Things to Do in Bahrain: Attractions, Activities and Events

History and heritage

Bahrain was the centre of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, and its heritage sites are among the most important in the Gulf. Three of them are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Qal'at al-Bahrain, often called Bahrain Fort, sits on a mound built up over thousands of years of settlement and was inscribed by UNESCO in 2005. The site museum explains the layers of history, and sunset over the fort is a local favourite.

The Pearling Path in Muharraq, inscribed in 2012, links restored merchants' houses, oyster beds and a seashore site that tell the story of Bahrain's pearl trade. Walking it is one of the best ways to see old Muharraq.

The Dilmun Burial Mounds, inscribed in 2019, are thousands of ancient burial mounds spread across the west of the island, with the royal mounds at A'ali the most striking.

• Bahrain National Museum, on the Manama corniche, the best introduction to the country's history
• Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the region, open to respectful visitors outside prayer times
• Bab Al Bahrain and Manama Souq, for spices, textiles, gold and street food
• Muharraq Souq, older and quieter, close to the Pearling Path
• Arad Fort and Riffa Fort, smaller forts with views and local history
• The Tree of Life, a lone tree in the southern desert that has become a local landmark

Bahrain Bay, Manama and the waterfront

Bahrain Bay is a modern waterfront district beside the Financial Harbour, with a promenade, hotels, restaurants and The Avenues mall along the water. It is a pleasant place for an evening walk in the cooler months.

Across Manama you will find the Bahrain National Theatre beside the museum, galleries in Adliya and a growing number of cafés and concept stores.

Beaches and islands

Many residents use beach clubs at hotels and developments, which offer clean sand, pools and lifeguards for a day fee or membership. Public beaches also exist, including the natural beach at Bilaj Al Jazayer in the south and Marassi Beach in Diyar Al Muharraq.

Boat trips are a weekend staple. Operators run to sandbars such as Jarada, which appears at low tide, and to fishing and snorkelling spots around the coast.

The Hawar Islands, close to Qatar, are a protected area known for birdlife. Check current access arrangements before planning a trip.

Diving and water sports

Bahrain has calm, shallow waters suited to beginners. Dive Bahrain, an underwater theme park opened in 2019, includes a sunken Boeing 747 and other structures for divers to explore.

Licensed dive centres offer courses and guided trips, and some run pearl-diving experiences. Kitesurfing, paddleboarding, sailing and jet skiing are all popular, especially in the cooler months.

Sakhir: Formula 1, concerts and adventure

The Bahrain International Circuit at Sakhir is the home of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, usually held in spring. The 2026 race did not go ahead because of the regional security situation, so check the official calendar for future dates.

Outside race weekends the circuit runs track days, karting, drag racing and driving experiences. It is one of the most accessible ways to drive on an F1 track anywhere.

Next to the circuit, Al Dana Amphitheatre is a large open-air venue that hosts international concerts and shows, mostly in the cooler months. Gravity Indoor Skydiving, also at Sakhir, offers wind tunnel flights for first-timers and experienced flyers.

Family days out

Bahrain is easy with children because distances are short and most attractions are air-conditioned or open in the cooler months.

The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park at Sakhir is a large outdoor water park, and Wahooo! at City Centre Bahrain is an indoor water park open all year. Al Areen Wildlife Park in the south lets visitors see Arabian oryx, gazelles and birdlife.

• Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park, outdoor, Sakhir
• Wahooo! Waterpark, indoor, City Centre Bahrain
• Al Areen Wildlife Park, in the south
• Trampoline parks, soft play and ice skating in the malls
• Bahrain National Museum's children's activities and workshops

Golf

The Royal Golf Club at Riffa Views has an 18-hole championship course and has hosted international tournaments. It also offers a floodlit academy and social membership.

Awali Golf Club in the south has a long history in Bahrain, and several other venues offer driving ranges and coaching.

Malls and shopping

Malls double as social spaces in summer. City Centre Bahrain and Seef Mall are the big all-rounders, The Avenues sits on the Bahrain Bay waterfront, and Marassi Galleria serves the Diyar Al Muharraq area.

For something more local, the souqs of Manama and Muharraq sell gold, spices, perfume, textiles and traditional sweets such as halwa.

The dining scene

Bahrain's food scene is one of its strongest draws. Block 338 in Adliya is the best-known dining district, with independent restaurants, cafés and galleries packed into a few walkable streets.

Hotel restaurants and Friday brunches are a social institution. You will also find excellent Bahraini, Lebanese, Persian, Indian, Filipino and Asian food at every price point, especially in Manama, Juffair and Muharraq.

Events calendar

Most big events happen between October and April, when the weather is pleasant. Dates change each year, so always check the official listings.

The Spring of Culture festival, organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, brings concerts, theatre and art to venues across the country in the spring. National Day on 16 and 17 December brings fireworks and celebrations everywhere.

Questions people ask.

Sources: Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority · UNESCO: Qal'at al-Bahrain · UNESCO: Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy · UNESCO: Dilmun Burial Mounds · Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities · Bahrain International Circuit · Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 (bahrain.com)