Things To Do
in Bahrain

A spiced rice dish cooked with chicken, lamb or fish and aromatic spices; found at traditional Bahraini restaurants and family-style eateries across Manama and Muharraq.

Must-Try!

A sticky, sweet confection made from sugar, rosewater, nuts and spices; buy it at souqs and specialty sweet shops near Bab al-Bahrain and in Muharraq.

Freshly caught Gulf fish like hammour, often simply grilled or served with lemon and spices — available at seafood restaurants and marina eateries.

Popular street foods — juicy shawarma wraps at kiosks, and balaleet (sweet vermicelli with egg) at some breakfast spots.

Historic market area where you can sample street snacks, fresh dates, halwa and small restaurants serving local dishes; lively and a good place for people-watching and bargain hunting.

Smaller markets and stalls selling local sweets and crafts — good for purchasing Bahraini halwa and souvenirs while trying light bites.

Dress conservatively in public — cover shoulders and knees; women should carry a scarf for mosque visits. Swimwear is fine at beaches and hotel pools but avoid topless sunbathing and immodest clothing in public areas.

Respect mosque rules: remove shoes, avoid visiting during prayer times without permission and dress modestly. During Ramadan avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours as a sign of respect.

Use formal greetings (As-salamu alaykum) and accept hospitality graciously. When greeting, wait to see if someone offers a hand first (some conservative locals may not shake hands with the opposite gender).

Ask permission before photographing people, especially women, and avoid photographing military or government buildings and border areas.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Many restaurants add a service charge; if not included, 10% is common for good service. Taxi drivers are often given small change or rounded fares; porters and hotel staff typically receive small tips (BHD 1–3).

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and many restaurants; cash (Bahraini Dinar, BHD) is useful for souqs, taxis and small vendors. ATMs are plentiful, and contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly supported.

May to September brings very high temperatures (often 35–45°C / 95–113°F) and high humidity; outdoor activities are best early morning or late evening and many visitors prefer indoor attractions and hotel pools.

October and November offer warming evenings and more bearable days — a good transition season for outdoor exploration before winter crowds.

December to February is mild and comfortable (around 15–25°C / 59–77°F), with calmer seas and sparse rainfall — ideal for sightseeing, sailing and island visits.

March and April bring pleasant temperatures but sometimes dust or shamal winds; plan outdoor activities for calmer days and monitor weather for dust storms.

Main international gateway located near Manama with regular flights across the Middle East, South Asia and Europe; taxis and rideshare services connect quickly to the city (approx 15–25 minutes).

Accessible by road via the King Fahd Causeway (border crossing) and is an option for overland arrivals or alternate flights; expect border checks and factor travel time (~1–2 hours depending on traffic and immigration).

Major regional hub reachable by a short flight (about 30–60 minutes) with extensive international connections — convenient for multi-destination itineraries.

Regional hub with many international connections; about a 1–1.5 hour flight from Bahrain and useful for onward travel to other Gulf destinations.

Citizens include both Shia and Sunni Muslim communities with deep historical roots; they form a minority of the total population but are central to culture and politics.

Large communities from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka working across construction, services, IT and small business sectors — important cultural and culinary contributors.

Significant Filipino and other Southeast Asian populations involved in healthcare, hospitality and domestic work; vibrant community events and restaurants reflect this presence.

Professionals from Europe, North America and other Arab countries working in finance, oil, education and diplomatic sectors; concentrated in neighborhoods like Juffair and the Diplomatic Area.

The most popular sport with active local leagues and widespread participation and fandom across communities.

Bahrain hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit and has a strong motorsport following and facilities for karting and track events.

Popular among expatriate communities (South Asian and others) with active leagues and weekend matches.

Horse riding, racing and traditional camel racing are culturally significant and have organized events and facilities.

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and Indian or Middle Eastern restaurants (mezza platters, falafel, stuffed vegetables, lentil dishes). Always confirm if broths or sauces contain meat stock.

Vegan choices exist but may require asking; stick to salads, grilled vegetables, hummus, ful and freshly prepared mezze. Inform staff about milk, ghee or yogurt use.

Most food is halal by default. Alcohol is served only in licensed venues (hotels, certain restaurants); public drinking is prohibited.

Gluten-free options are becoming more common in larger restaurants; speak clearly about cross-contamination and ingredients — carry translations if your allergy is severe.