Al-Khamis Mosque

The twin minarets of this ancient mosque are easily identifiable as you drive along the Shaikh Salman Road. It is considered the first mosque in Bahrain, being one of the oldest relics of Islam in the region and built during the era of the Umayyad caliph Umar II. The foundation is believed to have been laid as early as 692AD. 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. The mosque has been partially restored recently.

Bahrain Fort

The first dwellings on the site are believed to have been constructed around 2800BC, 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 begun in the 1950s and 1960s, have revealed three stone-built temples dating from the second and third millennia BC. It is believed that 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.

Diving

History and ancient history would suggest that diving itself was probably born in and around the warm shallow waters of Bahrain. Recorded as far back as 5000 years ago, Pearl Diving has been Bahrain's heritage for millennia and, today, these same productive oyster beds (the largest of their kind in the world) continue to flourish, offering some very unique, rewarding and exciting recreational diving opportunities all year round. With water temperatures ranging from 34C in summer to 20C in winter, providing comfortable diving conditions year round, up to 30 species of coral and in excess of 200 species of fish can be found, in particular, on the northern offshore reefs of Bahrain. Here, divers, underwater photographers and snorkellers can discover a myriad of Indo Pacific species. In addition to reef diving, there are a number of wrecks around the island, including ships, planes, tugs and barges that have something special to offer the inveterate diver. Dugongs (sea cows) can also be seen feeding on the sea grass in the southern waters of Bahrain during the cooler winter months. International standard Scuba and snorkeling education, equipment and excursions are available through a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre located in Manama.

Gold Souq

At Gold Souq, all the gold is hallmarked and pure. Only 18K and 21K gold items are available as 10K and 14K aren't considered "gold". The visit to the Gold Souq is literally "worth its weight in gold" as the styles available from traditional Bedouin to modern contemporary jewelry, are vast and varied. Craftsmen will even make your personal design should you desire. Confirmation of price prior to work may be wise.

King Fahad Causeway

Opened in 1986, this remarkable 15.5 miles (25 kilometre) 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. At the halfway point, there is the immigration facility area, including a restaurant on each side, which you can visit without crossing the border.

Manama Souq

This bustling marketplace has numerous traditional as well as modern shops. The souq (marketplace) is located in the heart of the city, near Bab Al Bahrain. The souq stretches from Bab al Bahrain road on the east side, Al Khalifa Road on the north, Lulu Road on the west and Sh. Abdulla Road on the east. The profusion of colours, sounds, and aromas is undeniable. See and buy all kinds of herbs and spices, fabrics, kaftans, thobes, handicrafts, souvenirs, dry and fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and really just about anything you can imagine. The crowd as well as the traders in Manama souq consist of Bahrainis as well as expatriates from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and neighbouring Gulf countries.

Museum of Pearl Diving

The "Museum of Pearl Diving" building was the first official centre for the Bahrain Courts. It is regarded as one of the most important and historic buildings.

The building was opened by the late H.H. Sh. Hamad Bin Essa AI-Khalifa, then governor of Bahrain, in the Hijra year 1356 (Islamic Calendar), October 18th, 1937. The building at that time consisted of four Supreme Courts, in addition to three Directorates: (1) Sunni Waqf (Religious Endowments of the Sunnis), (2) Jaffaria Waqf (Religious Endowments of the Shiites), and (3) Minors Estate (Properties of Underage). In 1984, the building was transformed into the Traditional Heritage Centre. Its departments and rooms were dedicated to the display of various traditional aspects of Bahrain's heritage, except the Supreme Courtroom, to which no significant change has been made for 65 years.

The current "Museum of Pearl Diving" building is under the authority of the Directorate of Archaeology and Heritage, which is one of the major Directorates of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Information. The "Museum of Pearl Diving" building contains the story of Bahrain, its governors, and its people from the past till the present and is a source of pride to Bahrain.

Siyadi House

Built by the pearl-merchant Ahmed Bin Qassem Siyadi, the Siyadi House is one of the most impressive examples of 19th century architecture. It has many fine features including ornate ceilings, stained-glass windows, carved screens and a large safe set into the wall of a small, upper reception room.

The National Museum

Situated on the intersection of the Muharraq Causeway and King Faisal Highway, The National Museum houses a wonderful collection of exhibits, from contemporary Bahraini paintings, sculptures and ceramics to scenes depicting life in the Dilmun civilization of 6,000 years ago with a reconstructed burial mound, complete with skeleton.  The Arabic calligraphy, including a comprehensive display of illuminated Korans and other religious documents, is breathtaking.

The exhibit on the traditional trades and crafts displays many photographs and models of pearling exhibitions and artefacts to represent the former source of Bahrain wealth before the advent of oil. The exhibition is a reconstruction of a typical soukh of the 1930s and offers a deeper understanding of the fascinating history of the country.

Tree of Life

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