“Why would you visit Kuwait? There’s nothing to see there.” I can’t tell you how many times I heard this sentiment, each and every time I mentioned my plan to visit this small Gulf country.
All I really knew about Kuwait was what I’d heard about it’s war as a child – and frankly, I was too small to understand any of it back then.
Despite the comments, I always prefer to see for myself what a country has to offer. And in the case of Kuwait, I am so glad I did!
Kuwait presents a rich cultural history, a touch of modern and glam, and a deeply embedded memory of their struggles with Iraq from around 30 years ago.
If you are headed to Kuwait for the first time, this travel guide will highlight the top things to see, safety considerations, money matters, and much much more!
5 Kuwait Essentials
✅ A breathable and lightweight scarf
✅ A wide brim hat for sun protection
✅ A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated
✅ A loose kimono to throw over your clothes
✅ This Kuwait Day Tour to get your bearings and see the main sights! (I personally took this tour and highly recommend.)
Is Kuwait Safe?
This is one of the top questions asked when I mention my recent trip to Kuwait as a solo female.
Kuwait may not be the most common destination for American travelers, but I have good news for anyone headed here. Kuwait is extremely safe! And, it is safe for American tourists in particular.
Why?
The relationship between the United States and Kuwait is based on cooperation and a mutual respect. The USA military assisted Kuwait during the Iraq-Kuwait war, and frankly, the appreciation can still be felt.
Kuwait welcomes American visitors with open arms. For as long as I can remember, the US State department site has rated Kuwait as a Level 1 in safety, which is rare for this region. This can of course change at any time, so do check back before your travels.
That said, always use caution, particularly if you are a solo female traveler like me. But rest assured, Kuwait has a low crime rate, and violent crime against foreign tourists is uncommon.
Best Time to Visit Kuwait
The best time to visit Kuwait is between November and March when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. During these months, daytime temperatures hover around 60-70°F (15-24°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Summers, which last from April to October, can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). If you’re not a fan of intense heat, it’s best to avoid visiting during these months.
Kuwait’s climate is typical for the Gulf region, and mimics the likes of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Kuwait experiences an arid desert climate, characterized by extremely hot summers and mild winters.
Kuwait also hosts the lively Hala Festival, held in February, which celebrates Kuwait’s liberation and features concerts, parades, and fireworks. It’s a great time to visit in terms of weather and also gives you a chance to immerse yourself in local culture.
Things To See in Kuwait
For a comprehensive list with full details on Kuwait’s attractions, definitely check out my post on the best things to do in Kuwait. However, here is an overview:
Pro Tip: On your first visit to Kuwait, I highly recommend booking this tour on Day One to both get your bearings and hit some of the top sights listed below. I personally took the tour and it was extremely well done. It helped me identify which places deserved a longer stop and which ones I was “finished” with. BOOK YOUR KUWAIT TOUR HERE!
The Kuwait Towers
The Kuwait Towers are a must see. These iconic towers have become a symbol of the country and provide a stunning view of the city and the sea.
Built in 1979, they stand at a height of 187 meters and serve as a telecommunications tower, water reservoir, and restaurant. The main sphere houses a revolving observation deck where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kuwait City.
The Sadu House
Learn all about traditional Bedouin weaving techniques at the Sadu House. There is a small museum featuring various designs and dye techniques, as well as an informative movie offered in several different languages.
And, outside on Sadu Street, you can see the weaving patterns come to life in the bricks laid on the street!
Souq Al-Mubarakiya
This souq is a great place to grab a quick bite, enjoy some tea, purchase scarves and textiles, and pick out some Kuwaiti souvenirs. It is found in Kuwait City.
The Martyr’s Museum
A visit to the Martyr’s Museum will take you a ways outside of Kuwait City, but it is so worth the drive. This museum commemorates the sacrifices made by Kuwaiti citizens during the Gulf War in the early 1990s.
The exhibits are powerful and moving, giving visitors a glimpse into the hardships and bravery of those who defended their country.
Be sure to grab a brochure in English from the office or the security guard. There are few plaques provided, and without the brochure you will only have a cursory understanding of what you’re looking at.
The Camel Farms
In the desert, you’ll find several camel farms. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see some baby camels, too!
Though the desert in Kuwait does not offer the same vast rolling dunes that you’d see in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert or in Namibia, it’s worth a quick trip for the camels alone.
The Mirror House
I was completely blown away by The Mirror House in Kuwait City, an eclectic museum and residence adorned with intricate mosaic artworks.
Created by Italian-Kuwaiti artist Lidia Al-Qattan, the house is enveloped inside and out with pieces of mirror, transforming it into a glittering spectacle.
Each room within the house carries a unique theme, from the universe and zodiac signs to marine life and Kuwaiti heritage, offering an immersive and vibrant experience for visitors.
Lidia personally leads the tours, and without giving away any spoilers, let me just say that this is a true must see in Kuwait.
Failiaka Island
Visiting Failaka Island offers a unique glimpse into the country’s rocky history and rich culture. This small island is home to several archaeological sites you’ve likely not heard about, including the ruins of an ancient Greek temple.
Beyond that, you’ll find abandoned schools, homes, and banks as the entire island came under attack at the start of the war – and has never been inhabited since. There is even a tank graveyard where Saddam’s army tanks lay abandoned and rusted.
I happened to meet a man on the ferry to Failaka Island who grew up there until the age of 18, and who later assisted with the archaeological digs. His insights and memories were so insightful! Read my whole account here.
How Many Days Do You Need in Kuwait?
Personally, I would recommend a solid four to five days if you want to explore all of Kuwait City and the surrounding desert, beaches, and islands.
Most people visit Kuwait for just a night or two. In my opinion, that’s not quite enough to really get a feel for Kuwait.
Kuwait Travel: Costs and Money
Kuwait’s currency – the Kuwaiti Dinar (KD) – is the highest valued currency in the world. The oil industry has made Kuwait one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a high standard of living and no personal income taxes.
First and foremost, don’t be fooled by the seemingly low prices you see in Kuwait. For example, entrance to the top of the Kuwait Towers costs 3KWD. While this sounds like a steal, the cost once converted is $9.78 USD. So in US dollars, everything costs over 3 times the number you see.
An 8KWD taxi ride to the airport is $26.08 USD. And, a 78KWD hotel room is actually $254.30 USD. So, be careful! Check current conversion rates here.
This means that Kuwait can be expensive, however that’s not to say you can’t travel Kuwait on a budget.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation in Kuwait ranges from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options.
For example, I booked this ultra-clean hotel within walking distance to many of the top places to see in Kuwait City, and it was only $40 USD per night. Highly recommend it, by the way! But it is not unusual to see rooms for over $200 per night, as well.
👉 Search current hotel prices in Kuwait here.
Dining Costs
Dining costs vary from cheap street food and high-end restaurants. Interestingly, you will find tons of American chains here, like Chili’s and McDonald’s and Baskin Robins. But, you’ll also find pricey restaurants like the ones at the top of the Kuwait Towers.
I personally stuck to cheaper local eateries, like those in the Souq Al-Mubarakiya, and my falafel and fatayers cost around $2 USD each. Not too shabby!
Transportation Costs
I used taxis and the Careem rideshare app (similar to Uber) to get almost everywhere in Kuwait, and they were reasonably priced. Renting a car is another option if you plan to explore beyond Kuwait City.
Pro Tip: One excellent option to consider is taking this tour on your first day in Kuwait to get your bearings. It is significantly cheaper than comparable tours and Walid is a great tour guide! I spent a full day with him exploring the desert, beach, and abandoned military base, and I can’t recommend it enough. BOOK YOUR KUWAIT TOUR HERE!
There is a public bus system in Kuwait City that is extremely cheap. I did not personally use it as the timetables didn’t work with most of my plans, but it might be worth a look if you are on a shoestring budget.
Currency and Payment Methods
Kuwait uses the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), and credit cards are widely accepted. It is a great idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and the markets, though.
Kuwait Travel Advice and Tips
1) What to wear in Kuwait
Kuwait is a fairly conservative country, so it’s ideal to dress somewhat modestly. Women should consider wearing clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, while men should avoid wearing shorts in public areas.
I typically wore leggings covered with a long flowy top or kimono, and always carried a scarf for mosques. But be sure to read my full Kuwait packing list if you would like to see the exact items I wore and recommend.
Pro Tip: For reference, I found Kuwait to be more conservative than Dubai but less conservative than Saudi Arabia. My Kuwait packing list will give you exact details on what I wore during my visit.
Overall, there are two things to consider when choosing what to pack for Kuwait: the weather and the culture. Combining modesty with loose flowy clothing is key.
2) Language
While Arabic is the official language, you will find English-speakers in Kuwait – especially within the tourism industry. Hotel workers, tour guides, and museum docents will all likely speak English.
Note that unlike Egypt, Kuwait’s license plates are written in both Arabic and English numbers. So that is extremely helpful when using rideshare apps!
3) Visa matters
They are two crucial documents that every traveler needs to visit Kuwait: a valid passport and a Kuwait visa. If you are from the United States, you can get a visa on arrival upon landing in Kuwait. The process is easy and fairly quick.
4) Outlets and electricity
Kuwait’s outlets run on 240 volts, which is different from the standard voltage in most countries. and uses a type G plug.
This means that if you are planning to travel to Kuwait, you will need to make sure you have the right type of adapter for your electronic devices. The one that I currently use for ALL of my international travels can be found here – I love it because it has so many USB slots!
5) Cultural Awareness
Remember that Kuwait is a Muslim country. It is extremely important to be respectful of local customs and traditions.
This includes modest dress as mentioned above. It also includes avoiding public displays of affection, avoiding mosques at prayer times, and being aware of major holidays like Ramadan.
Where to Stay in Kuwait
Your best location to stay will be within Kuwait City. Kuwait is not a large country and most of the sights you visit will be within the city. The other places to visit are either a ferry ride, a tour booking, or a taxi ride away.
I stayed in the same hotel accommodation for my entire time in Kuwait. I was extremely happy with it and will stay there again on my next visit.
The hotel I chosel is found in Kuwait City and is within walking distance of Souq Al-Mubarakiya, the Grand Mosque, and Al Sadu Street (though in the summer you may opt to hire a car due to the heat.)
👉 Search current hotel prices in Kuwait here.
Final Thoughts on Kuwait Tourism
Kuwait is, quite frankly, an underrated destination in the Gulf! From stunning landmarks and rich cultural history to delicious cuisine and welcoming locals, Kuwait has a lot to offer.
I hope that this travel guide to Kuwait has gotten you excited to explore. For more information on visiting Kuwait, check out my other articles below!
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