Visiting Kuwait for the First Time? Here’s What You Need to Know
Although Kuwait might not be one of your top travel destinations in the Middle East, it surely does provide an intriguing travel experience. The unique country might not have a long checklist of sights to see, but it provides visitors with fascinating attractions and natural wonders with a certain Arab charm and modernity. Kuwait is an ideal destination for a short and quiet vacation that remains an oasis in a land of desert plains. Moreover, the availability of luxurious hotels in Kuwait will only make your stay more pleasant and memorable.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re visiting Kuwait for the first time.
Best time to travel
During the summer, Kuwait can get unbearably hot, with temperatures soaring to 45 degrees. Therefore we suggest that you visit during the winter months. The best time to visit Kuwait is generally between November and February, when the temperatures are relatively cooler and there is minimal rainfall.
Visiting during spring (between February and April) is also a great option if you want to experience some exciting outdoor activities.
Getting around in the city
Since Kuwait is a small country with an efficient transport system, getting around is easy. If you plan on staying in Kuwait city, you will find well-maintained roads with most attractions in the vicinity or a short taxi ride away.
Travelling by bus is relatively cheap, but it can get crowded. Bus lines such as KPTC, KGL and City Bus regularly operate in Kuwait and cater to an extensive network of routes in all major cities. You will also find taxi services in Kuwait, which can be identified by their orange license plates. Some taxis have fare metres but are rarely used; hence, they can sometimes get costly.
Fascinating attractions
The sandy landscapes, modern skyscrapers and traditional souqs provide an excellent experience for most visitors to Kuwait. Some of the most famous attractions and landmarks include the Grand Mosque, known for its stately features, the three Kuwait towers with a magnificent viewing platform and the ‘House of Mirrors’ – a museum covered in mirrors which is also the residence of the Italian-Kuwaiti artist Lidia Al Qattan.
About an hour’s ferry ride from the city is Failaka Island. This exciting destination is usually brimming with tourist activity and trendy cafes. The island is an archaeological site that allows visitors to witness Kuwait’s rich heritage, culture, and exhilarating watersports. Besides the spots mentioned above, you can also visit Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, Avenues Mall, Souk Mubarakiya, Kuwait National Museum and the pristine white Messilah Beach.
Customs and laws
Kuwait is a perfectly safe country for tourists and residents. However, visitors must be mindful of certain things if they visit for the first time. One of them is being conscious of the local culture, traditions and religious sentiments. If you visit Kuwait during the holy month of Ramadan, make sure you do not publicly eat, drink, smoke or chew gum. Also, keep in mind that alcohol, pork, homosexuality, cross-dressing etc., is illegal. Please carefully research Kuwait’s rules and regulations before embarking on your trip.
Conclusion
Visiting a Gulf nation like Kuwait can be great if you wish to learn about the culture and are willing to stick to the rules. Kuwait is also the only country in the Gulf region to have a theatrical tradition, with Kuwaiti poetry films, tv-series and music flourishing in the neighbouring countries as well. The country also offers a different kind of experience and mesmerising Islamic architecture.
