Book a flight to Bahrain

If you are travelling to Bahrain with children, visit Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve to see indigenous species in their natural habitat. It was originally created for rare Arabian animals, including the oryx, adax and reem gazelle – all of which still call this fascinating space their home.

Once you have explored the great outdoors, immerse yourself in traditional culture at Bahrain National Museum, a waterfront building where waves leap up to the windows. Here, you can soak up the country’s history and marvel at artefacts from the Dilmun people.

You can also wander through historic castles dotted all over the country, and be sure to stop by Al Fateh Grand Mosque. With a capacity for over 7,000 worshippers, it’s the ideal location to enrich yourself by learning about Islam. To discover local craftsmanship, make your way to any of Bahrain’s art galleries, such as the Al Riwaq Art Space and Bin Matar House.

While Bahrain is an established 21st-century financial hub, its economy was driven almost entirely by pearl diving as recently as 100 years ago. Once a dangerous profession, pearl diving has become a safe pastime for tourists, who use the latest scuba diving equipment to scour the seabed for oysters.

If the timing of your journey to Bahrain is just right, you can experience a powerful adrenaline rush at the Bahrain Grand Prix, held in Sakhir. This world-renowned motorsport event is much anticipated by Bahrainis and visitors alike.

Families and friends bond over delectable dishes at mealtimes, which can last for hours on end. After delighting in sumptuous fare, coffee connoisseurs can try the refreshing local blend. To ensure that everyone enjoys a hearty caffeine fix, each cup will be refilled until it is shaken from side to side.

If you would like to try rustic street food, head to Manama Old Souq and sample delicacies such as Bahraini halwa or goozi – a delicious concoction of grilled lamb, rice, onions, spices and boiled eggs. One of the most loved specialties is a flatbread known as ‘khubz’, often served with a fish sauce called ‘mahyawa’. Satisfy your sweet tooth in Muharraq, the perfect destination for savouring an endless array of Middle Eastern desserts.

Bahrain is known for its abundance of labyrinthine souqs, imbued with the enticing aroma of coffee and brimming with stalls. As you meander through Manama, you will stumble upon veteran spice traders and tailors ready to fashion a handmade suit on the spot.

However, Bahrain also features some of the most expansive shopping centres in the Middle East. These include world-class malls in Seef, where you can treat yourself to a luxury kaftan or choose an opulent carpet for your home.