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Venue listings

Nine places that anchor most visits to Bahrain, from the national museum on the Manama waterfront to the desert circuit at Sakhir. Each listing covers the same ground: where the place is, what kind of visit or event it suits, a short history and some practical notes. None of these listings is official, and none of the venues has reviewed or endorsed them.

The listings run roughly from the city outwards: the Manama waterfront and old market first, then the north coast, Muharraq across the bridges, and finally the desert of the south around Sakhir. Distances are short, so most visitors can reach any of these places within an hour of central Manama by taxi.

For when to go, the month-by-month calendar on the front page marks the comfortable months for outdoor sites and the times of year when the theatre and the circuit are busiest. For how to get between them, see getting around the islands.

Venue listings
PhotoVenueAreaTypeBest season
The stone-clad Bahrain National Museum beside a reflecting pool Bahrain National MuseumArchaeology, crafts and island life under one roof Manama waterfront Museum All year; ideal on hot afternoons
The Manama waterfront skyline with the low, dark roof of the National Theatre Bahrain National TheatreA waterfront auditorium for concerts, dance and drama Manama waterfront Performing arts venue Main programme in the cooler months
The walls of Qal'at al-Bahrain on its mound above the sea Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort)Four thousand years of layers on the north coast North coast, west of Manama Archaeological site and site museum Best October to April, early or late in the day
The white arched facade of Bab Al Bahrain in central Manama Bab Al Bahrain and Manama SouqThe old gateway and the lanes of the market behind it Central Manama Historic gateway and market district All year; evenings in summer
The start-finish straight and grandstands at Bahrain International Circuit Bahrain International CircuitThe desert circuit that brought Formula One to the region Sakhir, south of Manama Motorsport venue Main race events in the cooler months
Arad Fort with its round towers and crenellated walls Arad FortA compact coral-stone fort on Muharraq's shoreline Arad, Muharraq Island Historic fort Best October to April; attractive when lit at night
The carved facade of Bayt Siyadi in old Muharraq Bayt Siyadi and the Pearling PathMerchant houses on Muharraq's UNESCO pearling route Old Muharraq Heritage houses and walking route Best October to April, mornings or late afternoon
The large dome of Al Fateh Grand Mosque seen above the surrounding district Al Fateh Grand MosqueRespectful visitor notes for one of the region's largest mosques Juffair, Manama Place of worship (visitor information) All year, outside prayer times
The wide, low canopy of the Tree of Life in the desert The Tree of Life (Shajarat al-Hayat)A centuries-old tree alone in the southern desert Southern desert, near Jebel Dukhan Natural landmark Best November to March

Listings are independent and general. No venue has reviewed or endorsed them.