Things To Do in Bahrain

Manama souk's myriad alleyways are filled with bargains, from spices to fabrics, and tailors who will make something up for you overnight. Seef's chic shopping malls offer designer jelabiyas (kaftans) and international labels, while Muharraq is the place to buy traditional sweets. Other good buys include Persian carpets and the Bahraini incense bakhoor. Malls are generally open constantly from 10am to 10pm and souks from 8.30am to 8pm, closing for lunch from 12.30pm to 4pm.

The hub of Bahrain nightlife, Juffair is packed with bars and clubs where visitors can sip cocktails and dance the night away. At Cocoon Lounge, sushi goes down well with champagne, while at the stylish Equal Lounge, DJs spin a mix of House, R'n'B and Arabic hits. For live-music lovers there's Arabic entertainment at Lebanese restaurants Al Arisha and Zahle, and visitors can relax with a shisha pipe at traditional cafés and restaurants throughout the country.