Bahrain with Kids

Important facts and information to know when visiting Bahrain

Smallest of the Gulf states, this archipelago off the Saudi Arabia coast in the Arabian Gulf is a diverse city which while modern in appearance still carries a rich history dating back to the ancient Dilmun civilization.

Influence and rule over the centuries have included the Persians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Portuguese and the British. Currently, the population is more than 50% expatriate making for a great multicultural city. These many influences can be seen in the architecture, cuisine and cultural offerings. The country caters to families but there isn’t an abundance of family-friendly adventures to be had.

Visiting Bahrain Important Facts

Official Name	Kingdom of Bahrain
Capital	Manama
Currency	Bahrani Dinar (BHD) Fixed to USD at $1US=0.376 BHD. Saudi Riyal accepted
Language	Bahrani Arabic (English widely spoken) minority languages Persian and Urdu
Religion	Islam 70%+ Christian 14% tolerance to all religions
Leadership	Consitutional Monarchy ruiled by the King, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Important Dates	16 Dec National Day; 17 Dec Accession Day & Islamic Holidays
Climate	Arid Desert
Electrics	Type G (British square 3 pin)
Visas	Tourist eVisa or Visa on Arrival (approx $77USD)
Safety	Exercise normal precaution

Bahrain visa information

All persons visiting Bahrain need a visa except citizens of the GCC (Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE).
Visitors can get an eVisa (allow up to 72 hours for approval) or visa on arrival with a confirmed onward travel ticket.
There are two fees payable, one on application, then once approved one for the actual visa.
Special eVisas exist for F1 guests that last for a specific 2 week period and are free of charge.
There is a special new eVisa category for alien residents of GCC countries allowing them to transit through Bahrain (these cost BD29 /approx $77USD)

Click here to find out more about Bahraini Visas

Points for family visitors to be aware of in Bahrain

To escape the summer heat, head to shopping Malls for indoor entertainment including Bahrain City Centre and Seef Mall.
Whilst considered one of the most liberal of the Gulf states, many Bahraini nationals are still quite conservative. Be aware of this with your dress in public, avoid public displays of affection and being intoxicated in public.
Ladies do not need to be fully covered in public but dress conservatively; bikinis are only acceptable at private beach clubs not on public beaches.
Men should also look to wear long shorts on public beaches but resort wear is much more relaxed.
You can see our full dress code advice for Bahrain here.

General travel tips for visiting Bahrain

Demonstrations and civil unrest can occur though not common in 2020 – such gatherings should be avoided
On the other hand, terrorism is extremely unlikely and general crime levels are considered very low
Photo ID must be carried with you at all times
Female travellers may want to check this safety advice from adventure travel specialists World Nomads

See our regional guide to culture and religion – coming soon

When is it best to visit Bahrain

In the heart of the Gulf expect hot and arid desert conditions in Bahrain with stifling summers up to 50c and mild winters. Accordingly, the best time to visit is during the winter months November to April.

Waters around Bahrain are shallow and heat quickly which leads to high humidity, especially at night.
Between June and July particularly Bahrain is susceptible to sandstorms caused by northwesterly winds.
Rainfall is not unheard of in the winter but minimal and unpredictable.

You can read our full guide to Bahrain weather and the best time to visit Bahrain here.

Most popular attractions in Bahrain

Bahrain is an archipelago made up of 33 smaller islands (this number is argued to have increased to 84 with man-made islands) and is connected to the mainland of Saudi Arabia by a 26km long bridge.

Most visitors, however, arrive via Bahrain International Airport and explore the main islands of Bahrain, Muharraq, Sitra and Amwaj Islands. All attractions listed here are easily reached by taxi or private car hire (if you’re prepared for the driving style!) from the capital Manama where most visitors stay.

Bahrain Fort – UNESCO listed defensive fort built by the Portuguese in the 16th Century
Qal’at Al Bahrain Museum – interesting museum next door to the fort
Riffa Fort (Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed al Fateh Fort) and Arad Fort dating back to the 15th century are also worth including on an itinerary for history lovers
Bahrain National Museum – houses artefacts dating back to the countries original inhabitants over 6000 years ago
Beit Al Quran – Home to Islamic Arts, see the collection of Quran manuscripts and scriptures

There are many other smaller museums including the Currency Museum, Museum of Pearl Diving, Oil Museum, Rushid Al Oraifi Musuem and many art galleries.

Bab al Bahrain – Manama Souq and the Gold Souq for traditional Middle East shopping and those who like a barter
Al Khamis Mosque – one of the oldest in the region
Al Fateh Grand Mosque – free to enter, headscarves and abayas are provided, you must be part of a tour group
Muharraq Heritage Walk – also called the Pearl Trail and deemed a UNESCO site; a 3.5km walk taking you through the winding streets of Muharraq
The Tree of Life – a famous Mesquite tree in the Sakhir Desert said to be over 400 years old and standing alone in the desert surrounded only by sand and no known source of water. The tree is said to date back to the Dilmun civilisation
Dar Island – home to pearl diving and base for further boating into the islands

With a family focus:

Lost Paradise of Dilmun man-made beach attached to a waterpark
Wahoo! Waterpark next to Al Seef Mall is mostly indoors providing a good summer option
Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve – conservation park for Bahrain’s native fauna and flora.

Despite its location in the Gulf, don’t come expecting too many beaches – less than 5% of the country’s sandy shorelines are available to the public but there are plenty of private beach clubs including The Ritz-Carlton and Coral Bay.

You can see our complete list of things to do with kids in Bahrain here.