Attraction in Bahrain
Qal'at al-Bahrain
UNESCO World Heritage
Qal'at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, is an artificial mound built up over seven archaeological layers spanning roughly 4,300 years, from the Dilmun civilisation through Kassite, Greek, Persian, and Portuguese occupation to the eighteenth century. Excavations since 1954 have revealed the oldest fortification in the Gulf region, along with the remains of a Dilmun-era city and Portuguese fort that crowns the site. A modern museum beside the mound presents finds from the digs and contextualises the island's role as a prosperous trade hub at the centre of ancient Gulf commerce.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Bahrain
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Bahrain page at Yoogo.
Bahrain uses the Bahraini Dinar (BHD), one of the world's highest-valued currencies, divided into 1,000 fils. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops across Manama and other major areas, though carrying some cash is useful for smaller vendors, taxis, and markets.
Bahrain is generally considered one of the safer countries in the Middle East, with low rates of petty crime and violent crime towards visitors. Travellers should remain alert to the possibility of civil unrest, avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations, and monitor local news and their home government's travel advisories throughout their stay.
Ride-hailing apps including Uber and Careem operate across the island and offer a straightforward, metered alternative to negotiating fares. An air-conditioned public bus network operated by the Bahrain Public Transport Company connects Manama, Muharraq, Riffa, and Isa Town, with a rechargeable GO Card available at the airport and main terminals. Renting a car is a practical option for reaching sites outside the capital such as the Tree of Life and Dilmun Burial Mounds.
The most comfortable period for sightseeing is November through March, when daytime temperatures range roughly 15–25 degrees Celsius and outdoor exploration is pleasant. The summer months of June through September bring extreme heat and high humidity, which can make outdoor activities challenging, though hotel rates are typically lower during this period.
Arabic is the official language, with Gulf Arabic the primary spoken dialect. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout Manama and Muharraq, making it straightforward for English-speaking visitors to navigate daily life without Arabic language skills.
No vaccinations are required for entry to Bahrain unless arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended by travel health clinicians, and travellers should ensure routine immunisations are up to date before departure.
Tipping is customary but not compulsory; a gratuity of around 10–15 per cent is appreciated in restaurants where a service charge has not already been added to the bill. Small tips for hotel porters, housekeeping staff, and taxi drivers are considered a polite gesture, though not obligatory.