MAIN Travel Middle East Bahrain

View of Manama, the capital city of Bahrain

While Arabic is the official language, English is widely understood throughout Bahrain. A group of 33 islands situated in the Arabian Gulf off the east coast of Saudi Arabia, here you'll find the hippest area of the Arab world where modern hotels, restaurants and nightlife in the capital city of Manama are considered to be on an equal par with any throughout the West.

Although most travelers enter the country by air, the main island is linked to the mainland by the King Fahad Causeway, an astounding 15.5 mile long bridge and modern feat of engineering completed in 1986.

Rich in history (mainly due to the availability of a fresh water aquifer that has been fought over for millennia), Bahrain is home to many ancient castles and fortifications that are always well worth a visit. Also don't miss the mind-boggling array of historical artifacts found at the Bahrain National Museum.

For the sights, sounds and exotic scents of traditional Bahrain commerce, be sure to head over to the central market to barter over colorful textiles, 18k gold jewelry, fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, or anything else on sale that day.

Interesting pop culture footnote: along with Arab capitalists and oil moguls, Michael Jackson, along with brother Jermaine have also recently taken up residence here.

More about Bahrain travel & tourist attractions around the Web:

Bahrain Tourism - The official site, with overviews of all there is to see and do including a brief history, background on major attractions, overviews of top hotels and apartment rentals, shopping & restaurants, practical travel tips, FAQ.

BahrainGuide.org - Wonderfully complete for pleasure seekers, business travelers or expats with information on getting around, where to to stay, shop or play, with trip planner and itinerary suggestions, news, feature stories, and a very helpful Understanding Arabs: A Westerner's Guide.

Click Bahrain - Good starting point for first-timers including a portal to all major airlines and tour operators serving Bahrain along with tons of additional information on hotels & restaurants, major attractions, feature stories on what's happening around town including weekly schedules of Bahrain night life, practical travel tips, weather facts, pictures and maps.

Bahrain Travel Information - Lonely Planet guide with facts, information and descriptions on all major must-sees including details on Barbar Temple, the Royal Tombs and Muharraq Island, related travel tips, photos & maps.

Arab Net - Bahrain - Major portal to everything Bahrain including information on its art, history and culture, modern industry, tourism, travel & transportation, related links.