Manama Luxury Hotels and Things to Do in Bahrain's Capital

November to April brings warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings, ideal for the beach, the souq and outdoor dining. Summers are hot and humid. The Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit usually falls early in the Formula 1 season and is the island's busiest weekend; book months ahead and see our Formula 1 guide to the Middle East for the current calendar. During Ramadan, daytime dining is discreet and evenings become festive.

Gulf Air flies nonstop between New York JFK and Bahrain on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, three times a week at last check; the flight takes about 13 hours eastbound. Many travelers also connect via Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or London. US citizens can obtain a visa online or on arrival; confirm current rules before travel. Bahrain International Airport has a dedicated facility for business aviation, and our pages on private jet charter and superyacht marinas cover arrivals by air and sea.

Bahrain is among the more relaxed Gulf states: alcohol is served in licensed hotels and restaurants, and smart-casual dress works almost everywhere. Cover shoulders and knees in the souq and at mosques.

Bahrain is one of the most open property markets in the Gulf. Foreigners can buy freehold in designated areas including Bahrain Bay, Reef Island, the Amwaj Islands, Diyar Al Muharraq and Marassi Al Bahrain, where waterfront apartments and villas start from approximately $400,000 and rise well into the millions. The Golden Residency Visa offers a renewable 10-year residence permit, including to property owners who meet a minimum investment threshold (set at BHD 130,000, approximately $345,000, since late 2025). Read our guide to Bahrain property investment and golden residency and the long-term picture in Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.