Asia · Western AsiaOutline guideCountry in West Asia
Photo: Wadiia, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Kingdom of Bahrain (Arabic: البحرين , al-Baḥrayn) is a Middle Eastern archipelago in the Persian Gulf, tucked into a pocket of the sea flanked by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The kingdom combines modern Arab culture and the archaeological legacy of 5,000 years of civilisation.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Bahrain.
Cards and cash
Credit cards are widely accepted so cash is only really necessary for the bus.
Tipping
Tipping is generally not done, though it's fine to tip the underpaid and overworked delivery person that brings your food or delivers your groceries.
Arabic
Arabic is the official language, although English and Persian (Farsi) are widely spoken. Urdu and Hindi are also understood by South Asian expatriates, with Malayalam being another popular language.
It is pretty easy to get a prepaid SIM (where you reload before using) at the airport, or at many cold stores (small shops) around the country, and Batelco has one designed for travellers (though it would be cheaper to just get a regular prepaid).
Mobile networks
Bottled water is sold practically everywhere in the city from "cold stores" to major supermarket chains at reasonable prices.
Drink plenty of water. April through August can be very hot (up to 50°C) and humid, and can occasionally feel like a lot hotter. Use an umbrella to protect you from the harsh sun.
Bahrain is a fairly gracious host nation but it is imperative to demonstrate respect and courtesy in reference to their particular cultural practices and religion at all times.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital of Bahrain.
Hamad Town, or Madinat Hamad, is a commuter town in the Northern Governorate of Bahrain.
Isa Town is in Bahrain. It is famous for its traditional marketplace.
the kingdom's former capital
Riffa is the second largest city in Bahrain.
Sitra (A.K.A. Sitrah) is a town on Sitra island split between the South Governorate and the Capital Governorate in Bahrain.
The Southern Governorate (المحافظة الجنوبية, Al-Muḥāfaẓat al-Janūbīyah) is in Bahrain.
The Hawar Islands are in Bahrain, southeast of the main island near Qatar.
Places in Bahrain on the World Heritage List.
Qal’at al Bahrain
Listed 2005
Dilmun Burial Mounds
Listed 2019
Bahrain Pearling Trail
Listed 2012
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Public transport and paid services in Bahrain.
By bus
There are also public buses that run to many parts of the island, however it may not be as robust as what you may expect elsewhere.
By car
If planning on staying for more than a few days, consider renting a car. Prices usually are BD 10+ per day (or BD 150+ per month), this gives you freedom to drive around the country easily.g.
Motorbikes
Bahrain is not known to be particularly a "motorbike" country, but active communities do exist.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Bahrain.
Finding apps for Bahrain…
Other ways to travel:Fuel
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Manama · International · BAH
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Manama
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 20° | 20° | 24° | 28° | 33° | 36° | 37° | 38° | 36° | 33° | 27° | 22° |
| Avg. low | 16° | 16° | 19° | 23° | 27° | 30° | 32° | 32° | 31° | 28° | 24° | 19° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 8 |
| Humidity | 68% | 69% | 65% | 62% | 57% | 56% | 58% | 61% | 60% | 61% | 63% | 68% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$50
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$145
Per person, per day
Luxury
$365
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $80 | $215 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $30 | $70 |
| Local transport | $5 | $15 | $30 |
| Activities | $10 | $20 | $50 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 3 of 4Reconsider travel
Reconsider travelto Bahrain due to terrorism and armed conflict. U.S. government employee travel restrictions Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Bahrain. Only family members 18 years of age or older may join U.S. government employees who work in Bahrain. Armed Conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. Terrorism There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Bahrain. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bahrain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. Targets may include tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and religious sites as well as government and military facilities. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an ongoing Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Bahrain. For more information Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Regional tensions The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Bahrain, against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. On 20 July, the US Embassy Manama issued an advisory that Iran may seek to target unspecified locations in central Manama. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should: read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis” sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts follow advice from the local authorities monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice stay away from areas around security or military facilities keep your departure plans under review, noting that in April 2026 there was simultaneous closure of airspace and the King Fahd Causeway…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Bahrain.
Culture & historyIslam is one of the world's most important religions, second only to Christianity in number of adherents. Its followers are called Muslims and their houses of worship, mosques.
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Culture & historyPre-Islamic Arabia refers to the history of the Arabian Peninsula up to the proclamation of Islam by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century.
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Food & drinkWhile the Middle East is vast and diverse, similar culinary traditions can be found across the region. They have been formed by the Mediterranean climate, commercial routes to Europe, Asia and Africa, and the Abrahamic…
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Travel tipsFormula One or F1 is the premier category of Motor sport, with cars racing at over 350 kph. They mostly race on purpose-built circuits but sometimes on closed streets, with Monaco the most famous example.
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Travel tipsAirlines and ground transportation companies both offer alternatives and complement each other in terms of providing you with means to get to your destination.
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Food & drinkKashrut is the system of Jewish dietary laws. Food permitted under Kashrut is called kosher.
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