How to spend three days in Bahrain

With a total area covering around 780km², Bahrain only just edges out Singapore in terms of size. But what it lacks in landmass, it more than makes up for with its diversity of landscapes: think glittering skylines, idyllic beaches and striking desert fortresses.

Art and history buffs will find plenty to discover, too. After all, the archipelago was once the centre of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, and various institutions in the Kingdom play host to rotating exhibitions of Islamic art throughout the year. 

For maximum convenience, book a luxurious serviced apartment at Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, which is situated in the heart of the thriving Manama financial district. The property’s central location means it’s easy to get around by taxi, Uber or bus, making it a cinch to explore all that Bahrain has to offer. 

Planning a Bahrain getaway? Consult our roundup of the highlights of the city or draw inspiration from our sample itinerary below.

Day 1: Delve into history and heritage

Get up bright and early for breakfast at Darseen Cafe, situated in the Bahrain National Museum (main picture, a 15-minute taxi ride from Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain). Try the scrambled eggs seasoned with Bahraini spices and served with flatbread, or the balaleet – traditional noodles made with saffron and rose water, and topped with an omelette.

Once your tummy’s filled, you’re all set to tackle 6,000 years of history. Take your time exploring the museum’s five halls, three of which are dedicated to the ancient Dilmun civilisation – a kingdom that flourished around 2,000 BCE. Be sure to check out the hall dedicated to Dilmun burial mounds, which provides fascinating insight into traditions from a distant past.

Then, take a five-minute taxi ride across the highway to Beit Al Quran (above), a multi-purpose complex with 10 permanent exhibition spaces dedicated to the Islamic arts.

Among the more fascinating artefacts, you’ll get to see here are Quranic verses engraved on rice grains. Come dinnertime, take a 10-minute walk to nearby Al Kwar Restaurant & Grills, a no-frills eatery beloved for its traditional meat dishes. Order the sheesh tawooq (chicken skewers), lamb chops and meat tikka sandwich for a hearty feast. 

Day 2: Live life in the fast lane 

After a delicious buffet breakfast at The Gallery restaurant at Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, take a 30-minute taxi ride to the Sakhir Desert to explore the Bahrain International Circuit (above), which plays host to the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix.

A VIP Tour – which runs on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays – covers iconic stops like the Sakhir Tower, Race Control Tower and, of course, the race track itself, which is renowned for its thrilling hairpin turns.

Alternatively, get your adrenaline pumping by signing up for one of the Track Experiences. You can get behind the wheel – or into the passenger seat – of a race car and trace the same circuit that led Charles Leclerc to the top of the podium in March 2022. 

From the circuit, it’s a 25-minute taxi ride to the Tree of Life (above, known locally as Shajarat-al-Hayat), one of Bahrain’s top attractions.

Estimated to be over 400 years old, it accrued its mythic status by being the only tree for miles in an otherwise barren desert landscape. To this day, even scientists are not entirely sure how it has thrived for centuries without an obvious source of water. Be sure to check out the perimeter wall encircling the complex, which is marked with display boards chronicling other famous trees in the world. 

You’ll have worked up quite an appetite by now, so take a 45-minute taxi ride to Manama Souq, a colourful bazaar in the eponymous district. Enjoy some kebabs and an aromatic cup of chai tea at Haji’s Traditional Cafe before exploring the rest of the souq – a bustling warren of alleyways where you can buy Persian rugs, mosaic lamps, Bahraini pottery and local spices like saffron. Put your haggling skills to the test for the best bargains.

Day 3: Experience the life aquatic

After a day out in the desert, it’s easy to forget that you’re actually surrounded by water, so spend some time exploring Bahrain’s aquatic pleasures. For those with PADI licences, diving for pearls is surely one of the most unique experiences Bahrain has to offer. Up till the 1930s, Bahrain was the global centre of the pearling industry and its 400 square miles of oyster beds are testament to that. Dive with a licensed operator for the opportunity to collect up to 60 oysters – any pearls you find are yours to keep!

Prefer being on the water instead? Consider heading for the Amwaj Islands (above, around a 35-minute taxi ride from Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain), a group of six man-made islands developed to expand Bahrain’s tourism offerings.

For active travellers, an array of watersports like kayaking and windsurfing are available. If you want something less strenuous, there are a few luxury spas here that promise some serious pampering.

For the perfect end to your evening, make your way to Fusions by Tala (around a 20-minute taxi ride from Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain) for dinner. Helmed by Tala Bashmi, a Bahrain-born, Swiss-trained chef who competed in Top Chef Middle East, the restaurant serves up upscale renditions of local favourites like bamia (beef and okra stew) and shrimp jireesh (crushed wheat soup).