While our wonderful little island is brimming with exciting new places and things to see and do, there are still quite a few obscure ones (and perhaps some of the best) that fly under the radar.
We’ve scoured the island for some fantastic hidden gems that you may or may not have heard of, from farms and food trucks to music and hobby stores.
Read on to explore some of these best kept secrets that we’re happy to share with you… Enjoy and you can thank us later!

Abdulwahab Farm

Originally a vacant plot of land, Abdulwahab Farm is located in Hoorat A’Ali (opposite the Gulf Air Club) and has been in operation since 2014. Individual efforts helped transform it into a thriving farm, inviting visitors to partake in the ageold tradition of handpicking fresh produce. Using organic fertilisers, the farm yields a variety of veggies in the winter, including tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, assorted peppers and a range of leafy greens, while summer months bring Bahraini almonds and fig varieties. The farm is open from 7am to sunset, with free entry; you pay only for the veggies you pick.
GO: CALL 3961 1665 OR VISIT @ABDULWAHABFARM ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Bahrain Cinema Club

Founded in 1980 under the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), the Bahrain Cinema Club is a non-profit hub for film enthusiasts. Run by passionate volunteers, the club brings together filmmakers and cinephiles through events, screenings and workshops to create a space to connect, learn and engage. Having organised several film festivals over the years, including the 2000 International Arab Cinema Festival and the 2021 Bahrain Film Festival, their aim is to celebrate Arab cinema and stimulate the local film scene. Their events showcase a range of movies from across the world, including documentaries, independent films, classics and modern releases. Membership is available online for BD20 annually and provides exclusive event access, ticket discounts and more. You’re also welcome to join their weekly Wednesday screenings, open to both members and the public.
GO: VISIT WWW.BAHRAINCINEMACLUB.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Bahrain Japan Friendship Garden

Discover the lush oasis of the Bahrain Japan Friendship Garden at Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve. A symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations, the garden is the first of its kind in the Kingdom, spanning 6,833sq/m and boasting 35 diverse species of shrubs and trees. Inspired by traditional Japanese gardens, the concept originated from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s historic visit to Japan in 2013. From traditional Niwamon entrances and Torii gates to Nobedan paths and Tsukuba wash basins, the garden captures Japanese tradition. Escape the bustle of modern life in this tranquil haven, which houses two serene ponds linked by an oriental-style river, rock garden features, waterfalls and decorative walkway bridges. Open daily from 8am to 4pm, the park is a 40-minute drive from Manama and is located adjacent to Bahrain International Circuit.
GO: CALL 1784 5480 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

BakeMate

Nestled in the heart of Zinj at Hala Plaza lies BakeMate – a haven for baking enthusiasts and the ultimate destination for all things sweet and savoury. From baking powder and cooking chocolate to bread and muffin mixes, the store caters to both home bakers and professional chefs. Beyond ingredients, they also offer a variety of utensils, molds and accessories and claim to be the only shop in Bahrain supplying products for B2B customers and end users. Their shelves are stocked with a huge range of imported products from around the world at competitive prices. So, next time you’re planning to cook the perfect sponge cake or pasta, check out BakeMate. It opens on weekdays from 9am to 11pm and on Fridays from 3pm to 11pm.
GO: CALL 1758 2277 OR VISIT WWW.BAKEMATE.BH FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Busaiteen Beach

Situated in the northwestern corner of Muharraq, Busaiteen boasts one of Bahrain’s longest stretches of sandy shoreline, offering a pleasant escape from the bustle of city life. Ideal for families seeking affordable fun, Busaiteen Beach has something for everyone. Children can take part in various funfair activities, including inflatable slides, swings, trampolines and bouncy castles, for as little as 500 fils. Thrill-seekers can also have a go at the quad bike track for just BD1. Food trucks offer a carnival atmosphere with treats like corn on the cob, sandwiches, burgers and ice cream. With popular stops like Bacon, Tastado and, our personal favourite, Dutchips serving up Dutch street fries, car queues are a common sight. Don’t forget to take a photo with the ever-popular, Instagrammable tea-pot truck, 009 Tea! Local coffee and tea shops open around 5pm, while most trucks serve from 6pm until 12am.

Colormaze

Discover the Kingdom’s vibrant street art scene at Colormaze Bahrain. Founded by Mahmood Sharqawi in 2015, this graffiti shop started as a personal project and has since grown into a community hub. Located in Andalus Garden in Gudaibiya, they offer the best graffiti tools on the island, including spray cans and markers, with more than 250 colours on offer. Behind the shop is Bahrain’s Maze Wall, the country’s first legal graffiti space that provides a canvas for local and international artists to create freely and celebrates Bahrain’s evolving cultural identity through vibrant street art. Colormaze also hosts graffiti classes for various age groups, nurturing artistic skills in a supportive environment and is open Sunday to Friday from 4.30pm to 9pm.
GO: CALL 3217 1212 OR VISIT @COLORMAZE.BH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Cue Inn Club

Since 2006, Cue Inn Club has been one of the longest serving snooker and pool clubs on the island. With branches in Bahrain Tower and Riffa, they’ve now expanded to their largest venue yet in Salmaniya. With exclusive facilities and chic interiors, this newest club spans three floors, boasting exclusive facilities including special family rooms and a café and hookahs on the ground floor. They serve Arabic breakfast, along with Indian and continental dishes, as well as a variety of juices and healthy drinks. Cue Inn also hosts various events, including club, ranking and local tournaments. With no membership fees, hourly rates start at BD2.2 per hour for snooker and BD1.7 for pool. Don’t miss the upcoming Open Billiard and Snooker Tournament from May 1 to 4. Entry is BD10 with cash prizes for winners. The club opens from 3pm to 3am and will soon start operating from 7am to 3am.
GO: CALL 3888 8955 OR VISIT @CUEINNCLUB ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

EVA Bahrain

Gear up for the ultimate virtual reality (VR) gaming experience with EVA, located in Gardenia Plaza in Jidhafs. Unveiled at Paris Games Week 2019, this groundbreaking esports arena has recently opened in Bahrain. EVA features cutting-edge technology and massive, free-roaming play spaces where you’ll battle other players or fend off zombies! Spanning approximately 520sq/m, players can immerse themselves in the After-H range of action-packed games, join the ranks and become a champion. From tournaments and birthday parties to company team-building sessions, EVA caters to all, with live streaming capabilities to share the excitement with the world. Open weekdays from 3.20pm to 1am and weekends from 11.20am to 3am. Each session is 40 minutes (including the briefing) and costs BD9.5 during off peak and BD14.5 during on peak hours, inclusive of all the equipment.
GO: CALL 3933 9309 OR VISIT WWW.EVA.GG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Hidd Fish Market

A local favourite for fish and seafood lovers and a go-to for the freshest catch, Hidd Fish Market is just a stone’s throw away from Amwaj Islands. Located at the Hidd Fishermen’s Port on Dry Dock Highway, this market offers a wide variety of seafood and fish and is always bustling with activity as fishermen sell their daily catch and customers haggle over prices. Open daily from 8am to 9pm, the Hidd Fish Market is renowned for its diverse selection and competitive prices and is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the rich, local fishing culture.

Howayte Hobby Store

Howayte, meaning My Hobby in Arabic, opened its doors in 2018 and has since come to be known as Bahrain’s local geeky game store. Located in Tubli, Howayte offers a variety of tabletop games, from card play, such as Magic the Gathering, Pokemon and One Piece, to modern and classic board games. It also stands out as the only store on the island offering model kits of famous pop culture animated series. Howayte keep their gaming community engaged by hosting weekly tournaments, hangouts and special events, such as Pokemon Trade nights. Providing a welcoming space for players and collectors to connect, trade collectible cards and compete, the store opens from 4pm to 10pm on weekdays, 1pm to 10pm on weekends and is closed on Sundays.
GO: 1767 0863 OR VISIT WWW.HOWAYTE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Masterpiece Museum

Located in Riffa and established in 2020 by owner Hamad Al Koheji, this unique museum showcases his lifelong passion for collecting memorabilia. With thousands of valuable pieces, including handmade works, celebrity autographs, toys, Lego sets, movies and books amassed over 20 years, the museum offers a unique glimpse into popular culture. Inspired by a lack of museums dedicated solely to signed items, Hamad wanted to create a space celebrating global icons and their personal works. Collaborating with professional autograph collector, Michael Medlin from Hollywood, Masterpiece Museum boasts more than 2,000 autographs of celebrities on display. Visitors can explore this treasure trove from Monday to Saturday, 4pm to 9pm, and Fridays until 10pm. Tickets are priced at BD2 per person.
GO: VISIT @MASTERPIECE.MUSEUM ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Passion Art

Explore a world of creativity at Passion Art Studio, located on Budaiya Highway. Founded by Bahraini sisters Bayan and Mariam AlQassab in 2022, this local gem offers art classes for all ages, including painting, sketching, clay modelling, ‘mommy & me’ and couples’ art classes, as well as special workshops. Open daily from 10am to 10pm, unleash your creativity with freestyle painting on pottery, glass, candles, tote bags or wooden boxes. Kids and adults can also join their weekly community events, ranging from painting with live music to trivia and movie nights. Don’t miss their upcoming festival from May 2 to 3 for a chance to win a private booking worth BD350.
GO: CALL 3335 1057 OR 3366 8199 OR VISIT @PASSIONART.BH ON INSTAGRAM OR TIKTOK FOR MORE INFORMATION.

RAK Art Foundation

The RAK Art Foundation in Riffa offers a rare glimpse into a world where art meets heritage. Established to make art more accessible, this non-profit organisation showcases an eclectic collection, from European academism and Middle Eastern contemporary art to painting and design. Housed in a converted traditional Bahraini house – the childhood home of its founder Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa – its galleries are graced by works of renowned artists, including Frank Stella, Fernando Botero and Huguette Caland. The foundation empowers artists through opportunities, crosscultural collaborations and international partnerships, while advocating for innovation and sustainability. For a glimpse into Bahrain’s vibrant art scene, a visit to RAK Art Foundation is a must. Visits and private tours can be booked online.
GO: VISIT WWW.RAKARTFOUNDATION.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Room 2 Rock

Having evolved from its early roots in Hamala in 2005 to its new, more expansive location in Mahooz, Room 2 Rock has grown to become one of the go-to destinations for quality musical instruments, accessories and services. Catering to both beginners and professionals, the store provides all types of guitars, ukuleles, drums and Latin percussion instruments, amplifiers and more from top brands like Washburn, Schecter, EMG and PDP. Expert technicians are also available for instrument servicing and repairs. A onestop-shop for all things musical, they also offer lessons and soon a practice room for budding musicians. It opens from Saturday to Thursday, from 11am to 7pm.
GO: CALL 1761 1785 OR VISIT @ROOM2ROCK ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Tasjeelat

The Kingdom’s sole independent record store, Tasjeelat is a cherished sanctuary for vinyl collectors in Bahrain. Founded in 2021 by Ali Al Saeed, owner of music label Museland Records, Tasjeelat boasts a diverse selection of LPs, 12-inches and 45s, both new and pre-loved. Located at Andalus Park in Gudaibiya, the store offers a well-curated and hand-picked selection of music records, ranging from timeless classics to obscure finds. Whether you’re into pop, rap, alternative or beyond, there’s something here to tickle your musical fancy. It opens on Saturday from 10am to 2pm and Sunday to Thursday from 5pm to 8pm.
GO: VISIT @TASJEELAT.BH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.