Often-overlooked in favor of its neighbors like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it’s a mistake to skip Kuwait on a trip to the Gulf region. A weekend in Kuwait City is the perfect amount of time to spend in the country’s compact capital, with several cultural attractions, museums, and green spaces to explore.
Kuwait is a small country located on the Arabian Peninsula, with ample sea views from many parts of capital Kuwait City. Sandwiched between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the area that now comprises Kuwait has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement dating all the way back to the Stone Age.
In the 17th century, Kuwait was a small fishing village, inhabited by a tribe known as the Bani Utub. The tribe formed alliances with neighboring tribes, and the area eventually became a significant trading center for goods such as pearls, dates, and spices. Pearl-diving in particular was very important for Kuwait’s growth during this time, and the port of Kuwait was a meeting point for merchant routes stretching as far as India.
In the late 19th century, Kuwait became part of the British mandate system. Oil was discovered during this period as well, which transformed the country’s economy into what you see today. In 1961, Kuwait gained independence from Britain, becoming a sovereign state and a constitutional, hereditary emirate ruled by the al-Sabah family. The country’s oil wealth allowed it to rapidly develop, and it became one of the wealthiest countries in the region.
In 1990, northern neighbor Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading to the Gulf War. This ended with the expulsion of Iraqi forces and established definitive norms of Kuwaiti sovereignty.
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Getting There and Things to Know
Kuwait’s international airport has loads of flights each day from different places around the globe. From Europe, many direct flights are available via providers like KLM, or (often-cheaper) options connecting in Istanbul or Jeddah via providers like Turkish Airlines.
From the airport, it’s a short 10-15 minute drive to the city center, which has many hotel options ranging from budget stays to opulent 5-star resorts.
Once you arrive, follow the signs to the visa issuance section. A few tips here:
- It will save you quite some time to have a visa pre-approval. Kuwait offers e-visas that are valid for 1 month and allow you to essentially “skip the line” to get your visa issued. It’s easy to apply for it, and free.
- Note that your e-visa is not your visa, and you must go to the visa issuance section to exchange your pre-approval for the actual paper visa. When you get there, grab a ticket to mark your place in line and give the pre-approval to the agent. They’ll give you a paper visa, and you’ll be on your way.
- Do not lose this paper visa, as you will need it to exit the country. Border police will take it back from you when they give you your passport exit stamp.
Relatedly, a last few things to know for your visit:
- Note that there is no Uber in Kuwait. A similar ride-share service is called Careem, and there are ample taxis available as well. Relatedly, there is no public transit infrastructure, so it’s a good bet to rent a car if you’d prefer not to rely on taxis or ride-shares, as they can get pricey.
- Overall, we found that everyone we came across in Kuwait had superb English and was very welcoming. If you don’t speak Arabic, don’t stress– the road signs are all bilingual.
- We visited in the wintertime, which we really recommend– temperatures soar in the summer and air-quality can be poor, with sandstorms blowing in and the heat making many outdoor activities a no-go. In winter, temperatures are fairly chilly, but sunny and comfortable.
- It’s not necessary for non-Muslim women to wear hijab unless you’re visiting a mosque, but you’ll fit in best if you dress nicely and appropriately, in clothes that fit a bit looser and aren’t too revealing. Kuwaiti women are very fashionable, and similar to Europe, you’ll stick out if you’re under-dressed.
- Unmarried Kuwaitis and GCC citizens may not share hotel rooms, and while most hotels have exemptions for foreigners, this is not always the case. If you’re traveling with an unmarried partner, it’s best to ask in advance.
- Alcohol is not available in Kuwait, including at hotels, restaurants, etc. While consuming it isn’t illegal in and of itself, buying and selling it is.
Where to stay
We had an absolutely fabulous stay at the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa. The staff were wonderful, the breakfast was delicious and varied, and there were ample activities within the hotel, such as pools, gyms, a spa, and beachfront lounges.
We particularly loved how kind the staff was– they even organized a special surprise for us complete with cake, framed photos, and an embroidered pillow. We definitely recommend staying at Jumeirah while in Kuwait.
*Note – not a PR stay.
Planning a Weekend in Kuwait City
Go on a walking tour – Local expert Maryam is a font of knowledge about her country’s history and organizes a fabulous walking tour called The Walk Kuwait. We’re fans of the name, of course! 😉 You’ll hit all the hotspots in Old Kuwait, and she is a lively and engaging guide. We especially loved her stories about her family.
Visit Kuwait Towers – The iconic Kuwait Towers are a must-visit attraction. Consisting of three separate towers, the tallest of which stands at 187 meters, it’s definitely worth a visit to the rotating platforms for a beautiful view of the city and the Arabian Sea. You can also visit Liberation Tower for panoramic views of the city which stands at 372 meters high.
Shop til you drop…
- at The Avenues Mall – The Avenues Mall is one of the largest malls in the Middle East, with hundreds of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s a great place to shop, dine, and relax.
- at Souq Al-Mubarakiya – This traditional market offers a glimpse into Kuwait’s past and is a great place to buy local handicrafts, spices, and other goods.
Bonus – the Qout Market is not a permanent market, but if you can plan a visit for when it’s set up, it’s a super fun activity. It started out as a farmers’ market, but now has all sorts of cool stalls with food, jewelry, art, toys, and more. Pro tip: go first thing in the morning to avoid big crowds and tough parking!
See a show at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center – offering a range of cultural events spanning from music to film, theater, and even spoken word, there is something for everyone at the sleek titanium and glass structure. The beautiful architecture itself is worth a peek, even just from the outside.
Visit a few museums:
- The Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy – home to a wonderful collection of calligraphy, as well as several unbelievable coverings from the Kaaba, hand-embroidered by blind artisans in Egypt.
- The Scientific Center – The Scientific Center is a great place for families, with a large aquarium, a discovery center, and an IMAX theater.
- The Kuwait National Museum – The museum features exhibits on Kuwait’s history and culture, including artifacts from ancient civilizations and the Gulf War.
Have a beach day – Kuwait has several beautiful beaches, including Messilah Beach, which Jumeirah has waterfront access to. Make sure you follow the flag system– the flags were red when we visited Messilah, which means that swimming is not advised.
Take a stroll around Al Shaheed Park – From its resplendent palm grove to its beautiful views of the city’s skyline, Al Shaheed is a great place to watch the sunrise or relax for a bit, taking a break from the hustle-and-bustle of the city’s other attractions.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to a weekend in Kuwait City. For more Middle East and Africa content, don’t miss our guides to highlights of Jordan: breathtaking Petra, historic gems Ajloun and Jerash, and the marvelous Dead Sea!
