Skip to content
Irhal · Your guide to the world
Irhal
العربية

Search for a city, hotel or experience

Discover Bahrain

Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Bahrain.

City map
Bahrain
Next prayerFajr 4:22 AM
Weather now27°C Clear
CurrencyBahraini Dinar
Best time to visitSee city guide

Must-see attractions in Bahrain

From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 17 standout sights to build into your time in the city.

Bahrain has progressed into a cosmopolitan society of religions and communities. With the discovery of oil in 1932 rapid modernization occurred in Bahrain. Bahrain has the fastest growing and also the freest economy in all of the Middle East because of its oil and tourism. In March 1999, King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah became head of state and introduced parliamentary elections, granted women the right to vote, and released all political prisoners. This was seen as a "historic period of human rights".The country officially became a kingdom in 2002.

Halal restaurants in Bahrain

Bahrain’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 16 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.

Imagebahrain

Blue Elephant

Thai buffet brunch with seafood and free flowing bubbly and herbal drinks

Imagebahrain

Le Mediterranee/Nirvana

Le Mediterranee serves a succulent international buffet brunch where children under 12 years pay half price. The Nirvana restaurant in the same Hotel serves delectable Indian specialties.

Imagebahrain

Bam bu

This Shanghai eatery is definitely worth a visit as it serves practical, filling, delicious and fresh home-cooking. The cooking may be traditional but the ambience certainly isn't: the open-kitchen restaurant is painted lime-green, has electronic sliding doors and has wi-fi internet access. The standard price includes unlimited beverages. A place where you definitely get value for your money.

Imagebahrain

Le Versailles

Le Versailles is where you should go if you want dinner to be the evening’s main event. The ambience is elegance itself with live musicians and the twinkling lights of the Financial Harbour visible from the high glass windows. The menu is a superb collection of classical and modern French dishes.

Imagebahrain

Mezzaluna

The atmospheric and modish Mezzaluna combines the spirit of Bahrain with that of the Mediterranean. Made in a sophisticated Bahraini courtyard house, the high-ceilinged restaurant has a live Latin band (on Fridays) and jazz music otherwise. It affords a delectable Mediterranean menu with imported French cheeses and a superb wine list. In particular, their melt-in-the-mouth Algerian fillet mignon is highly recommended. Reservations should be made in advance.

Imagebahrain

Ramee International Hotel

A delightful seafood buffet is served every Thursday and Friday at less than BD 5 per person. While the mouth watering ‘Eat all you can’ lunch and dinner packages are moderately rated at BD 9.500 per person.

Bahrain masjids and Muslim travel

Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.

Read more

Where to stay in Bahrain

Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.

Imagebahrain

Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel

This five-star hotel is indisputably Bahrain's most luxurious and lavish hotel, with its own private

Imagebahrain

Moevenpick Hotel Bahrain

This hotel is comfortably situated 10 kilometers from the city of Manama. Multilingual staff is on-hand at the 24-hour reception offering currency exchange, concierge services and even a safe-deposit box. Public areas have wireless Internet and free parking.Their restaurant serves Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine while the poolside Flamingo Bar has live music and barbecue. The hotel has a business centre, with meeting and conference facilities offered. There is an outdoor pool, two floodlit outdoor tennis courts, fitness equipment, a sauna, massage treatments, foot reflexology and aromatherapy. The guestrooms have minimalist furnishings. In-room facilities include satellite television, air conditioning and wireless Internet access. Babysitting or child care is also provided.

Imagebahrain

Days Hotel Manama

This hotel boasts a coffee shop, a complimentary buffet breakfast, four restaurants and bars situated on site. A business centre and boardroom is available, with free Internet access all through the hotel. The Days Hotel provides free use of a fitness centre at the Marina Club, opposite the hotel with swimming, sauna, tennis, and squash. All the guestrooms are air conditioned and face the sea and have satellite television and minibars.

Imagebahrain

The Phoenicia Tower Hotel

Located in central Manama, Bahrain, this hotel features a hair salon, a Moroccan restaurant, a coffee shop, outdoor swimming pool and bar, spa tub, sauna, gymnasium, massage-treatment and a nightclub. Complimentary breakfast is served daily to guests. Conference and meeting rooms are available as are free Internet connections all over the hotel. Visitors can also enjoy free use of all the facilities at the neighboring Marina Club. The guestrooms are air-conditioned with sea views and modern wooden furnishings. They are equipped with LCD satellite televisions, direct-dial phones, wireless Internet, minibars, tea/coffee makers, hairdryers and laundry facilities.

Imagebahrain

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel

Centrally located in the heart of Manama with lavish guest rooms, restaurants and recreational facilities, the Sheraton offers a superbly unique view of the city and the Arabian Gulf. The hotel offers rich cuisine, a bar with live entertainment, wide-ranging recreational facilities; separate gym for men and women and spa treatments. There is also an outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool with Jacuzzi as well as a rooftop tennis court. The hotel has ballrooms, meeting rooms and boardrooms – all offering flawless service. Wireless Internet access is also available throughout the hotel.

History and today in Bahrain

Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.

Visa Information

Visa Information

Applicants must have valid, up-to-date passports and a return or onward ticket. A visa fee of BD5 ($12) is charged and can be taken upon entry at the Bahrain International Airport.

City Information

When to go

The best time to visit Bahrain is between November and March; when it’s not too hot. The summer months are not a good time to go to Bahrain as May-September is very hot and humid with the dry summer winds bringing sandstorms. Similarly, October-April is only just bearable.

Discover

City Information

Fast Facts

-Location

Discover

City Information

Public Holidays

1 January- New Year’s Day; 1 May-Labour Day: 16 December- National Day 17 December- Accession Day 1 Moharram- Islamic New Year – December * 10 Moharram- Day of Ashura - December * 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – March * 27 Rajab- Isra and Miraj – July * 1 Shawwal- Eid-ul-Fitr – September * 10 Zulhijjah- Eid-ul-Adha – November * * - Dates for these festivals are moveable as they are in accordance with the lunar calendar.

Discover

City Information

Annual Temperature

January: 1. High 20 °C 2. Low 14 °C; February: 1. High 21 °C 2. Low 15 °C; March: 1. High 24 °C 2. Low 18 °C

Discover

City Information

Bahrain Residents

Though the majority of the population is Muslim, other religions include Hinduism, Christianity and even Judaism because of a large incoming of immigrants and workers from non-Islamic countries; India, Philippines and Sri Lanka. Bahrainis are known for their tolerance and the country has transitioned into a cosmopolitan society with mixed communities. Two thirds of the population is made up of Arabs while the rest of the people are of Iranian descent as well as from South Asia and Southeast Asia. Expatriates make up 30% of the population.

Discover

City Information

Exchange Rates

{loadposition currency}

Discover

City Information

Bahrain today

Bahrain has progressed into a cosmopolitan society of religions and communities. With the discovery of oil in 1932 rapid modernization occurred in Bahrain. Bahrain has the fastest growing and also the freest economy in all of the Middle East because of its oil and tourism. In March 1999, King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah became head of state and introduced parliamentary elections, granted women the right to vote, and released all political prisoners. This was seen as a "historic period of human rights".The country officially became a kingdom in 2002.

Discover

Shopping in Bahrain

Explore 14 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.

Imagebahrain

Gold Souq

The Gold Souq specializes in fine jewelry. It is located in the Manama Souq and was the first gold complex in Bahrain

Imagebahrain

Seef Mall

The mall houses over 300 stores, including 2 food and beverage courts. Family attractions of the Seef Mall include the Magic Island, which has many games and rides. The Seef Mall also has 16 Cineplex screens.

Imagebahrain

Al-Hilal Bookshops

There are many branches mostly located in the best hotels, modern shopping centres and in the souq.

Imagebahrain

Bahrain City Centre

The first entertainment, shopping and leisure resort in Bahrain. It is also the biggest shopping centre, offering a vast selection of international and local brands including SAKS, 5th Avenue, Debenhams, Centre Point, Home Centre, Paris Gallery, Zara, H&M, Mango, Massimo Dutti, D&G

Imagebahrain

Yatama Souq

This market was founded by orphans in 1987.The Prime minister ordered the expansion of this souq that sells Bahraini and Iranian pottery, antiques and traditional goods.

Signature sights in Bahrain

A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.

Festivals and events in Bahrain

Plan around 9 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.

Imagebahrain

Ashura

This festival is celebrated by the Shiite inhabitants of Bahrain, observed in memory of the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali. It is observed by others to celebrate the foundation day of the Holy Kaabah in Mecca.

Imagebahrain

Bahrain Grand Prix

Held annually since 2004, when the first ever Formula One Grand Prix in the entire Middle East was held here. It is a widely anticipated event in the country's sporting calendar. Crowds from all parts of this island and from all countries across Asia gather in vast numbers to watch the best drivers racing neck to neck for the cup. The race goes on for three days and is treated by the Bahrainis as a three day long festival.

Imagebahrain

Milad-un-Nabi

The most widely celebrated festival in Bahrain. It marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad and is celebrated by both the religious Islamic sects; the Shiites and the Sunnis but on different dates. The festivities include processions, feasting and storytelling. Held annually in April, Milad al -Nabi is the most popular among Bahrain’s festivals and events.

Imagebahrain

Bahrain Human Rights International Film Festival

This festival is held annually from the 1st to the 4th of May and commemorates Labour Day and the International Day for Press Freedom. This is a non-profit cultural event where films from around the world, (relating to human rights) are screened. This event promotes dialogue, the understanding of cultures, tolerance and human rights.

Bahrain tours and experiences

Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.

The Irhal city file

Bahrain travel guide sections

Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.