joellebohringerIf you want to plan an trip to Kuwait but have no where to start, this article is for you. Plan the perfect Kuwait itinerary, including all the best things to do.
Kuwait is a very small country in the Arabian Gulf. It is known primarily for oil and for its invasion by Iraq in 1990. Among travellers, it often gets a bad rep as one of the “most boring” countries in the Middle East. However, as someone who is married to a Kuwaiti and lives in this tiny country, there is much more to see than what meets the eye.
Still, you really only need a few days to visit Kuwait. This itinerary shows you the absolute best things to see in this country!
This guide is perfect for anyone looking to explore all of the must-see sites in Kuwait in four days.
Kuwait Itinerary Essentials
- Kuwait can be a very difficult place to visit if you are not eligible for an e-visa or a visa on arrival, due to strict crackdowns on illegal immigration. 53 counties are eligable for an evisa or visa on arrival. The entire list can be found here. If you are from one of these countries, you can choose to either fill out an evisa form in advance here or you can get a visa on arrival. Read below for more details about how to get a visa on arrival.
- Kuwait uses the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) as currency. It is the strongest currency in the world, with 1 KWD equally roughly 3.26 USD (as of May 2024). While card payments are fairly common, some vendors only accept local Kuwaiti cards, so it is recommended that you bring some cash with you. You can either exchange money at the airport or withdraw it from ATMS, which are easily accessible throughout the whole country.
- I recommend having an Kuwaiti Sim card while you travel. If you would like to get an Esim, I recommend downloading the Kuwait Esim from the Airalo app. Use the code JOELLE0025 to receive $3 off your first Esim from Airalo. Alternatively, you can also purchase a SIM on arrival at Kuwait Airport. You can usually get about 20-30GB of data for around 5 KWD.
- The travel plug type in Kuwait is Type G, which is similar to the plug type used in the UK. I recommend purchasing a universal plug adapter, as you can use it on any trip around the world, and it has easy-to-use USB charging kits.
- It is important to get travel insurance before any trip. I personally use and recommend EKTA travel insurance, as it allows me to purchase both short-term and long-term travel insurance plans, and it allows me to customize my plan based on what activities I will be doing.
The Best Time to Visit Kuwait
Kuwait is notoriously the hottest country on Earth, with recorded temperatures of up to 60 degrees celsius (140 degrees fahrenheit) in the summer! I absolutely DO NOT reccomend visiting Kuwait from the months of April through September. March and October are still fairly warm, but manageable. The best time to visit Kuwait is during the winter months. I do not recommend visiting Kuwait during the months of Ramadan, as all restaurants and most activities close during the day.
What to Wear in Kuwait
Kuwait is a relatively conservative Muslim-majority country, so it is important to remember to dress fairly modestly. Men and women should cover their shoulders and knees if possible, through it is more acceptable for men to wear shorts then women. I recommend that female travellers bring a scarf with them in their bag in order to cover their hair when entering one of Kuwait’s mosques. I personally love this lightweight chiffon scarf as it looks elegant, is wide of enough to fully cover my hair, and takes up almost no space in my bag!
Read More: Is Kuwait Safe? Full Safety Guide from a Local
Kuwait Itinerary Overview
- Day One: Arrive in Kuwait City, explore Souk Mubarakiya
- Day Two: Explore Failaka Island, dinner at the Avenues
- Day Three: Kuwait City Day Tour
- Day Four: (Optional) exploration of other museums; depart from Kuwait
Navigating the Airport
Most travellers are going to be arriving to Kuwait via the Kuwait international airport.
It is a relatively small airport; however, it does have three separate terminals which are not connected. Terminal 4 is for Kuwait airways, Terminal 5 is for Jazeera Air, and Terminal 1 is for all other airlines.
Unlike other countries, if you are arriving with an evisa or a visa on arrival, you do not proceed directly to immigration. Instead, look for signs that say “visa issuance” and proceed there. Once in the visa issuance room, grab a ticket from the ticket vending machine to reserve your place in line.
If you have applied ahead of time for an visa, you only need to wait until your number is called in line. If you are getting a visa on arrival, make a copy of your passport on the copy machine in the room (free of charge). Then, fill out an immigration card. Bring both of these documents to the desk when your number is called. There is really no difference between the evisa and the visa on arrival; the main difference is that the evisa can save you considerable time.
How to Get Around Kuwait
Only official airport taxis are allowed in Kuwait airport. They are driven only be retired Kuwaitis, and they are safe, clean and comfortable. They also have set rates, so there is no risk of being ripped off. Some airport taxis accept card and some do not. If you need to pay by card, just let the drivers know, and they will find you a driver that accepts card. The fare to the city center is usually 8KD, but it depends on the exact location of your hotel.
Inside the city, you can get around with either public transport or taxis. Kuwait has a very good public transport network, with buses that come every five minutes. The routes are also on Google Maps, so you can easily figure out where the bus stops are. Bus tickets cost about 300 fils (1/3 of a KD) per ride. Alternatively, you can also buy a day pass for 1 KD. However, there are 3 bus companies operating in Kuwait City, and the pass is only valid on the selected bus company that you purchase from.
If you chose to use taxi, I reccomend using Careem, which is like the Middle East’s version of Uber. Regular taxis can be called on Careem, and it will ensure that you get a fair price.
Alternatively, you can also rent a car in Kuwait, although some drivers may find it a considerably more stressful driving environment than what they are used to. In general, I don’t think it’s that bad, you just have to get used to some aggressive drivers or drivers that don’t use their signal when switching lanes.
Where to Stay in Kuwait
I personally reccomend all of my friends and family that are coming to Kuwait to stay at the IBIS Sharq hotel. It is very affordable, clean, and comfortable. Additionally, the staff are very friendly, and many of my non-married friends have stayed here with no issues.
Another quirky, albeit very old hotel that I’ve stayed in is the Kuwait Palace Hotel. It doesn’t have great reviews, but it has an absolutely beautiful old interior, and it is one of my favorite hotels I’ve stayed in because of this.
Perfect Kuwait Itinerary
Read More: The 9 Best Things to Do in Kuwait
This itinerary is very flexible, so feel free to mix and match the activities depending on what time you arrive and depart.
Kuwait Itinerary Day One- Arrival and Souk Mubarakiya
Once you arrive in Kuwait City, settle into your hotel.
In the evening, head to Souk Mubarakiya. Having explored almost every Arab nation, Souk Mubarakiya remains unparalleled as my favored marketplace in the Middle East.
In contrast to numerous Arab countries bustling with tourism, Kuwait stands distinctively uncharted in this regard. Consequently, its souk remains a haven exclusively tailored for locals, serving as the vibrant epicenter of the city’s life. Here, amidst its bustling lanes, one discovers a treasure trove ranging from apparel to tea shops, restaurants, and beyond.
I suggest venturing into the souk during the evening hours, when its vibrant energy reaches its peal A stroll through the entire market is highly recommended, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in its bustling ambiance. However, here are a few standout spots I particularly love:
Al-Sulaiman Bisht Al-Wajaha
This family-run business has been part of Souk Mubarakiya for over 100 years. They make bishts, traditional cloaks worn by men to signify honor or importance, all by hand.You can still watch them making bishts right there in the shop. Fun fact: They’re the ones who made the bisht that was given to George Bush as a thank-you for sending US troops to help Kuwait during the 1990/1991 Iraq invasion.They’re super friendly and really welcoming to tourists. You can try on their stuff without feeling pressured to buy anything!
Al Shamali Sweets
This is the oldest sweet shop in Kuwait, and they often give free samples. Their traditional Kuwaiti sweets are sold in beautiful metal tins, which make the perfect souvenir!
Al Shamam Restaurant
Al Shamam is one of the oldest and best restaurants in the country. They serve giant portions of traditional Kuwaiti food in a causal atmosphere, on tables spread throughout the market. All meals come with fresh, hot bread, and I highly reccomend the shrimp murabeyan.
Kuwait Itinerary Day Two – Exploring Failaka Island
No visit to Kuwait is complete without a visit to Failaka Island. It is one of the oldest inhabited islands in the world, with civilization dating back 5,000 years! It is also the last-standing testaments to the Iraq invasion, with the city being left completely as it was when Iraq left Kuwait in 1991. The houses left exactly as they were when the country fell, and you can explore the abandoned, bullet-riddled city on your own.
The island is a haven for archeology and history, and it is my favorite place in all of Kuwait. To learn how to get there, check out my complete guide here.
Read More: Visit Failaka Island – The Complete Guide.
The Avenues
For Dinner, check out the Avenues. Ranked among the largest malls globally, it offers a fascinating glimpse into how Kuwaitis adapt to their challenging environment. Personally, I’m drawn to phase two, designed to mimic a European high street. Despite being indoors, the ambiance exudes an outdoor feel.
Additionally, the traditional Kuwaiti souq and the luxury section stand out, boasting some of the world’s few curved escalators!
Kuwait Itinerary Day Three – Kuwait City Day Tour
Kuwait Grand Mosque
Start your day with a visit to Kuwait’s Grand Mosque. While grand mosques dot the Middle Eastern what sets this one apart is the enriching experience it offers to visitors.
Each visit to Kuwait Mosque includes a free, English-led tour which teaches you about the mosque’s history and the profound significance of Islam to Kuwait. Moreover, the tour includes complimentary coffee, snacks, and souvenirs, adding an extra layer of warmth to the experience.
Notably, admission to the mosque is free of charge. However, visitors are expected to adhere to modest dress codes: men should cover their knees and shoulders, while women are required to don attire that conceals their wrists, ankles, and a headscarf.
Tourists can explore the mosque on weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) from 9:00-11:00 am and 4:00-6:00 pm.
National Museum
After the mosque tour, you’ll want to head nearby to the Kuwait National Museum. It may be small, but it has an interesting collection Among its highlights is the exhibition dedicated to Failaka Island, boasting a wealth of prehistoric relics that span over 5,000 years of Kuwaiti history. Though diminished in size since the it was raided during the Iraqi invasion, it remains a testament to the nation’s resilience.
An additional wing showcases a traditional Kuwaiti village, adding another layer of cultural immersion. Situated adjacent to the anothering interesting museum called the Sadu House, the museum welcomes visitors free of charge. Operating hours are from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Fridays.
Ahmed Al Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition
In the afternoon, I reccomend heading to Al Ahmadi, a suburb south of Kuwait City. Here, you’ll find the Ahmed Al Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition.
This museum might fly under the radar, but it’s without a doubt my top pick among Kuwait’s museum scene. Focused solely on the nation’s primary industry—oil and gas—it’s a modern, dynamic, and downright fascinating experience.
Admission is totally free, and you’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking guide who’ll walk you through the exhibit, revealing the intricate relationship between oil, gas, and Kuwait. From interactive displays showcasing Kuwait’s oil production per minute to dramatic recreations of the burning oil wells during the Iraqi invasion (complete with shooting fireballs), this museum offers an immersive journey into the heart of the nation’s most vital industry.
The museum welcomes visitors from Sunday to Thursday, between 8 am and 4 pm, with no need for advance booking. However, since public transport isn’t available to Ahmadi, hailing a taxi is your best bet. I recommend using the Careem app, akin to Uber in the Middle East, for convenient transportation.
Al Qurain Martyrs Museum
On the way back from the Ahmed Al Jaber Oil and Gas Museum, stop at the Al Qurain Martyrs Museum.
The Qurain Martyrs Museum, located in the suburb of Kuwait City called Qurain, commemorates one of the most tragic battles of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. It pays homage to the valiant resistance fighters known as Al-Messilah, who bravely defended their home in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite the harrowing nature of its exhibits, the museum offers a poignant glimpse into Kuwait’s tumultuous history.
Admission to the museum is free, and visitors are guided through a self-paced tour of the house where the resistance fighters made their last stand. Each room serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by these courageous individuals.
To reach the museum, public transport is available to the city of Al-Qurain, but visitors will need to walk approximately 1 km from the drop-off point. Alternatively, taxis are readily accessible for a more convenient journey.
The museum operates from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Monday through Thursday, and from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, with Sundays being closed. Additionally, admission includes a small informative booklet for a deeper understanding of the exhibits.
Kuwait Towers
End your DIY city tour with a visit to Kuwait Towers in the evening.
The Kuwait Towers stand tall as the most iconic landmarks in Kuwait, gracing the skyline along Gulf Street. Yet, their significance transcends mere aesthetics. Serving as colossal water towers, they double as vital emergency reserves for the nation’s water supply.
Beyond their functional role, visitors can ascend the towers for a panoramic experience. Entrance comes at a nominal fee of 3KD (approximately $10), and the towers welcome guests daily from 8 am to 11 pm.
Kuwait Itinerary Day Four– (Optional) exploration of other museums; depart from Kuwait
If you have time on the fourth day, I reccomend checking out some of museums mentioned in my blog post: The 10 Best museums in Kuwait
Some of my personal favorites include the Tariq Rajab Museum and the Mirror House.
In the evening, head to the airport to catch your flight home!
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Looking for more travel guides?
Check out all of my destination guides here.
Check out all of my Kuwait-specific posts here.
Read More:
The 9 Best Things to do in Kuwait
Is Kuwait Safe? – A Full Safety Guide from a local
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