Western AsiaBahrain is a group of islands in the Persian Gulf, between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Its capital is Manama, and visitors come for ancient sites, markets and water sports. The source's travel warning, updated 18 October 2026, says regional military strikes have disrupted travel and many governments advise reconsidering travel to Bahrain.
Why go
Explore Bahrain Fort and its nearby museum.
See the Tree of Life in the Sakhir desert.
Visit the ancient burial mounds around A'ali.
Browse Manama Souq and Gold Souq.
Try sailing, scuba diving or bird watching.
Best time to go: November to March. Bring a sweater for cool evenings from December to February; May to September is very hot and humid.
Getting there
By air
- Bahrain International Airport is in Muharraq, just east of Manama. Its airport code is BAH.
- Gulf Air has its main base here, with connections across the region, to London and to South-East Asia.
- Air Arabia flies from Sharjah, while Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways serve Bahrain from their home airports.
By land
- The 26 km King Fahd Causeway connects Bahrain with Saudi Arabia.
- The Saudi-Bahraini Transport Company runs eight buses daily from Dammam through Khobar to central Manama. The source lists a fare of 6 Bahraini dinars.
- Allow about two hours for the bus journey, plus traffic delays. Thursday evenings can be busy.
By sea
- There is no scheduled international passenger boat service.
- The source's October 2026 warning says cruise travel remains infeasible because of uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz.
Customs
- A bus journey across the causeway involves two passport checks and two customs checks.
- There are no restrictions on bringing Bahraini dinars into or out of the country.
Getting around
Public bus
Buses reach many parts of the island, but coverage may be less extensive than you expect. Fares are low. English schedules and maps are available online. Google Maps works well, and you can scan the code at a bus stop to check whether your bus is coming. Route A1 connects the airport and Manama. For Bahrain Fort, take A2 to Seef, then walk 2 km or take bus 23 to the fortress museum car park.
Rental car
A car can be useful for stays longer than a few days. Rentals usually start at 10 Bahraini dinars a day. Drive on the right. Journeys within the country usually take no more than 30 minutes. Use a map service, but watch for directions onto sand or stony tracks that may be unsuitable for small cars. Watch for speeding drivers and sudden lane changes without signals. The fastest lane is the far-left lane. Traffic fines are high, and causing an injury can lead to prison.
Taxi
Check the value of a fare carefully: 10 Bahraini dinars is almost 27 US dollars. The source describes this as an excessive taxi fare. Unofficial taxis near causeway bus stations are often illegal. The source lists taxis and Uber from Khobar to Manama, with a separate causeway toll for Uber.
What to see and do
Bahrain Fort
This restored fort near Manama is a World Heritage Site. Entry is free.
Bahrain Fort Site Museum
The museum beside the fort displays finds from the ancient Dilmun period through the Islamic era. It also has a cafe overlooking the sea.
Tree of Life
This tree has survived for more than 400 years in the desert without nearby water. Sunset offers views of the tree and surrounding desert.
Dilmun Burial Mounds
These ancient burial mounds are mostly in and around A'ali. They are on the World Heritage List.
Bahrain National Museum
Its objects trace the country's history back to its first human inhabitants, about 9,000 years ago.
Beit Al Quran
This museum holds Islamic objects connected with the Qur'an.
Food and drink
Machboos
Also called kabsa, this dish combines spices, rice, meat and vegetables.
Muhammar
A sweet rice dish usually served with fish.
Samosa
A fried or baked pastry with a savoury filling, such as vegetables, lentils, lamb or chicken.
Khubz
Flatbread sold in almost all supermarkets and small grocery shops.
Halwa Showaiter
Also called Halwa Bahraini, this jelly-like dessert contains corn starch, saffron and nuts.
Adliya
The main dining area has many cafes, lounges and restaurants. Traditional Bahraini home cooking is harder to find in restaurants.
Money
Bahraini dinar, written as BD or BHD. One dinar contains 1,000 fils.
- One dinar is worth about 2.66 US dollars because its exchange rate is fixed.
- Saudi riyals are accepted almost everywhere at 10 riyals to one dinar. Change will often be given in dinars.
- Some hotels may offer a worse exchange rate for Saudi riyals.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for buses.
Tipping: Tipping is generally not expected. You may wish to tip food or grocery delivery workers.
Typical costs
- A decent dinner: about 5–15 Bahraini dinars.
- Car rental: about 10–20 Bahraini dinars a day.
- An ordinary room in a good hotel: about 50 Bahraini dinars.
- Hotels may charge four times their usual rates during the annual Grand Prix. The source lists Gulf Hotel rooms at more than 300 Bahraini dinars a night during the race.
- Bahrain Fort: free admission.
- Bahrain Fort site museum: 2.2 Bahraini dinars.
Language
- Arabic is the official language.
- English is widely spoken, though ability varies.
- Persian, also called Farsi, is widely spoken.
- Urdu and Hindi are understood among South Asian residents.
- Malayalam is also a popular language.
Staying safe
- The source's warning, updated 18 October 2026, says many governments advise reconsidering travel to Bahrain. Regional strikes have affected airports, ports and tourist attractions.
- Follow local authority updates and regional news. Travel restrictions can change at short notice.
- Be cautious around unrest or sensitive areas. Black smoke from burning tyres can signal trouble.
- Violent crime is rare, but theft, bag snatching and burglary occur. Pickpocketing is reported particularly in souqs.
Local customs
Do
- Show courtesy towards local religious and cultural practices.
- Wear long trousers in places frequented by local Arabs. Some museums and government offices do not admit people wearing shorts.
- Keep swimwear and shorts to beach clubs and hotels.
- During Ramadan, wait until after sunset to eat or drink in public. Restaurants generally do not serve meals during daylight.
Don't
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight in Ramadan. Penalties can include a fine or jail.
- Avoid revealing or see-through clothing.
- Avoid kissing and other public displays of affection. Couples have been arrested for kissing in public.
- Avoid being drunk in public.
- Do not get involved in confrontations or arguments, especially with locals.
- Be careful with political comments, including social media posts about Israel and Palestine. The source warns that these can lead to heavy criticism or arrest.
Staying healthy
- Drink plenty of water, especially outdoors during the day. Temperatures from April to August can reach 50°C.
- Use an umbrella for protection from the strong sun.
- Choose bottled or boiled water for drinking.
- Public health centres charge expatriates 7 Bahraini dinars per visit.
Where to stay
- Bahrain Airport Hotel has rooms and sleeping pods inside the airport.
- An ordinary room in a good hotel can cost about 50 Bahraini dinars.
- Hotel prices rise sharply during the Grand Prix; the source lists Gulf Hotel rooms above 300 Bahraini dinars a night during the race.
- Some resort hotels have private beaches. The source warns that good public beaches are hard to find.
Outdoor adventures in Bahrain
Bahrain offers birdwatching on the Hawar Islands, dolphin boat trips, diving, sailing and horse riding. November–March is the most comfortable time for outdoor trips; summer is very hot and humid. Regional conflict has disrupted travel, and the October 2026 advisory says many governments advise reconsidering travel to Bahrain.
Hawar Islands birdwatching
WildlifeHawar Islands
November–March for comfortable weatherTake the 20-km boat trip from Ad Dur Jetty. Boats depart daily at 10AM. The listed contact number is +973 1729 0377.
Scuba diving with Bahrain Yacht Club and Al Bandar resort
Scuba diving
Year-round; November–March has more comfortable outdoor weatherContact Bahrain Yacht Club or Al Bandar resort about diving. The listed numbers are +973 1770 1201 and +973 1770 0677.
Dolphin-watching boat trip
WildlifeGulf watersnear Manama
November–March for comfortable weatherArrange a boat trip through +973 1770 0677. Trips run three times daily.
- Cost: BHD 6 for adults; BHD 3 for children under 12
Pearl diving
Scuba diving
Booking contacts and departure points are not specified.
Horse riding in Saar
More to doSaar
November–March for comfortable weatherTry Twin Palms Riding School or the Dilmun Club for lessons or an occasional ride. The listed contact numbers are +973 1769 0926 and +973 3956 6809.
Tree of Life desert visit
More to doSakhir desert
November–March; arrive near sunset for viewsGo by car; there is no public transport to the tree. Follow Zallaq Highway east onto Al-Muaskar Highway. At the Tree of Life sign, continue to the next intersection instead of taking the misleading dirt road. Later signs lead towards the tree. Turn onto the dirt path at Gas Well #371.
- Stay on the path worn by vehicles. Softer sand beside it can trap your car.
- Drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun.
Sailing in Bahrain's Gulf waters
SailingGulf waters
Year-round; November–March has more comfortable outdoor weatherBooking contacts and departure points are not specified.
- Keep up with local authority updates during regional tensions. Shipping routes can face restrictions at short notice.
Golf near Manama
More to donear Manama
November–March for comfortable weatherThe international 18-hole grass course is about 15 minutes outside Manama. Booking details are not specified.
- Drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the harsh sun.
Camel riding along a highway
More to do
November–March for comfortable weatherA location, operator and booking contact are not specified.
Horse-race watching at Al Sakhir
More to doAl Sakhir
Fridays, October–MarchVisit the national racecourse at Al Sakhir for its Friday races.
- Cost: Free entry
Airports, metros and trains in Bahrain
Airports with scheduled flights
- BAHBahrain International AirportManamaMain international airport
People and safety in Bahrain
Religion
Most people are Muslim. Mixed.
- Muslim70%
- Christian15%
- Hindu10%
- Buddhist3%
- No religion2%
- Jewish<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal in law, risky in places
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
- Legal gender change is recognised.
Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.
Women travellers
Ranked #55 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
87% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 127 of 198 countries can visit Bahrain easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required2
- Freedom of movement3
- Visa on arrival122
- eVisa68
- Visa required3
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe43 of 46 countries
- Asia40 of 49 countries
- Americas23 of 35 countries
- Oceania6 of 14 countries
- Africa15 of 54 countries
Questions
When is the best time to visit Bahrain?
November to March is best. Bring a sweater for cool winter evenings; summer is very hot and humid.
Is travel to Bahrain affected by the regional conflict?
Yes. The source's warning, updated 18 October 2026, reports disrupted transport and says many governments advise reconsidering travel.
Can I use English?
Yes. English is widely spoken, although people's ability varies; Arabic is the official language.
Do I need cash?
Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for buses. The Bahrain Fort museum also advises bringing cash in case its card machine fails.
Can I get around by public bus?
Buses reach many parts of the island, and route A1 connects the airport with Manama. English maps and schedules are available online.
Are there good public beaches?
The source warns that good beaches are mostly private beaches belonging to resort hotels. Other beach areas may contain construction work or waste.
What local food should I try?
Look for machboos, a spiced rice dish with meat and vegetables, or muhammar, sweet rice served with fish. Halwa Bahraini is a traditional dessert made with saffron and nuts.
Can I drink tap water?
Tap water is reported to be drinkable, but the source recommends bottled or boiled water.
What should I wear?
Dress conservatively in public and avoid revealing clothing. Long trousers are advisable, while swimwear is acceptable at beach clubs and hotels.
What changes during Ramadan?
Restaurants generally close during daylight, and working hours are reduced. Eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight is prohibited, including for visitors.
Reviewed by @snuck