Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a country in the Persian Gulf.
The island nation comprises a small archipelago made up of 51 natural islands and an additional 33 artificial islands, centered around Bahrain Island which make up around 83 percent of the country's landmass.
3:30am-5:30am : Manama
10:00am-11:0am : Shaikh Isa bin Ali House, Al Muharraq
At Shaikh Isa bin Ali House, see the residence of the monarch of Bahrain, who ruled from 1869 to 1932. Located in the heart of old town, the house showcases a traditional Islamic architectural style. Take a tour and see the design of the rooms built around four courtyards. Pay attention to the detail on the carved wooden doors, and admire the wind towers characteristic of old Persia and used for creating natural ventilation. After exploring the site and enjoying the views of the house and the old town, stop for a refreshment at one of the quaint coffee shops.
11:30am-2:30pm : Bab el-Bahrain Souk
Bab el-Bahrain Souk lets you discover an old world market composed of a labyrinth of alleys lined by spice vendors, carpet merchants, and specialist stores, including a designated complex of dozens of fine jewelers. Soak up the sights and smells of this authentic market, picking up local handicraft and tasty treats to take home. Leading toward the central business district, the recently added appendage to the market provides a modern twist to the area, with many of Bahrain's most popular malls lining the central streets.
3:00pm-6:00pm : City Centre Bahrain
The biggest shopping and entertainment center and the top leisure destination in the country, City Centre Bahrain represents one of the city's major tourist attractions, drawing over 14 million visitors every year. Opened in 2008, the center features more than 340 shops, 60 eateries, a multiplex 20-screen cinema, a family entertainment center, and Bahrain's first indoor-outdoor waterpark. Among the world-famous brands that have retail outlets in the mall are Saks Fifth Avenue, Forever 21, Home Centre, Pottery Barn, and Carrefour hypermarket--the largest in the country.
10:00am-12:30pm : Al-Fatih Mosque (Great Mosque)
With a capacity to welcome over 7,000 worshippers, Al-Fatih Mosque (Great Mosque) stands as one of the largest mosques in the world--it's also the home of Bahrain's national library. Constructed in 1987, the mosque boasts impressive architectural features that include Italian marble, Indian teak, Austrian's chandeliers, and a monumental fiberglass dome. Immerse yourself in Islamic culture and religion by touring the mosque's ornately decorated interior. Note the Kufic calligraphy adorning the walls, an early Arabic alphabet used predominantly in decoration. Tours are available in English, and robes and headscarves are provided on site.
1:00pm-3:30pm : Bahrain National Museum
Embark on a four millennium journey through the history of Bahrain at Bahrain National Museum, one of the oldest museums in the country and its top attraction. Opened in 1988, the museum occupies a monumental modernist building on the waterfront. Browse through its collections of archeological artifacts related to the ancient Dilmun civilization or comb through traditional pre-industrial handicrafts, old Islamic manuscripts, and various specimens of native flora and fauna. The highlights of this site include an early burial mound (moved to the museum from Hamad Town) and a tableau depicting Bahrain as a Dilmun paradise in a scene from the Epic of Gilgamesh. Look for the 1932 Buick--a gift from the American government--that belonged to the country's first emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
4:00pm-4:30pm : Arad Fort, Al Muharraq
Explore Arad Fort, a 15th-century fortress built to monitor and protect the island. Today, it represents a great spot to take a strol, enjoy the views, have a drink, and take some artistic photos. Stroll around the site and reflect on the traditional architecture, which wasn’t altered during the fort's restoration in the 20th century; no modern materials, like cement, were used. See the four circular towers on the fort's corners, and peer down into the now disused moat outside the gates. From time to time, the fort serves as a venue for concerts and local festivals.
5:00pm-5:30pm : Muharraq souq, Al Muharraq
Visit one of Bahrain's oldest markets at Muharraq souq. Stroll through the market offering traditional clothing, jewelry, coffee, spices, and confectionary. Notice a variety of delicious sweets, especially the famous homemade halwa, which is perfect with a cup of qahwa. Afternoons have proven to be notably busy, so take a cab into the area to avoid parking issues.
10:00am-12:00pm : Qal'at al-Bahrain
Explore layers of ancient civilizations and the remains of fortresses guarding the harbor at Qal'at al-Bahrain, a World Heritage Site boasting 5,200 years of continuous settlement. Spread across an artificial hill covering 17.5 hectares (43 acres), the area features spectacular archeological findings. The most richly documented settlement here was the capital of the Dilmun civilization, after which the fort became an entrepôt of many subsequent ones, including Arabic, Portuguese, and Persian. A museum with five exhibition halls details the history of the place, displaying over 500 artifacts excavated from the site. Pick up an audio guide in English, and afterwards relax in the waterfront cafe.
12:30pm-3:30pm : Bahrain International Circuit
Enjoy a variety of races at Bahrain International Circuit, the Middle East's first Formula One venue built on a former camel farm. With Bahrain Grand Prix, drag racing, GP2, and V8 Supercar Desert 400, the circuit boasts a Grade 1 license from the FIA. A huge, pagoda-like tower makes a great observation area for all tracks and the desert beyond. A typical combination of long straights and slow corners of 5.4 km (3.3 mi) round laps give viewers a good chance to observe the racers in a variety of positions and at various speed. Take a tour of the venue for a behind-the-scenes look at its operation. Huge floodlights make night races possible, and gift shops sell many F1 collectibles.
4:30pm-5:00pm : Tree Of Life
A 400-year-old mesquite, Tree Of Life remains the only vegetation in a remote desert landscape. Reaching a height of 9.75 m (32 ft), the tree is specially adapted to retain water from the harsh arid conditions, yet is the only of its kind in the area, leading many to turn to myth and religion as to its survival.
10:00am-10:30pm : Saar Mall, Saar
saar Mall is a service mall located in Saar, Kingdom of Bahrain. We aim to service your every need with what we have in our mall from groceries at Geant or the several ATMs around the mall, we are here for you. Saar Mall, all your needs under one roof!
11:00am-12:00pm : Royal Camel Farm
Hang out with the pampered camels of Royal Camel Farm. Stroll around the quaint farm dedicated to these quirky humped creatures and feel free to take as many pictures as you please. The staff may even let you into some of the pens to pet baby camels, or supply you with some fresh camel milk to feed them with. Although you can freely pose with the camels and interact with them, riding the distinctive animals remains prohibited.
12.30pm-5:30pm : The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park
10:00am-1:00pm : Al Dar Islands
Relax on the sands of Al Dar Islands, a small island off the coast of Sitra and a popular weekend getaway for locals, known for its laid-back atmosphere and beaches. The island lies just minutes away from Sitra, so you can easily reach it via boats that depart from the port every day. Rent a beach hut or sunbathe on the warm sands, and take a dip in the waters of the Persian gulf. Amenities are plenty, including a number of restaurants, BBQ grills, showers, and a variety of watersports options, such as jet skis, boating, and scuba diving.
1:30pm-2:00pm : Bait Shaikh Salman Historic Palace
2:30pm-5:00pm : Reef Island
Reef Island represents a mixture of a cosmopolitan city and a tropical getaway. The island is in the heart of the city, and represents a place of luxury and relaxation for both its residents and visitors. Shop in the boutiques, rest in the spa or theater, and have a drink or a meal in one of the cafes and restaurants. The island also sports a hotel resort, a yacht club, and a marina. Consider visiting during the weekdays, as it can get crowded on weekends.
5:30pm-6:0pm : Maison Jamsheer
10:00am-10:30am : Moda Mall - Bahrain World Trade Center
Shop in luxury at Moda Mall - Bahrain World Trade Center, which offers a high-class shopping experience featuring the largest portfolio of high-end international brands in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Whether its designer fashion or lavish jewelry you seek, you can find it here. Mall customers can park free. While shopping, experience the masterful design of the World Trade Center, a 240 m (787 ft) high skyscraper that was the first ever to incorporate wind turbines into the design.
11:00am-6:00pm : Wahooo! Waterpark
Enjoy a fun-filled outing at Wahooo! Waterpark, a spacious indoor and outdoor water park in the heart of Manama, filled with rides suitable for all ages. The family-oriented water park boasts a variety of heated pools, and activities, including a pool for toddlers and a large play area for small children. Splash around on the slides, brave the waves in the surf pool, and leisurely float on the lazy river. Amenities include a cafe, restaurant, and a large swimming equipment store.
10:00am-3:00pm : Dana Mall
Shop in one of the country's oldest malls at Dana Mall. Here you can find all kinds of products, from groceries in the large supermarket, to clothes, gadgets, homewares, furniture, make-up, and a wide range of accessories. Take a break and grab a bite at one of the several onsite restaurants and coffee shops. You can also make use of the kids’ play area, as well as a famous local cinema that plays both new and classic movies.
3:30pm-6:00pm : Seef Mall - Seef District
A plentiful offering of retail therapy and entertainment, Seef Mall - Seef District stands as one of Bahrain's largest shopping complexes. A vast glass ceiling rises over rows of international designer brands, plus numerous fast food spots and cafes serving up ice cream and coffee. Take kids to the indoor Arabian Nights theme park, with over 20 rides designed in keeping with traditionally Bahraini architecture. Two onsite movie theaters provide an array of cinematic offerings for the whole family.
6:30pm-8:30pm : Riyadh