Bahrain travel guide
Bahrain is a small island kingdom in the Gulf, linked to Saudi Arabia by a long causeway. Behind its modern skyline lie the remains of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, a centuries-old pearling heritage and busy traditional souqs. It suits short city breaks, history lovers and motorsport fans.
Places worth the trip
Qal'at al-Bahrain
Bahrain Fort sits on an artificial mound built up by thousands of years of settlement, from the Dilmun period to the Portuguese fort that crowns it today. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its site museum explains the layers of history.
The Pearling Path, Muharraq
A UNESCO-listed trail through Muharraq's old town that links merchants' houses, a pearl merchant's home, and the coastal sites connected with the Gulf pearling economy that thrived until the twentieth century.
Bahrain National Museum
A museum in Manama covering Dilmun burial customs, traditional crafts, pearling and the island's history, with a good introduction for first-time visitors.
Al Fateh Grand Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the region, with a vast prayer hall under a large dome. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times, and modest dress is provided.
Bab al-Bahrain and Manama Souq
The gateway building of Bab al-Bahrain leads into the lanes of the old souq, where shops sell spices, textiles, gold and perfume.
Dilmun Burial Mounds
Thousands of ancient burial mounds spread across the north-west of the island, some of them large royal tombs. They were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2019.
Tree of Life
A lone mesquite tree in the desert south of the island, which has survived for centuries with no obvious source of water and has become a well-known landmark.
Bahrain International Circuit
The desert racetrack in Sakhir hosts a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and offers track days and karting outside race weekends.
Interesting facts about Bahrain
- Bahrain is an archipelago of more than 30 natural islands, as well as reclaimed and artificial ones.
- The King Fahd Causeway, opened in 1986, links Bahrain with Saudi Arabia across about 25 kilometres of sea.
- Bahrain was the first place on the Arab side of the Gulf where oil was discovered, in 1932.
- Many historians identify Bahrain with Dilmun, a trading civilisation mentioned in ancient Mesopotamian texts.
- The Bahraini dinar is one of the highest-valued currency units in the world.
Best time to visit Bahrain
November to March is the most comfortable time, with warm days and cool evenings. April and October are hot, and summer, from May to September, is very hot and humid. The Formula 1 Grand Prix usually takes place in the spring. During Ramadan, opening hours change and eating in public during the day is restricted, so check the dates before you travel.
Getting around
Bahrain is small, and most journeys are short. Ride-hailing apps and metered taxis are the easiest way to get around, and car hire is straightforward, with good roads. Public buses link the main areas of Manama, Muharraq and other towns. The King Fahd Causeway connects to Saudi Arabia by road, but crossing requires the appropriate entry documents for both countries.
Practical details
- Capital
- Manama
- Currency
- Bahraini dinar (BHD)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Plug types
- G
- Voltage
- 230 V, 50 Hz
- Emergency
- 999
- Driving side
- right
- Tipping
- Many restaurants add a service charge. Where they do not, around 10 per cent is appreciated, and small tips for drivers and porters are common.
Staying online in Bahrain
Mobile coverage is excellent across the island, including the desert south, with 4G and 5G widely available in populated areas. Free Wi-Fi is available in hotels, malls, many cafés and the airport. Some internet calling services may be limited. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land so ride-hailing and maps work from the airport.
Bahrain eSIM plans
1 GB
1GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Bahrain, V2
无限流量
Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Bahrain, V2
无限流量
Unlimited Plus eSIM Data for 1 Day for Bahrain, V2
3 GB
3GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Bahrain, V2
Useful apps
- Careem: Ride-hailing widely used across the Gulf, including in Bahrain.
- Uber: Also operates in Bahrain, useful for comparing fares.
- Talabat: A popular food and grocery delivery app in Bahrain and across the Gulf.
- Google Maps: Driving directions and locations of historic sites around the island.
Bahrain travel FAQs
Two or three days is enough to see Bahrain Fort, the National Museum, the Pearling Path and the souq. Add a day if you want to visit the circuit or the south of the island.
Yes. Coverage is excellent across the country. A travel eSIM gives you local data on arrival without the high roaming charges that many home plans apply in the Gulf.
Bahrain is relatively relaxed by regional standards, but modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is respectful in public, and is expected in mosques and traditional areas.
Yes. English is widely spoken in shops, hotels, restaurants and business, and road signs are generally in Arabic and English.