In planning mode - how much budget should I keep in mind for Bahrain - any experiences?
When I visited Bahrain, the costs reminded me of a mini-Dubai. I ate shawarma for $3 one day, then spent $25 on seafood the next. Taxis were the killer - $10-15 per ride, and I used them daily since buses didn’t always suit me. Tips were 10%. On average, I spent $75 daily. Some days were lower when I ate local, others spiked when I went to malls or bars. For a safe budget, I’d say $70 per day covers meals, taxis, and tips comfortably.
Meals: $6-8 in local restaurants, $15-20 in mid-level restaurants. Transport: buses $0.70, taxis $10 per ride. Tips: 10%. A safe budget is $60-70 per day. That covers meals, taxis, and modest tips without worrying. Nightlife and drinks are expensive, with cocktails $10-12, so add more if that’s part of your plan. Bahrain isn’t super cheap, but it’s manageable if you stick to local food and avoid frequent taxi use. For planning, $2,000 per month is a safe figure.
I averaged $70-80 per day in Bahrain and it felt balanced. Restaurant meals in the city were $12-20, while cafes were $7-8. Transport was mostly taxis at $10-12 per trip, since buses were limited and the heat made walking uncomfortable. Tips were standard 10%. At this budget, I could eat well, grab a few drinks, and still explore sites like Bahrain Fort and Manama Souq. It’s pricier than some Gulf neighbors, but not Dubai-level expensive. $80 daily works well for a month stay.
Bahrain isn’t a backpacker’s dream, but you can get by with $40-45 daily if you eat local. Shawarma and falafel plates cost $3-5, and casual Indian or Pakistani restaurants serve full meals for $6-8. Buses are cheap at under $1, but taxis are expensive, usually $8-12 per ride. Tipping is 10%. This budget covers food, buses, and some small tips. Skip high-end malls and stick to Manama’s local eateries if you’re aiming to save. The heat makes taxis tempting, but buses stretch your budget further.