Bahrain Tourist Guide From Discount Hotels

Spend your vacation in the most idyllic place on earth when you choose to visit Bahrain. This country consists of thirty-three islands and was once reputed to be heaven on earth, free of disease and strife. The Muslim culture is alive and well in Bahrain, but is not as strict as other Islamic countries. Although immodesty is frowned upon, many women here wear western style clothing. This is a very wealthy country with the latest in modern accommodation, but these are intertwined with images from the past in the many mosques and minarets and the largest ancient necropolis in the world.

The capital of Bahrain is Manama, where at first glance you may think you are looking at the skyline of Manhattan. Just outside the more modern part of the city, you can visit the ancient capital of Bilad  al-Qadim, which dates back to the 10th century. You will be impressed with a visit to the marketplace called the souk, and the gold souk is an impressive sight after dark. At the A'ali Burial Mounds, you will see almost 170,000 burial mounds dating back to 3000 B.C. The House of Beit al-Jasra is a spectacular example of traditional Bahrainian architecture.

Visit the ancient forts of Arad, Bahrain and Riffa, explore the beginnings of Bahrain at the National Museum and visit the al-Fetah Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the country. Along with all this you can soak up the sun on the long stretches of beaches complete with pavilions, beach huts and picnic areas. Take a break from the heat by sitting under the shade of the Tree of Life or engage in water activities of swimming, snorkeling scuba diving or sailing around the islands.

You can bargain with the vendors at the souks where you can pick up some priceless souvenirs to take back home. There is an impressive array of world class accommodation and the restaurants serve food from all over the world. The sale of alcohol is not encouraged, since this is a Muslim country, although non-Muslims can purchase it in some of the nightclubs. Shopping complexes have imported products for sale, but if you want something completely unique you should visit the red clay pottery markets in A'ali or the weavers in Bani Jamra village.