Asia · Western Asia
Bahrain
Kingdom of Bahrain
🏛️ Capital
Manama
👥 Population
1,594,654
📐 Area
765 km²
💱 Currency
Bahraini dinar (.د.ب)
🗣️ Languages
Arabic
📞 Calling Code
+973
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+03:00
🌐 Region
Asia / Western Asia
About Bahrain
Bahrain is a small island nation nestled in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf, and it punches well above its weight when it comes to travel experiences. Despite its compact size — barely 765 square kilometres — this archipelago rewards curious visitors with a rich tapestry of ancient history, gleaming modern skylines, and some of the most welcoming hospitality in the Middle East. From the moment you land in Manama, Bahrain's cosmopolitan capital, you sense a country that has always been a crossroads: Phoenician traders, Portuguese explorers, and pearl merchants all left their mark on this island kingdom.
Wandering through the narrow lanes of Muharraq's old quarter, you step into a world of coral-stone merchant houses and wind towers that once cooled interiors before electricity existed. A short causeway hop brings you to the extraordinary Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where civilisations dating back four thousand years are stacked in archaeological layers beneath your feet. Yet modernity is never far away — the Formula 1 circuit at Sakhir roars to life each spring, and the Bahrain World Trade Center's wind-turbine towers are a striking symbol of a nation embracing the future.
Whether you come to dive among shipwrecks in the clear Gulf waters, explore the Tree of Life standing improbably alone in the desert, or simply savour freshly caught hammour grilled over charcoal at a seafront restaurant, Bahrain offers an unexpectedly layered destination. The evenings are made for strolling the Corniche as dhow boats drift past illuminated bridges, and the weekends bring the whole region's residents across the King Fahd Causeway seeking Bahrain's more relaxed atmosphere. This is a destination that genuinely surprises.
Wandering through the narrow lanes of Muharraq's old quarter, you step into a world of coral-stone merchant houses and wind towers that once cooled interiors before electricity existed. A short causeway hop brings you to the extraordinary Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where civilisations dating back four thousand years are stacked in archaeological layers beneath your feet. Yet modernity is never far away — the Formula 1 circuit at Sakhir roars to life each spring, and the Bahrain World Trade Center's wind-turbine towers are a striking symbol of a nation embracing the future.
Whether you come to dive among shipwrecks in the clear Gulf waters, explore the Tree of Life standing improbably alone in the desert, or simply savour freshly caught hammour grilled over charcoal at a seafront restaurant, Bahrain offers an unexpectedly layered destination. The evenings are made for strolling the Corniche as dhow boats drift past illuminated bridges, and the weekends bring the whole region's residents across the King Fahd Causeway seeking Bahrain's more relaxed atmosphere. This is a destination that genuinely surprises.
History & Background
Bahrain's history stretches back to the Bronze Age Dilmun civilisation, which flourished here around 2300 BCE and is mentioned in ancient Sumerian texts as a sacred paradise at the edge of the world. The island served as a crucial waypoint in trade routes linking Mesopotamia with the Indus Valley, and the vast burial mounds scattered across the northern plain — over 150,000 of them — represent one of the world's largest prehistoric cemeteries. Tylos, as it was known in the Hellenistic era, later became a significant cultural centre under Greek influence following Alexander the Great's campaigns.
The Portuguese captured Bahrain in 1521, building the fort whose foundations still rise from the shore at Qal'at al-Bahrain. Persian rule followed until the Al Khalifa family from the Bani Utbah tribal confederation took control in 1783, establishing the dynasty that governs to this day. Britain concluded a protection treaty with Bahrain in 1861, and the islands became a crucial British naval base in the Gulf. The discovery of oil in 1932 — the first in the Arabian Peninsula — transformed the economy entirely. Independence came in 1971, and the country became a kingdom in 2002 under King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The Portuguese captured Bahrain in 1521, building the fort whose foundations still rise from the shore at Qal'at al-Bahrain. Persian rule followed until the Al Khalifa family from the Bani Utbah tribal confederation took control in 1783, establishing the dynasty that governs to this day. Britain concluded a protection treaty with Bahrain in 1861, and the islands became a crucial British naval base in the Gulf. The discovery of oil in 1932 — the first in the Arabian Peninsula — transformed the economy entirely. Independence came in 1971, and the country became a kingdom in 2002 under King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Culture & People
Bahraini culture is shaped by its long heritage as a pearl-diving and trading hub, creating a society that blends deep Arab Islamic traditions with a remarkable openness born from centuries of contact with the wider world. Family is the cornerstone of daily life, and hospitality is taken seriously — an invitation into a Bahraini home almost always means elaborate spreads of food, strong cardamom-spiced coffee, and conversation that stretches well into the night. Friday prayers anchor the weekly rhythm, and the call to prayer resonates across rooftops in every neighbourhood.
The country celebrates its Shia and Sunni communities living side by side, and expatriates now make up a significant portion of the population, lending Manama a genuinely multicultural character. Traditional crafts survive in the souqs of Manama and Muharraq, where artisans weave dhow-rope baskets, produce delicate gold jewellery, and maintain the ancient art of pottery at A'ali village. Music and performance arts thrive at the Bahrain National Theatre, and the country has produced internationally recognised visual artists, poets, and musicians who draw on Gulf heritage while speaking to universal themes.
The country celebrates its Shia and Sunni communities living side by side, and expatriates now make up a significant portion of the population, lending Manama a genuinely multicultural character. Traditional crafts survive in the souqs of Manama and Muharraq, where artisans weave dhow-rope baskets, produce delicate gold jewellery, and maintain the ancient art of pottery at A'ali village. Music and performance arts thrive at the Bahrain National Theatre, and the country has produced internationally recognised visual artists, poets, and musicians who draw on Gulf heritage while speaking to universal themes.
Food & Cuisine
Bahraini cuisine reflects the island's layered history: Arabic, Persian, and Indian influences all converge on the table in dishes that are fragrant, generous, and deeply satisfying. Machboos — slow-cooked spiced rice with chicken, lamb, or fish — is the undisputed national dish, its basmati grains stained golden with dried limes, turmeric, and loomi, crowned with tender meat and fried onions. Muhammar, a sweet rice cooked with date syrup and cardamom, pairs beautifully with fresh-grilled fish, particularly the prized hammour (grouper) caught daily in local waters. Street food vendors around the Manama souq serve balaleet, a sweet vermicelli dish topped with a savoury omelette that makes for a startlingly good breakfast.
The coffee culture is inseparable from Bahraini hospitality — gahwa, brewed with cardamom and saffron and poured into delicate handleless cups, is offered at every social gathering. Date palms sway across the island's northern villages, and locally grown dates in dozens of varieties are eaten with almost every cup. For a comprehensive food experience, visit the Manama Central Market before sunrise to see fishermen unloading their catch, then settle into one of the traditional diwan restaurants in Muharraq for a long, unhurried lunch.
The coffee culture is inseparable from Bahraini hospitality — gahwa, brewed with cardamom and saffron and poured into delicate handleless cups, is offered at every social gathering. Date palms sway across the island's northern villages, and locally grown dates in dozens of varieties are eaten with almost every cup. For a comprehensive food experience, visit the Manama Central Market before sunrise to see fishermen unloading their catch, then settle into one of the traditional diwan restaurants in Muharraq for a long, unhurried lunch.
Top Attractions
- Bahrain Fort (Qal'at al-Bahrain) — A UNESCO World Heritage Site with occupation layers spanning from 2300 BCE through the Portuguese colonial period, offering sweeping Gulf views from its ramparts.
- Al Fateh Grand Mosque — One of the largest mosques in the world, this stunning structure clad in Italian marble and Murano glass welcomes non-Muslim visitors on guided tours most mornings.
- Muharraq Old Town — A UNESCO-listed pearl trading heritage area with restored merchant houses, wind towers, and the Shaikh Isa bin Ali House museum.
- Tree of Life (Shajarat al-Hayat) — A solitary 400-year-old mesquite tree standing in the southern desert with no visible water source, revered locally and perpetually mystifying scientists.
- Bahrain National Museum — The country's premier cultural institution displaying Dilmun artefacts, traditional costumes, and a fascinating hall of ceremonies and customs.
- Adhari Park and Water Park — A family-friendly complex centred on a natural freshwater spring, ideal for an afternoon break from sightseeing in the heat.
Practical Travel Tips
- Dress modestly outside hotels and tourist areas — lightweight long trousers and covered shoulders are appreciated in souqs, mosques, and local neighbourhoods.
- Carry Bahraini dinars (BHD) for souq shopping; cards are widely accepted in malls and restaurants but small vendors prefer cash.
- Taxis use meters in Manama, but ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem offer reliable, fixed-price alternatives across the island.
- The King Fahd Causeway to Saudi Arabia requires a valid visa for both countries — check entry requirements well in advance if you plan a day trip.
- Tap water is technically safe but heavily desalinated; locals drink bottled water and you will likely prefer its taste too.
- Friday mornings are very quiet as most businesses remain closed until after prayers — plan a relaxed morning at your hotel or the Corniche.
- The Bahrain National Museum is free on certain days and is the single best introduction to the island's Dilmun heritage — allow at least two hours.
Visa Overview
Citizens of most Western nations, GCC countries, and many Asian nations can obtain a Bahrain e-visa online before arrival or receive a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. The standard tourist visa is valid for two weeks and can be extended. Nationals of around 68 countries enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, while others must apply through a Bahraini embassy in advance. Always verify current requirements on the official Bahrain eVisa portal before booking, as policies are updated regularly. Israeli passport holders have been permitted entry since the Abraham Accords normalisation in 2020.
Getting Around
Bahrain is small enough that a rental car gives you maximum flexibility and is genuinely affordable; international driving licences are accepted and roads are well-maintained. Ride-hailing via Uber and Careem is excellent in Manama and covers most tourist sites. The public bus network operated by Bahrain Public Transport Company is inexpensive but routes can be slow and infrequent. Taxis are metered and reliable from the airport. The entire island can be driven coast-to-coast in under an hour, making it easy to base yourself in Manama and day-trip everywhere.
Safety Notes
Bahrain is generally considered one of the safer destinations in the Middle East for tourists. Petty crime is rare, and violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon. However, visitors should be aware that political sensitivities exist — avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, and protests. Exercise standard precautions in crowded souqs regarding personal belongings. The 2011 political unrest that affected certain villages has long since calmed, but checking your government's travel advisory before departure is always prudent.
Live Exchange Rates
Current exchange rates for currencies used in Bahrain.
Bahraini dinar (BHD) .د.ب
Updated: 2026-07-06
Bahraini dinar (BHD) .د.ب
Updated: 2026-07-06
| Currency Code | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1INCH | 37.102739 |
| AAVE | 0.030098 |
| ADA | 14.167906 |
| AED | 9.767287 |
| AFN | 169.092925 |
| AGIX | 34.088483 |
| AKT | 4.240385 |
| ALGO | 29.710067 |
| ALL | 218.009361 |
| AMD | 978.644187 |
| AMP | 5,962.623112 |
| ANG | 4.796120 |
| AOA | 2,442.538010 |
| APE | 18.972079 |
| APT | 4.252585 |
| AR | 1.332354 |
| ARB | 33.251050 |
| ARS | 3,969.585525 |
| ATOM | 1.681911 |
| ATS | 32.010524 |
| AUD | 3.839259 |
| AVAX | 0.385221 |
| AWG | 4.760638 |
| AXS | 2.633833 |
| AZM | 22,606.379870 |
| AZN | 4.521276 |
| BAKE | 3,539.509698 |
| BAM | 4.549839 |
| BAT | 30.198556 |
| BBD | 5.319149 |
| BCH | 0.011021 |
| BDT | 327.855041 |
| BEF | 93.842528 |
| BGN | 4.549839 |
| BIF | 7,917.571349 |
| BMD | 2.659574 |
| BNB | 0.004550 |
| BND | 3.437519 |
| BOB | 18.423295 |
| BRL | 13.744905 |
| BSD | 2.659574 |
| BSV | 0.180137 |
| BSW | 7,946.266808 |
| BTC | 0.000042 |
| BTCB | 50.186370 |
| BTG | 9.216860 |
| BTN | 253.390535 |
| BTT | 10,028,143.907276 |
| BUSD | 2.657310 |
| BWP | 35.895561 |
| BYN | 7.723199 |
| BYR | 52,132.695177 |
| BZD | 5.356556 |
| CAD | 3.779201 |
| CAKE | 1.836575 |
| CDF | 6,136.284372 |
| CELO | 39.586486 |
| CFX | 59.446223 |
| CHF | 2.139468 |
| CHZ | 147.317278 |
| CLP | 2,449.999284 |
| CNH | 18.062168 |
| CNY | 18.055012 |
| COMP | 0.158690 |
| COP | 8,889.708500 |
| CRC | 1,211.932807 |
| CRO | 44.495182 |
| CRV | 12.440848 |
| CSPR | 1,369.416053 |
| CUC | 2.659830 |
| CUP | 70.485532 |
| CVE | 256.520604 |
| CVX | 2.211315 |
| CYP | 1.361520 |
| CZK | 56.264358 |
| DAI | 2.660832 |
| DASH | 0.075606 |
| DCR | 0.239592 |
| DEM | 4.549839 |
| DFI | 3,201.175418 |
| DJF | 473.651280 |
| DKK | 17.388862 |
| DOGE | 34.415567 |
| DOP | 157.623156 |
| DOT | 3.048784 |
| DYDX | 20.138604 |
| DZD | 353.707333 |
| EEK | 36.398708 |
| EGLD | 0.962264 |
| EGP | 130.643541 |
| ENJ | 91.897655 |
| EOS | 36.718234 |
| ERN | 39.893617 |
| ESP | 387.063002 |
| ETB | 425.413635 |
| ETC | 0.374466 |
| ETH | 0.001495 |
| EUR | 2.326295 |
| EURC | 2.327989 |
| FEI | 2.660519 |
| FIL | 3.368301 |
| FIM | 13.831525 |
| FJD | 5.972094 |
| FKP | 1.993286 |
| FLOW | 94.902578 |
| FLR | 382.622199 |
| FRAX | 2.688533 |
| FRF | 15.259498 |
| FTT | 11.165473 |
| GALA | 1,160.921902 |
| GBP | 1.993286 |
| GEL | 6.985494 |
| GGP | 1.993286 |
| GHC | 302,153.650048 |
| GHS | 30.215365 |
| GIP | 1.993286 |
| GMD | 196.128534 |
| GMX | 0.448794 |
| GNF | 23,317.921910 |
| GNO | 0.025299 |
| GRD | 792.685190 |
| GRT | 140.180246 |
| GT | 0.392301 |
| GTQ | 20.300658 |
| GUSD | 2.663086 |
| GYD | 556.689623 |
| HBAR | 35.221564 |
| HKD | 20.859149 |
| HNL | 71.202733 |
| HNT | 11.098270 |
| HOT | 7,370.061632 |
| HRK | 17.527473 |
| HT | 74.230081 |
| HTG | 348.124059 |
| HUF | 822.585230 |
| ICP | 1.206482 |
| IDR | 47,852.385586 |
| IEP | 1.832107 |
| ILS | 7.988468 |
| IMP | 1.993286 |
| IMX | 19.249484 |
| INJ | 0.544381 |
| INR | 253.390535 |
| IQD | 3,487.217768 |
| IRR | 3,659,794.995227 |
| ISK | 334.990142 |
| ITL | 4,504.336176 |
| JEP | 1.993286 |
| JMD | 421.336650 |
| JOD | 1.885638 |
| JPY | 430.451444 |
| KAS | 86.700693 |
| KAVA | 58.945984 |
| KCS | 0.368385 |
| KDA | 456.309506 |
| KES | 343.858600 |
| KGS | 232.617631 |
| KHR | 10,664.445106 |
| KMF | 1,144.462360 |
| KNC | 23.859326 |
| KPW | 2,393.849180 |
| KRW | 4,076.754854 |
| KSM | 0.754757 |
| KWD | 0.825264 |
| KYD | 2.212556 |
| KZT | 1,257.295307 |
| LAK | 60,130.442606 |
| LBP | 238,838.863171 |
| LDO | 9.845459 |
| LEO | 0.284152 |
| LINK | 0.333070 |
| LKR | 890.678561 |
| LRC | 216.461944 |
| LRD | 483.042467 |
| LSL | 43.228163 |
| LTC | 0.058919 |
| LTL | 8.032233 |
| LUF | 93.842528 |
| LUNA | 54.156669 |
| LUNC | 43,318.953945 |
| LVL | 1.634920 |
| LYD | 17.059486 |
| MAD | 24.903310 |
| MANA | 38.221706 |
| MBX | 105.750185 |
| MDL | 46.811504 |
| MGA | 11,285.976665 |
| MGF | 56,429.883326 |
| MINA | 56.098836 |
| MKD | 143.303858 |
| MKR | 0.001857 |
| MMK | 5,583.315452 |
| MNT | 9,532.283311 |
| MOP | 21.484923 |
| MRO | 1,062.155110 |
| MRU | 106.215511 |
| MTL | 0.998679 |
| MUR | 125.017756 |
| MVR | 41.115392 |
| MWK | 4,613.394432 |
| MXN | 46.487551 |
| MXV | 5.271256 |
| MYR | 10.843773 |
| MZM | 169,857.723728 |
| MZN | 169.857724 |
| NAD | 43.228163 |
| NEAR | 1.334810 |
| NEO | 1.344573 |
| NEXO | 3.457139 |
| NFT | 10,035,362.552919 |
| NGN | 3,644.359657 |
| NIO | 97.901245 |
| NLG | 5.126481 |
| NOK | 26.160709 |
| NPR | 405.614899 |
| NZD | 4.674605 |
| OKB | 0.033344 |
| OMR | 1.023616 |
| ONE | 2,127.797751 |
| OP | 24.738534 |
| ORDI | 0.819301 |
| PAB | 2.659574 |
| PAXG | 0.000640 |
| PEN | 9.056604 |
| PEPE | 975,075.627647 |
| PGK | 11.700236 |
| PHP | 163.598146 |
| PI | 23.510352 |
| PKR | 739.919519 |
| PLN | 9.985998 |
| POL | 36.163879 |
| PTE | 466.380373 |
| PYG | 16,177.200606 |
| QAR | 9.680851 |
| QNT | 0.039723 |
| QTUM | 3.741430 |
| ROL | 121,572.425410 |
| RON | 12.157243 |
| RPL | 1.313576 |
| RSD | 272.855790 |
| RUB | 204.940613 |
| RUNE | 6.430902 |
| RVN | 697.847665 |
| RWF | 3,898.592863 |
| SAND | 53.305117 |
| SAR | 9.973404 |
| SBD | 21.521437 |
| SCR | 38.004773 |
| SDD | 159,639.684935 |
| SDG | 1,596.396849 |
| SEK | 25.672430 |
| SGD | 3.437519 |
| SHIB | 607,447.177491 |
| SHP | 1.993286 |
| SIT | 557.473452 |
| SKK | 70.081978 |
| SLE | 60.744549 |
| SLL | 60,744.548768 |
| SNX | 11.614544 |
| SOL | 0.032962 |
| SOS | 1,518.725358 |
| SPL | 0.443262 |
| SRD | 100.118664 |
| SRG | 100,118.664160 |
| SSP | 12,630.813660 |
| STD | 57,417.164083 |
| STN | 57.417164 |
| STX | 15.553450 |
| SUI | 3.559892 |
| SVC | 23.271277 |
| SYP | 293.996743 |
| SZL | 43.228163 |
| THB | 88.404992 |
| THETA | 18.958326 |
| TJS | 24.652350 |
| TMM | 46,664.764926 |
| TMT | 9.332953 |
| TND | 7.840262 |
| TOP | 6.405074 |
| TRL | 124,509,166.680689 |
| TRX | 8.098509 |
| TRY | 124.509167 |
| TTD | 18.021240 |
| TUSD | 2.665145 |
| TVD | 3.839259 |
| TWD | 85.346382 |
| TWT | 7.736479 |
| TZS | 6,988.321719 |
| UAH | 118.525508 |
| UGX | 9,719.456172 |
| UNI | 0.841520 |
| USD | 2.659574 |
| USDC | 2.660397 |
| USDD | 2.662277 |
| USDP | 2.667619 |
| USDT | 2.662444 |
| UYU | 107.045385 |
| UZS | 31,829.248383 |
| VAL | 4,504.336176 |
| VEB | 171,393,226,249.8047 |
| VED | 1,713.779672 |
| VEF | 171,377,967.152416 |
| VES | 1,713.779672 |
| VET | 563.772034 |
| VND | 69,947.368941 |
| VUV | 319.659384 |
| WAVES | 10.008580 |
| WEMIX | 10.272717 |
| WOO | 224.615026 |
| WST | 7.355884 |
| XAF | 1,525.949813 |
| XAG | 0.043074 |
| XAU | 0.000639 |
| XAUT | 0.000641 |
| XBT | 0.000042 |
| XCD | 7.199133 |
| XCG | 4.796120 |
| XCH | 1.687560 |
| XDC | 94.651904 |
| XDR | 1.961668 |
| XEC | 500,681.498203 |
| XEM | 6,212.625784 |
| XLM | 13.321948 |
| XMR | 0.008218 |
| XOF | 1,525.949813 |
| XPD | 0.002093 |
| XPF | 277.600894 |
| XPT | 0.001624 |
| XRP | 2.323239 |
| XTZ | 10.688511 |
| YER | 630.301697 |
| ZAR | 43.228163 |
| ZEC | 0.005839 |
| ZIL | 862.154384 |
| ZMK | 48,801.355037 |
| ZMW | 48.801355 |
| ZWD | 962.5000 |
| ZWG | 71.339303 |
| ZWL | 178,257.244019 |
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Visa Requirements
Check what visa a citizen of Bahrain needs to enter any country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Bahrain?
The capital of Bahrain is Manama.
What currency does Bahrain use?
Bahrain uses the Bahraini dinar (.د.ب) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Bahrain?
The official language(s) of Bahrain include Arabic.
What is the population of Bahrain?
Bahrain has a population of approximately 1,594,654 people.
What region is Bahrain in?
Bahrain is located in Asia, specifically in the Western Asia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Bahrain?
The international dialing code for Bahrain is +973.
What time zones does Bahrain observe?
Bahrain observes the following time zone(s): UTC+03:00.
What is the current time in Bahrain?
The local time in Bahrain is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Bahrain?
Bahrain covers a total area of 765 km².
How many states or provinces does Bahrain have?
Bahrain is divided into 14 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Bahrain in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Bahrain in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Bahrain?
Visa requirements for citizens of Bahrain vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.