The Perfect Itinerary for a Week-long Fun Family Trip to Bahrain

Breakfast At Agaily & Karak

After you've settled into your accommodations, it's time to ease into the island vibe. We recommend starting your culinary journey at Agaily & Karak in Bahrain Bay. This charming café is a local favourite, serving up traditional 'Agaily' cakes – a must-try regional treat – alongside fragrant 'Karak' (tea).

Experience the Avenues Mall

The Avenues mall, a waterfront paradise, is more than just your average shopping mall; it's a spacious, airy haven with a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're looking for retail therapy, catching the latest blockbuster, or simply soaking in the ambience, The Avenues has it all. For lunch you can try the famous Em Sherif Restaurant.

Boat Ride across Bahrain Bay

After lunch, it's time to explore Bahrain Bay from a different perspective. Hop on a boat tour and take in the stunning Manama skyline. The views are simply breathtaking! You'll also get a glimpse of the iconic Four Seasons Hotel, a luxurious landmark on the bay.

Dinner at Cut by Wolfgang Puck

Speaking of the Four Seasons Hotel, it's the perfect spot for some adult indulgence. While the kids enjoy the hotel's amenities, treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage (booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak season). As the sun begins to set, head to the award-winning Cut by Wolfgang Puck for an unforgettable dining experience.

Explore the Bahrain National Museum

Begin your day at the impressive Bahrain National Museum, a treasure trove of the island's fascinating history and culture. From ancient artefacts to interesting exhibits, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of Bahrain's past. Interactive displays will keep children engaged and learning, making history come alive for all ages.

After your museum tour, take a moment to relax and enjoy the lovely sea view at the charming Darseen Café, conveniently located on the museum grounds. It's the perfect spot for a light bite and a refreshing drink. From here, you can also take a scenic boat trip to Bu Maher Fort in Muharraq, a fascinating historical site.

Lunch at Haji’s Cafe

For an authentic Bahraini lunch, head to the bustling Manama Souq and discover the renowned Haji’s Café. This popular local eatery boasts a celebrity clientele, including even celebrity chefs! Enjoy traditional dishes in a lively setting, experiencing the true flavours of Bahrain.

Trip to Bahrain Fort

Following lunch, go on a short 15–20-minute trip to the iconic Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This magnificent fort offers a captivating glimpse into the island nation's rich past. Explore its ramparts and towers, imagining life within its walls centuries ago. Stay until sunset to capture some truly stunning photographs as the fort is bathed in golden light.

Shopping at the Manama Souq

As the sun sets, the vibrant Manama Souq beckons. A leisurely stroll through this traditional market is a must. Wander through the narrow lanes, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of spices, textiles, and local crafts. Pick up some unique souvenirs and perhaps enjoy a refreshing cup of traditional 'Karak' tea.

For those interested in acquiring a piece of Bahraini heritage, the Gold City, located nearby, is well worth a visit. Bahrain is renowned for the purity of its gold and the exquisite designs on offer. Your next family heirloom could well be found here. Remember to obtain your VAT refund documents with any purchase.

Family Fun at Marassi Beach

No trip to Bahrain is complete without experiencing its stunning beaches. While the island has several beautiful stretches of sand, Marassi Beach in Diyar Muharraq stands out as the perfect destination for families. This vibrant beach offers a fantastic range of activities and amenities to please everyone, from thrill-seekers to those simply wanting to relax.

One of Marassi Beach's biggest draws is its location. Situated next to the luxurious Marassi Galleria shopping mall are two five-star hotels, the Vida Beach Resort and the Address Beach Resort that offer unparalleled convenience. A wide selection of food trucks and casual eateries directly on the beach means refreshments are always readily available. This also allows family members who aren't keen on spending a long time on the sand to explore the shops or indulge in a spa treatment at one of the hotels.

For active youngsters and teenagers, the Wibit floating adventure park promises hours of fun, with slides, splashes, and plenty of laughter as they navigate the inflatable obstacles. It's an ideal way to spend a sunny holiday. Older children and adults can also enjoy a variety of water sports, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and more. If you're looking for a touch of luxury, the renowned Cipriani, near the Vida Beach Resort, is the place to be. Here, you can unwind by the private pool, enjoy live music, and savour exquisite Italian cuisine and refreshing drinks, all while relaxing on comfortable sun loungers by the azure pool or the beach.

Shopping at Dragon City & Thai Mart

While you're in the Diyar area, the Thai Mart and Dragon City offer unique shopping experiences. If you've already visited the Marassi Galleria, these malls provide a taste of China and Thailand, offering a cultural immersion into Asian shopping. You can find a variety of goods and enjoy a different atmosphere.

Horse Riding Experience

Embrace the beauty of nature with through horse riding.

Arabian horses are renowned as some of the finest in the world, and they've recently brought pride to the region with wins at prestigious races, including Royal Ascot. The horse racing schools in Bahrain cater to all age groups, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience. You can find out more information on horse riding in Bahrain here.

Creating Mosaic Keepsakes

The Mosaic House is a unique establishment that allows groups of friends and family, as well as individuals, to create mosaic art, from frames to tables. They provide all the necessary training and tools, making it a fun afternoon for all ages.

Explore Block 338

Head to Block 338, a hip food district to explore Bahrain’s diverse culinary scene. Coco’s and Café Lilou are consistently popular choices, but it's worth strolling around, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas of the various cuisines on offer.

Visit the Tree of Life

Day five begins with a touch of history: the Tree of Life. This remarkable 400-year-old tree has withstood the test of time and harsh desert conditions. The drive to reach it might take a little while, but it's well worth the journey. Make sure your cameras are charged, as you'll want to capture some memorable family photos with this iconic tree in the background – a lasting reminder of your time in Bahrain.

Relax at the Bilaj Al Jazayear Beach

Since you've travelled to this part of the island, a short trip to Bilaj Al Jazayer beach is a must. This beautiful stretch of coastline offers a variety of activities for all ages. Enjoy beach games like volleyball or football, take a refreshing dip in the clear waters, or simply relax on the sand. Little ones can build sandcastles, while older children and adults can try thrilling water sports such as jet skiing and paddleboarding. Beachside coffee shops and shacks offer refreshing hot and cold drinks, and there are food trucks and outlets if you're feeling peckish.

Greek Dining at its Finest

However, we recommend saving your appetite for dinner at Yamaz, the delightful Greek restaurant at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq hotel. Sunset and evenings are the perfect time to visit, as the restaurant is surrounded by the sea on three sides, creating a truly magical atmosphere, especially if you're seated outdoors. For those seeking some pampering, the Sofitel also boasts the renowned Thalassa Spa, the only one of its kind in the region. While the children enjoy the hotel grounds, adults can indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. 

Trip to Bahrain International Circuit

Bahrain is known as the home of motorsport in the Middle East, having hosted the Formula One race for the past 20 years. Even if you're not a die-hard car enthusiast, a trip to the Bahrain International Circuit is a must. There are a range of exciting experiences to be had here.

The off-road adventure is a particular highlight. An experienced instructor will take you on a thrilling off-road track in a 4x4 vehicle, navigating inclines, steps, and challenging terrain. Afterwards, you can even try your hand at driving the course yourself! Right next door, the Bahrain International Karting Circuit offers children aged 7 and above the chance to experience the thrill of high-speed racing. You can compete against each other, and their Trophy Package even includes a podium presentation for the top three winners, complete with photographs – a fantastic way to create lasting memories.

Indoor Skydiving at Gravity

Also located nearby is Gravity, the indoor skydiving experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to tick skydiving off your bucket list! Suitable for both children and adults, they even offer special packages designed for children.

Dinner and Family Fun at Al Liwan

Head to Al Liwan, a hub of restaurants, coffee shops, a cinema, and an indoor adventure zone called Yabeela. The Orangery at Al Liwan is a superb choice for dinner, offering a top-notch combination of ambience and cuisine. 

Visit Al Fateh Grand Mosque

The Al Fateh Grand Mosque welcomes tourists of all faiths, offering a chance to experience its spiritual atmosphere and learn more about Islam Adjacent to the mosque is the Beit al Quran, meaning ‘House of the Quran’, which houses a fascinating collection of Quranic manuscripts and a library of over 50,000 books in Arabic, English, and French, primarily focusing on Islam. The impressive collection includes manuscripts dating back to the 7th century, as well as Qurans written on parchment, rice, peas, and grains.

Pottery Classes in A’ali

After having lunch nearby, head to A'ali for a pottery class. The feeling of getting your hands muddy whilst shaping wet clay into a cup or mug, ready to gift to a loved one, is truly special. In our modern, technology-driven world, connecting with traditional handicrafts offers a chance to relax, be mindful, and appreciate the present moment. After your pottery lesson head over to Jasra Handicrafts Centre to browse and perhaps pick up some local handicrafts.

Shopping at City Centre Mall

For our final evening, we recommend a visit to City Centre Bahrain, a mall that offers something for everyone. Adults can enjoy some retail therapy, relax with a coffee, or enjoy a meal, while the children can have a blast at Magic Planet or experience the unique immersive world of Atlantis. City Centre Bahrain boasts a variety of restaurants serving diverse cuisines at different price points, ensuring there's something to please every palate and budget in your family. It's the perfect way to round off your Bahraini adventure, with a mix of culture, creativity, and family fun.

This itinerary is just a suggestion, feel free to customise it to fit your family's interests and budget.  Have a wonderful trip to Bahrain!