Riffa
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At a glance
- Country
- Bahrain
- Region
- Southern Governorate
- Population
- 200,000
- Best time to go
- November to March
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Bahrain International (BAH)
- Coordinates
- 26.13°N, 50.55°E
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Overview
Riffa is a large residential city in the centre of Bahrain, home to royal palaces and many of the country's families. It is not built for tourism, and most of it is quiet suburbs and wide roads.
It does, however, make a good starting point for the south of the island, where desert, the Formula One circuit and wildlife reserves are within a short drive. The historic fort is its main sight.
Things to see
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Photo: Alawadhi3000, CC BY-SA 3.0 Riffa Fort
A restored 19th-century fort on a ridge above the Hunainiya valley, with fine views at sunset.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Planet Labs, Inc., CC BY-SA 4.0 Bahrain International Circuit
The home of the Bahrain Grand Prix, south of the city in the Sakhir desert.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: കാക്കര, CC BY-SA 3.0 Tree of Life
A centuries-old mesquite tree standing alone in the desert, a short drive south.
Things to do
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Photo: > ange <, CC BY-SA 2.0 Al Areen Wildlife Park
A desert reserve with Arabian oryx, gazelles and birds, toured by bus.
Find tours -
Photo: Eric Gilbertson, CC BY-SA 4.0 Drive to the southern desert
Empty, stark landscapes, oil wells and the country's highest point, Jebel Dukhan.
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Photo: Anthony DeCosta, CC BY 2.0 Day trip to Manama
The capital's museum, souq and restaurants are around 20 minutes north by car.
Where to stay
Riffa
A few hotels and serviced apartments, quiet and handy for the south.
Hotels in RiffaManama
The best choice of hotels and restaurants, a short drive away.
Hotels in Manama
Getting around
A car is almost essential. Taxis and ride-hailing apps work well across the island.
The airport on Muharraq is around 25 to 30 minutes away by taxi.
When to go
November to March is warm and dry, with the Grand Prix usually in spring. Summers are very hot and humid.
Plan your trip to Riffa
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.