Bahrain Grand Prix & Beyond: A Personal Travel Diary from the Middle East’s Hidden Gem
If you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked escape packed with world-class motorsport, vibrant culture, and unforgettable food — Bahrain might just be your next bucket-list destination.
One of our Personal Travel Consultants, Sarah-Jane, headed to Bahrain earlier this year for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and what started as a racing weekend turned into a full-on love affair with the island nation.
Here’s her insider guide, top tips, and why she’s already planning her return…
The Bahrain Grand Prix Experience
Forget the idea that Grand Prix weekends are just about what happens on the track. At the Bahrain International Circuit, the Fan Zone is the real star of the show — and it’s free with your race ticket.
“You could honestly spend all three days there. There’s entertainment, great food, activities, and you’ll probably bump into an F1 driver!”
Sarah-Jane Brooks, Personal Travel Consultant
Highlights included:
- Race car simulators
- A Ferris wheel overlooking the full track (yep, she went on it five times)
- Free concerts and celebrity appearances on stage (including front-row views of Lewis Hamilton!)
- Endless street food options: from Indian curries and pizzas to chicken shacks and burgers
- Affordable eats — think huge meals for under $20, and cold drinks for just a couple of dollars
Top tip: Bring a refillable water bottle — water fountains are everywhere. And don’t forget sunscreen and a hat… it’s hot.
Where to Stay
Sarah-Jane stayed at The Seven Hotel, which offered spacious rooms, a handy kitchenette, and a fridge perfect for keeping drinks icy cold.
Getting around was easy too. “Use Uber – it’s safe, affordable, and way more reliable than local taxis.”
Exploring Bahrain
When the engines weren’t roaring, Sarah-Jane and her travel partner Brad took the time to explore downtown Manama and beyond.
✨ Don’t Miss:
- The Old Market (Souk): In the heart of Manama, this colourful bazaar is a sensory delight — packed with spice stalls, textiles, and traditional kebab cafes.
- Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort): Best visited at sunset. “It was so peaceful — the call to prayer in the background, golden skies… just magic.”
- The Grand Mosque: Open to visitors and stunning inside and out — a must-see cultural gem.
- Adliya District: Bahrain’s trendy nightlife area, brimming with high-end restaurants, rooftop bars, and clubs with international DJs.
“If you’re after something more low-key,” she says, “there’s even a proper English pub — The Sherlock Holmes Bar — but fair warning, alcohol here is pricey!”
Sarah-Jane Brooks, Personal Travel Consultant
Foodie Heaven
One of the biggest surprises? The amazing food scene. Bahrain offers everything from family-run grill houses to high-end dining and familiar names like The Cheesecake Factory and TGI Fridays.
Favourites:
- The Meat Factory: “Hands down one of the best meals we had.”
- Authentic street kebabs in the souk
- Malls with all the favourites: from Boots and Next to Dior and Chanel
“There’s no strict dress code — just dress respectfully. Bahrain felt incredibly welcoming and relaxed.”
Sarah-Jane Brooks, Personal Travel Consultant
Final Thoughts
With guaranteed sunshine (35-40°C in April!), direct 6-hour flights from the UK, and its perfect position for a Maldives stopover, Bahrain makes an incredible winter or spring getaway.
Sarah-Jane summed it up perfectly:
“It’s the friendliest place I’ve ever visited. So much to see and do — the perfect mix of tradition, luxury, and laid-back fun. We’re already booking again for next year’s Grand Prix!”
Sarah-Jane Brooks, Personal Travel Consultant
Ready to experience Bahrain for yourself?
Speak to one of our expert Personal Travel Consultants to start planning your dream Middle Eastern adventure — whether it’s F1 thrills, souk shopping, or sunset strolls by the fort.
