Фотогалерея ‒ Bahrain

Guide to Bahrain

Basic Information

Bahrain is an island nation in the Persian Gulf, connected to Saudi Arabia by a bridge. The country has an ancient history and is considered part of the Dilmun civilization mentioned in Sumerian sources.

Today, Bahrain is an important financial and business center in the region, actively developing tourism. Despite its small population, a significant portion of it consists of foreign workers. Due to the country's small size, the population density is very high, and most residents live in the capital region of Manama-Muharraq.

Photos of Bahrain

Capital
Manama
Language
Arabic
Currency
Bahraini dinar
Time zone
GMT +3
Population
1 600 000
Territory
786 км²

Dishes worth trying:

Machboos — a fragrant dish made from rice with meat or fish and oriental spices.

Muhammar — sweet rice with date syrup, often served with fish.

Samboosa — crispy pies with meat or vegetable filling.

Balaleet — sweet vermicelli with egg and spices, a traditional breakfast.

Harees — wheat porridge with meat, popular during holidays.

Things to do in to Bahrain

  • Take a stroll through the old market in Manama.
  • Visit mosques that are open to non-Muslims.
  • Explore the ancient burial mounds of Dilmun.
  • Try traditional dishes in family restaurants.
  • Learn about the history of the craft at the Pearl Museum.
  • Walk through modern neighborhoods with skyscrapers.

Tips

When visiting religious and public places, observe the dress code by covering your shoulders and knees. In tourist areas, the requirements are less strict, but respect for local traditions is always welcome. This helps to avoid awkward situations and makes communication with local residents more comfortable.
It is best to plan walks and excursions for the morning or evening hours, especially during the warm season. During the day, temperatures can be high, and the heat feels even more intense due to humidity.
There are virtually no problems with cashless payments in Bahrain, but it is still a good idea to have some cash on hand for markets and taxis. ATMs are available in all cities. The well-developed infrastructure makes it easy to plan your own trip to Bahrain.

Sights

Bahrain's attractions reflect its multifaceted history and compact size. Here, you can see archaeological sites, Islamic architecture, and modern neighborhoods in a single day. Many attractions are conveniently located and can be easily combined into one itinerary—just study the guidebook and choose the stops that interest you.

Tourist trips to Bahrain can be short but very intense.

Tours to Bahrain

Vacations in Bahrain are all about comfort, a relaxed pace, and top-notch service. The country is great for short trips, combo tours, and stops on trips around the Middle East. The main vacation options are beach and city breaks, with cultural excursions on the side.

Modern hotels with private beaches, swimming pools, and spa centers are located along the coast. The swimming season lasts almost all year round, and the water temperature rarely drops below +22 degrees Celsius. So, for beach lovers, a vacation in Bahrain is not the most obvious choice, but it is an excellent one. The calm and safe atmosphere is suitable for those visiting the region for the first time.

The local cuisine deserves special attention. The cities offer both traditional Arab restaurants and international establishments. Shopping is another strong point of the country, especially in the large malls of Manama, which combine luxury brands and local shops. For those who enjoy active pursuits, there is diving, water sports, and boat trips.

A trip to Bahrain also includes museums, historic districts, archaeological sites, and religious sites that are open to visitors. The country regularly hosts exhibitions, festivals, major business conferences, and international sporting events, including car racing stages. And traveling between all these places and events won't take much time.

Where to go to Bahrain?

Manama is the country's main tourist center, home to museums, waterfronts, markets, and modern neighborhoods. It is worth taking a walk around the Bab al-Bahrain district and visiting the National Museum. Muharraq is interesting for its historic buildings and houses associated with pearl diving.

The islands of the artificial Amwaj archipelago are perfect for beach holidays and walks by the water. The southern regions of the country attract visitors with their desert landscapes and archaeological sites. So you won't get bored during your trip to Bahrain.

When to go to Bahrain

The best time to visit Bahrain is between November and March, when daytime temperatures range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. During this time, it is comfortable to walk around, visit attractions, and relax by the sea. The peak tourist season is in winter, especially in December and January.

The cost of a trip to Bahrain during the peak season is higher, but the weather is ideal. In summer, temperatures can rise above +40 degrees, which is not suitable for everyone. Spring and autumn are considered transitional seasons with milder weather.

Bahrain in spring

In spring, Bahrain rapidly becomes hotter, with temperatures rising to +30 degrees Celsius. There is almost no rain, and the warm waters of the bay are ideal for various water activities. This is a transitional period before the summer heat and a good season for excursions to historical sites.

Bahrain in summer

Summer in Bahrain is extremely hot and dry. Daytime temperatures easily exceed 40 degrees Celsius, and even at night they rarely drop below 30 degrees. There is very little rainfall, but the humidity makes the heat feel even more exhausting. You can walk early in the morning or late in the evening, but be extremely careful during the day.

Bahrain in autumn

Autumn remains very warm and dry, with temperatures gradually dropping to +25 degrees by November. Humidity is still moderate, and the beaches are just as attractive. Autumn is a good transitional season for a rich and varied vacation.

Bahrain in winter

Winter in Bahrain is mild and dry, with average temperatures around +20 during the day and +14 at night. This is the most comfortable time for walks and excursions in the desert and along the coast. The water temperature in the Persian Gulf stays at around +23 degrees, which is ideal for swimming.

Usefulness

Here is a short list of useful tips and details to help you better navigate your travel planning and, at the same time, more accurately calculate how much a trip to Bahrain will cost.

Visa to Bahrain

Citizens of the US, EU countries, and the UK require a visa, which can be obtained online or upon arrival. The cost of a short-term single-entry tourist visa averages USD 15-30.

Customs & Tax Free

Import restrictions traditionally apply to alcohol, tobacco, and certain medicines. There is no tax-free system or VAT refunds for tourists. The current rules are published on the Bahrain Customs Authority website.

Travel by car

Getting around Bahrain by car is convenient thanks to high-quality roads and easy navigation. Car rental is available at the airport and in cities, with an average price of around 20-30 BHD per day. An international driver's license is required for rental.

Phrasebook for tourists

English is widely used in Bahrain, especially in the service sector, hotels, and restaurants. Basic English phrases are sufficient for comfortable communication. You can learn Arabic phrases for your trip, but it is not necessary.

Public transport and prices

The main regions of the country are connected by bus services. Travel is inexpensive, routes are easy to understand, but intervals between buses can be long. Therefore, transfers, taxis, and organized trips with guides are usually more convenient.

Events

Keep an eye out for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, which are major religious events with a special vibe. Bahrain's National Day in December is celebrated with concerts and fireworks. The Formula 1 Grand Prix draws tourists from all over the world.

tripmydream - travel service, that helps to find compare and buy best flights and rooms worldwide with the given budget. All necessary information for travelers - is right here!