History, culture, shopping & more. What to do away from the track at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix
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- The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled for April 10-12
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If you’ve got a day or two spare either side of the F1 weekend, there’s plenty to do in Bahrain. The beauty of this tiny country (which is similar in size to Singapore) is that you can cover a lot of it in a short space of time; organizing a car and driver is both cheap and easy through your hotel if you want to do some sightseeing. Bahrain is also a lot more liberal and cosmopolitan than most of its neighbors, whilst retaining an authentic Arabian culture. Here are some of our top attractions in Bahrain.
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Delve into Bahrain’s History
Bahrain has a culturally rich history and it’s all covered in the Bahrain National Museum, which features ancient artifacts from the 5000 year story of the area. Comprised of 9 main halls, entry to the museum is cheap (just 1 BHD/$2.65 USD) and the museum is open 08:00-20:00 every day except Tuesdays. Elsewhere, you can find the remains of Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort). This 16th century Portuguese fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the area was key to understanding Bahrain’s history. Entry to the site is free and there is an on-site museum.
Hit the Beach
Bahrain isn’t exactly known for its beautiful beaches, but if you fancy taking some time out on the sand then Al Jessayah is the best public beach, though beach clubs and hotels offer far prettier private beaches. Alternatively, the Al Dar Islands are an eight-minute boat ride from the city: a full beach resort complete with cabanas and huts, shopping, restaurants and watersports. Further afield, the Hawar Islands are a 50km boat trip from Manama, but well worth a visit. The 35 islands, 80% of which are made up of a wildlife preservation zone, are still relatively undeveloped. If you’re planning on visiting the Al Dar or Hawar Islands, be sure to take your passport for coastguard inspection.
Shopping in Bahrain
From browsing for spices and perfume to sampling the street food and picking up all manner of souvenirs, no visit to Manama is complete without a wander through the souk (or Manama Souq). This bustling market is a little oasis of traditional Arabic culture amidst the skyscrapers of Bahrain. Enter via the historic Bab Al Bahrain building. For a more modern shopping experience, visit the City Centre Bahrain. Located in the Seef district, the largest shopping centre in the country offers everything from conventional stores to a range of cuisine, cinemas and even its own hotel complex!
More Things to Do in Bahrain
- Visit the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. Join a guided tour of this impressive public monument with a capacity for 7000 worshipers and known widely as Bahrain’s cultural centre. Dress conservatively for your free tour and keep legs covered – no shorts.
- Visit the Tree of Life, a 400 year old tree on the site of an ancient fortress.
- Check out the twin 240-meter towers of Bahrain World Trade Center, Manama’s most modern architectural sight
- Learn more about nightlife, bars and restaurants in Bahrain via TimeOut Bahrain.
