Historical Bahrain offers a fascinating number of heritage attractions. These include the Dilmun era sites such as the burial mounds and the Barbar Temple; the 14th and 15th century forts like the Bahrain Fort and the Arad Fort; the Al Khamis mosque and the Shaikh Isa bin Ali House and Al Jasra House tracing the history of the Al Khalifa dynasty.

Visitors can also take part in a traditional majlis at one of the hundreds of Arabic coffee shops where the smoking of the sheesha (water-pipe) can be enjoyed whilst playing a game of dominos or backgammon. Avid golfers can tee up at the Riffa Golf Club, a world-class facility offering a championship standard 18-hole golf course.

 

The Souk No visit to Bahrain would be complete without a trip to the souk -- with its profusion of colours, sounds and aromas. A diverse range of wares are sold, from cloth of colours and textures to gold and jewellery as well as the traditional array of spices and local produce.

The Gold Souk Bahrain gold is usually 21 carat and hallmarked. It is available in an infinite number of styles, including traditional Bedouin designs as well as the more contemporary European jewellery. If you are unable to see what you want, then don't worry --- pieces can also be made to order.

Al-Khamis Mosque The twin minarets of this ancient mosque are easily identifiable as you drive along the Shaikh Salman Road. It is considered being one of the oldest relics of Islam in the region, and the foundation is believed to have been laid as early as 692 AD. An inscription found on the site, however, suggests a foundation date sometimes during the 11th Century. It has since been rebuilt twice in both 14th & 15th centuries, when the minarets were constructed. Recently, the mosque has been partially restored.

Bahrain Fort  The first dwellings on the site are believed to have been constructed around 2800 BC, and have subsequently been overlaid by numerous fortified settlements.  The last was built in the early 16th century to defend Portugal's recent acquisition of the islands-for this reason, it is also known locally as the Portuguese Fort. Numerous excavations have uncovered a variety of relics from the forts past.

Barbar Temple  Excavations, which were begun in the 1950s and 1960s, have revealed three stone-built temples dating from the second and third millennia BC. It is believed they were built as a place of worship for the God of Spring Waters, Enki, and a sacred well within the complex strengthens this theory.

Museum of Pearl Diving  The Museum of Pearl Diving building is regarded as one of the most important and historic buildings in Bahrain. Its importance derives from being the first official centre for the Bahrain Courts.

Arad Fort  Due to its proximity to the airport, this 16th century fort of Arabic construction is probably one of the first landmarks you will see upon arrival to Bahrain. It has undergone extensive restoration and is now illuminated at night, presenting a magnificent sight.

Shaikh Isa's House  Shaikh Isa's house, in the old town of Muharraq, was once the home of the Amir’s great-grandfather, Shaikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa. It provides a fine example of local architecture, complete with wind tower, wall carving and lattice work, and its representative of traditional 19th century life. One of the early forms of air-conditioning was the wind tower, a traditional landmark of local architecture. This would act as a funnel, catching the breeze and drawing it down it down into the cavities below, as well as allowing the release of hot air like a chimney.

Tree of Life  Standing alone in the desert about two kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Jebel Dukhan, this flourishing mystic tree provides welcome shade from the heat of the day, although its source of water remains a mystery.

King Fahad Causeway  Opened in 1986, this remarkable 25 km. (15.5 miles) feat of engineering links Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most expensive bridges in the world. The causeway traverses Umm Nasan Island, which is a sanctuary for wildlife, and at halfway point there is a facility area, including a restaurant, which you can visit even if you don't travel the whole distance to Saudi Arabia.

Al-Jasra House  The house was built by Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa in 1907, and was the birthplace of the present Amir in July 1933. When the family moved to Riffa later in the 1930, the building fell into disrepair, but they were restored in 1986 and are now open to the public.

Oil Museum  Situated near Oil Well No.1, the Museum was inaugurated on the 2nd June 1992 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the discovery of oil in Bahrain, the first country of the Middle East to do so. It houses some fascinating exhibits, including drilling equipment, documents, old photographs and a working model of an oil rig.

The National Museum This is certainly the best laid-out historical/ethnographic museum in the region. The building is architecturally outstanding: a beautiful mostly white marble structure that sits shimmering on the coast near the harbour.

Hawar Island H.H. The King Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa recently described the Hawar Islands as the Priceless Pearls of Bahrain, in recognition of the richness of the natural wildlife that is to be found on and around the islands. H.H the Amir has directed that the Island should be regarded as a National Treasure and that the natural charater of the "Hawar Islands, the seas that surround them and all aspects of the Islands' flora and fauna be preserved".

Al Areen Wild Life Park. Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve, established in 1975, is a unique experiment in conservation and was inspired by H.H. The Crown Prince's long-standing interest in falconry and wildlife in general. With a view to creating an environment for the protection and breeding of endangered species, whilst simultaneously attracting the interest of the public, it has become the leading organisation of its kind in the Middle East.