Tick off the bucket list – here’s where to eat, sleep and play in Bahrain across one and two days.
Whether you’re on a layover, holiday or just a local looking to have your own Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in Manama, we’re here to help you make the most of Bahrain.
Bahrain is the smallest country in the Middle East. But despite being quite petite, this island has got plenty to offer. With a rich history and a celebrated culture, Bahrain offers a perfect blend of the old and the new. If you’re planning to visit, here’s our curated Bahrain itinerary featuring food, arts, culture and tourist attractions. On your marks, get set, explore.
Day one: 24 hours in Bahrain
Travel back in time and walk in the footsteps of history. Learn about the country’s unique history at UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, and traditional souqs.
8am
Have breakfast at Bahrain’s oldest restaurant
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Haji’s Cafe. Located in Manama, this cafe — with indoor and outdoor seating — has been serving diners since 1950. The menu features an array of Arabian classics such as foul, omelette, chicken nashef and much more, perfect to fill you up for the day ahead.
10am
Explore the Bahrain National Museum
Located at a 10-minute drive from Haji’s Cafe is the Bahrain National Museum. Opened in 1988, this museum takes you through Bahrain’s history. Exhibits inside highlight the life of Bahraini bedouins, shining a light on their everyday life and celebrations. Art installations by local artists also take up space at the museum, with some sculptures even placed outside the museum.
11am
Follow the Pearling Path
A short, five-minute boat ride away from the Bahrain National Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Bahrain’s Pearling Path. This 3.5km stretch takes you through historic houses, narrating the rich history of the country’s pearl trade.
1pm
Visit the Bahrain National Theater
Situated right next to the Bahrain National Museum is the Bahrain National Theatre. This architectural marvel overlooks the sea and draws inspiration from the tales of Arabian Nights. The building has a main auditorium, an outdoor hall and a cafe for visitors attending events at the National Theatre.
2pm
Head to Roka for lunch
Roka has been wowing diners in Dubai, London, and Riyadh, and the newly opened Bahrain outpost is no exception. The restaurant launched in the country earlier this year and is located on the eighth floor of the Pearl House building at Bahrain Harbour. With views of Manama city, the ocean, and the skyline, you’re in for a memorable Japanese meal.
4pm
Explore Bab Al Bahrain and Manama Souq
Finish your culture tour with a visit to Bab Al Bahrain, the gateway to Manama Souq. Built in 1949, this historical landmark used to be the hub of the country. Plus, the Manama Souq is a great place to shop for souvenirs, spices and oud.
7pm
Indulge in Italian cuisine at Primavera
End your day with a fancy dinner at Primavera in The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. Here, Chef Mirsha Moreno serves up traditional Italian cuisine but with a twist. For a sweet ending, you also get a theatrical serving from the Tiramisu Trolley.
9pm
Spend the night at Raffles Al Areen Palace for a royal shut-eye
Retire for the night at the newly-opened Raffles Al Areen Palace. Located in Al Areen, this luxurious hotel offers a much-needed, serene escape. With its white fort-like villas and a private pool, you’re in for a truly relaxing night to yourself.
Day two: 48 hours in Bahrain
Manama is a bustling metropolis with soaring skyscrapers, celebrity chefs, luxury malls and architectural wonders. This is well and truly a global city, so it’s time to visit the blockbuster sights. It’s time to go large.
8am
Soak up in your private pool with a floating breakfast
Floating breakfasts are a thing for the gram and you can enjoy one in Bahrain. Raffles Al Areen Palace gives you the option to enjoy this treat served in your private pool. Take a dip and feast on a hearty selection of breakfast classics.
10am
Elevate your zen mode
Head to the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa for a relaxing spa session. The thalassotherapy complex here offers seawater-based treatments, including hydrotherapy and massage that are sure to make your worries away.
12pm
Visit the Al Fateh Grand Mosque
Visit the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Boasting stunning architecture, the mosque was built in 1987 and named after Ahmed Al Fateh — the man who conquered Bahrain. With guided tours, the mosque is open to people of all faiths and teaches a lot about Bahrain’s Islamic heritage.
2pm
Grab lunch at Byblos
Enjoy a modern Lebanese lunch at Byblos, which opened its doors earlier this year at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Feast in a selection of mezze platters and grilled meats overlooking the beach beyond.
4pm
Relive your childhood at the Bahrain Toy Festival
As part of the Bahrain Summer Festival 2024, the Bahrain Toy Festival is running in full swing. With the biggest toy brands, activities and events, this is your chance to relive your inner child.
6pm
Go shopping at Marassi Galleria
Marassi Galleria is the latest addition to Bahrain’s shopping and leisure landscape. The mall opened earlier this year and features a wide mix of luxury retail outlets. With a waterfront perfect for an evening stroll and an underwater zoo, it’s fantastic for families.
8pm
Enjoy dinner and shisha at Gallery 21
For a wholesome end to your Bahrain visit, head to Gallery 21. Enjoy a delicious dinner in this unique, neon setting. With music and entertainment served on the side, you can also enjoy a superb shisha and kick back till the late hours of the night.
When to visit
Middle Eastern countries are bound to receive scorching summers and Bahrain is no exception. But winters here are pleasant, making October to March a good time to visit. With cooler temperatures, you’ll be able to enjoy the cultural outdoors with ease.
Getting there and away
Getting to Bahrain is easy. The country’s Bahrain International Airport is well-connected to major cities across the world. Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer direct flights to Bahrain from the UAE. You can also hop on a six-hour flight to Bahrain from London. If you’re travelling from Saudi Arabia, you can take a two-hour direct flight from Jeddah or a one-hour flight from Riyadh. In fact, you can also take a five-hour road trip from Riyadh to Bahrain or a 30-minute drive from Al Khobar.
