The capital
Almost every trip begins in Manama. Walk through Bab Al Bahrain into the old souq, spend a morning at the Bahrain National Museum, tour Al Fateh Grand Mosque and eat your way around Adliya in the evening. Give it one to two days.
The pearling town
Across the causeway, Muharraq was the old capital and the heart of the pearl trade. The UNESCO listed Pearling Path links restored merchants' houses, and Halwa Showaiter still makes the island's favourite sweet. It is close to the airport, ideal for a layover.
Ancient Bahrain
West of the capital, the north coast holds Qal'at al-Bahrain, the A'ali burial mounds, Barbar Temple and potters' kilns, along with date palm villages around Budaiya. It makes a full and fascinating day.
The desert south
Sakhir and the south bring together the Bahrain International Circuit, the Tree of Life, Al Areen Wildlife Park, the first oil well and quiet west coast beaches.
Beaches near the airport
The Amwaj Islands offer beach resorts, a lagoon of cafés and watersports, close to Muharraq's old town.
How to fit it together
Two days covers Manama and Muharraq. With three or four, add the north coast and the south, and finish with a beach day. Distances are short but the heat is serious for much of the year, so plan taxis or ride hailing between sights. The free trip planner helps you shape it.