Qal'at al-Bahrain
Qal'at al-Bahrain
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
252 within 3 miles
Attractions
68 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Patrick THong Kong, China2,688 contributionsGreat historical siteThe old fort buries the history of Bahrain. It is well preserved with clear information showing the previous glory of the country. The trails are easy to walk. Visitors may learn more about the history of the country at the museum attached to the site.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 5, 2024
- Abovetheclouds2,488 contributionsA must!Also known as Bahrain Fort, this is a must whilst in Bahrain. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stunning. Easy to walk around. You don't need good footwear. I did it in sandals. Not that big. Nice views as well.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 30, 2024
- machinmadYaxley, United Kingdom2,676 contributionsImpressive structure ...It was a boiling hot day when we visited. Our guide was informative, telling us how the port have grown and changed over millenia. There are good paths and info board to guide you around. It's a shell of buildings, there's nothing inside to see.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 30, 2024
- MozzroomNew Plymouth, New Zealand674 contributionsOkayThe fort itself was closed when we were there as it looked like renovations were still happening so it was unclear how long this is intended to continue for. You can walk around the outside though and get some nice photos with the sea as a backdrop. About 5 minutes walk down the hill is the museum which has a cafe and toilets. You can get to the fort by public bus being bus no 23( budaiya) which goes from Manama central terminal every half hour. Bus takes cash or can buy a Go Card from the terminal office. The stop at the fort is unmarked but it is right outside and to come home it is the same but across the road. Worth it if you have time.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 24, 2024
- Fabrizio TRome, Italy3,863 contributionsTo see even if ira in renovation...Unfortunately closed for renovation, but not for this not worth a visit. The fort can be visited via a comfortable outdoor walk and allows you to see the fort, even if partially, in all its beauty. Easily accessible by bus 23 from Manama terminal which stops right in front of the adjacent museum, a must see. Bar inside the museum with a postcard view.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 1, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
801 reviews
Excellent
409
Very good
301
Average
83
Poor
7
Terrible
1
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Rostislav
Moscow, Russia11 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Very ancient buildings, a beautiful place, you can touch the history and take a lot of interesting photos. Admission is free; it is better to visit in the evening, as it is incredibly hot during the day. You can get there from the center by bus 23, which does not run very often, but there is a schedule on Google.

Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Been a few places
Epsom, UK1,067 contributions
Nov 2021
Bahrain Fort is an impressive place to wander round and soak up some history in a beautiful coastal setting. This large UNESCO listed fort which can be explored inside and out. The accompanying museum is worth a visit too, especially on a hot day with the efficient aircon, however, the cafe is overpriced. A definite highlight of Bahrain.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ade
Ipswich, UK604 contributions
Mar 2023
From the minute I first saw the fort in the distance, then to a walk around the perimeter of the fort, culminating in a walk inside, this was absolutely brilliant. So much history, so large, so well preserved and upkept and, not least, free! Of all the forts I have seen, this is by far the best. Would recommend to all.
Also went in the adjacent museum/exhibition centre - cost 2.2BD, but complaints there.
Also went in the adjacent museum/exhibition centre - cost 2.2BD, but complaints there.
Written March 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
unordinary_traveller
Hobart, Australia150 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Fort is excellent, especially for free and especially if you pickup the free audio guide from the museum on the way.
Museum however is overpriced at 2BD, it’s very small and really the Fort and audio guide provides enough info for all but the budding archeologists. Short audio tour is 30-45min, long is 90min. I choose to hear extra bits of interest and all up spent 2hrs walking around.
The Cafe also I thought overpriced. But Fort is excellent and easily accessible by X2 bus from Manama.
Museum however is overpriced at 2BD, it’s very small and really the Fort and audio guide provides enough info for all but the budding archeologists. Short audio tour is 30-45min, long is 90min. I choose to hear extra bits of interest and all up spent 2hrs walking around.
The Cafe also I thought overpriced. But Fort is excellent and easily accessible by X2 bus from Manama.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Globe Trotting Gems
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates721 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Great fort to wonder around, can get hot during the day so maybe go late afternoon. Lots of things to look at and a lovely path around the outside of the fort. The museum is good to understand the history and it does offer an audio tour, bear in mind it’s not open on a Monday (the museum). Fort is free to access and open until late in the evening. Nice view of the city skyline from the top as well.
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
james m
Helensburgh, UK18 contributions
Jul 2022
Really cool fort. Lots of explanatory signs and an audio tour available (although we didn't use it). Plenty to look at and could easily waste a couple of hours there. One word of warning though, in July, even past 4 o'clock and in the shade, it gets hotter than hell inside....take plenty of water (and a hat). Recommended.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stuart w
Brecon, UK42 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
Surprising attraction and excellent museum. Site is world heritage on the original 4000 year old. Dilman settlement with a 17th century Portuguese fort now dominating 17 hectares. Informative tour around the fort (take water and shade). The museum is excellent as it tells the story of the history and the archeology of the site in an clear educational way demonstrated through the exhibits. Not the usual broken shards of pottery and impossible to follow descriptions you find on many museums. Truly learned something of the history of Bahrain today. Museum also has an excellent cafe situated on the waters edge for one of the best views in Bahrain. Suggest go close to sunset.will revisit with family in coming months. At Just over 2 BHD excellent value also.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarkO
Naperville, IL34 contributions
Dec 2021
We visited the museum and the Fort itself and recommend both. The museum exhibits do a good job of providing context to what you see at the Fort in the different sections and layers. In addition, the exhibits helped to understand why the sections of the fort differ so much. The path around the Fort is well designed to take in from a distance and then the plaques inside the Fort itself provide additional information. We didn't get the audio tour (it wasn't mentioned to us by the attendant at the Museum, which seems like a miss on his part). It seems like that is something that could be uploaded as a podcast or other easy-to-access offering rather than having to get something from the Museum. In any case, we enjoyed the afternoon walk and visit to both sites.
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
00RSN00
101 contributions
Sep 2021
This is a historical site of an ancient fort. A great outdoor experience. When I went, unfortunately, it was very hot and humid. I recommend going there when the weather is nice. A museum is conveniently located next to it… you can get two places done in one visit
Written September 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScotAbroad
4 contributions
Nov 2019
From Seef Mall only 10 minutes drive. A beautiful old fort. New museum where you park up is a must to visit - entrance cheap. Fort great for photos. You must walk from museum main car park so phone in advance to see if they can arrange closer access drop-off for disabled. Fort has lower parts accessible by wheelchair. Fort history dates back over 2500 years. Much of the surrounding site still not excavated. Museum coffee shop sitting outside watching sun set on the bay is beautiful. My favourite historical site in Bahrain. You always want to go back. Also go and explore the nearby public beach
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can somebody confirm that the fort is open to look around please (not the museum)? It’s outside and safer than visiting supermarket so am just checking thank you.
Written July 6, 2020
The outside is always open, it's the inside the fort which might be closed
Written July 14, 2020
Is there a pubblic transportation with which I can reach this site?
Written November 25, 2018
Non lo so con certezza ma penso di no....
Written November 26, 2018
We are staying in the Diplomatic area and were hoping to visit the fort using the local bus. Any advice of bus numbers and where to get off the bus and walk would be appreciated. Thanks.
Written April 16, 2017
not to sure where the diplomatic area is, but very poor public transport. you can take bus number 5 from Manama, then walk half an hour to the site. The fort is also easy to reach via car; it’s a 10-minute drive from central Manama and is well-signposted once outside the city
Written April 16, 2017
I too am unable to say yes with any confidence! I can say I didn't see any staff while on my tour, and horses were risen around the area openly! I can't see why not as long as owners are respectful with dog waste...
I have found that dogs are not a common pet in the Gulf...
Written May 3, 2017
How much is it to enter?
Is it open every day do you know?.
Is there car parking too?
Thank you
Written February 5, 2017
its free of charge and they are open until 4pm in the afternoon.. for the parking they also have and the great thing when u go to the mosque is you have a tour guide who will tour you around the mosque and its better to go early rather than to be late because they are closing 4 pm 😊
Written February 6, 2017
Since there is no address, does anyone have good directions for finding this place, from the Grand Mosque area? Last night we almost wound up in Saudi Arabia just looking for the camel farm. Would rather not be wandering aimlessly, if it can be avoided.
Written October 11, 2015
The Grand Mosque on your right, go straight on the highway till you reach the Junction near Diplomat Hotel, take left and continue on the highway, you will see the Sheraton Hotel and the Regency Hotel on you left and the Financial Harbor on your right, continue till you find Seef Mall on your left, take the right run on the Seef Junction, then take the left on the traffic light (near La Chocola Cafe), go straight on the next traffic light, and then left on the 2nd traffic light, you will see a museum on your right, where you can visit it first, set in the coffee shop and admire the Bahrain fort, and then have a walk to visit the fort.
Have a nice day
Written October 12, 2015
Showing results 1-7 of 7
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing