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Muharraq is a historic city in Bahrain with a rich past, and it used to be Bahrain’s capital until 1932. It is famous for its old buildings, narrow streets, and strong link to the pearl trade, with one of its main attractions being the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore traditional Bahraini houses like Shaikh Isa bin Ali House and Siyadi House. Bahrain is a great place to learn about the country’s history, culture, and architecture while enjoying the beautiful sights to offer.
Location
Photo: Jan Hazevoet / Wikimedia Commons
Muharraq is a city on Bahrain Island, northeast of Manama, the capital of Bahrain. It is linked to the mainland by three roads, making travel easy. It is the third biggest city in Bahrain and has homes, businesses, and Bahrain International Airport. Because it is near the sea, it was an important place for trade and culture in the past. Long ago, it was famous for pearl diving, which was a big part of its economy. Today, it is a mix of old and new, with historic sites and modern buildings, making it an interesting place to visit.
How To Reach
Photo: Shibu Parambil Varghese / Wikimedia Commons
Travellers can reach using various modes of transport, as mentioned below:
By Air: Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is located on Muharraq Island, making air travel the most convenient option. Upon arrival, visitors can reach the city centre via taxis or car rentals available at the airport.
By Road: If arriving from other parts of Bahrain, Muharraq is accessible via three main causeways connecting it to Manama and the mainland. Public buses and taxis operate regularly between other cities.
Places To Visit In And Around Muharraq
Explore Muharraq’s top attractions, from historic houses to cultural landmarks.
1. Sheikh Isa Bin Ali House
Photo: fuzzytnth3 / Wikimedia Commons
The Muharraq house of Shaikh Isa bin Ali is an old and important building in Bahrain. It was the home of Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, who ruled from 1869 to 1932. The house was built in the 19th century and shows how people lived in the past. It has big open spaces, beautiful carvings, and wind towers that help keep it cool. The design of the house was made to suit Bahrain’s hot weather. Visitors can walk through the many rooms and learn about the old way of life in Bahrain.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: BD 1/₹200
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
2. Pearling Path
Photo: Kim Kash / Wikimedia Commons
Pearling Path is a special place in Bahrain that tells the story of the pearl industry. Connecting places from the old pearling days. Along the path, you can see oyster beds, old merchant houses, and storage areas. Walking here helps people learn how pearl diving is important for Bahrain’s economy and culture. Some famous spots on the path are Bu Maher Fort and Siyadi House. These places show how the pearl trade helped the country grow in the past. This path is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal Trip Duration: Half – day
3. Arad Fort
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
Arad Fort is an old fort from the 15th century near Bahrain International Airport. It was built in a simple Islamic style and helped protect Bahrain from enemies. The fort is near the sea, making it easy to watch ships. Visitors can walk around and see the high walls, towers, and small paths inside. It shows how people in the past defended their land. The fort looks very beautiful at sunset, with wide views of the area. It is a great place to learn about Bahrain’s history.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: BD 1/₹200
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
4. Muharraq Souq
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
Muharraq Souq is a lively market in Bahrain, and even though it is smaller than the markets in Manama, it has an old, traditional feel to it. The narrow streets have many small shops selling spices, clothes, pearls, and handmade items. It is a great place to buy real Bahraini gifts and try local sweets like halwa. This market is perfect for exploring and experiencing the true charm of Bahrain in a simple and peaceful way.
Timings: 8 AM – 1 PM; 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Where To Stay
Photo: peterweideman / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
There are many places to stay, from expensive hotels to cheaper guesthouses. The Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain is close to the airport and has many good facilities. It is also easy to reach the city from there. If you want to experience the local culture, small boutique hotels in the city offer a mix of modern and traditional styles. It is a good idea to book your stay early, especially when many tourists visit. This way, you can find the best place to stay without any problems.
Where To Eat
Photo: denielwon / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Bahrain has many places to eat, offering different kinds of food. You can try traditional Bahraini dishes at local restaurants like Saffron by Jena, which is known for its tasty food and cosy atmosphere. If you love seafood, there are many restaurants near the coast that serve fresh fish. The city also has cafes and sweet shops where you can enjoy local treats like halwa and Arabic coffee. These special foods give you a taste of Bahrain’s rich culture and traditions.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit is from November to March. The weather is nice during these months, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. It is a good time to see old places and enjoy outdoor activities. From June to September, it is very hot, with temperatures over 40°C. This makes it hard to go outside during the day. If you visit in summer, it is better to go out early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cooler. This way, you can enjoy your trip without feeling too hot.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost of a trip depends on where you stay, how you travel, and what you do. If you have a medium budget, a 3-4 day trip may cost around BHD 200-300 (€500-€750 / ₹45,000-₹67,000) per person. This includes a hotel, food, and travel. If you want a luxury trip, it can cost over BHD 500 (€1,250 / ₹1,12,000). If you are on a low budget, you can spend around BHD 100 (€250 / ₹22,000) by staying in cheap hotels and eating at affordable places. Prices depend on choices, so plan according to your budget.
Tips For Travellers
- Book accommodation and flights in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Cash and card payments are widely accepted, but it is good to carry small changes for local markets and taxis.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are the best ways to get around, as public transport is limited.
- Stay hydrated and carry sunscreen, as Bahrain has a warm climate most of the year.
Muharraq is a wonderful place with a rich history and culture. You can walk along the famous Pearling Path, shop at the old Muharraq Bahrain Souq, and enjoy tasty local food. The city is full of tradition and charm, making it a great place to visit. Plan your trip with TripXL and explore the beauty of this historic city today.
Cover Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
