Kuwait Travel Guide

I lived in Kuwait for two years due to work, and I believe it’s time to write a travel guide about Kuwait. Even though my time in Kuwait coincided with the pandemic, I had the chance to explore the country thoroughly. At the end of the article, you can find a Google Maps map with all the locations pinned. Let’s get started! 😊

Kuwait Travel Guide: Location

Kuwait is one of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the Middle East. The GCC includes Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, aiming for collaboration among these nations.

Kuwait shares land borders with two neighboring countries, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, the latter having invaded Kuwait in the past. It also has a maritime border with Iran.

Kuwait Travel Guide: When to Visit?

Kuwait experiences a desert climate, with temperatures reaching 50-55 degrees Celsius during the summer months, making life a bit challenging. Surprisingly, winters are genuinely cool, with temperatures dropping to around 10 degrees Celsius in January. While it might not snow, it’s cold enough to wear a scarf and hat.

Season transitions happen rapidly. The period between November and April, especially March-April, is ideal for a visit when the weather is pleasant, making it the most beautiful time to explore.

Kuwait Travel Guide: Currency

The Kuwaiti Dinar is the world’s most valuable currency, with 1 KD equivalent to 3.3 dollars. Kuwaiti Dinar notes even include half (1/2) and quarter (1/4) KD denominations. Every penny, even coins, holds significant value, so be prepared to count every bit in your wallet.

Kuwait Travel Guide: Transportation and Visa

Direct flights to Kuwait are available from many cities. Alternatively, you can consider transfer options through Gulf countries. Kuwait doesn’t require tourist visas for many countries. You can check your visa requirements from here.

Once in Kuwait, transportation within the city is limited. You’ll either rely on taxis for every journey or consider renting a car. Tourists mostly can rent a car directly with their driver’s license. However, if you’re moving there as a resident, you’ll need to obtain a Kuwaiti ID and a Kuwaiti driver’s license before driving. You can check the car rental options from here.

Kuwait Travel Guide: Accommodation

Kuwaitis mostly reside in the city’s central areas in large villas, while expats often live in neighborhoods along the coastline. Since many attractions are along the coast, I recommend staying in Salmiya or Shaab for proximity to activities. If you are coming for business, I recommend staying in the Sharq region, where business centers are located. Check out accommodation options in Kuwait here.

Booking.com

Kuwait Travel Guide: Internet and SIM Card

For tourists, I recommend purchasing an e-SIM with a suitable data package through Airalo before arriving in Kuwait. You can explore Airalo’s options here. Use the code IAMONT3974 for a $3 discount on your first purchase. If you’re moving as a resident, consider the three major operators in Kuwait: Ooredoo, stc, and Zain.

Kuwait Travel Guide: Social Life

Social life and weekend activities in Kuwait revolve around food and drink. Family picnics are a popular activity, whether day or night, where extended families gather, set up tables and chairs, brew tea, shell nuts, and let children run around. Additionally, cars play a significant role in socializing, with interactions, exchanges of phone numbers, and displays of wealth happening at traffic lights.

Cars even influence restaurant experiences, with some offering special menus for dining in your car. The make and model of the car serve as a status symbol among Kuwaitis.

Kuwait Travel Guide: History

Understanding Kuwait’s recent history contributes to a better appreciation of the country. In the 19th century, Kuwait was a sheikhdom under Ottoman rule. In 1899, an agreement with the UK placed Kuwait voluntarily under British protection. Kuwait, a trade hub at the time, faced economic challenges after World War I.

The turning point came in 1938 when oil was discovered in the Burgan region. From 1946 to 1982, known as Kuwait’s “Golden Age,” the country became the largest oil exporter in the region, achieving high levels of human development. Kuwait gained independence from British protection on 19th June 1961, celebrating it on February 25th due to the heat in June.

Independence wasn’t universally welcomed; Iraq, having ambitions of incorporating Kuwait into its borders, refused to acknowledge Kuwait for two years. The region formed an Arab alliance and military in anticipation of a potential Iraqi invasion. With international support, including the UK, Kuwait thwarted the invasion in February 1991, regaining freedom. Saddam Hussein’s forces set many oil wells on fire as they retreated.

Post-war, Kuwait faced challenges, with criticisms on human rights, a decline in cultural splendor, and political stagnation.

Kuwait Travel Guide: Places to Visit

Kuwait Towers

The Kuwait Towers consist of a group of three towers. Originally designed as water reservoirs, these towers have a distinct design compared to the other depots in the city. Built during Kuwait’s Golden Age, these towers have become a symbol of Modern Kuwait. All significant celebrations take place in the area in front of these towers. On important days, the towers are illuminated with special lights. The largest tower now houses a cafe, restaurant, lounge, and a large hall. The entrance fee is 3 KD.

Marina Crescent

Connected to Marina Mall by a tunnel and located on the seaside, this area hosts numerous restaurants and cafes. It also serves as a harbor where private yachts are docked. Next to Marina Crescent, there is a promenade and a park. If you visit here at sunset, you can enjoy a beautiful walk.

Avenues Mall

The largest shopping mall in Kuwait with over 1100 stores, including restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment areas. The glass ceiling gives the interior a spacious feel. Avenues Mall is the largest shopping center in Kuwait. With over 1100 stores, it includes various sections such as restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment areas for children. The interior looks spacious as it is made of glass. For instance, taking a walk here on hot summer days is a classic weekend activity.

Al Shaheed Park

This is my favorite place in Kuwait, also the largest and most beautiful park in the country. Named Martyrs’ Park, it commemorates those who died during the 1990-91 Iraqi occupation, featuring an area with individual photos of the martyrs. The park is rich in plant diversity with seasonal plants, unique species, and various types of trees. It includes a cafe, a restaurant, as well as an amphitheater, museum, and performance area. Despite being right in the city, it feels incredibly isolated. I highly recommend visiting and, if possible, taking a complete stroll on the walking path.

Al Mubarakiya

The oldest Souq in Kuwait, existing for about 200 years. During the 1990 Iraqi occupation, this market suffered significant damage but was restored to its former state afterward. You can find everything from dates and silk shawls to carpets and coffee inside. The only store where we could find souvenirs from Kuwait was also here. If you want to buy a memento from Kuwait, I strongly recommend stopping by. Al Mubarakiya suffered extensive damage in a fire in March 2022, with most of the stores reportedly gone. Hopefully, it will be repaired soon and reopen to visitors.

Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre

The largest cultural center in the Middle East. It houses a large opera hall, theater, conference hall, cinema, and libraries. Additionally, there is a large park area, a pool for water shows, and dozens of cafes and restaurants. I strongly recommend seeing this cultural center, situated on a very large area.

The Grand Mosque of Kuwait

It is the largest mosque in Kuwait, accommodating up to 10,000 people. You tour the mosque for free with a guide. After putting on the abayas provided by the mosque, we toured with a guide. The inside was grand and dazzling. We saw all parts of the mosque, including sections specifically built for the Emir and the royal family, and learned about design details.

The Corniche

There is a seaside promenade in Kuwait right by the sea. If you have time, I recommend walking from The Scientific Center to Marina Crescent or from Marina Crescent to Kuwait Towers. Young cats on the rocks along the seaside will accompany your walk. 🙂

Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre

With six different museum areas covering history, science, space, Islamic science, fine arts, and public spaces, it’s the world’s largest cultural center.It includes six different museum areas covering history, science, space, Islamic science, fine arts, and public spaces. This place, opened in 2018 and covering an area of 18 hectares, is the world’s largest cultural center. I haven’t been there, so unfortunately, I cannot comment on the interior.

Kuwait Travel Guide: Dining

For information on where to eat and drink in Kuwait, including average prices, check out my Kuwait Dining Guide post.

Kuwait Travel Guide: Notes & Tips & Conclusion

• I’ve pinned all the places to visit on Google Maps in order. Save the map below, and you can easily navigate to the locations even without internet.
• Kuwait is a conservative country, and there are strict rules about women’s clothing. Wearing knee-length skirts or shorts is prohibited. So, it’s advisable to bring more modest attire below the knee.
• Due to the stringent dress code for women in Kuwait, not all beaches are accessible to them. There are only 1-2 hotel beaches where women can swim. The situation is more relaxed for men.
• If you plan to visit Kuwait during Ramadan, be aware that eating or drinking outdoors is strictly prohibited until iftar (breaking fast). Restaurants remain closed until then.
• For more articles on Kuwait, you can visit my other writings here.