Kuwait travel guide
Kuwait Tourism | Kuwait Guide
You're Going to Love Kuwait
Tucked away in the eastern corner of Arabia, Kuwait holds a traditional feel and has not been modernized to the same extent as some of its neighbors. Located within a small geographical region between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the bustling population is heavily centered around art and culture. The eastern side of the country flanks the Persian Gulf, while the regional inland areas are characterized by desert plains.
What to do in Kuwait
1. Walk Underneath the Kuwait Towers
The three spiked towers rise as high as 614 ft into the sky, featuring a café and restaurant that have remarkable views across Kuwait City.
2. Take a Trip to Failaka Island
Situated roughly 12 mi off the mainland coast, Failaka Island has had a chaotic history that included settlement by the Mesopotamian, Dilmun, Babylon, and ancient Greek civilizations.
3. Feast at Souq Mubarakiya
The lively market has existed for more than 200 years and has a labyrinth of stalls selling powerful spices, juicy fruit, fresh vegetables, and crunchy nuts that must be tasted.
4. Discover the Kuwait Scientific Center
Created to provide education about the environment of the Persian Gulf, it consists of an IMAX theater, discovery center, and aquarium.
5. Enter the Grand Mosque
Marvel at the 85 ft wide dome that sits above the main prayer room, capable of holding up to 10,000 people.
When to visit Kuwait
The summer months can be unbearably hot and thus, the peak period of the year is at the end of winter between January and April.
How to Get to Kuwait
Entry requirements
Nationals from the European Union, Canada, Australia, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others, can obtain a 3-month visa upon arrival for a fee of approximately 3 KWD (10 USD).
Plane
It's possible to fly directly from several travel hubs, such as Paris, New York, London, Kuala Lumpur, and Frankfurt, with flag carrier Kuwait Airways. All international services land at Kuwait International Airport and a flight from Frankfurt costs approximately 40-60 KWD (132-200 USD).
Car
The recommended border crossing from Saudi Arabia is at Nuwaisib Port along the 95 Highway from Dammam.
Bus
Direct buses depart daily from Dammam to Kuwait City and take roughly 6h to arrive.
Boat
A ferry can be caught from Khorramshahr in Iran, initially along the Karun River before entering the Persian Gulf and reaching Kuwait City. The journey lasts 5-6h and a ticket costs approximately 5 KWD (16 USD).
Popular airports in Kuwait
Popular airlines serving Kuwait
Where to stay in Kuwait
A spread of comfortable hotels can be found in Kuwait City, as one would expect from a major metropolitan area, while the southeastern coastline (from Mangaf to Al Khirna) features boutique beachside resorts.
Where to stay in popular areas of Kuwait
Most booked hotels in Kuwait
How to Get Around Kuwait
Public Transportation
A bus network spreads across Kuwait City and a single fare costs about 0.30 KWD (1 USD), however, schedules are renowned for being erratic, making it hard to plan a quick journey.
Bus
Direct services link Kuwait City to areas such as Hawalli, Salmiya, Mangaf, and Salwa. The buses operate from roughly 4:30 am until 10:00 pm and can be taken with any of the three companies (KGL, KPTC, and City Bus).
Car
You must present an International Driver's Permit to rent a car, with an expansive and well-maintained road system awaiting. Traffic congestion in Kuwait City is often intense and it's far more pleasant to drive along the coastal highways.
The Cost of Living in Kuwait
Food is relatively cheap with a meal at a standard restaurant costing approximately 2 KWD (6.60 USD) and a loaf of bread from the bakery about 0.40 KWD (1.30 USD). A prepaid sim card with 10GB can be bought for around 5 KWD (16.50 USD). Cash is the preferred payment option for all transactions under 30 KWD (100 USD); credit cards are commonly accepted at hotels and fancy restaurants.