Aerial view of the floating city in Bahrain
A TALE OF TWO SEAS

Cruisereise til Bahrain, Bahrain

Famous for its pearl trading past, today the Kingdom of Bahrain straddles the ancient and modern worlds, with daringly designed skyscrapers and archaeological riches. Cruise to Bahrain and head to the capital Manama and check out the National Museum to see sculptures dating back 5,000 years to the Babylonian era, then stroll along the waterfront at Marina Beach Garden Park, taking in views of the modern city the giant ferris wheel overlooking the bay. Visit the giant Al Fatih Mosque, built on reclaimed land in 1984 with marble imported from Italy. And don't miss Qa'lat Al Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes archaeological excavations dating back to 2,300 B.C., as well as a 15th-century Portuguese fort on the same site.
Nasjonalt språk Arabic
Valuta som godtas Bahraini Dinar (BHD)

Things To Do in Bahrain

View of the Bahrain National Museum in Bahrain

Prehistoric to Postmodern

View of the Bahrain National Museum in Bahrain

View of the Bahrain National Museum in Bahrain

Prehistoric to Postmodern

At Bahrain National Museum, you'll get a good introduction to Bahrain's history. One of the highlights is the archaeological finds from the ancient Dilmun civilization that called the island home. Next door at the waterfront is the huge Bahrain National Theatre, a fabulous showpiece of sleek, postmodern architecture.

Beautiful archway in Bahrain Fort in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Fortifying the Past

Beautiful archway in Bahrain Fort in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Beautiful archway in Bahrain Fort in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Fortifying the Past

The phenomenal UNESCO World Heritage-listed Qa'lat al Bahrain, or Bahrain Fort, is a 10-minute drive from central Manama. The fort built by the Portuguese in the 16th century as part of their defenses along the Gulf, but the hill site itself has been occupied from about 2,800 BC. Find out more in the museum next door, which showcases an impressive range of 500 artifacts unearthed here.

The wind-catcher tower at sunset over a courtyard of the restored traditional Arabian house of pearl trader Shaikh Isa bin Ali, in Bahrain
The wind-catcher tower at sunset over a courtyard of the restored traditional Arabian house of pearl trader Shaikh Isa bin Ali, in Bahrain

Bahraini Brilliance

Stroll along the narrow lanes and byways of Muharraq and admire the restored traditional Bahraini houses. The Sheikh Isa bin Ali House features four courtyards and magnificently carved wooden doors. Equally spectacular is the Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, the former home of a renowned pearl merchant.

Arabic machboos, mixed rice dish in Bahrain
Arabic machboos, mixed rice dish in Bahrain

Local Cuisine

Great food is everywhere in Manama. Cruise to Bahrai and pop into a local, family-run spot for machboos, a simple classic dish or chicken or fish spiced with baharat — an Arabian spice blend that typically includes paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom — served over rice. Lamb is also a staple here: Try it as spit-roasted shawarma wrapped in pita bread or as ghoozi, grilled lamb stuffed with eggs, onions and spices.

Colorful dishes in a market in Bahrain
Colorful dishes in a market in Bahrain

Shopping

Go shopping for pearls, perfume or colorful hand-painted ceramics at Manama Souq, the city's traditional open-air market. Pick up some silver jewelry, a brass coffee pot or a carpet from the shops in Adliya. During your visit to Bahrai, escape the heat to one of the air-conditioned shopping malls, such as the vast Bahrain City Centre, Seef Mall or the smaller Al Aali Mall.

Innsidetips
Innsidetips
1 Bargaining is expected at most shops and markets.
2 Make sure your taxi driver uses the meter.
3 Alcohol is widely available in Manama, and the city is popular with clubbing Saudis on the weekends.

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