Exploring Bahrain: Ideal Duration For A Trip

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf, making it the smallest country in the Middle East. It is a popular destination for travellers seeking a mix of culture, beaches, and good food. The country has something for every kind of traveller, from families to couples. With a rich history, impressive architecture, and a liberal attitude compared to its Middle Eastern neighbours, Bahrain offers a unique experience.

The country is most famous for its pearl fisheries, which were considered the best in the world until the 19th century. Bahrain also boasts impressive forts, such as the Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), which was once the capital of the Dilmun civilisation during the Bronze Age. For those interested in diving, Bahrain is widely considered the number one spot for pearl diving globally.

In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Bahrain offers a vibrant food scene, with local delicacies such as chicken machboos and muhammar. The country also has a Formula 1 Grand Prix stadium and a variety of shopping options, from the Manama Souq to designer goods at the Al Aali Mall.

With so much to offer, Bahrain is an ideal destination for a 3-5 day getaway.

How to get around Bahrain

There are several ways to get around Bahrain, a small island country in the Arabian Gulf. Here is a guide to the different transport options available.

Taxis

Regular taxis in Bahrain are known for being quite expensive, with a starting fare of BHD2 (£4.20, US$5.30) and an additional charge of 500 fils per kilometre. You can find a taxi rank at the airport, or order one through your hotel concierge. Cabs are not as common in Bahrain as in other places, so you may have to wait a while to hail one on the street. It is illegal for taxis not to have a meter, so be sure to look out for this to avoid an unfair fee. However, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem operate in Bahrain and offer a cheaper alternative.

Public Transport

Bahrain has an extensive public bus network, with buses running every 10 to 20 minutes on the main routes. You can pay in cash, or purchase a GO Card for 500 fils, which reduces the cost of a single trip to 250 fils. GO Cards also have a daily cap of 600 fils, so you won't pay more than £1.26/US$1.59 per day, no matter how many buses you take. You can also buy seven-day and 28-day passes. The bus routes, timetables and trip planner can be found at www.bahrainbus.bh.

Driving

If you want to drive in Bahrain, the roads are calmer than in other Gulf countries, but be aware of potential road rage and erratic driving. Driving is on the right, and the usual laws apply—you must wear a seatbelt in the front, and you cannot use a mobile phone while driving. The speed limit in residential areas is 60km/h, 80-100km/h on other roads, and 120km/h on highways. Petrol is very affordable, at around 30p or 37 cents per litre.

Renting a Car

If you want to rent a car, there are many international and local companies to choose from, including Oscar Rent-A-Car, Europcar, and Hertz. The minimum age to rent a car in Bahrain is 21, and you will need a driving licence, passport, and possibly an international driver's permit.

Other Options

For those who want a more relaxed way to get around, private drivers are available to take you on full-day tours to different destinations. For travel between the smaller islands, you can take a motorboat or dhow (a traditional boat common in the region).

Best places to stay in Bahrain

Bahrain has no shortage of hotels, whatever your budget or preferences. The app 'Bahrain' is a great place to look for accommodation.

Luxury

If you're looking for a luxurious stay, the following hotels are popular choices:

• Raffles Al Areen Palace and Spa: Located 40 minutes from the city centre, this hotel offers spacious, well-equipped villas, each with a private pool and butler. There's also a huge water park next door.
• Sofitel Bahrain: This hotel offers luxurious rooms with beach views and its own beachfront, making it a popular choice for large families and weddings.
• The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa: A 5-star property situated on its own island in the heart of Manama. It features a fabulous spa, beautiful suites, a lagoon-style swimming pool, and direct access to the beach.
• The Merchant House: A boutique luxury hotel located in the middle of Manama. The historic Manama Souk is just minutes away, and the hotel has a modern rooftop coffee shop.
• Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre: A large property in central Manama with spacious, sleek accommodations and up-to-date technology. There's an excellent choice of restaurants and a stunning penthouse apartment.
• Al Areen Palace & Spa: Bahrain's first villa-style hotel. The romantic rooms and suites are opulent, and there's an excellent spa and proximity to the Al Areen Nature Reserve.
• The Domain Bahrain Hotel and Spa: A stunning, adults-only, 5-star hotel with a members-only club and boutique feel. It offers contemporary rooms and suites with city views, a fine dining restaurant, a spa, and designer living spaces.

Mid-Range

For those seeking a more affordable stay, these options provide good value:

• The Palace Boutique Hotel: A great little hotel with 20 simple, contemporary rooms in Manama. It has a lovely pool, garden, health club, and restaurant.
• S Plaza Suites Hotel: Located in Seef, this hotel features an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre, a restaurant, a bar, and a sauna.
• The Seven Hotel: Located in Manama, this hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre, and a terrace. It's also just 3.5 km from the Bahrain National Museum.
• Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain: A 5-star resort situated in Manama, 14 km from the Bahrain National Museum. It offers free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre.
• Hilton Garden Inn Bahrain Bay: Located in Manama, this hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a 24-hour front desk.
• Grand Swiss-Belhotel Waterfront Seef: Located in Al Seef, this hotel has a restaurant, fitness centre, sauna, and free WiFi. It offers scenic views of Al Reef Island and Water Garden City.
• Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain: A 5-star resort located in Manama, offering an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre, a garden, and a bar.

Budget

For those on a tighter budget, these options offer good value:

• Baisan International Hotel Bahrain
• Bahrain Carlton Hotel
• Oriental Palace Hotel
• Nordic Palace and spa
• Mercure Grand Hotel Seef
• Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort
• Wyndham Garden Manama
• The Grove Hotel & Conference Centre

What to eat in Bahrain

Bahrain is a multicultural country with a wide variety of food options. Here is a guide to what you should eat when visiting Bahrain.

Local Bahraini Cuisine

Bahrain's local cuisine is a real treat for visitors. While it shares similarities with other Middle Eastern countries, with hummus, shawarma, and tabbouleh being staples on most menus, there are also unique dishes to try. Machboos, a rice-based dish similar to biryani flavoured with Middle Eastern spices, and muhammar, rice sweetened with sugar and dates, are must-tries.

One of the best places to sample authentic Bahraini food is Haji's Cafe, an old Arabian cafe in the heart of Manama Souk, which has been serving customers since 1950. The walls of the cafe are adorned with images of Bahrain through the years, providing a unique atmosphere in which to enjoy traditional dishes.

International Cuisine

Bahrain also offers a wide range of international cuisine to cater to all tastes. Monsoon, a Pan-Asian restaurant, is located in the heart of Bahrain and offers delicious food and a gorgeous ambiance. For Italian food, Masso in Block 338, Manama's trendy arts quarter, serves top-notch dishes and wines. If you're craving steak and seafood, The Foundry in Block 338 provides an urban-chic setting for your meal.

Seafood

Bahrain, with its coastal location, naturally offers a variety of seafood options. Fish Market Restaurant provides a five-star seafood experience with exceptional service. For a more casual option, Em Sherif Sea Cafe, a newly-opened Lebanese seafood eatery in The Avenues Mall, serves up shawarmas, grilled fish, and decadent Middle Eastern dips like hummus and tzatziki.

Dining with a View

For lunch with a view, re Asian Cuisine by Wolfgang Puck at the Four Seasons, Bahrain Bay, offers dishes like dim sum and prawn masala, along with stunning scenery.

Hip Restaurants and Bars

Bahrain also has a vibrant nightlife scene with hip restaurants and bars. Block 338, mentioned previously, is a great area to explore, with restaurants and bars coming alive each night, especially on weekends. Clay Restaurant, also in Block 338, offers incredible Japanese food and cocktails, along with a vibrant atmosphere. For cocktails with live music, the Hazel Rooftop Lounge in Adliya is the perfect spot, attracting a fun and friendly local crowd.

With its diverse culinary offerings, Bahrain is sure to satisfy any appetite!

Bahrain's history

Bahrain, officially named the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a small island nation in the Persian Gulf. It is the third smallest country in Asia and is made up of 33 islands. Bahrain has a rich history, which can be explored through its impressive architecture and monuments, and ancient practices.

Bahrain was famous for its pearl fisheries, which were considered the best in the world during the 19th century. Pearls have long been a significant part of Bahrain's heritage and economy, attracting historical figures such as Alexander the Great and Jacques Cartier. Even today, tourists can try their hand at pearl diving and snorkelling, with the chance to keep any pearls they find.

Bahrain also has a liberal attitude compared to its Middle Eastern neighbours. In the late 1800s, Bahrain became a protectorate of the United Kingdom, and in 1971, it declared independence. It was formerly an emirate but was declared an Islamic constitutional monarchy in 2002.

Bahrain's capital, Manama, is a popular tourist destination. The city boasts the Bahrain National Museum, which showcases 5000 years of Bahraini history, including ancient artefacts from the Dilmun civilisation. Manama Souq is another must-see, where visitors can wander through narrow alleyways and discover everything from spices to electronic goods.

Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another significant historical site. The fort was once the capital of the Dilmun civilisation during the Bronze Age and was occupied by various groups, including the Portuguese, Greeks, and Persians. Visitors can climb ancient towers, explore cavernous rooms, and witness a light show that brings the fort's history to life.

For those interested in religious sites, the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the largest in the country, is a must-see. Built in the 1980s, the mosque accommodates over 7000 worshippers and features the world's largest fibreglass dome.

Bahrain offers a wealth of activities for travellers, from exploring ancient temples to partaking in Formula 1 racing or go-karting. The country's diverse cuisine also delights visitors, with influences from Brazil, Thailand, and Japan. Bahrain truly is a destination where one can uncover thousands of years of history while enjoying modern attractions and experiences.

Things to do in Bahrain

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands, offering a mix of culture, beaches, and good food. Here are some of the top things to do when visiting:

• Explore Manama : The capital city is located on one of Bahrain's two largest islands and is home to a major financial district.
• Visit the Bahrain National Museum: One of the largest and oldest museums in the country, it features galleries with artefacts from ancient civilisations, including Dilmun, which dates back to the third millennium BC.
• Shop at Manama Souq: One of the oldest and most popular markets in Bahrain, renowned for its lively atmosphere and colourful stalls. It's famous for its gold market, where you can purchase gold jewellery in both traditional and modern designs.
• Discover the Bahrain Fort (Qal'at al-Bahrain): This UNESCO World Heritage site is thought to be the former capital of ancient Dilmun and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Persian Gulf.
• Admire the Al Fateh Grand Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world, named after the founder of Bahrain and built with marble from Italy, glass from Austria, and wood from India.
• Go diving for pearls: Bahrain's pearl industry once employed almost half the male population, and now visitors can scuba dive for oysters and keep any pearls they find.
• Test your skills at the Bahrain International Circuit: This magnificent racetrack is on the Formula 1 circuit, and visitors can take tours, drive on the track, or try off-road 4x4 driving.
• Visit the Tree of Life: This 400-year-old mesquite tree stands alone in the desert, defying the extreme temperatures and lack of an apparent water source, making it the subject of local legends.
• Dine at CUT by Wolfgang Puck: This American-style steakhouse and seafood restaurant is recognised as one of the world's best.
• Spend a day at the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park: With over 18 slides and attractions, it's the perfect place to cool off and have fun.
• Explore the Royal Camel Farm: Hundreds of camels call this hobby farm home, and while it's not widely advertised, it's open to the public and offers a unique insight into camel farming.
• Stroll through the Bab el-Bahrain Souk: Located in Manama's former central business district, this historical building is a great place to purchase souvenirs, spices, and local goods.
• Visit the Shaikh Isa Bin Ali House: This grand house, built around 1800, was once the residence of the sovereign, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa. It's an excellent example of traditional local architecture, with intricate archways and ornate decorations.
• Take a boat trip to Al Dar Island: This small, uninhabited island offers lovely beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, as well as a variety of water sports and snorkelling opportunities around its surrounding coral reefs.
• Spend a day at the Hawar Islands: These small islands off the coast of Bahrain are known for their pristine beaches and diverse marine life, offering a peaceful escape from city life.

With so much to offer, Bahrain is an ideal destination for a 3-4 day getaway, providing a mix of history, culture, and leisure activities.

Frequently asked questions