Bahrain

Bahrain packs a surprising range into a small Gulf island: a modern Manama skyline of glass towers sits a short drive from the atmospheric alleys of the Bahrain Fort and Muharraq's restored pearling-era houses, a UNESCO-listed reminder of the trade that built the country before oil. The Tree of Life stands alone in the desert with no obvious water source, and the archipelago's Formula 1 circuit and lively souqs give it a modern counterpoint. It's an easy, walkable introduction to Gulf culture.

Why go thereAncient ruins Architecture & cities Culture & heritage Markets & bazaars Festivals & events Diving & snorkelling Luxury & shopping Nightlife & music Food Beaches

Main destinations

Food & drink to try

Machboos

Rice spiced with loomi and baharat, cooked with hammour or chicken.

Muhammar

Sweet rice cooked with date syrup and saffron, served with salty fried fish.

Qoozi

Whole roast lamb over spiced rice with nuts and raisins, for large gatherings.

Food & drink to try

Machboos

Rice spiced with loomi and baharat, cooked with hammour or chicken.

Muhammar

Sweet rice cooked with date syrup and saffron, served with salty fried fish.

Qoozi

Whole roast lamb over spiced rice with nuts and raisins, for large gatherings.

Balaleet

Sweet saffron noodles topped with a thin omelette at breakfast.

Samboosa

Fried pastry triangles of spiced meat or cheese, sold in Ramadan by weight.

Halwa Bahraini

Translucent cornstarch sweet with saffron, cardamom and nuts, cut with a spoon.

Rangeena

Dates baked under a flour and butter crumb, eaten warm with coffee.

Khubz

Flatbread from a tannour oven, torn and used to eat everything else.

Ghoozi

Chicken machboos variant layered with thin bread and nuts.

Gahwa

Cardamom coffee served with halwa rather than dates in Bahrain.

Entry & health

Set your passport

bahrain.bh electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk world-power-plugs.com

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Tipping & local customs

Diners can leave a tip at their discretion for the waitstaff with average tipping percentages ranging between 8-15% according to the level of service received, even when a service charge is already added to the bill; round up taxi fares and leave a small amount for hotel porters/housekeeping.

Dress modestly in public areas like malls and markets — both men and women should cover shoulders and knees — with stricter coverage (including a headscarf for women) required when visiting mosques such as Al Fateh Grand Mosque
It is customary to remove your shoes before entering a private home or a mosque
During Ramadan, non-Muslim visitors should avoid eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing gum in public places during fasting hours, as this is strictly enforced and considered highly disrespectful
Alcohol is legal but its sale and consumption are confined to licensed venues, and public drunkenness or drinking outside these venues is not tolerated
Public displays of affection between couples are frowned upon and best avoided
Ask permission before photographing local people, especially women, and avoid photographing government or military sites

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Before you go

Stay connected

Get an eSIM for Bahrain — mobile data the moment you land.

via Airalo

Travel insurance

Cover trip cancellation, medical care and delays.

via EKTA