Cheap Flights to Kuwait Jazeera Airways Tickets from USD 206*
Travel to Kuwait
Discover Kuwait
Kuwait rises like an oasis in the desert expanse. It has excellent museums, beach activities, a beautiful corniche, a charming souq and some interesting historical sights. It is located at the top of the Persian Gulf, with Iraq to the north and west, and Saudi Arabia to the southwest. Kuwait City, Salmiya, Jahra and Wafrah are the main destinations in Kuwait.
The rebuilding of the country after the invasion has been an outstanding success. Blessed with around 6% of the world's oil reserves, oil and oil-related products naturally dominate the economy. However, there's plenty for leisure travellers to see and do as well, and for the tourist, Kuwait has subtle attractions waiting to be discovered.
Essential Facts
Things To Do
Beach Clubs
Most beach clubs provide a wide variety of activities for individuals and families including beach volleyball, tennis courts, gymnasiums, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, There's even bowling and martial arts on offer.
Mina Al Ahmadi
This old port is located 19km south of Kuwait City, and is equipped with large jetties to handle super-tankers that berth there. You can visit the Oil Display Centre which is a tribute to the efforts of the Kuwait Oil Company.
Museums
Kuwait has many museums, most notably Bait Al-Othman Museum, Maritime Museum, and Museum of Modern Art.
Boating
Kuwaitis love powerboating so you'll see plenty of that here. Sailing and scuba diving are also popular activities. You may contact any of the hotels located on the beach who can arrange a trip for you.
Shopping
Kuwait has a few good malls but the largest is The Avenues on 5th Ring Road. It is one of the biggest malls in the region and features a host of electronics and fashion stores. In addition, it has a well-stocked Ikea branch. Other popular malls include Marina Mall (Salmiya), Fanar Mall (Salmiya), Souq Sharq (Sharq), 360 Mall (includes a 3D IMax cinema) and Al-Kout Mall (Fahaheel) which is famous for its orchestra musical fountains.
Clothing can be expensive so please check prices in advance. Beyond the malls Kuwait has plenty of exotic markets where you can buy souvenirs and local produce.
Food And Drink
Kuwait is known for its culinary heritage and delicious food. There is a wide chice of restaurants, from high-end establishments to smaller ones, serving practically every cuisine. Your best bet is to ask a Kuwaiti for 'Restaurants Road'. This is situated in Salmiya and packed with local restaurants serving an endless range of specialty food.
For authentic Kuwaiti food head to the Al-Marsa restaurant in the Le Meridien Hotel. They have some delectable seafood here. Or you can opt for the Shati Alwatia restaurant at the Behbehani Villa compound in the Qibla. Another excellent Kuwaiti restaurant is Ferij Suwailih in Salmiya area.
If you prefer something a little more familiar then there are plenty of international fast foods brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, Domino's, McDonald's, Burger King, and Subway in Kuwait.
Things To Know
Visa Requirements
- Citizens of the EU can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 3 months if arriving by air.
- The cost is around KWD 3, payable by purchasing stamps at the airport.
- All other nationals need advance visas, which require an invitation from a sponsor in Kuwait.
- Kuwait Airways offices and major hotels can provide invitations, but the process can take up to a week and may require a fee
Getting around
- Kuwait has a good road system, well sign-posted in Arabic and English. The major north-south roads serve as highways.
- The country has an extensive (and cheap) local bus system operated by the Kuwait Public Transport Company. These are air-conditioned and comfortable.
- You can drive in Kuwait with an International Driving Permit or if you have a valid local driving licence. A residence permit from another Gulf country also qualifies you to drive for the duration of your visa.
- Taxis are a useful and popular way of getting around. However, if you wish to travel outside the city it's advisable to agree on a half or full-day rate in advance.