Al Muharraq

Introduction

Muharraq is a city in Bahrain that once served as the national capital, a role it held until 1932, when Manama took its place. Today it stands as one of the country's main urban centres, distinct from the modern capital across the water.

Getting around

Al Muharraq is compact, and its older neighbourhoods near the coast are best explored on foot, with historic buildings, mosques and markets along the UNESCO-listed Pearling Path. Do bear in mind that walking between districts takes longer than you might expect - a walk from Al Muharraq to Hoora, for instance, takes the better part of an hour - so use a bus or taxi for anything beyond the immediate area.

There is no rail, metro or tram network anywhere in Bahrain, so plan around buses, taxis, ride-hailing and walking. The Muharraq Bus Terminal on Avenue 10 is the main hub: route A1 connects it with Isa Town Bus Terminal and Bahrain International Airport, running from early morning until late at night, while route 12 runs to Dragon City. The A1 also links Al Muharraq with areas such as Hoora, with departures roughly every 20 minutes and a journey time of around ten minutes; fares are inexpensive and tickets are bought on board or through the operator, with routes, timetables and fare details on bahrainbus.bh. Taxis, including Bahrain Taxi and Speedy Motors Taxi, are widely available and are the quickest option for short trips, while ride-hailing apps suit those who prefer fixed pricing and cashless payment, especially for destinations not directly on a bus route. From Bahrain International Airport, which lies close by, route A1 is the cheapest way into the city, while a taxi or ride-hailing car is the fastest.

Three days in Al Muharraq

Day one: Base yourself in Al Muharraq and start with the Pearling Path, the UNESCO-listed route that threads through the old town and tells the story of Bahrain's pearling era. Wander the lanes of Muharraq at your own pace, then head to the Muharraq Bus Terminal if you want to continue on to Manama. In the evening, taxis such as Bahrain Taxi or Speedy Motors Taxi make it easy to reach Hoora for dinner.

Day two: Take the bus from the Muharraq Bus Terminal to the Isa Town Bus Terminal, or arrange a taxi, and spend the day in Manama. Return to Al Muharraq in the afternoon and explore more of the Pearling Path on foot. Today is a good day to slow down and let the old town's character sink in.

Day three: From Bahrain International Airport, which sits close to Al Muharraq, you can reach Dragon City and Avenue for shopping before you leave. If you have time, ride the bus to Isa Town Bus Terminal or back into Manama. Taxis are the simplest way to connect these stops, whether you call Bahrain Taxi or Speedy Motors Taxi.