Sometimes all you want is a relaxing destination to visit with your friends or family. It shouldn’t be a very long flight. It should be ideal for a 3-4 day getaway. It should be easy to get around. Bahrain ticks ALL those boxes and we are here to help you plan a trip to this country with our four day Bahrain itinerary.

Bahrain translates to the “two seas” and is situated in the Arabian Gulf. The island country is ideal if you’re in for a city break with a mix of culture, beaches, and good food. As a travel destination, it is perfect for everyone from families to young couples. The country took us by surprise and we really enjoyed our time there. Here is everything you need to know to plan a trip to Bahrain and our suggested list of things to do in Bahrain 🙂

Getting your visa for Bahrain

If you’re an Indian passport holder, you can get an evisa for Bahrain. The application is straightforward and needs basic documents such as copies of your passport, flight tickets, financial proof etc. You can find all details and apply here on the official website listed above.

Getting Into Bahrain & getting around In Bahrain

You can opt for VIP services upon getting to Bahrain International Airport using Hala Bahrain – this allows access to a luxurious arrival lounge, concierge services, and seamless immigration at the airport. You can get cabs in Bahrain but we would suggest renting a car or hiring a car with a driver cum guide for your trip in Bahrain. Having a car will make it much easier for you to explore multiple sites in Bahrain. Most hotels can arrange for this.

Where To Stay in Bahrain

There is no shortage of hotels in Bahrain, no matter what your preference or budget. The app called Bahrain is a great place to look for places to stay in Bahrain. Here are a few suggestions you can look for while browsing the app as we were able to experience these places. However, you can find many good options on the app:

Raffles Al Areen Palace and Spa is ideal if you’re looking for a luxurious hotel away from the hustle-bustle of the city centre. Villas are spacious, well-quipped, and each villa comes with its own private pool and butler. One thing is for sure – if you are staying here, you might never want to get out to explore the city 😉 Raffles Al Areen Palace and Spa is 40 minutes away from the centre and has a huge water park right next to it, which also makes it an ideal staycation option for residents of Bahrain.

Sofitel Bahrain is another option that offers luxurious rooms with beach views. The hotel also has its own beachfront, which makes it very popular with large families and also as a wedding venue.

The Merchant House is a boutique luxury hotel located right in the middle of all the action in Manama. If you love history and culture, this is the right choice for you as Manama Souk is minutes away. The hotel has modern amenities, including an amazing rooftop coffee shop.

Day by day Itinerary for your trip to Bahrain

Day 1

Fly from your city to Bahrain. Bahrain International Airport is brand new and has all the facilities you can possibly need upon arrival. Once you reach your hotel, we suggest resting for a while before heading out to explore a bit.

On your first day explore the busy alleyways of Muharraq Souk to get a feel of local markets in the island country. Make sure you stop by the renovated houses of Muharraq which have been restored beautifully. Take a walk around. You can also find a vertical garden and traditional Bahraini coffee shops in this area.

Head to Bahrain Fort at sunset – the historic building was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and is central to the Dilmun Empire. Today, it is the first pitstop for most tourists to Bahrain.

Next, head to the upscale The Avenues Mall. Take a stroll through the mall, shop a bit, and have dinner at the newly-opened Em Sherif Sea Cafe – a Lebanese seafood eatery. Make sure you try their shawarmas, grilled fish, and the decadent Middle Eastern dips – hummus, tzatziki etc – some of the best we had during our time in Bahrain. Their portions are huge, so order with caution 😉

Day 2

Did you know that Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands and many sandbanks, which are visible only during low tide. You can rent a private or shared boat and visit one of these sandbanks. We visited this sandbank at the first low tide of the day.

Your trip to Jarada Island will be dependent on the time of the low tide. This gorgeous sandbank is only 45 minutes away. Once you get there, enjoy the sparkling blue waters while the crew sets up a mobile campsite and BBQ lunch for your group. You should definitely try Pearl Shucking i.e. hunting for pearls in Oysters collected by the crew – you will be surprised at just how many pearls you can find! If you’re a keen diver, you can also extend your trip and go pearl diving – there is no better place than Bahrain for this!

This half day trip begins in the morning and ends around 4 pm. If you do want to head out for dinner, The Quarry is a great place for a relaxed immersive dinner – it offers a lounge atmosphere with live music and great food.

This tour, along with most of the other experiences mentioned in this article can be booked on “Best of Bahrain” website.

Day 3

This day depends on your personal preferences and the group you’re travelling with. Let us give you a few options on how you can spend your third day in Bahrain

• If you’re travelling with kids or enjoy experiential activities, then drop by A’ali Pottery. Here you can take a short pottery workshop and craft a vase or two for yourself. This is also a great plan to pick some souvenirs for friends and family.
• If you enjoy Formula 1, then you must check out the racing track at Bahrain International Circuit, especially if the races are on! You can also try the Karting Experience right next door. This is especially fun if you’re travelling in a large group. Make sure you visit the Karting track in the evening as days can get really hot.
• If you’re an avid golfer, then head to the Royal Golf Club. Besides the golf range, they also have a number of activities for kids and a gorgeous restaurant overlooking the golfing greens for your family
• If you enjoy water sports, then head to a public beach such as the beautiful Al Jazair Beach. Here you can go kitesurfing, sailing, or just relax and enjoy the blue waters. We suggest renting equipment or perhaps arranging a lesson in sailing from Beach Culture.
• When travelling with kids, Bahrain’s biggest waterpark “The Lost Paradise of Dilmun” is a great place to beat the heat and have some fun.

If you’re a seafood lover, then make sure you book a meal at Fish market Bahrain. It offers scrumptious food in addition to great views of Bahrain Bay. On the other hand, if you’re craving some pan Asian food and a beautiful dining setting, head to Monsoon restaurant in Manama. We loved our meal here.

Day 4

By day 4, you would’ve experienced the historical, the scenic, and the leisure aspects of Bahrain. But there is still a lot to do. We suggest starting your day with a gander at Manama Souk. Have breakfast at the iconic Haji Cafe – an institution in Bahrain. Try their signature dishes like their Breakfast omelette, their cheese flatbread, and kadak chai.

Follow that up with a walk through Manama Souk and a visit to the iconic Al Fateh Grand Mosque, an architectural gem. You must also explore the Bahrain National Museum, which chronicles the history of the country in an interactive and interesting manner. Walk through the various exhibits as you decide your plan for the rest of the day

If you’re keen to learn more about the history of the country, you could take a scenic boat ride to Bu Maher Fort. On the other hand, if you’re keen on shopping, you could head to City Center Mall!

Dinner has to be at the buzzing Block 338 – Bahrain’s hippest venue. Block 338 is a collection of restaurants that comes alive each night, especially on weekends. Take a walk around the area before you decide where to eat. We opted for dinner and drinks at Clay Restaurant – the vibe is incredible and the Japanese food and cocktails are truly memorable. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

That’s it. 4 packed days  provide a perfect introduction to this country bursting with culture, historic, and scenic spots. It can easily be covered during a long weekend. We hope our Bahrain itinerary has been helpful for you to plan a trip to this beautiful country. For more ideas and suggestions, please consult the Bahrain Tourism website.

Any questions, please ask us below and we’ll definitely get back to you!!