Diving into the things to do in Manama, from exploring the Bahrain National Museum’s rich history to wandering through the vibrant Bab Al Bahrain market, can fill your days with discovery and delight. Yet, day trips from Manama offer an even broader canvas, inviting you to explore the treasures of Bahrain beyond its capital. These excursions reveal the island’s diverse landscapes, from the ancient Dilmun Burial Mounds to the lush oases and stark beauty of the desert.
Venturing further from Manama, you encounter a wider array of things to do in Bahrain, such as marveling at the architectural wonder of the Bahrain Fort or enjoying the tranquility of Al Areen Wildlife Park. Each journey enriches your experience, connecting you with the kingdom’s blend of modernity and deep-rooted history.
Choosing where to stay in Manama is pivotal, providing a strategic base that complements your exploration of Bahrain’s capital and its surroundings. The right accommodation not only offers comfort and luxury but also positions you perfectly to access both the city’s bustling life and the serene beauty awaiting in nearby regions, ensuring a rich and varied experience of Bahrain’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
Discover Best Day Trips from Manama, Bahrain
1. Al Areen Wildlife Park, Bahrain
Al Areen Wildlife Park, located in the southern part of Bahrain near Sakhir, offers a chance to see a variety of animals and plant species, some of which are indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. The park includes a reserve for endangered species and a beautiful botanical garden.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 40 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Wildlife reserve, botanical garden, endangered species
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Park Entrance: $5
Budget: Approximately $10-$20 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Animal enclosures, botanical garden, lake
Travel Tip: Plan your visit during the cooler hours of the day to see the most animal activity, and don’t forget to bring a camera for wildlife photography.
2. Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain
Bahrain National Museum in Manama provides an insightful look into Bahrain’s rich history and culture, featuring artifacts from the Dilmun civilization and contemporary art exhibitions. It’s an ideal place to understand the country’s past and present.
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Travel Time: About 10 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Artifacts from Dilmun civilization, contemporary art exhibitions, traditional dhow
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Museum Entrance: $2
Budget: Approximately $5-$10 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Museum gardens, seafront views, traditional dhow
Travel Tip: Allocate enough time to explore the museum’s outdoor section, which includes a traditional dhow and stunning seafront views.
3. Qal’at al-Bahrain, Bahrain
Qal’at al-Bahrain, also known as the Bahrain Fort, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This archaeological site displays layers of human habitation dating back to the Dilmun era and offers a glimpse into the island’s ancient history.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Travel Time: About 15-20 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: UNESCO World Heritage site, ancient fort, archaeological layers
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Fort Entrance: Free
Budget: Approximately $5-$10 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Sunset views, fort ruins, surrounding gardens
Travel Tip: Visit the fort at sunset for a spectacular view, and consider hiring a guide to enhance your understanding of the site’s history.
4. King Fahd Causeway, Bahrain
King Fahd Causeway connects Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, offering a unique road trip over the Persian Gulf. The causeway itself is an engineering marvel, and the journey provides beautiful sea views.
Distance: Approximately 25 km
Travel Time: About 25 minutes to the causeway, 1 hour to Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Engineering marvel, sea views, road trip experience
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Causeway Toll: $3
Budget: Approximately $10-$20 (including transportation, tolls, and food)
Scenic Spots: Midway point views, sea backdrop, border checkpoint
Travel Tip: Check visa requirements if you plan to enter Saudi Arabia, and stop at the midway point for a photo with the sea backdrop.
5. Tree of Life, Bahrain
The Tree of Life in Bahrain is a natural wonder, a lone mesquite tree that has survived for over 400 years in the middle of the desert with no apparent water source. Its resilience and mystery make it a fascinating visit.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 40 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Ancient mesquite tree, desert landscape, natural wonder
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Entrance Fees:
- Tree of Life Entrance: Free
Budget: Approximately $5-$10 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Desert views, solitary tree, surrounding sands
Travel Tip: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the desert heat, and bring water and sun protection.
6. Saar Archaeological Site, Bahrain
The Saar Archaeological Site offers a peek into the Dilmun civilization, featuring the remains of residential houses, temples, and burial mounds dating back to around 2300 BC.
Distance: Approximately 15 km
Travel Time: About 20 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Dilmun civilization remains, residential houses, temples, burial mounds
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Site Entrance: Free
Budget: Approximately $5-$10 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Archaeological ruins, historical landmarks, site museum
Travel Tip: Combine your visit with the nearby Bahrain Fort and Bahrain National Museum for a full day of historical exploration.
7. Riffa, Bahrain
Riffa, Bahrain’s second-largest city, provides a different urban experience with its modern developments and traditional markets. Key attractions include the Riffa Fort and the Riffa Golf Club.
Distance: Approximately 30 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Riffa Fort, Riffa Golf Club, traditional markets
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Riffa Fort Entrance: $3
Budget: Approximately $10-$20 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Fort views, traditional markets, modern cityscapes
Travel Tip: Explore the traditional markets in Riffa for unique souvenirs and local crafts.
8. Hawar Islands, Bahrain
The Hawar Islands, a group of islands situated off the west coast of Qatar, are known for their wildlife, including the endangered Arabian Oryx and a variety of bird species. These islands are a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Distance: Access via boat from the south of Bahrain
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour by boat
Transportation: Boat
Main Attractions: Wildlife, Arabian Oryx, bird watching, marine life
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Boat Trip: $30
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Island views, wildlife habitats, clear waters
Travel Tip: Check the availability of boat services in advance, and bring binoculars for bird watching.
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Sources:
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