Nightlife

Like the country, Bahrain’s nightlife scene is small but welcoming

Level

What was once Likwid is now Level. Don’t be put off by the uninspiring hotel setting, Level is well turned out, with a musical taste that changes across the week, plus plenty of guest DJs, including the occasional big name, to bring in the crowds. On the right night this is the best nightclub in town (on the wrong night, it’s dead).
City Centre Hotel, +973 17 229 979

Club Seven

The Arabic pop, R&B and house at Club Seven is as cutting edge as nightlife gets in the Kingdom. It’s a stylish venue spread over two floors, but things only tend to get going later on in the evening. (Arrive early at most Bahraini nightclubs and you might find you’re on your own – locals aim for the midnight hour to start their partying.)
Mishal Hotel, +973 17 311 118

Cocoon

Once a Russian dance club, now a super smart loungey venue with laid-back sounds and occasional guest DJs. There’s also good food, including excellent sushi and sashimi.
Best Western Juffair, +973 36 500 114

Mai Tai & Trader Vic’s

Trader Vic’s offers a great take on the Tiki bar, but it’s at the Mai Tai VIP bar next door where much of the real action is.
Ritz-Carlton Hotel, +973 17 580 000

JJ’s Irish Pub

Yes, the one-size-fits-all Irish pub exists even in the Middle East, but at least JJ’s has a microbrewery downstairs as some form of compensation. Lively craic if you are heading to BJ’s, in the same venue, later on.
Al-Bustan Hotel, +973 17 742 323

The Harvester

You know what you’re going to get from this popular venue’s tight, live Filipino covers band, but who’s to say that’s always a bad thing, especially when it’s done this well? The place also serves a camel burger.
Crowne Plaza, +973 17 531 122