Baharain layover
 

I’ve got a 48 hr layover in Baharain later this month. Any recommendations or suggestions? Any info would be helpful, thanks.

If you stay at either the Intercontinental or the Sheraton both are blessed with great gyms, and breakfasts, check with the front desk, or bellman about the local political situation before venturing into the souks, but I haven’t been there since 2014 so things may be a bit different.

Not to be a Debby Downer......

Check the State Department recommendations.

This is the most recent advisory:

Potential for Terrorist Activity: Spontaneous and violent anti-government demonstrations may occur, particularly at night and on weekends. Such activity is usually confined to specific locations and is rarely widespread.

Demonstrations sometimes result in blocked highways and unofficial checkpoints. Participants occasionally throw rocks, Molotov cocktails, and utilize improvised explosive devices and shotgun-like projectile launchers. The Ministry of Interior maintains official checkpoints and routinely uses tear gas, stun grenades, and other crowd dispersal techniques against demonstrators.

Avoid all demonstrations. To date, no U.S. citizens have been specifically targeted during protest activity. Local media outlets have sometimes expressed anti-U.S. sentiment, and demonstrators have occasionally burned U.S. flags.

In December 2016, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) released a video statement urging its supporters to launch attacks in Bahrain, including those targeting U.S. military personnel. The group also called for attacks against the Shiite majority.

Remain alert to local security developments. For assistance, call the local police at 999.

Restricted travel: The U.S. Embassy restricts its employees from traveling to specific areas where protest activity is more likely and advises all U.S. citizens to do the same

Later this month on Sept. 19th 13 suspected terrorists will be tried in Manama.

https://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/bahra...r-19-1.2272914

I lived there for 5 years. IGR is awesome for schwarmas and sish tavouk (grilled chicken) also check out Coco's in Adlya (peach ice tea is the best thing on the menu). JJ's is always a good spot for a pint but if you are adventurous the Rugby Club was my favorite watering hole. It is a bit of a drive so unless you have a driver who isn't going to try and rip you off might be a bit too far to go.

Friday Brunch
 

Coco's (its not the US chain) in Adliya has also my vote. Great food in a nice setting. Lots of unique restaurants in that area.
Of all the Gulf states, Bahrain is the most chilled place.
Just avoid the southern part of Manama (Riffa, nothing to see anyway)
and you ll be fine.

Bahrain is a great city with quite a bit to do. Great food as well. Use good SA & you will be fine. As far as the state department memo, that could of been the same for 96, 99, 2003, 2008, etc. If you are good in Memphis, you will be good there.

Great advice. I've been to both. I'll take the night stroll through the 38116 right after you do.

Senor Pacos. Surprisingly good Mexican food and margaritas.