The Kingdom of Bahrain, commonly shortened to Bahrain, is an island country made up of more than 30 natural islands and some additional man-made islands. It's becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination for travellers from the UK. Bahrain offers fascinating history, unique cultural sites and major sporting events.
One of the biggest tourism drivers is the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix, which is held annually, usually in March or April. The capital of Manama, meanwhile, is perfect for a city break. It offers attractions like Qal'at al-Bahrain, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Al Fateh Grand Mosque.
Explore cheap deals for flights to Bahrain, read key travel information and start planning your holiday.
It's important to have the most crucial information about Bahrain so you can start to plan your holiday there. The following travel tips will help you plan your trip to Bahrain:
Flight duration (from London): 6.5 hours
Main airport: Bahrain International Airport
Population: 1.5 million
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Bahraini dinar
Socket types: Type G (no adapter required)
Time zone: Arabian Standard Time (3 hours ahead of the UK)
Direct flights to Bahrain from London take under seven hours. British Airways and Gulf Air offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Bahrain International Airport throughout the year. If you'd prefer to fly from elsewhere in the UK, Gulf Air also offers direct flights from Manchester Airport.
Indirect flights are available from across the UK, including from London Heathrow. Qatar Airways and British Airways offer connecting flights, with a layover at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar.
Bahrain is regarded as a more liberal country than several other Gulf states but still has conservative social values. It's important to dress conservatively in public spaces. Avoid transparent clothes or clothes that display your shoulders or knees. Alcohol is legal, but public drunken behaviour is illegal.
Although Bahrain is a country with religious freedoms, it's a majority Muslim country, so it's important to show respect for the country's religious values. Criticism of the religion of Islam, Bahrain's government or the monarchy could amount to a crime. You must also keep your passport on you at all times during your stay.
There is a wide range of Bahrain hotels to suit different budgets. If you're interested in spa breaks, Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain is a great option, as it offers direct access to the beach. If you'd prefer to be at the heart of the city of Manama, the Hilton Bahrain could be an excellent choice. If you're visiting on a family holiday, the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is a child-friendly hotel and an ideal option.
In the following sections, you can learn about some of the top things to do during your holiday to Bahrain. Here are some interesting places to visit and exciting activities to try out:
Your flights to Bahrain are going to land near the capital of Manama, so it makes sense to explore the city, even if you aren't staying there. Manama has a wide variety of restaurants, allowing you to experience authentic local cuisine. Bahrain Bay Beach is ideal for winter sun holidays, offering water activities, including jet skiing.
Manama is also the best shopping location in Bahrain. City Centre Bahrain is a shopping mall with hundreds of retail stores. Another of the largest malls in the country is Seef Mall, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each day.
The Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix is one of the biggest reasons why Bahrain holidays are increasing in popularity. This major sporting event is held annually at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, which is about 30 minutes outside Manama. It's usually held in March or April, but the race calendar can vary.
Attending the Grand Prix can be a great way to spend a weekend observing some of the world's most elite racing drivers. The atmosphere at the event is truly memorable. It's ideal for a trip with friends or for solo holidays.
Bahrain is also home to some more conventional tourist attractions, which are well worth experiencing. Al Fateh Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. Qal'at al-Bahrain is a historic fort dating back to 2,300 BC and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you'd like to get away from Manama, Al Areen Wildlife Park is a family-friendly option. This is a nature reserve and zoo where you'll find lions, cheetahs, zebras and the Arabian oryx, which is a species of antelope that's now extinct in the wild.
A: The best time to visit Bahrain is generally between November and March. During this time, the weather will be pleasant, and you'll avoid the worst of the heat and humidity. You could consider visiting in April, as the weather will still generally be pleasant. Additionally, hotels and flights to Bahrain may be cheaper.
A: Holidays to Bahrain are generally seen as moderately priced. While it isn't an ideal option if you're looking for the cheapest holiday destinations, it's comparatively cheap compared to some other Gulf states. Day-to-day costs are affordable, and there's a good range of hotel options.
A: The most popular travel destination within Bahrain is the capital city of Manama. The city and the surrounding area will provide a wide range of things to see and do. It can also serve as a good base, allowing you to easily travel to other parts of the country during your stay in Bahrain.
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