Muharraq Cultural Walking Tour: Explore Traditional Bahraini Houses and Pearl Diving History
5.0
147 Ratings
Muharraq
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
(147 Ratings)
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Trail811411
Apr 30, 2024
Amazing Tour! - Very informative tour! So great to learn so much about the history and culture of Bahrain with some local snacks and drinks along with it! Highly recommend Khalid’s tour to anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nenads539
Mar 20, 2024
Amazing walk through a maze of Muharraq - It was a fascinating walk through the past times of Bahrain, by visiting so many different historic houses. Khaled brought us into the maze of Muharraq, and explained each place we visited in so many details, it was really enjoyable tour. The houses are well taken care of and photogenic inside and outside, but Khalid was the one who brought them into life, literally transporting us into those times, with his interesting stories and information. If there would be one thing to do in Bahrain, then you should go for a walk with Khaled, this tour will make you appreciate the country more.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D259unnicolah
Mar 12, 2024
Recommended - Was a very interssting tour with a lot of history in it and interesting facts. The tour guide took care of the group all the time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephen
Feb 27, 2024
A walk through Bahrain’s history - Great tour with so many interesting houses beautifully restored . The area is a window into the past with Khaled’s passion and knowledge bringing the picture into view .Highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O8856khkatew
Feb 25, 2024
The highlight of my trip to Bahrain! - Really interesting tour and I learnt so much! Khaled is a great guide, takes his time and explains everything so well. The tour takes you through the area connected with the pearling boats and there is many unexpected sights throughout! The houses are converted so beautifully and the area feels very authentic. A great way to learn about the history of Bahrain! A must do whilst visiting
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gbry19
Feb 6, 2024
Must do whilst in Bahrain - I was recommended Khaled’s tour by a friend. I’ve lived in Bahrain 6 months and learnt more in 3 hours than I did in 6 months. So many hidden gems, insights into the history and all well spaced out refreshments and breaks. Khaled is a charming guide and I throughly recommend!
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Justineo_11
Jan 16, 2024
A great way to discover more about Bahrain, its people and history. - We thoroughly enjoyed this walking tour. We appreciated the advance notice from Khaled and the introduction before the tour from Yusuf. Yusuf provided plenty of information, was friendly, welcoming and exceeded our expectations.
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Neilly928bd
Jan 7, 2024
Great Cultural Tour - Great tour to get a taste of the history, arts and culture of bahrain. Host was very knowledgeable and friendly. Great value, highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Holger_m
Jan 4, 2024
Great tour, great guide - Great tour, great guide. Must do if you are here. Very interesting insides into the history and culture of this area.
Review provided by Viator
Global811631
Jan 2, 2024
Khaled good guide. - He is an expert on Bahrain's history We went to Muharraq. He had so many stories to tell. He knows all the people there. I'm really glad to go with Khaled.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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July 2024
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