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Bahrain

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Old meets new. Bahrain's main source of income at a time used to be the sea (fishing and pearl diving etc.), while Banking and tourism are among the new sources of income.

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Overview

Like an oyster, Bahrain has a rough exterior that takes some prising open, but it's worth the effort. The storied location of the ancient Dilmun empire and home to the epicentre of the Gulf's pearling past, Bahrain has a history to reflect on with pride. Boasting its own Formula 1 Grand Prix, a growing art and foodie scene heavily cross-pollinated by Manama's huge expat population, and a wealth of activities enjoyed on the azure waters surrounding this collection of islands, Bahrain will appeal to travellers who seek an unpretentious, yet confident country bearing all the hallmarks of a modern, wealthy Gulf nation. This multilayered and multicultural destination is often overlooked by tourists, so you'll probably have the place all to yourself.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Museum goers inside the purpose-built Bahrain National Museum which covers 6,000 years of Bahrain's history.

    Bahrain National Museum

    Manama

    Deservedly the country's most popular attraction, this is an outstanding introduction to Bahrain's history, with signage in English and Arabic. It's…

  • Qal'At Al Bahrain is the original capital and port of the island of Bahrain. It is part of UNESCO World Heritage; Shutterstock ID 258796199; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Middle East Online Highlights Update

    Bahrain Fort & Museum

    Bahrain

    A 10-minute drive west of Manama, on an ancient tell (mound created by centuries of urban rebuilding), the majestic Bahrain Fort stares out across the…

  • The Manama Souk, Bahrain.

    Manama Souq

    Manama

    Manama Souq is a warren of narrow streets and alleyways emanating south from Bab Al Bahrain. Here you can pick up everything from electronic goods and…

  • Beit Al Quran

    Manama

    The finest collection of ancient Qurans in the region, this wonderful homage to Islam's holiest book displays Qurans from almost every century since the…

  • Al Fatih Mosque

    Manama

    This is Bahrain's grand mosque, built as a grand statement in honour of the founder of modern Bahrain, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Muhammad Bin Khalifa, who was…

  • Beit Sheikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa

    Bahrain

    Offering a fascinating look at pre-oil life in Bahrain, this building was constructed around 1800 and is one of the finest examples of a traditional house…

  • Riffa Fort

    Bahrain

    The completely restored Riffa Fort was built in 1812 by Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmad Al Fatih, the 19th-century ruler of Bahrain. A classic piece of Bahraini…

  • A'Ali Royal Burial Mounds

    Bahrain

    There are more than 100,000 Dilmun-era burial mounds scattered across Bahrain, but none come close to the magnificence of these. That A'Ali was an…

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