Weekend Trip to Bahrain

Over the weekend I decided to take a trip to Bahrain, a small, oil-rich Middle-Eastern nation unknown to most people. Truthfully speaking, Bahrain doesn’t have much to offer to the average traveler, especially those seeking adventure. However, as one with aspirations to visit every country on earth, Bahrain is another step in the journey. So what exactly is there to do in Bahrain beside shop? Below, I’ll highlight some places of interest.

1. Haji’s Café. This is the oldest restaurant in Bahrain and your introduction to local cuisine. Super cheap and most importantly, delicious!

2. Bahrain International Circuit. The Circuit is a 5.412 km motorsport venue opened in 2004 used for drag racing, GP2 Series, and the annual Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix.

3. First Oil Well in Bahrain. As its name suggests, it is the first oil well in the Arabian side of the Persian Gulf. When you think about it, this oil well changed the course of history, especially for the Middle East. This essentially changed the trajectory of their economies.

4. Bahrain Fort. This is thought to be the former capital of ancient Dilmun and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Persian Gulf

5. Bahrain National Museum. I’ll always recommend a museum, as it allows you to truly understand a country’s history. 

6. The Tree of Life. This tree stands alone on top of a 25-foot-high sandy hill, the highest point in Bahrain, miles away from another natural tree and with no apparent source of water. It has continued growing-despite the extreme temperatures, lack of fresh water, and nutrients. Makes you wonder!

Bahrain is definitely a great weekend trip spot but I wouldn’t recommend you use your vacation time to do a week or more here; there just isn’t enough to keep you entertained. If you do visit Bahrain, make sure you avoid the summer, as it is extremely hot here! Bahrain is by far the hottest and most humid country I have ever visited. Because many of these sites are outside, the extreme temperatures may prevent you from enjoying them or even having the will to be outside.