Avid Travelers
Adventurous travelers looking to experience the essence of Bahrain and dig into its unique culture will find their haven here. They'll discover plenty of unique activities to be had, including diving for pearls, driving a racecar on the Formula One Racetrack, exploring the villages outside of Manama, and much more.

Beach Bums
Bahrain boasts beautiful beachfront, and is a fabulous destination for those looking for a unique, exotic getaway with all the benefits of incredible beaches.

Bus
Bahrain's public bus system links a good majority of the island's towns. The Manamabus Station is your best bet, with buses running approximately every 40 minutes from early morning to late evening for a minimal fee. The bus routes can be tricky, however, so make sure you're familiar with your route before you attempt to travel.

Car rental
Renting a car is probably the easiest way to get around Bahrain. Roads are clearly marked with signs in both English and Arabic, and main roads and highways are well maintained. Be warned, the penalties for drinking and driving are very strict, so if you plan to consume alcohol, you should hire a taxi.

Taxi
You'll find taxis available at any time of day in Bahrain. Taxis are metered and very inexpensive here, but make sure that the meter is operating before you're on your way—don't be fooled into paying more than the meter amount.

There is quite the variety of dining available in Bahrain. Make sure you stop by a shawarma stand and pick up a delicious roll-up sandwich and glass of fruit juice.

Check out a few of these exciting restaurants:

• The Conservatory
  Manama. Located in the Adliya neighborhood in Manama, The Conservatory is one of the oldest cafes in Manama and is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, as well as breakfast and lunch.
• House of Coffee
  Muharraq. A modern Bahraini coffee shop tucked away in the Muharraq Heritage Zone on the Amwaj Islands. Specializes in delicious pastries and coffee, as well as afternoon tea.
• Monsoon
  Manama. A fresh and flavorful Asian-infused restaurant serving a variety of incredible plates, from chicken dumplings to deep-fried spring rolls, roasted duck soup, and fried duck, to Malaysian sate, sushi, tepinyaki, a variety of curries, and much, much more.
• Nino
  Manama. Serves quality, authentic Italian food ranging from burgers and pizza to pastas and salads, as well as delicious, fresh fruit juices.
• Señor Pacos
  Manama. If you're fancying Mexican food, this is the place to be. Features dishes such as savory smoked barbecue ribs, burritos, flavorful fajitas, and boasts a colorful Mexican-style décor.
• Spices
  Manama. Located in the Crowne Plaza hotel, this restaurant specializes in traditional Indian cuisine, offering tasty dishes such as fish curry, lamb vindaloo, mahi tikka, and of course, plenty of steamed rice.
• Trader Vic's
  Manama. Trader Vic's is located in the Ritz Carlton and features a terrace overlooking the beach and hotel pool. It is known for its gorgeous lighting at night and a subtle, romantic ambiance. Enjoy some of the finest cuisines from around the world—ranging from Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese to French and Polynesian—as you listen to live Latin music.

Nightlife
Most of Bahrain's nightlife is centered around the hotels in its capital city of Manama. Contrary to its Muslim background, alcohol consumption in Manama is legal—it just needs to be consumed in any of the city's plentiful bars, nightclubs, or restaurants, and not outside in public areas. Try the Sherlock Holmes pub, located in the Golf Hotel, or check out JJ's Irish Pub, the Cocoon, the Latin-themed LQ, or the Flamingo Bar—and that's just for starters.

The best place to shop is probably the Bab el-Bahrain Souk, where you'll find row upon row of market stalls selling everything from touristy keepsakes to fruit and spices of all kinds, clothing, scarves, and jewelry, as well as quality items such as pearls and other high-end goods. This is also a good place to practice your haggling, as it is welcome and expected here.

There are also plenty of malls to peruse, many in the Seef District, home to the A'ali Mall, Seef Mall, Bahrain Mall, Dana Mall, and Bahrain City Centre Mall. Here you can find department stores and boutique shops if you need a respite from the hopping market scene.

Milad al-Nabi
Sometime in early spring, depending on the Islamic calendar. The birthday of Muhammad is celebrated with parades, feasting, and storytelling.

National Day
December 16-17. The people of Bahrain celebrate their success as a nation and their king's accession to the throne with a multitude of festivities, fireworks, and performances.

Ramadan
Beginning in the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, this month-long event is observed by all devout Muslims, who fast from dawn until dusk.

Eid ul Fitr
Marks the end of Ramadan, and is celebrated by feasting, visiting friends, and giving gifts.

Don't Drink and Drive
Take note—if you plan to consume alcohol, take a taxi. Unlike in the U.S.A., there is no acceptable minimum blood/alcohol content level in Bahrain, so if you're caught driving and alcohol is smelled on your breath, you can be arrested.

Be Prudent
Keep the Muslim culture in mind as you dress to go out. Women should be especially careful, since tight and revealing clothing can elicit propositions and unwanted attention.

Tree of Life
The 400-year-old Tree of Life is a must-see while you're in Bahrain, but is hard to find, so make sure you get reliable directions from a local before you attempt to find it. It is located about a mile from Jebel Dukhan, and gets its name as a result of its location in the middle of the desert. With no visible and sustaining water source to be found, the tree is one of Bahrain's most recognized national symbols.

Good to Know