The Five Best Attractions in Bahrain

Bahrain is an island kingdom, and that island is growing. In many places, sand bars are met by shallow seas. Those interested in land development have been adding to those sandbars and creating new projects, such as the Bahrain Financial Harbour in the capital city of Manama. Some of the best attractions in this rapidly expanding landscape include a thoroughly modern high-end shopping mall and an ancient city nearly 5,000 years old.

Bahrain City Centre
Located in the center of Manama, Bahrain City Centre (bahraincitycentre.com) is the largest combination shopping and entertainment center in the country. In addition to its over 350 shops featuring high-end brands, such as Jules and BEBE, the mall offers more than 50 cafes and restaurants. On the second floor is the Wahooo! Waterpark (wahooo.com), offering nearly 162,000 square feet of pools, slides and activities. Also available is the Cineco20 Cinemas(cineco.net) and Magic Planet (magicplanet.ae), a giant arcade with rides, game simulators and a bowling alley.

Qal’at Al Bahrain – UNESCO World Heritage Site
People first arrived at what is now called Qal’at Al Bahrain around 2,300 BC. Archaeologists have been digging through an artificial mound measuring roughly 30 acres and have found evidence of private households, military encampments and religious sites. On top of the mound is a fort dating back to the 15th century. It was built in three phases, the last by the Portuguese when the island of Bahrain became part of their growing empire. Continuing conflict and the silting up of the channels which made the location a prime shipping port eventually led to abandoning of the site. Today this UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes visitors to the elegantly arched buildings and groves of palm trees that once was the capital of Dilmun. The site is located roughly four miles northwest of the center of Manama.

Bahrain National Museum
Opening in 1988, the Bahrain National Museum (no website; Muharraq Causeway and King Faisal Highway, Manama City; 17-292-977) enjoys a prime waterfront location on the edge of the capital city. Many of its treasures are from Dilmun, particularly from Qal’at al Bahrain. Also available is an exhibit on pearl diving and how it has influenced the area. The first floor is home to a souq, or traditional market. Other exhibits include rotating art and sculpture displays and a wildlife hall. Sink into a comfortable arm chair at the onsite coffeehouse or go looking for locally crafted souvenirs.

Beit Sheikh Isa bin Ali
Get a taste of what palace life was like in the 19th century at Beit Sheikh Isa, the former home of Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al-Khalifa. Located in Al-Muharraq about three miles northeast of Manama, the home is divided into separate areas for men, women and children, all lavishly decorated and cooled by a wind tower system. Children had their own summer living room and women their own private courtyard where they could sit and gossip while practicing their embroidery skills. Separate courtyards were available for the men and visitors to the palace. The Sheikh had his own private quarters on the second floor.

Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve
The Al Areen Wildlife Park (no website; after Bahrain International Circuit, Zallaq; 973-1783-6116) is a sanctuary for over 500 animals and more than 100,000 plant species, most native to the Arabian peninsula. The park is divided into two sections. Bus tours are available into the public access portion, leaving from the main entrance. Some animals, such as the Chapman’s zebra and gazelles, run free. Selected species are kept in pens that mimic their natural environment. The family-friendly park opened in 1975 and offers a chance to see some of Arabia’s rarest creatures, including the Oryx which is considered to be nearly extinct.