By Sheila Seiler
The ancient world capital for pearl trading and a 4,000-year-old settlement, today Bahrain is mostly known for being the first Middle Eastern country to strike it rich after finding oil. But there’s more to this nation of sand and sea.
Meaning ‘Two Seas’ in Arabic, the country in the Persian Gulf comprises more than 30 islands, and boasts plenty of unique archaeological sites, as well as pristine shallow waters that lap its shores. With year-round temperate weather and activities ranging from hiking to water sports, it’s becoming a popular vacation destination for travelers who like venturing off the beaten caravan path. Its capital, Manama, is also a vibrant stop from which you can begin exploring the country. We've compiled a quick guide on the best things to do in this desert mirage.
1. Check Out The Tree of Life
Perhaps Bahrain’s most famous tree, the Sharajat-al-Hayat or 'Tree of Life' has stood alone in a brutally harsh climate for over 400 years, in a remote desert location. A type of Prosopis cineraria, a flowering tree in the pea family that grows well in arid environments, it is around 9.72 meters high – twice the height of a normal Prosopis cineraria – and can be found only half an hour’s drive from Manama, in the hazy Jebel Dukhan, the highest point in Bahrain (440 feet above sea level). Its longevity is what makes it a must-see when visiting Bahrain: no one quite knows how the shrub has survived so long – though the most likely explanation is that its roots reach an underground spring – and the ‘mystery’ has led some to suggest it is the last vestige of the Garden of Eden. To reach it, follow signs to the tree along the Al Muaskar Highway – the site is just off the sealed road. Displays detailing the history of the tree’s discovery and information on how it is cared for can be found around the tree, as well as restrooms that the guards will unlock upon request (this is key after the car drive to get there).
2. Hit Up the Souqs
Souq, pronounced ‘sook,’ is the word for ‘market’ in Arabic. A cross between a village market and the fake markets of Shanghai, it is in this maze of streets that you’ll find anything from Persian scarves and handmade bags to spices, evil eye jewelry and handicrafts, but also electronic goods and household items like mops and doorknobs. The Manama Souq is a good one to start with. Located downtown, behind the historical building of Bab al-Bahrain, the market is at the crossroad of old and new Bahrain, with vendors trading a plethora of products but also modern air-conditioned areas where you’ll find traditional Mediterranean foods as well as refreshments like gelato.
3. Visit Bahrain's Museums
With its Madame Tussauds-style wax figures of village scenes from years past, the Bahrain National Museum is no doubt the most popular attraction in the country – and rightly so. The exhibits on display make for a great introduction to Bahrain’s history, with archaeological finds followed by well-illustrated sections on the nation’s contemporary culture – from school life and wedding traditions to scenes of life in the marketplace. Nine halls take visitors through the history of pearl diving, traditional Bahraini home and courtyard architecture, handicrafts, ancient manuscripts ranging from bills to copies of the Quran, ancient pottery and coins and artifacts from all over the world that were found by archaeologists in Bahrain. The museum also features an upscale gift shop where you can buy postcards, handmade clothing and accessories and paintings by local artists.
Entry to the Bahrain National Museum is 1 dinar.
The Museum of Pearl Diving, which is located next to a small fort by the sea, is accessible by a short boat ride from the Bahrain National Museum. Inside the modern cool stone building are displays that explain the history of pearl diving in Bahrain, how the activity affected the local economy, and information about the lives of the divers. Visitors can stroll along the beach to see the exterior of the fort from there.
Entry is 1 dinar paid at the Bahrain National Museum front desk; the boat ride allows for views of Manama from a distance.
The Beit Al Quran, Bahrain’s museum about the Quran, is an example of modern Bahraini architecture. Sand colored and wrapped in Kufic script, the museum spans two floors with over 50,000 books about Islam from all over the Middle East. On display are hand painted, intricately detailed editions of the Quran dating from 700 AD. The museum has a serene atmosphere and, in a way, might remind you of the calligraphy room at the Shanghai Museum – one doesn’t need to be able to read the language to appreciate a piece’s artistic qualities.
Entrance is free; a donation is requested from all who can give.
4. Take a Trip to Bahrain's Forts
With settlements stretching back 12,000 years, Bahrain is one of the seats of ancient civilization – which is why it attracts so many history buffs.
There are forts around every corner, the best-preserved being the Bahrain Fort, also known as the Qal’at al-Bahrain. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the original Bahrain Fort was built over 3,000 years ago and was part of 4,500 years of successive habitation in that area. The current fort that stands on its foundation dates back to the sixth century AD. The fort includes a sea tower, which historians speculate was a lighthouse, and palm groves, which fueled the agrarian aspect of the ancient Bahraini economy. Archaeologists have uncovered military, commercial, governmental and residential structures around the fort too, and the site itself showcases over 500 artifacts from various uncovered layers. The fort and its attached museum feature a café.
5. Enjoy Land Activities
Horse-riding
The Middle East isn't just about camels! With archaeological evidence linking steeds to the Middle East 4,500 years ago, horses are an integral part of Bahraini culture. Arabian horses were bred for endurance riding and were often brought into the family tents or houses for shelter and protection at night. Horseback rides along the beach can be booked for six Dinar/hour; lessons are 12 Dinar/ hour at Bahrain Riding School. Contact: horseridersami@gmail.com; Sami Ghazwan is a world champion horse jumper who coaches students himself.
Hiking
If you prefer to stay on two feet instead of four, you can walk the Pearl Trail, another UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a 3.5-kilometer self-guided walking tour on the island of Muharraq, which is easily accessible from downtown Manama. The trail showcases 17 buildings that were historically important during the pearl trading era, which lasted until the 1930s. There are no maps of the route in its entirety, so visitors should start at the Bin Matar House, then follow the blue signs. The trail can take up to three hours if you want to tour all the historical buildings, some of which feature videos, information panels and talks about pearl diving.
6. Take Part in Water Activities
Scuba diving 
Ever wanted to be a pearl diver? Bahrain is where you can start – albeit only from June to September, when tides and weather conditions mark the beginning of pearl diving season. Instructors teach pearl diving students how to free dive, how to plug up their noses, and where to find pearl-bearing oysters – and students get to keep any pearl they might find. Traveling to Bahrain outside the summer months? Fret not. Scuba diving operators across the islands offer diving daytrips year round. Just forget the pearls.
Book scuba sessions online here.
Surfing and Kite Surfing 
These are popular water sports in Bahrain. The best place to practice is in the north, near the capital city, where constant onshore wind means surfers are blown towards the shore rather than away from it. Skate Shack offers lessons in both activities.
Chilling on the Beach 
A nation of 33 natural islands and several manmade ones, Bahrain is surrounded by sand and water. Most beaches have shade trees, so visitors won’t need to bring an umbrella. Coral Bay, Bahrain Yacht Club, and Marina Club all have private beaches with entry fees of two to eight Dinar; Coral Bay often features entertainment in the evening, making it a popular partygoer destination. Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds and stay on a budget check Groupon.com, as it often offers deals on hotel brunches with private beach access.
7. Discover Bahrain's World Class Cuisine
An amalgam of cultures from around the world, Bahrain is a typical Middle Eastern country in that its population comes from everywhere – as does its food. While half of its 1.2 million inhabitants are Bahraini, the other half hail from India, the Mediterranean, and everywhere else, so visitors can find worldclass hummus, curries and everything in between in cheap street side eateries. Bahraini cuisine features fish and shellfish, sweet pastries and stuffed sweetmeats. Worth checking out: Saffron at the Manama Souq has a diverse selection of Mediterranean and Bahraini foods, offers free Wi-Fi, and is a great place to unwind.
Good to know: Cocktails, beer, and wine are only available at bars and clubs or hotel restaurants, which is typical of the Middle East.
Bahrain Travel Tips
What to wear: Midday is thermometer-shatteringly hot, even in winter, so people tend to stay inside from 11 am to 3 pm, making that prime museum-going time. For museum visits, bring jackets and scarves to stave off the chill from the air conditioning; locals often wear sweaters inside if they’re not in traditional dress to provide an extra layer. Mornings and evenings are mild year-round, so be sure to bring clothes that will keep you warm. Beachgoers wear normal bathing suits and you’ll see people in everything from bikinis to Qingdao-style full-length wetsuits called burkinis.
Fun fact: In the Middle East, it’s called the Arabic Gulf, not the Persian Gulf.
Speak like a local: Shukran means ‘thanks’ in Arabic.
Download: Bahrain Taxi and Uber if you want to avoid renting a car. They’re both affordable and you won’t have to worry about getting lost.
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