If you want to get to know the real essence of the Persian Gulf, then you should pay a visit to Bahrain. Travel experts regard this country as the “introduction to the Gulf”, thereby implying if you want to earn your way towards the real appreciation of the area, you will have to pass by and let yourself be amazed with the wondrous offers of this kingdom. With its rich cultural and historical heritage mired in its Arabian roots, Bahrain combines the peculiarity of the past with the modern representations of these recent times brought about by globalization and capitalization.

If you are planning to pay a visit to Bahrain then it will not take long to furnish your itinerary. Apparently, there is no need to look far and wide for the perfect place where you can get a glimpse of the real Arabian life. The best location would be the historical center of Manama, The Soukh. The place serves as the center of all major cultural foundations and societal interactions in the country. It is the prime spots where you can experience the various exotic tastes, striking scents and touches, and diverse sounds and languages that stem from the people of the kingdom.

As such, if you want to get a first hand observation of a real Arabian life, the Soukh should be on top of your itinerary list. Undeniably, a visit to Bahrain would be terribly incomplete if you can’t find a way to spend at hour or two at the Soukh. A trip to this place will introduce you to a wide variety of Arabian inspired colors, sights, sounds, and aromas. It is the home of every avid local entrepreneur that aims to welcome the tourists with wide open arms – from a goldsmith to a spice merchant or from a money changer to a weaver. Regardless of whether you come and visit at night or in the broad daylight, you can expect that the Soukh stays to be a lively market place all day and all night throughout all the days of the week.

If you want to find fabrics and clothing if various designs and brilliant colors, then you should visit the Cloth Soukh. The place offers the visitors – both local and foreign – a wide selection of the various textile materials in all forms, colors and textures such as silk, cotton, and wool. Another place that tourist frequent is the Gold Soukh. This place consists of various merchants, boutiques, and shops that sell contemporary European jewelry matched perfectly with the traditional Bedouin designs and other styles. Locals note that the best of the country’s craftsmen abound the area just to offer every design and style of stone and ornament that the visitor requests for. The merchants in the Gold Soukh of Bahrain also offer 22 karat hallmark gold, along with other precious stones of very high quality.

Aside from the mentioned portions of Bahrain’s Soukh, you should note that the market stretch in the kingdom has much more to offer. The Soukh in Manama which is settled along the Bab el Bahrain road also offers other sections with very diverse offers such as fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts and vegetables. There are also homegrown spices that are sold in the area. If you are a tourist, then you should not miss the long line of stalls and stores that offer handicrafts, gift items, souvenirs and more.