The tiny island state of Bahrain has a population of 1.4 million people, predominantly located around the capital, Manama.

The kingdom first hosted a Formula 1 race in 2004, and this year the Bahrain International Circuit is the venue for the fourth round of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship. So if you’re heading to the Persian Gulf, here are our five top travel tips for Bahrain…

Discover the island’s storied history

While Bahrain has developed significantly in recent times, thanks to its oil-dependent economy, the island boasts a past dating back 4,000 years. Visitors to the Bahrain National Museum can explore nine halls featuring archaeological finds from ancient Dilmun, including earthenware burial jars. You can also learn about the famous pearls mined in the seas around the island. Did you know it was also the destination of the first British Airways Concorde flight? Their first supersonic flight from Heathrow to Bahrain occurred on January 21, 1976. Finally, in the museum, from a motoring perspective, there is a beautiful restored 1932 Buick on display, owned by the royal family and donated to the collection in the early 1990s.

Take a day trip to Bahrain Fort

Bahrain’s location between Saudi Arabia and Qatar has strategic military value, which is still relevant today. The Bahrain Fort, known as ‘Qal’at al-Bahrain,’ spans over 180,000 sq ft. And occupation of this area has been recorded from as early as 2,300 BC. This UNESCO World Heritage site houses the fort built by the Portuguese in the 16th century as part of a string of Gulf defences.

Try off-roading at the Bahrain International Circuit

Aside from the Formula 1 action, the Bahrain International Circuit also hosts other races, such as the FIA World Endurance Championship and local drag racing events. If you’re keen to get behind the wheel yourself, you’ll find options beyond track days: there’s karting, or you can experience off-road terrain on a dedicated circuit built next to the main track. Choose from a range of 4x4s to navigate the tricky course.

Go shopping in the Manama Souq

Like the very best souqs in the Middle East, this is the place to purchase everything from spices to electronic consumer goods, with t-shirts, nuts, and mango-flavoured ice cream in between. Located in the streets behind Bab Al Bahrain, the Manama Souq has distinct areas, including the Gold Souq, Kingdom of Perfumes, and World of Herbs.

Take a desert tour of the island

Bahrain is linked to the Arabian Peninsula via the King Fahd Causeway, but it remains the smallest nation in the region. Half-day desert tours will take you to sights such as the Tree of Life, which is said to be hundreds of years old and it’s the only tree growing in the remote desert. Other tour highlights include visits to camel farms, horse riding experiences, trips to historic burial mounds—and even the country’s first oil well, which has its own museum.