Overview & visitor information
This day falls on the 27th of June. Bahrainis celebrate this day with pyrotechnics, opera and festivities.
Festival
Independence Day
This day falls on the 27th of June. Bahrainis celebrate this day with pyrotechnics, opera and festivities.
City guide
More festivals in Bahrain
Keep exploring Bahrain.
bahrainAshura
Activity
This festival is celebrated by the Shiite inhabitants of Bahrain, observed in memory of the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali. It is observed by others to celebrate the foundation day of the Holy Kaabah in Mecca.
bahrainProphet Abraham's birth day
Activity
Also thought to have been on 7th February and celebrated in memory of his coming to this world.
bahrainBahrain Grand Prix
Activity
Held annually since 2004, when the first ever Formula One Grand Prix in the entire Middle East was held here. It is a widely anticipated event in the country's sporting calendar. Crowds from all parts of this island and from all countries across Asia gather in vast numbers to watch the best drivers racing neck to neck for the cup. The race goes on for three days and is treated by the Bahrainis as a three day long festival.
bahrainMilad-un-Nabi
Activity
The most widely celebrated festival in Bahrain. It marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad and is celebrated by both the religious Islamic sects; the Shiites and the Sunnis but on different dates. The festivities include processions, feasting and storytelling. Held annually in April, Milad al -Nabi is the most popular among Bahrain’s festivals and events.
bahrainBahrain Human Rights International Film Festival
Activity
This festival is held annually from the 1st to the 4th of May and commemorates Labour Day and the International Day for Press Freedom. This is a non-profit cultural event where films from around the world, (relating to human rights) are screened. This event promotes dialogue, the understanding of cultures, tolerance and human rights.
bahrainJewellery Arabia
Activity
This 5-day event is held in early November at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. Stunning gold, silver, pearl and gemstone jewelry from around the Middle East is put on display here.
bahrainEid al-Watani
Activity
Bahrain commemorates its National Day on the 16th of December, with parades, speeches, processions and other special events.
bahrainAccession Day
Activity
Celebrated on the 17th of the month, this holiday marks the country’s accession. The island nation of Bahrain celebrates yearly with fireworks, buildings are lit up and the royal portraits are put up on billboards around the country.
More places in Bahrain
Keep exploring Bahrain.
bahrain
bahrainThe Bahrain Fort
Fortress
The Qala'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) is on the northern shore, five minutes from Manama city. The Portuguese constructed the fort in the 16th century, after which it fell into disrepair. However it has now been superbly restored to its former grandeur. Next door to the fort is an unmarked building that is the museum housing numerous artifacts from the ancient Dilmun period through to the Islamic era, many of which were found at the Fort.
bahrainA'Ali Potteries
These kilns have been made on an ancient burial mound. After observing the potter working on the wheel you can take a turn yourself. The shop owner himself is also on hand to give a tour of the kilns and the pottery making process from production to glazing and firing. There are also finished glazed and unglazed products available for purchase at reasonable prices
bahrainAl Khamis Mosque and Beit Al Qur’an Museum
Museum
Dating back to 692 A.D, Al-Khamis is the oldest mosque in Bahrain. However this is disputed and a date pertaining to the 11th century is more probable. The elegant identical minarets were made in the 15th century and are mystifying and peaceful. It is no longer in use and is open to public viewing.
bahrainThe Royal Tombs
Tomb
These make up the biggest prehistoric graveyard in the world; there are approximately 170,000 burial mounds here, from the Dilmun period, 4,000 years ago to the third millennium BC, and present an intriguing look into early burial practices.
bahrainAdhari Park
Park
Adhari Park is a treasure trove for parents confused about how to entertain their overactive children. The Park consists of 165,000 metres of indoor and outdoor rides, food and shopping.
bahrainHeritage Centre and Museum of Pearl Diving
Museum
The Heritage Centre and Museum of Pearl Diving commemorates the culture of pearl diving.
bahrainThe National Museum
Museum
The largest museum in Bahrain, the National Museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts; it is a goldmine of archaeological discoveries and Bahraini cultural relics. The Museum contains most remarkably, an entire dug up tomb as well as intricately carved seals and Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian writing that assert Bahrain’s trading history. Other treasures include; the dioramas of Bahraini crafts, customary paintings, ceramic objects and many religious documents such as beautiful illuminated Qurans.
bahrainArad Fort
Fortress
Though there is no known exact date of construction, the timeline of the Arad Fort is roughly the 15th century. Made in the typically Arab manner, the fort has been thoroughly refurbished and is a truly awe-inspiring sight when it is lit up at night.It is thought that the fort was used by the Omanis during their short occupation of Bahrain in 1800. It was deliberately built next to the waterways between Bahrain and Muharraq Island, to protect Bahrain’s strategic location in the Gulf.
bahrainSakir Horse Race Course
Stadium
The Race Course and Equestrian & Horse Racing Club was established in 1977 and aims to revive the Arab custom of horse riding and grooming as well as training the new generation in the time-old tradition of riding horses. The course can house up to 40,000 spectators, and even children are welcome. Placing bets on the horses and the outcome of matches is strictly forbidden.
More restaurants in Bahrain
Keep exploring Bahrain.
bahrainBlue Elephant
Thai buffet brunch with seafood and free flowing bubbly and herbal drinks
bahrainLe Mediterranee/Nirvana
Family-friendly
Le Mediterranee serves a succulent international buffet brunch where children under 12 years pay half price. The Nirvana restaurant in the same Hotel serves delectable Indian specialties.
bahrainBam bu
This Shanghai eatery is definitely worth a visit as it serves practical, filling, delicious and fresh home-cooking. The cooking may be traditional but the ambience certainly isn't: the open-kitchen restaurant is painted lime-green, has electronic sliding doors and has wi-fi internet access. The standard price includes unlimited beverages. A place where you definitely get value for your money.
bahrainLe Versailles
Le Versailles is where you should go if you want dinner to be the evening’s main event. The ambience is elegance itself with live musicians and the twinkling lights of the Financial Harbour visible from the high glass windows. The menu is a superb collection of classical and modern French dishes.
bahrainMezzaluna
The atmospheric and modish Mezzaluna combines the spirit of Bahrain with that of the Mediterranean. Made in a sophisticated Bahraini courtyard house, the high-ceilinged restaurant has a live Latin band (on Fridays) and jazz music otherwise. It affords a delectable Mediterranean menu with imported French cheeses and a superb wine list. In particular, their melt-in-the-mouth Algerian fillet mignon is highly recommended. Reservations should be made in advance.
bahrainRamee International Hotel
A delightful seafood buffet is served every Thursday and Friday at less than BD 5 per person. While the mouth watering ‘Eat all you can’ lunch and dinner packages are moderately rated at BD 9.500 per person.
bahrainAl Noor Lounge Café
Family-friendly
There is a charming brunch buffet daily with free flowing champagne, it is affordably priced and highly suitable for children. Those under 5yrs eat for free here, while 6-12year-olds only pay half the price. There is also live music and a kid’s corner.
bahrainLe Bistro
This restaurant is renowned for its international night buffet, its quirkily themed buffets, exciting salad bars and a la carte menus of your choice of Continental, American, Japanese and Asian cuisine.
bahrainJim’s
Jim’s has a very homey feelng and is thus highly popular with Western expatriates. It has a cosy cottage interior and serves roasts,'Full Monty' breakfasts with home-cooked eggs, bacon and black pudding. With a friendly ambience and famously delicious homemade chocolate vodkas, Jim’s is worth a visit for sure.
bahrainSilk’s Restaurant
Family-friendly
An excellent option for every type of guest; children, families and friends. Their international brunch offers free flowing champagne, an option on indoor or outdoor seating by the poolside a live band and pianist. Take pleasure in the free use of the swimming pool in a family context with a Kids Corner.