Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Kuwait Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Kuwait – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
240 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type G
Type G:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) £1 ≈ KWD 0.414 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Kuwait, especially in major cities. Credit cards are commonly used, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay are gaining popularity.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Kuwait, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a tip of 10% is common if no service charge is included. Taxi drivers may expect small tips or rounding up of the fare. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is illegal in Kuwait. Alcohol is prohibited, and drinking in public spaces can lead to legal penalties. Alcohol is only available in private settings or special licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public places and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are provided in some locations. |
| National Day (25 February) |
Celebrated with parades, fireworks, and cultural performances |
|---|---|
| Eid al-Fitr (variable) |
The end of Ramadan marked by family gatherings, feasts, and celebrations |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Careem, Uber |
| Other: | Kuwait has a modern infrastructure and a high standard of living, but it is important to respect local customs and laws, particularly regarding dress code and social behaviour. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Kuwait, Kuwait
Best for sightseeing November to March, summer highs regularly exceed 45°C
Ramadan: daytime eating, drinking and smoking in public is prohibited, many restaurants closed until sunset
Alcohol is banned nationwide, and Friday mornings are quiet with many shops closed until the afternoon
Don't miss
- 🌆 Admire the iconic Kuwait Towers against the skyline
- 🛍️ Explore the heritage buildings at Kuwait’s Old Souq Al-Mubarakiya
- 🚶🏻 Walk along the scenic seafront promenade on the Arabian Gulf Road
- 🕌 Visit the Grand Mosque and its stunning interior dome
- 🖼️ Discover modern art at the Contemporary Art Platform
- 🏜️ Enjoy desert camping and watch the sunset over golden dunes
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Kuwait?
Kuwait City captivates visitors with its striking contrasts - gleaming skyscrapers like the iconic Kuwait Towers stand alongside traditional souqs and historic mosques. The city boasts impressive museums that showcase Kuwait's rich cultural heritage, beautiful waterfront promenades and some of the most luxurious shopping experiences in the Middle East. What makes Kuwait truly special is its authenticity. Unlike some of its neighbors, Kuwait hasn't transformed itself into a tourist playground, offering instead a genuine glimpse into modern Gulf life. The locals are known for their hospitality, the cuisine is delicious and the city's parks and cultural centers provide peaceful retreats from the urban bustle.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Kuwait City
This Gulf‑coast city fuses towering Kuwait Towers with the bustling Souq Al‑Mubarakiya, showcasing a blend of modernity and heritage. Tourists enjoy authentic Arabic dishes in the old quarter and panoramic skyline views from the towers; visiting mid‑afternoon sidesteps crowds.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Kuwait Jazz Festival
-
Kuwait Movie Festival
-
Hala February Festival
-
Kuwait National Day Celebrations
-
Kuwait Book Fair
-
Ramadan Night Market
-
Kuwait International Fair
-
Gulf Defense & Aerospace Exhibition
-
Kuwait Motor Show
-
Kuwait Yacht Show
Knowledge before you go
- Apply e-visa online before travel. Valid 6-month passport required.
- Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees; women need abaya at religious sites.
- Avoid public displays of affection and photographing military/police installations strictly.
- Ramadan fasting observed publicly; non-Muslims must eat discreetly indoors during daylight.
How to travel to Kuwait
Kuwait International Airport is the main gateway to the country, located about 16 km south of Kuwait City. It serves numerous international airlines with direct connections to major cities in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. From the airport, you can reach the city center by taxi, ride-sharing services or airport buses operated by CityBus (routes 13, 99 and 501). Kuwait does not currently have international train connections, though there are plans for a Gulf Railway in the future. Entry by road is possible from Saudi Arabia, but check visa requirements beforehand.
Access summary
- Kuwait City: Fly into Kuwait International Airport (KWI); taxis, buses into town.
- From neighbors (Saudi, Iraq): Mainly by road; some regional short-haul flights.
- Kuwait Airways hub at KWI; unaffiliated with major global alliances.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Kuwait
Kuwait offers a range of accommodation options, with luxury and business hotels dominating the scene. International chains like Hyatt, Hilton and Four Seasons provide high-end experiences, while mid-range options are also available. Budget accommodations are limited. Many hotels are concentrated in Kuwait City and the Salmiya district. Expect higher prices compared to some neighboring countries, reflecting Kuwait's overall cost of living.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Kuwait
Public transportation in Kuwait is limited primarily to buses. The Kuwait Public Transportation Company (KPTC) and private companies like CityBus operate routes throughout the city and suburbs. Buses are modern, air-conditioned and relatively affordable, but services can be affected by traffic congestion. Taxis are abundant and the most convenient way to get around. Both traditional taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available. Renting a car is another popular option, as Kuwait has well-maintained roads, though local driving can be aggressive. Walking is practical only in specific areas due to the extreme heat for much of the year.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Kuwait are around 17% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to KWD) is 5% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Kuwait is generally very safe with low crime rates. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Exercise normal precautions, especially for women traveling alone at night. Traffic can be hazardous due to aggressive driving, so take care when crossing roads.
Health & Medical
Kuwait offers high-quality healthcare with modern facilities and well-trained medical professionals. Many doctors are internationally educated and speak English. Pharmacies are well-stocked, though health insurance is recommended as medical care can be expensive for visitors.
Accessibility
Kuwait has limited infrastructure for those with mobility challenges. Modern malls and hotels offer good accessibility, but older areas and public spaces may present difficulties. Public transportation is not well-equipped for wheelchair users, so private transportation is recommended.
Tap water
Tap water in Kuwait is technically safe to drink but has a distinct taste due to desalination. Most residents and visitors prefer bottled water, which is readily available. Stay well-hydrated, especially during summer months when dehydration risk is high.
Packing recommendations for Kuwait
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Light jacket
for winter evenings
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🧣
Scarf
for women
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
for visiting mosques
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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