In my travels through the Middle East, I've been fortunate to explore many countries with each place offering its own unique charm and character.
Bahrain is an island nation in the Persian Gulf and often overshadowed by its glitzy neighbours but it's in no way inferior to them. It's rich in history and their culture is warm and welcoming.
I felt the genuine hospitality, from the crowded and busy souks to the serene mosques, everywhere I went, I was greeted with smiles and kindness. The locals were eager to share their stories and traditions, giving me a glimpse into their way of life.
This blog post will be relatively short as it has only been a 3 days journey for me but let me share the highlights of my trip with you and of course Bahrains culinary delights. 😁
Off to Bahrain! 🗺
Most visitors arrive to Bahrain by air, landing at 📍 Bahrain International Airport (BAH), which is located in 📍Muharraq, just North-East of the capital📍Manama.
If you are already traveling through the Middle East or more specifically through Saudi Arabia, like I did, coming by bus or even by car is also an option.
I met some locals from Saudi Arabia in 📍Dammam who offered me to take me to Manama, as it's only a 30min ride to the boarder and another 30min to the city centre of Manama, conveniently they had to go as well so I literally just tagged along. Modern day hitch hiking.
If you don't find a ride but have an international drivers license, renting a car would be an option, but the cheapest way would probably be by bus.
SAPTCO operates a bus service between Dammam and Manama twice a day (morning and evening). I gotta admit their website definitely needs an update, it's super slow but manageable if you have the patience. (works better on mobile device)
A one way bus ride costs around 95 SAR/24€ and takes around 2,5 hours.
The best time to travel to Bahrain is between November to April when the weather is pleasant to roam around and explore the area.
If you travel off-season to avoid crowded tourist areas I'd recommend either late October or late April, before or after it just gets really hot, keep in mind Bahrain is a desert country even if its an Island..
So unless you like the harsh hot weather of around 40+°C (104°F) in the shades or around 50°C (122°C) in the sun 🥵, I'd recommend to travel during the late fall or winter season.
Visa and Entry Requirements 📄
Of course I can only speak from my perspective as a German citizen, but as I found out, many countries even outside the EU have similar visa and entry requirements.
EU/German Passport holders can get a visa on arrival or apply for a eVisa on the official government website. You can chose between single entry (14 days) or multiple entry (30 or 90 days). I got a single entry visa on arrival which cost me 5 BHD/12€, if you get an eVisa you also have to pay a processing fee of 4 BHD, so all together that's 9 BHD/22€. (BHD=Bahraini Dinar)
A multi entry visa (30 days) cost around 12 BHD/30€ for a visa on arrival and 16 BHD/40€ for an eVisa. It should not cost more than that. If you happen to be on a visa application website that charges you more, LEAVE! They just rip you off.
But of course you can count on me...I provide you with right link for your visa application so you don't need to look any longer. So here is the link to the official visa application website of Bahrain. 😊
I'm going to share an easy and fast way to find out which visa you need for your travels, I usually check on passportindex.org if I need a visa and if yes which kind. Simply type in your country, find your passport and it will show you the entry requirements for each and every single country you might consider traveling to. Comes very much in handy and I just love the convenience of this website as it's mostly linked to the official government visa applications, so you don't get tricked by travel agencies which most of the time charge you way too much. But please double check that you are really on the official government website, if you are not sure and they also offer visa on arrival, just do that instead.
Check it out and give it a try. I promise it's legit.
Getting from A to B?
🚕 Taxis: Taxis are a convenient way to get around Bahrain, especially for short distances or when traveling late at night. They are readily available at the airport, hotels, and major tourist attractions. Please negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey, because most of them are not fair and charge you way too much. You can also request for them to turn on the taximeter, if they decline then they try to trick you. I like to use my apps like Uber and Careem to check the fare prices and then be able to negotiate better.
🚙 Car Rental: Renting a car is a popular option for visitors who want the flexibility to explore Bahrain at their own pace. Several international and local car rental companies operate in Bahrain, and the airport is full with rental desks. But you could also book one online before you arrival. I'm the last person to recommend car rentals, because I never do. So I'm not experienced in that.
🚌 Public Transport: Bahrain has a limited public transportation system, consisting mainly of buses. Of course I had to try it...gotta get the local experience 😊 The Bahrain Public Transport Company operates several bus routes that connect major cities and tourist attractions. Fares are relatively inexpensive, making this a budget-friendly option for getting around. You can get a "GO Card" from the ticket offices in the main bus terminals, or from the ticket vending machines and deposit money on it to use it. Single trips (with the GO Card) cost 275 Fils/70 Cents, there is a daily cap of 700 Fils/1,75€ (so you never spend more than that per day). If you don't want to get a GO card you can also purchase a paper ticket which cost 300 Fils/75 Cents.
🚗 Uber and Careem: I just love those apps as they are super convenient. Simply download the app, verify your payment method and request a ride, and a driver will pick you up at your location. Just make sure you have a phone number handy to receive a the verification code when you register. Preferably do it before your arrival. You will find the apps in your Google Play Store or App Store. But who am I telling that, right, you most likely know all about it already. 😅
🚲 Walking and Cycling: In areas like Manama and Muharraq, walking or cycling has been a nice way for me to explore the city. Many areas have pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and bike lanes, making it safe and enjoyable to navigate on foot or by bike. There are plenty of bike rentals around. I also heard that Careem plans launching a bike service for Bahrain as well, which would make it even simpler in the future to just jump on a bike and explore the city. But I wouldn't be me if I didn't take a long walk every day...I just love to stroll around and get lost.
Must-Visit Places
One of the highlights of my trip was exploring the ancient 📍Qal'at al-Bahrain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to Bahrain's rich history, dating back over 4,000 years. Walking through the ruins, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the civilizations that once thrived here. I got there by booking a Careem ride which only took 20min. And I would recommend that option because public transportation is a little tricky as it only takes you a little closer but you would still have to walk for at least another 35-40min. Which of course you could do, but don't have to. Entry is free.
Another memorable experience was visiting the 📍Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Bahrain, which also on one point in time belonged to the largest Mosques in the world. As I stepped inside, I was struck by the beauty of its architecture and the peacefulness of the atmosphere. I even got a little tour for free by one of the women who volunteers there, she took her time explaining everything she knew about the mosque and also gave me an insight and better understanding about the Islam. I spent a good hour wandering the halls, admiring the intricate designs and soaking in the tranquility. Here also the entry is free.
You might wonder why I'm telling you this but in many cities in Europe you need to pay entry to enter religious sites and churches, mostly when they are not used for prayers anymore but are more like a museum. That's why I find it important to mention that it's free.
Please make sure you are wearing the right attire when visiting religious sites, if you dont have any, they provide some for you at the entry.
If you're into history and culture like me, then this is a place you must visit. It got all sorts of artefacts and exhibits that tell you something about the story of Bahrains past, from ancient times to modern day. Just outside the 📍National Museum you also find a collection of sculptures and other artwork. I spent around 2 hours wandering through it and can definitely recommend. General admission is only 1 BHD/2,50€.
The "Gateway of Bahrain", 📍Bab Al Bahrain, is a historical building located in the heart of Manama. Some locals I talked to told me that it serves as a symbolic entrance to the Manama Souq and is a significant landmark in the city. The building was originally constructed in the 1940s and has since undergone several renovations to preserve its historical significance.
In addition to its role as a gateway to the souq, Bab Al Bahrain also serves as a cultural hub and gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The square in front of the building is pretty busy, if you are lucky you might see street performances, festivals or even a cultural events, especially on national holidays.
A must visit place for me in every main city is the regional outdoor market, it's much more authentic than any mall or supermarket. You can experience a part of local life here, even though they often times also cater to tourists by selling all kinds of souvenirs, you can find vendors selling everything from spices to jewelry to tradtional handicrafts and amazing street food. I usually get my fill of some local snacks before going on the hunt of fridge magnets for my family. 😅 The 📍Manama Souq or Bab Al Bahrain Souq starts right at the Bab Al Bahrain Building as soon as you walk through the gate..
I'm an animal lover, and I despise zoos and any other place that puts animals in cages, no matter how big, I usually try visit and volunteer in animal shelters and sanctuaries if possible, followed by a donation if my budget allows it. The 📍Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve is a mix of zoo like facilities and a big wildlife area for safaris with a bus. If you decide to visit, you can get up close with Arabian wildlife and a wide variety of rare and endangered local species. If you hope to see some exotic animals that are not home to Bahrain you might end up disappointed as they mainly cater to local wild animals. I saw some bad review of some people ranting about how this "zoo" doesn't have tigers or lions or any other exotic animals, even though it's known to be a wild life reserve. 🤦🏻♀️
They close pretty early (at 4pm) to give the animals a break from tourists, which I guess could be a good sign that they actually care about the animals and are not just after the money. But who knows. General Admission is only 2 BHD/5 €, you might have to pay extra for a safari.
Please be eco friendly and don't litter or try to feed the animals. Some people are not thinking twice, just be considerate and be part of the solution, not the problem.
The Wildlife Park & Reserve is a 2 hour trip by train from Manama City Center (or a 45min ride by car).
Manama's Nightlife
Manama, transforms into a lively and vibrant hub as the sun sets, especially on the weekends. Known for its diverse nightlife, it attracts not only tourists from around the world but also a significant number of visitors from its more conservative neighbour Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain offers a more relaxed and liberal environment. Alcohol is readily available in Manama's bars and clubs, which are often filled with a mix of expats and locals enjoying their evenings. Actually it's somewhat like Dubai in that sense.
Manama's nightlife is very diverse. From trendy nightclubs and rooftop bars to traditional music venues and shisha lounges, there's something for everyone. This cultural fusion creates a unique atmosphere where East meets West, making it a magnetic destination for those seeking a cosmopolitan night out.
Many venues feature local bands, international artists, and DJs spinning the latest tracks. Events and festivals frequently take place, adding an extra layer of entertainment and providing visitors with a chance to experience the local culture from another angle.
Because I went to Manama on a weekend it was easy for me o find a local who dropped me in Bahrain, since they went there for the weekend as well. For Saudis, Manama is just a short drive across the King Fahd Causeway, making it an easily accessible destination for a spontaneous night out or weekend getaway.
Popular Lounges/Bars
📍McGettigan's: If you've been to Dubai then you should be familiar with this Irish Pub chain. They offer life music and great alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well as delicious snacks, if you get a little hungry.
📍Grand Yard House: A British/American sports bar and diner. The amount of testosterone when I walked in here was almost unbearable 😅 just kidding. It's a great place but I could count the amount of women in there on one hand, me included.
📍Wembley: Another British pub/bar, the locals seem to like this style of bar, it's similar to the first two and you will surely get your fill of cool beer or any other beverage of your choice as well as food. You can even come by throughout the day as they open before noon.
Popular Night Clubs
📍Club Wrangler: It's suppose to be one of the best clubs in Manama, I wasn't impressed. I mean I'm not really into clubbing anymore, and literally just tagged along some other travellers, the music was ok but didn't quite pass the vibe check. It was more the party people than the actual place, maybe we just had bad luck on that day. We left somewhat early to check out another place. BUT the reviews tell another story, it wasn't for us but maybe it's your kind of club. Check it out! It's close to the main hotel area, so not far from you if you stay in the city centre.
📍Iguana Lounge: Our second stop, and the music was better. Nice vibe, fun people and life music as well as DJ playlist. I saw on some flyers that they have theme nights, so if you are lucky this could be the right place for you. We happened to be there on a on oldschool urban music night but they also offer latin nights on other days if you are in the mood for that this might be the place for you. Make a reservation if you come with friends and want a table.
📍H-Lounge: This Lounge is a mix of restaurant and night club, more high end, I would say, and pretty crowded on a Saturday. The crowd was mainly Arabic, which means, not many western tourists/expats around. I guess you could call it a more local experience. 🙂 Here I also recommend to make a reservation, especially if you plan to come on the weekend.
Local Delicacies
Of course, no trip to Bahrain would be complete without sampling its culinary delights.
I'm truly a sucker for Arabian cuisine and I will show you why. Away from typical Gulf Arabian food like Machboos, Shawarma, Biryani and co. Bahrain has of course also some own local delicacies. I must add that my Middle Eastern trip was during Ramadan, so all my food experiences happened at night as I decided to fast with my muslim friends during my travels so I can not just have Iftar with them but also experience their culture first hand. It was time to detox my body anyway. 😅
Here are some of the local dishes I personally tried and remember the names, of course there are many more but I couldn't try it all.
Aloo Basheer
An iconic dish that has actually been introduced to Bahrain by a Pakistani immigrant sometime in the 1960's.
The soft potato patties that literally melt in your mouth are served with a spicy sauce that comes with chickpeas. You get the original at the Aloo Basheer restaurant in Manama, Bab Al Bahrain.
Samak Safi
Ogaily
Halwa Bahraini
Baid Tamat
Khobez Jebn
Kebab Bahraini
Gahwa
Conclusion
Reflecting on my short trip to Manama 🇧🇭, I am left with a delightful blend of memories. It was fun to explore The modern and tradition areas of the city. From wandering through the busy alleys of the Manama Souq, where the aroma of spices and the colorful displays of textiles create an immersive sensory experience, to strolling through the Al Fateh Grand Mosque admiring its grandeur, each moment was unique and I would do it all over again.
I loved the warm hospitality of my Bahraini hosts, and their help to make the best of my trip. Whether it was engaging in friendly conversations with locals or enjoying the culinary delights at a traditional Bahraini café, nothing makes a trip better than good company, no matter how short the encounter. The contrast between the peaceful, historical sites and the lively, modern downtown area shows the essence of Manama - a city that respects its heritage while embracing contemporary progress.
Manama is truly a hidden gem in the Gulf, deserving of its place on any traveler's itinerary. If you get the chance to stop by, if it's for a weekend or maybe an extended stay, I'm sure you won't regret it.
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