Looking for unique things to do in Bahrain? Discover hidden gems, cultural treasures, outdoor adventures, and one-of-a-kind experiences that make Bahrain truly special.

Getting Around Bahrain

Bahrain is compact, connected, and way easier to navigate than first-timers expect. Here’s the no-nonsense guide to getting around.

The quick take

• Best for speed/flexibility: Ride-hailing or renting a car.
• Best on a budget: The red public buses with a GO Card.
• With kids / luggage: Metered taxis or a pre-booked ride from the airport.

Ride-hailing (tap and go)

Uber and Careem both operate in Bahrain, including airport pickups and city hops. Fares are transparent in-app; cars are plentiful around Manama, Juffair, Seef, and Amwaj. We use them for late-night dinners and heat-of-the-day hops between museums. Verify surge before you confirm. Sources: Uber Bahrain pages and city listings; Careem app store listings confirm active Bahrain service.

References: Uber in Bahrain and airport pages.

Taxis (metered & regulated)

Street taxis are metered by law and overseen by the Ministry of Transportation. Expect small fixed surcharges from the airport (BD 2.0+) or hotels (BD 1.0+), and an extra BD 1.0 on official public holidays. You’ll find ranks at BIA, malls, and major sights. Always ask the driver to turn the meter on.

Public buses (the red ones)

Bahrain’s red buses cover the airport, Manama, Muharraq, Isa Town, Seef, and beyond. Get a reloadable GO Card for the best deals: single ride 275 fils, daily cap 700 fils, weekly BD 3, monthly BD 12. Trip planner, live departures, and network maps are on the official site. :

How to use: Tap your GO Card when boarding; buses are air-conditioned (bliss) and have clearly marked stops. If you’re airport-to-Manama on a budget, this is your move.

Renting a car (small island, big freedom)

Highways are modern and well-signed; parking is generally straightforward at malls and attractions. Many rental companies require or recommend an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home license—easy to arrange before you fly. Seatbelts are mandatory, and police take accidents seriously (file reports promptly).

Fuel & tolls: Fuel is comparatively affordable. There are no domestic toll roads; the only toll you’ll meet is if you drive the King Fahd Causeway toward Saudi Arabia—about BD 2.5/SAR 25 per car each way, with optional E-JESR prepaid passes to breeze the gate. (You still need the right visas/insurance to cross.)

What about a metro?

It’s coming, but not yet. Bahrain Metro (Phase 1: ~29 km, 20 stations) is under development; expect elevated lines linking key districts and the airport in future phases. For now, plan on buses, taxis, ride-hailing, or a rental.

Pro tip

If you’re mixing bus + ride-hailing, use the red bus to cover longer hops cheaply, then grab a Careem/Uber for the short “last-mile” to beaches, cafés, and hotels—faster, cooler, and still wallet-friendly.

Airport to town (our go-tos)

• Fastest door-to-door: Uber/Careem from BIA.
• Most budget: Red bus from the airport stand (tap a GO Card; follow “Public Transport” signs).
• Classic: Metered taxi from the official rank; expect the BD 2 airport surcharge.

Unique Things to Do in Bahrain

1. Get around Bahrain on a bus

Getting around in Bahrain is easier by transport than by foot, especially when it’s hot. You’ve got options like taxis, private cabs, and car rentals. But don’t overlook the public bus service, Bahrain Bus. It’s a popular choice that connects different parts of the island. Plus, it’s budget-friendly with fares starting at only 200 fils (about 53 cents). You can check out bus times on their website or app.

2. Try unique vegetarian dishes that are not served in restaurants

If you’re in Bahrain and craving authentic, home-cooked Indian vegetarian food, the Gurdwara in Umm Al Hassam is the place to go. Every Friday, the local Sikh community hosts a langar, a free communal meal, that serves over 100 people. The menu includes roti with ghee, vegetables, curry, rice, yogurt, and a dessert, all washed down with metha water, rose water, and a milk drink. If you want, you can also participate in cooking as a form of seva, or service, a tradition deeply ingrained in Sikh culture.

3. Visit local farmers market

If you want to get to know Bahrain better, visiting a local farmers’ market is a great way to interact with the community. Farmers Market Salmabad, open seven days a week year-round, offers 32 stalls featuring a variety of organic produce, from colorful peppers to fresh herbs. You can also enjoy a traditional Bahraini breakfast there. It’s a great way to experience local culture while shopping for fresh produce.

4. Experience lively nightlife

When night falls, Bahrain’s nightlife kicks into high gear with a range of entertainment options. If you’re in the mood for Arabic tunes and a lively crowd, The One Club is a great option.

5. Have a relaxing spa time

Indulge in a luxurious spa day at Dessange, where you’ll find a serene urban spa, an award-winning hair salon, and a vibrant health club all in one place. Experience refined elegance and tranquility in a lavish setting, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating both body and mind. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing massage, a new hairstyle, or a workout session, Dessange offers a comprehensive wellness experience.

6. Drink karak tea while enjoying the sunset

Enjoy a cup of Karak tea, a strong and flavorful blend that has won the hearts of hot drink enthusiasts in Bahrain. For just 100 fils ($0.26) per cup, you can find this delightful tea at various cafes across the island. Take your cup to Bahrain Bay or any of the island’s beautiful beaches to savor the tea while watching the mesmerizing sunset. The sky in Bahrain transforms into a captivating canvas of pink and yellow hues as the sun sets, making it the perfect backdrop for your Karak tea experience.

7. Relax in a traditional shisha café

Shisha is a popular pastime in Bahrain, enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. You’ll find a variety of traditional shisha cafes and standalone shisha restaurants throughout the island, and even five-star hotels offer shisha services. For the best value, consider visiting a traditional café or shisha restaurant. These venues often feature full kitchens, serving tasty dishes like shawarma, beef and fries, creamy mushroom pasta, and Oreo milkshakes. Plus, you can catch the latest live sporting events on the numerous TV screens available in these cafes.

8. Spend a day at the Bahrain Animal Rescue Centre

Tony Waters, fondly remembered as Tony the Godfather, was a dedicated animal lover who ran a shelter in Saar, caring for over 300 stray animals. Although he passed away a couple of years ago, his legacy continues through his close friends and children, who now manage Bahrain Animal Rescue Centre. Located behind the Saar Cultural Sports Club, the rescue and rehabilitation center is always in need of volunteers. Whether it’s lifting heavy loads, walking dogs, or feeding cats, there’s plenty of work to go around.

The shelter is home to a variety of animals, including not just cats and dogs, but also baboons, rabbits, birds, and goats. If you’re an animal lover, spending a day at Bahrain Animal Rescue Centre is a rewarding experience you won’t want to miss.

9. Spend a cozy evening at the retro Old Beams

Located in the Adliya area, Old Beams cozy bar and restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for winding down. The interior is charmingly decorated with old-fashioned posters, picture frames, and vintage-inspired decor, creating a unique ambiance. Wooden shelves filled with an intriguing collection of novels add to the character of the space.

The menu offers a wide range of options, from sandwiches and soups to barbecue plates and other hearty main dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a tonic or a chilled malt drink, don’t miss out on their signature sausage dish—it’s a crowd-pleaser. This quaint spot is sure to become one of your favorites.

10. Have fun on a racetrack

If you’re a Formula 1 fan, visiting the Bahrain International Circuit racetrack is a must when you’re in Bahrain. Tours offer a comprehensive look at the facility, including stops at the Sakhir Tower for panoramic views, the Race Control Tower, and the BIC Media Centre. You’ll also get to see the track up close.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the track offers driving experiences that range from motorbikes to single-seat racing cars. If you prefer off-road adventures, you can also try 4×4 driving in a Land Rover.

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