Muharraq Cultural Walking Tour

Discover the hidden gems of Muharraq on a cultural walking tour. Explore traditional Bahraini houses and learn about the fascinating history of pearl diving in Bahrain. Indulge in local delicacies and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this enchanting city.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Pearling Path - As of 2012, “Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy” has become the second World Heritage Site of the Kingdom of Bahrain as the testimony of its millennia-old pearl collecting tradition and the globally significant single-product island economy and social system it produced.

“Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy” is a serial nomination consisting of 15 property components: three vast oyster beds located in the northern territorial waters of Bahrain, one seashore site at the southern tip of Bahrain’s Muharraq Island, and nine clusters of historic buildings consisting of seventeen architectural structures embedded in the urban fabric of Muharraq city. Taken together, the fifteen individual sites reflect the final expression and last remaining – and thus outstanding – example of a cultural tradition that dominated the Arabian Gulf from prehistory to the early 20th century.

  • Mohammed Bin Faris House of Sout Music - The music hall located Near Mohamed bin Faris House, for the art of the Khaleeji Sound will host musical evenings and folklore troupes to revive the art of the Gulf. Visitors are also invited for free traditional Khaleeji music every Thursday.
  • آلو بشير - a 60 year old traditional restaurant in Bahrain. Local’s and resident’s favorites samboosa place! We make a little stop to taste the delicious samboosa with potato.
  • Al-Khalifiyah Library المكتبة الخليفية - The Al- Khalefeyah Library project is situated in the old city center of Muharraq and is the reconstruction of the original Khalefeyah Library, which was one of the first public libraries to be built in Bahrain. The library will be rebuilt on its original location and is designed by the Dutch firm SeARCH be in collaboration with the Bahrain- based architects PAD. Since the original footprint of the library is currently half-occupied by a road extension, the building has been designed on half the existing footprint and stretches vertically over the three levels that cantilever to recall the original footprint of the building. The building will accommodate a reading area, a research center, an in-lab as well as offices and will be open to the public, and provide a public and cultural program targeted at the youth in the heart of Muharraq.
  • Archaeologies of Green Pavilion - BAHRAIN PAVILION - Archaeologies of Green, the pavilion of the Kingdom of Bahrain, at the Expo Milano 2015 is a poetic interpretation of the cultural agrarian heritage of the country, which stems from the ancient civilization of Dilmun.

With ten distinctive fruit gardens, containing trees that will be fruit-bearing at different moments throughout the six-month duration of the exhibition, the pavilion also features archaeological artifacts that celebrate the millennia-long tradition of agriculture and perpetuate the many myths of Bahrain as the location of the Garden of Eden and the land of the million palm trees.

  • Shaikh Ebrahim Center - Built on the land of the original majlis of Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the current building is a modern reconstruction.

Since 2002, more than 400 artists, speakers, philosophers, and poets have visited the Shaikh Ebrahim Center to share their art and thoughts in this venue dedicated to the open exchange of ideas and knowledge. To accommodate an ever-larger audience, a new auditorium opened in December 2008, with a seating capacity of around 300.

  • Iqra - This children’s library is a resemblance that Bahrain is a leader in children’s education since the early 19th century.
  • Pearling Path - LUQMATINA CAFE - A snack restaurant in the old house converted into a restaurant.
    AL NUKHIDA HOUSE - The Nukhidhah house is one of the houses located on the future“Pearl Walk”, as a part of the project “Pearling and its cultural landscapes in Bahrain”.

The time I got the task by the Shaikh Ebrahim Bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center for Culture & Research for conservation and to create the design for the rebuilt part of the complex as a German architect and conservation expert, I took the challenge with great pleasure and enthusiasm. Preserving the ancient part and designing the attached architecture in a modest way was what an architect desires.

  • Al Nukhida House - The Nukhidhah house is one of the houses located on the future“Pearl Walk”, as a part of the project “Pearling and its cultural landscapes in Bahrain”.

The time I got the task by the Shaikh Ebrahim Bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center for Culture & Research for conservation and to create the design for the rebuild part of the complex as a German architect and conservation expert, I took the challenge with great pleasure and enthusiasm. Preserving the ancient part and designing the attached architecture in a modest way was what an architect desires.

  • House of Art - House of Art - At the heart of this house, there is a shortcut to the city of Muharraq through photographic works that capture the visual memory of this intimate city. In the art of poetry and deep language, the voice of the poet Mahmoud Darwish in some way compensates for his absence. Likewise, the sea offers a parallel charm, touching the place through preparatory work (qourqour) ties from each thread of his net a diver’s float fished by the sea.

From this house, which was part of the original house of Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the arts will
speak of Muharraq with its visuals, of the magic of Bahrain and the sea, of the Arab world through the voice of the poet Mahmoud Darwish.

  • Memory of the House - MEMORY OF THE HOUSE - From that big house that once housed the council of Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, as well as his library, correspondence, and intellectual and cultural meetings, nothing remains except for a single memory, faithful in its gestures and details. The memory that carries the details of his life, the personal belongings that remained after his death, is today the witness and guardian of time.

The center takes visitors through the life of Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammad Al Khalifa by touring his rooms, detailed with the furnishings of the time, decorated by delicate carvings, the stories that are told, and the things that evoke his memory in this house.

  • House of Coffee. رازجي - House of Coffee - The House of Coffee opened its doors to the public on 2 April 2009. The House of Coffee represents a combination of three old traditional Bahraini
    houses. To maintain the overall look of the area and the small lane leading to the house, the traditional façade was retained. However, the interior of the houses was renovated and now functions as a café. Visitors to this area of Muharraq now have the opportunity to stop and rest at this café, sampling its modern and distinctive menu. The House of Coffee complements the traditional coffee place at the entrance of the area leading to the Shaikh Ebrahim Center.
  • Kurar House - Kurar House - The Kurar House was established on 12 March 2007 to preserve the dying and unique Bahraini art of Kurar embroidery. The building provides a venue for elderly Bahraini ladies to pass on the art of the Kurar to younger generations. The Shaikh Ebrahim Center furthermore promotes the art and production of Kurar by supporting the artisans in their production and marketing of Kurar-embroidered clothes.
  • Al Nuzul House - AL NUZUL HOUSE - A traditional Bahraini guest house.
  • Abdullah Al Zayed House for Bahraini Press Heritage - ABDULLAH AL ZAYED HOUSE
    FOR BAHRAINI PRESS HERITAGE - The Abdullah Al Zayed House for Bahraini Press Heritage was the first restoration project undertaken by the Shaikh Ebrahim Center with private sponsors. The newly restored 100-year old building opened in November 2003. Being the house of the founder of the first weekly newspaper in Bahrain and the Gulf, the house is dedicated to the preservation of Bahrain’s press heritage and at the same time preserves part of the country’s unique architectural traditions.
  • Bu Khalaf Coffee Shop - Visitors will enjoy Bahraini tea, coffee, sweets, and dates. (Dinner or lunch packages) on special request.
What's Included
  • Tea and coffee
  • Snacks
Additional Information

You will enjoy an insight into the old city of Muharraq and information about Bahrain that they might never be heard of before. Guests will be mesmerised by the traditional old Bahraini houses, their design, art, and atmosphere. Each house tells a different story talking about the Pearl diving history of Bahrain to current and traditional Bahraini art and design. This tour includes an exclusive entrance to Bahrain Pavillion and Bahrain Pearl Path monument where I will be explaining the importance of their existence throughout the history of Bahrain. Finally, guests are invited to a local Bahraini coffee shop where they are greeted by the owner who’s fully dressed up in a Bahraini traditional attire (thobe) and they will be given Arabic Bahraini tea, coffee, dates, sweets, and Tikka where I’ll be explaining the ingredients of each drink and food they eat and this is all included in the price.

Location
الريان كافيه - Al Rayyan Cafe
Please spare a few coins for the car park tickets, 200 fils for 1 hour. Park anywhere near the bus station. I recommend driving in one car if you're in a group.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(148 Ratings)
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Maps590058
Jun 8, 2024
History, Art, Food & Fun! - I can not put into words how amazing it was to participate in such an immersive cultural experience! Khaled is a wonderful guide, who spent the time to educate us, answer questions, and treat us too! There were no dull moments on the tour, I already want to go back again! Bahrain has such a rich, diverse history-everyone should learn about! Wear comfortable shoes, wear a hat, and bring your camera!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tahitianat2023
Jun 2, 2024
Food, architecture, and History - This tour is needed when in Bahrain. The history of the architecture is amazing. Khaled is an amazing tour guide! I can honestly say, I had so much fun. Plus, the food and drinks we tried are delicious. I truly enjoyed the tour. The conversations and laughter shared along the way made it feel like we’ve all known each other for a very long time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navor2019
Jun 2, 2024
Great Tour - Had a great experience on the tour and learned so much about Bahrain history, traditions, and customs!! Thank you!! Would recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marisagf3756sm
Jun 1, 2024
Amazing and worth it! - Absolutely amazing, Khalid is so kind and very knowledgeable! The tour was so beautiful, i was constantly captured by the history and the architecture! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elitonpessoas
May 26, 2024
A true Bahraini experience - Just one thing to say WOW!!! Khaled is not only super knowledgeable about the history of his country but also a proud Bahraini. He pays attention in the details by buying local fresh Bahraini food for us, he provides water, and make sure that we have the best experience by having local tea, local food. I mean the best guided tour that I have done so far. I visited more than 30 countries and by far he impressed me a lot. Thank you for all, I hope see you here in Canada.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joshuak81
May 24, 2024
Best Walking Tour In Bahrain! - Khalid’s tour is a perfect blend of historical and functional sites. He has great insights into Bahrain and is very easy to talk to with questions. He also has great ideas to take your partner on unique dates or where to explore solo
Review provided by Tripadvisor
197isaiahh
May 20, 2024
Walked in completely unsure of what to expect and came out full of Bahrain cultural snacks and useful/informative info - I recommend this tour to anyone wanting to learn more about the history and culture of Bahrain. The tour was the perfect length and allowed for an in depth look at the sites of Muharraq
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Floweringviolet
May 19, 2024
Amazing Walking Tour - I thoroughly enjoyed this walking tour and learned so much about Bahrain’s pearling history. Khaled was very knowledgeable and truly has a passion for what he does. This tour is really not to be missed, as the historic homes are very much worth seeing. Definitely book this tour for more historical and cultural insight into Bahrain’s past.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathleenmm8302ni
May 18, 2024
Best waking tour in Bahrain - This is the best tour in Bahrain for a reason! The guide was very knowledgeable, interesting, perfect mix of good English but local style flair. He adjusted to fit our interests and even gave us some tasty treats along the beautiful Pearl route. I would highly recommend anyone enjoy this tour as a way to get a feel for the city, it highly exceeded my expectations!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Konstantinos_t
May 18, 2024
Exceptional - Perhaps the best tour I have ever done. 5 stars all the way. If in Manama don’t miss this tour—mind blowing!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
2 Adult
September 2024
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