Qal'at al-Bahrain

Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a 12-metre hill of ruins from 2300 BC to a 16th-century Portuguese fort, with a modern site museum.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps

Time needed: 2 hours
Entry: Free (museum may charge a small fee)
Best time: Late afternoon
Area: Karbabad

The 16th-century fort on top of ancient layers.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Karbabad, Bahrain

Taxi: 15 minutes from Manama.
Location: Karbabad, on the north coast west of Seef.
Parking: At the site museum.

Open in Google Maps Get directions

The story of Bahrain Fort

The site was the capital of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, a trading power linking Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Layers of houses, temples and palaces lie inside the hill.

The fort on top was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. UNESCO listed the site in 2005, and the museum displays finds from the excavations.

Best time to visit

Best season

November to March.

Best time of day

Late afternoon and sunset, when the fort is lit.

Summer

Come early or at dusk.

Tips before you go

Climb the walls for sea views.
Visit the site museum first for context.
Walk to the sea wall for views of the Manama skyline.

Best hotels near Bahrain Fort

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Hotels in Seef

10 minutes away.

See prices

Hotels in Bahrain Bay

Waterfront hotels.

See prices

Hotels in Manama

15 minutes away.

See prices

All hotels near Bahrain Fort

What's around Bahrain Fort

Site museumAt the entrance.
Seef malls10 minutes.
Bahrain National Museum20 minutes.

Questions travellers ask

Is it free?

The site is usually free.

How old is it?

Occupied from about 2300 BC.

How long do I need?

2 hours with the museum.