Visiting Bahrain for the first time, THE GUIDE
Visiting Bahrain was never planned! However, when we were offered to visit Bahrain for 3 days, I just couldn’t say no! We were excited to discover a destination that was really unknown to Israelis. And wrongly, often associated with its neighbor Dubai. We were right to accept, it’s a total surprise! A destination of which one does not suspect the richness of its history, its heritage and its cultural openness! So here is a little complete guide to visiting Bahrain, for the curious who would like to get there during a stopover of 3 or 4 days!
Just 2 hours and 15 minutes by flight from Tel Aviv, Bahrain will undoubtedly be your future destination !!!
HOW TO GET TO AND WHERE TO SLEEP IN BAHRAIN
It is possible to find return flights starting at $ 300 for Bahrain, plus with Gulf Air, the local company, you will love the service on this exceptional company. In terms of accommodation, Bahrain primarily offers comfortable hotels in a luxurious style and completely standardized. We stayed at the Golden Tulip, a magnificent modern hotel ideally, a stone’s throw from the old center and near the sea. The breakfast buffet is a real treat, I let you discover it for yourself, these breakfasts you will miss when you return home.
DAY 1: The old town of Muharraq and the pearl path
- Fort Bu Maher
It is the ideal starting point to take the temperature of the historic heart of Bahrain. This small fort can be reached by boat from the national museum (the little walk on the turquoise waters is magical). It is the starting point of the famous Pearl Route, a Unesco listed project and witness to the former flourishing pearl fishing economy in the country. The fort houses superb models of the most beautiful residences of the old quarter of Muharraq, which you can visit afterwards, because we can assure you, you will return to Bahrain.
- Muharraq and its old historic homes
Probably one of my favorite places in the capital! It is literally the historic heart of the city, a time abandoned by locals to move into newer neighborhoods, but largely renovated by the state. The easiest way is to stroll in the middle of its alleys in bright tones of white and natural wood. We were able to visit several houses completely renovated inside and sublimated by the natural refinement of Bahrainis and renowned architects, such as:
– the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa house, transformed into a cultural center and library (a gem),
– Kurar House, once again a center of gold thread embroidery craftsmanship,
– or even the home of local musician and singer Bin Faris, a leading figure in Sut music.
– If you are a coffee lover, also do not miss House of Coffee, decorated with granulated sugar on the ceiling and flowerbeds covered with coffee beans, a design must!
- Shaikh Isa House
Without question, one of the most beautiful homes in the old quarter of Muharraq. A former royal house dating from the beginning of the 19th century, it is one of the few and best preserved vestiges of traditional Bahraini architecture. Heavy wooden doors carved like lace, stones cut with fine arabesques, turrets and sunny terraces rocked by the song of the muezzin from the adjoining mosque, this place is magical, you will love it.
- Neighborhood shops
The Muharraq district is full of small local businesses, such as spice merchants, traditional perfumers or pastry shops.Don’t miss the traditional pastry shop of Hussain Moh’d Showaiter House, which sells the famous halwa, the typical sweets of the region. .A mythical place in the city and everyone is tearing them off!
We will stop there for today, starting tomorrow we will take you to discover other treasures of Bahrain.
We told you in the title, visit Bahrain for the first time, we promise you at the end of this article of the day, you will go back to visit Bahrain, Bahrain several times, we never tire of it.
In the meantime, discover our other articles on Bahrain, by clicking here
Everything you need to know before going to Bahrain by clicking here
Book your trip: flight + hotel by clicking here
