Travel to Kuwait

Kuwait in numbers

Why visit Kuwait

Seafront, souqs, mosques and Failaka Island

Highlights

Kuwait City, Kuwait Towers, Grand Mosque and Failaka

A stay in Kuwait centres on Kuwait City and its coastal districts, with an outing to Al Ahmadi or Failaka Island. The country is small: everything can be seen in a few days, preferably between November and March when the climate is most pleasant.

The seafront and the Kuwait Towers

The city's emblem, the Kuwait Towers raise three slender shafts whose turquoise spheres can be seen from afar. The tallest holds a revolving viewing level. Along the corniche, pergolas, palm trees and mosaic pools invite a stroll, especially late in the day.

The Grand Mosque and neighbourhood mosques

A building of pale stone with Andalusian-inspired patterns, the Grand Mosque is one of the country's most visited places of worship. More modest mosques with ochre minarets and lattice windows also punctuate the districts. Visits take place outside prayer times.

Souq Al-Mubarakiya and the museums

In the old centre, Souq Al-Mubarakiya is a maze of covered lanes: spices, incense, fabrics, grill restaurants and cafes serving tea and cardamom. Nearby, museums present Bedouin weaving, Islamic art collections and the story of the city.

Failaka Island

Offshore, Failaka is reached by ferry from Salmiya. The island keeps remains of a Greek temple and Bronze Age settlements; it is visited as a day trip, with a guide or by car on the spot.

Al Ahmadi, Al Jahra and day trips

At Al Ahmadi, an exhibition centre retraces the history of the country's oil industry. At Al Jahra, a red mud-brick fort recalls the defensive architecture of the past. These outings are made by car or taxi from the capital.

Before you go

November to March for the best of the climate

Area	Climate	Best time
Kuwait City and coast	Very hot summers, often above 45 C; mild winters, 13 to 25 C by day.	November to March
Failaka and islands	Calm sea and moderate warmth in winter.	November to April
Desert and interior	Marked day-night swings, possible sand winds in spring.	November to February
Summer	Extreme daytime heat, life shifts to after sunset.	Best for travellers used to the heat

Heat is the main factor to plan for: pack light clothing and protect yourself from the sun. Entry conditions depend on your nationality; check the official information from your home country before fixing dates. Watch prices to aim for winter, which is in demand.

Getting around

Car, taxi and air-conditioned buses

The country is compact and can be crossed in two or three days. Roads are good and signs are bilingual in Arabic and English. Taxis, ride-hailing apps and air-conditioned buses complement car hire. Local drivers are fast: stay cautious.

For Failaka, check ferry times in advance and plan a full day. In Kuwait City journeys are short, but traffic can be dense at the start and end of the day.

Food and culture

Machboos, grilled fish, dates and cardamom coffee

The reference dish is machboos, spiced rice with meat or fish. You will also try jireesh, balaleet (sweet vermicelli with eggs), grilled fish and dates, with cardamom coffee or karak tea. Alcohol is not served, but international restaurants are plentiful.

People are welcoming and proud of their maritime tradition. Discreet dress, covered shoulders and knees at religious sites, and asking permission before photographing people are the right habits.

Travel to Kuwait

The Kuwait airport covered by SniperAir

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Kuwait