Things to Do in Kuwait City

About Kuwait City

Kuwait City rises from the desert as a mix of glass towers and old trading posts. In Souq Al-Mubarakiya, frankincense and cardamom fill the air while merchants haggle just like they did generations ago. The Arabian Gulf reflects everything. Modern skyscrapers line up next to traditional dhows in the harbor, and luxury yachts anchor beside wooden fishing boats. The call to prayer cuts through the sea breeze five times daily—a reminder that religion still shapes the rhythm here. You'll hear it everywhere. The city runs on two timelines. Old Bedouin customs survive in the majlis gatherings, where Kuwaitis still sit on floor cushions and serve endless rounds of tea. Meanwhile, the skyline keeps pushing upward with new construction. Worth seeing: the souq at dusk. Merchants pack up their spice stalls as office workers pour in for evening shopping, and the temperature finally drops enough to make walking comfortable. Every sunset over the Gulf looks different. Kuwait City doesn't hide its contradictions—it displays them. Heritage sites sit blocks from luxury malls, and that tension defines the place more than any single landmark.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Public buses cost 250-500 fils ($0.83-1.67) within Kuwait City but coverage is limited. Taxis charge 2-4 KWD ($6.67-13.33) across the city - agree on fare beforehand. Uber and Careem work excellently in urban areas. Car rental costs 15-25 KWD ($50-83) daily but traffic is heavy. Kuwait International Airport to city center by taxi costs 8-12 KWD ($27-40). Walking is impractical due to extreme heat and car-focused infrastructure.

Money: Kuwaiti dinar (KWD) is one of the world's strongest currencies. NBK and CBK ATMs are reliable. Credit cards accepted everywhere including small shops. Budget 25-40 KWD ($83-133) daily. Tipping 10-15% at restaurants or 1-2 KWD ($3.33-6.67) for services. Bargaining acceptable at traditional souks but not in malls. Cash still preferred for small transactions and traditional areas.

Cultural Respect: Arabic is primary but English widely spoken in business - learn 'Marhaba' (welcome) and 'Shukran' (thank you). Conservative Islamic society requiring modest dress especially for women. Friday is the holy day with many closures. Ramadan significantly affects schedules and dining. No alcohol available anywhere. Photography of government buildings and military installations prohibited. Hospitality is generous and refusing refreshments can offend.

Food Safety: Traditional machboos (spiced rice) at local restaurants costs 3-6 KWD ($10-20) with generous portions. Shawarma from street vendors runs 1-2 KWD ($3.33-6.67). Arabic coffee at traditional cafes costs 500 fils ($1.67) and comes with dates. Seafood at Kuwait Bay restaurants runs 8-15 KWD ($27-50) per dish. Tap water is safe but heavily chlorinated - bottled is preferred. International cuisine is excellent but expensive.

When to Visit

Kuwait City's desert climate creates distinct seasons that dramatically affect your experience. November through March offers ideal conditions with temperatures ranging 15-25°C (59-77°F), minimal rainfall (5-15mm monthly), and pleasant breezes. This peak season sees hotel prices increase 40-60% and requires advance booking. December and January are particularly perfect for outdoor exploration and dhow cruises. April and October serve as shoulder seasons with temperatures climbing to 25-35°C (77-95°F). Accommodation costs drop 20-30%, making it excellent value for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind warmer days. May through September brings intense heat (35-50°C/95-122°F) with high humidity from Gulf winds. While challenging for sightseeing, this off-peak period offers hotel discounts up to 50% and is ideal for mall exploration, indoor attractions, and cultural sites during early morning or evening hours. Key festivals include Kuwait National Day (February 25-26) featuring spectacular fireworks and parades, Ramadan (dates vary) when the city transforms with evening festivities and special Iftar experiences, and Kuwait Liberation Day (February 26). Eid celebrations bring unique cultural experiences but also higher prices and crowds. Winter months suit families and outdoor ensoiasts, while summer appeals to budget travelers and culture-focused visitors.