Easy Excursions Out of Manama

October 29, 2026

Check before you book (October 2026). Iranian missiles and drones hit Bahrain from 28 February 2026, and a hotel in central Manama was struck. The ceasefire in place since 8 April has seen reported violations, plus later drone and cyber incidents, and both airspace and the King Fahd Causeway have been shut at short notice. Consult the UK FCDO page and the US State Department page , your insurer and your airline, and keep day plans flexible.

Getting out of the city

Every outing from Manama is a half-day or a day. Hire cars cost roughly BD 6 to 15 a day, taxis, Uber and Careem cover the rest, and organised coach tours bundle the main stops. The land is flat desert and coast. The highest point, Jebel Dukhan at 134 m, is reached by a paved road and is a drive-up viewpoint rather than a hike. In summer, leave by 07:00 and be back indoors by late morning, because temperatures pass 40C.

North: Muharraq, about 15 minutes

Muharraq was the capital until 1932 and is joined to Manama by bridges. A morning here can combine the 3.5 km Pearling Path with Sheikh Isa bin Ali House, a 19th-century royal home built around a courtyard, and Arad Fort, a 15th-century coastal fort. Master carpenters still build wooden dhows by hand at the shipyard, and warm Showaiter halwa is sold in the souq. Pearling Path visitor centres are open 10:00 to 18:00 and shut on Tuesdays.

North-west: Qal’at al-Bahrain, about 6 km

This World Heritage tell rises 12 m and holds seven layers of occupation from around 2300 BC to the 18th century, with a Portuguese fort on top. The grounds are reported free and the museum charges about BD 2. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 08:00 to 20:00 and closed on Mondays.

South-west: A’ali, about 15 km

The Royal Mounds at A’ali are two-storey Dilmun tombs, part of the World Heritage burial mounds listing. Look at the burial exhibit in the National Museum beforehand, then walk the mounds early, as there is almost no shade. Potters near the Pottery Roundabout shape terracotta jugs on foot-powered wheels.

South: the Tree of Life and Jebel Dukhan, about 40 km

Allow about 45 minutes each way. The mesquite tree is around 400 years old, and tourism sources claim up to 440. It stands inside a 125 m circular wall with a small visitor centre that opened in 2014. Admission is reported as free, but one source lists a small charge. Oil Well No. 1, nearby, marks the first oil strike on the island. Late afternoon in the cooler months suits this drive best.

Far south: the Hawar Islands

Boats leave from Durrat Al Bahrain Marina and take roughly 25 to 45 minutes depending on the source. The islands are a protected area with Socotra cormorants, dugongs and ospreys. Visits are arranged through Hawar Resort or tour operators, and permission may be required. The 2025 resort day-pass promotion ended on 31 August 2025, so ask for current terms.

East coast: Al Dar Island

Al Dar Island lies off Sitra. Adult tickets are BD 6 on weekdays and BD 8 at weekends, including the boat from the Sitra jetty and a BD 2 food voucher. Children pay BD 3 and BD 5. Check current prices and sailing times first.

The causeway is not a day trip

The King Fahd Causeway is a border crossing. Bahraini and Saudi passport control both sit on Passport Island, so it is not a sightseeing drive, and a Saudi visa is needed to enter Saudi Arabia. The toll is SAR 35 per car per crossing, about BD 3.5. There is no road link from Bahrain to the UAE or Ras Al Khaimah.

Look at group excursions on GetYourGuide .