Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Kuwait City

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Shared dormitories in hostels, budget guesthouses, or basic hotel rooms with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$12-25 per day

Local street food, traditional Kuwaiti cafeterias, shawarma stands, and cooking your own meals when possible

Transportation

$3-8 per day

Public buses, shared taxis, and walking for shorter distances within the city

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free attractions like beaches and parks, occasional museum visits, and self-guided walking tours

Eat at local Kuwaiti cafeterias and traditional restaurants instead of hotel dining (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use public buses and shared taxis instead of private taxis for daily transport (saves 70-85% on transportation costs)

Visit free attractions like public beaches, parks, and traditional souks rather than paid entertainment venues

Shop at traditional markets and local grocery stores instead of hotel shops or tourist areas (typically 40-60% less expensive)

Book accommodation in residential areas rather than prime tourist zones (generally 30-50% lower rates)

Take advantage of hotel breakfast when included rather than eating out for all meals

Travel during shoulder seasons to avoid peak pricing periods (typically 25-40% savings on accommodation)

Relying exclusively on taxis and ride-shares instead of learning the public transport system (can triple transportation costs)

Eating all meals in hotel restaurants or tourist areas without exploring local dining options (typically 100-150% markup)

Not researching free cultural attractions and assuming all activities require entrance fees

Booking accommodation at the last minute during peak seasons (can result in 50-100% higher rates)

Converting money at airports or hotels instead of using local banks or exchange houses (typically 5-10% worse rates)