Explore the kingdom with our list of recommendations for the best free things to do in Bahrain.
27 July 2022
| Last updated on 28 July 2022
Yes, you can do these activities in Bahrain free of charge.
As an expat resident or foreign tourist, you might wonder, what can you do in Bahrain with no dinars? Surprisingly, quite a lot.
On top of a cultural museum offering free admission, the kingdom is home to beautiful green parks, art exhibitions, stunning historical landmarks, colourful markets, and other fascinating sites.
Here are the top 10 free things to do in Bahrain for residents and visitors!
Editor's Note: Timings for some places may change. We recommend checking their official website for the latest updates.
1.) Explore the Bahrain National Museum
The Bahrain National Museum of one of the kingdom's best places to go to, and it's absolutely free. This museum is bursting at the seams with information and artefacts, granting visitors a glimpse into local Bahraini culture and history.
Entry: Free
Timing: Wednesday to Monday, from 10AM - 6PM
Where: Sheikh Hamad Causeway, Manama
Pictured: Entrance to the Bahrain National Museum
2.) Visit the Busaad Art Gallery
If art galleries are on your itinerary, the Busaad Art Gallery features some fantastic works by Bahraini artist Ebrahim Busaad, from Arabic calligraphy to diverse modern pieces. All are free to view!
Entry: Free
Timing: Saturday to Thursday, from 9AM - 1PM and 4PM - 8PM
Where: Muharraq
3.) A fun day out at Bahrain's Royal Camel Farm
The Royal Camel Farm is a great place for family trips. Visitors can stroll around the farm and admire the desert's quirky hunchback animal, most of which are owned by Bahrain's royalty. You can also sample camel milk and feed the baby camels. Free parking is available.
Entry: Free entry and free parking
Timing: Everyday, from 8AM - 5PM
Where: Royal Camel Farm, Janabiyah
Pictured: Some camels at the Royal Camel Farm in Bahrain.
4.) Explore Bahrain's largest mosque
Take a tour around the kingdom's largest place of Islamic worship, the Fateh Grand Mosque. Visitors can also join a guided tour, available from Saturdays to Thursdays, for an in-depth educational experience.
Entry: Free
Timing: Saturday to Thursday, from 9 AM - 4 PM (except public holidays)
Where: Manama
Pictured: Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Manama Bahrain
5.) Bu Maher Fort
Bu Maher Fort is one of Bahrain's oldest and most important historical landmarks, dating back to the 1840s. Visiting the fort is free of charge, but we recommend taking the boat ride for BHD 1 for panoramic views of the Manama skyline.
Entry: Free
Timing: Wednesday to Monday, 9 AM to 4 PM
Where: Manama
Pictured: Bu Maher Fort in Bahrain
6.) Manama Souq
Manama Souq is free-to-roam and explore, with its streets packed full of shops enticing visitors with their sights, smells, and colours. You'll find a diverse range of items here, from clothes and jewelry to electronics and home décor. While it's free to visit and have a look around the souq, we can't guarantee that you won't leave without spending a few dinars.
Entry: Free to explore
Where: Bab Al Bahrain Ave, Manama
7.) Relax by the Tree of Life
The Tree of Life, estimated to be around 400 years old, is a must-see wonder in Bahrain. In addition to being centuries old, this Prosopis cineraria tree is special because it grows in abundance on top of a barren desert hill with no water or fertile soil.
Take a seat under the shade of the tree and admire the surrounding peaceful views.
Entry: Free
Where: Jebel Dukhan
Pictured: The Tree of Life in Bahrain
8.) Watch a race at the Bahrain International Circuit
Since 2002, the Bahrain International Circuit has been the kingdom's go-to venue for motorsport events from local drag racing to Formula 1. Some events are free to watch, while international events may require you to purchase a ticket to attend.
Entry: Some events are free to watch.
Timing: Racing event timings are available on their official website.
Where: Gate 255, Gulf of Bahrain Avenue Umm Jidar, Sakhir
Pictured: Bahrain International Circuit
9.) Go on a seaside daytrip at Bahrain's beaches
When the weather gets cooler, it's the perfect time to spend a free daytrip at any one of Bahrain's beautiful public beaches. We recommend Arad Fort Beach and Al Jazayer Beach. Grab your friends or family, prepare some food and snacks, breathe in that fresh salty air, and go for a refreshing dip.
Pictured: Al Dar Island, Bahrain
10.) Explore Qal'at al Bahrain
Also known as the Bahrain Fort or Portuguese Fort, Qal'at al Bahrain is an unmissable place to visit in the kingdom. This cultural site is said to have been occupied since 3,000 BCE, though it dates back to during the Portuguese occupation of Bahrain.
The fort itself is free for visitors to explore, but the on site museum costs BHD 2 to enter, which is worth it for an educational and in-depth journey of the structure's history.
Entry: Free (entry to the fort) / BHD 2 (entry to the museum)
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM - 8 PM
Where: Karbabad
Pictured: Qal'at al Bahrain
