What Gift to Buy from Bahrain?
Pearl earrings or necklaces are one of the most valuable items that can be bought as a gift from a country famous for its pearls. In addition to pearls, which can be easily found all over the country, you can also buy the famous carpets of the Kingdom of Bahrain. If you are open to different tastes and want to taste world cuisine in your dishes, you can choose different spices of Arabic cuisine from the famous market of Manama. You can also find everything you are looking for by visiting malls like Moda Mall, Seef Mall and Gold City in Manama.
Bahrain nightlife
Nightlife in the Kingdom of Bahrain is more lively than in other Arab countries. Nightclubs or entertainment venues are mostly located in hotels across the country. You can have fun at various events organized by hotels or spend a quiet evening in pubs and restaurants in the city center. Located in the center of Manama, nightclubs such as Warbler, Dublin Club and Davy Crockett’s are among the most popular destinations for tourists.
