- Kuwait sees few tourists, so it feels authentic and uncrowded
- Direct flights from Heathrow take around six hours
- Alcohol is completely banned
- Summer heat regularly passes 45°C, so go in winter
- Airports
- Kuwait International (KWI), about 20-30 minutes from Kuwait City
- Flight time
- about 6h from London direct
- Best time to go
- November-March
- Currency
- Kuwaiti dinar (KWD)
Kuwait is the Gulf state most travellers fly over rather than into, which is exactly its appeal. There are no mega-resorts or theme parks here; instead you get a confident, wealthy city on a wide bay, landmark modern architecture, atmospheric souqs and some of the region's best museums. Kuwaitis are famously sociable, and eating out, from mutabbaq fish to machboos rice, is close to a national pastime.
Kuwait is three hours ahead of the UK in winter and two hours ahead in British Summer Time. Plugs are mainly type G, as in the UK, traffic drives on the right, and the weekend is Friday and Saturday. Alcohol is illegal and cannot be brought in. For the wider picture, see our Middle East guide, along with neighbouring Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Safety and travel advice
Kuwait was among the Gulf states hit by Iranian strikes on US-linked sites during 2026, and the FCDO warns of possible airspace closures, cancellations and further escalation. The FCDO also advises against all travel to within 5 km of the Kuwait-Iraq border on the Iraqi side. Read the latest GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Kuwait before booking and before you travel.
Things to do
- Kuwait Towers: the blue-tiled spheres on the corniche are the national symbol; the observation sphere gives views across the bay.
- Grand Mosque: the largest mosque in the country, with free guided tours for visitors outside prayer times.
- Souq Al-Mubarakiya: one of the oldest markets in the Gulf, great for dates, spices, oud and a cheap, delicious lunch.
- Tareq Rajab Museum: a remarkable private collection of Islamic art, calligraphy, jewellery and costume.
- Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre and Al Shaheed Park: striking modern architecture, a lively arts programme and green space in the city centre.
- Failaka Island: a ferry ride away, with Bronze Age and Hellenistic remains and a village still scarred by the 1990-91 Iraqi occupation.
- The corniche and Souq Sharq: evening strolls, fishing dhows and waterfront restaurants.
Where to stay
- Kuwait City centre and Sharq: near the souqs, museums and the corniche, with business and luxury hotels.
- Salmiya: a busy seafront district full of cafés, malls and mid-range hotels.
- Mahboula and Fintas: quieter seafront areas south of the city with beach resorts and apartments.
Getting there
British Airways and Kuwait Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Kuwait in around six hours. From Manchester and other UK airports, connect via Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul. British passport holders can usually get an eVisa or a visa on arrival; check current rules before you go. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the practical way to get around; a hire car suits confident drivers.
Good to know
- Money: the Kuwaiti dinar is the world's highest-valued currency unit; cards are widely accepted.
- Food: machboos, mutabbaq zubaidi (fried pomfret) and gabout dumplings, plus a huge café and dessert scene.
- Etiquette: avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during Ramadan daylight hours, and avoid photographing government or oil facilities.
- Getting around: there is no metro, so taxis and ride-hailing apps are the norm; driving is fast and roads are busy.
- Day out: Failaka Island ferries run from Ras Salmiya; check timings, as services vary by season.
Best time to visit
November to March brings pleasant days of roughly 18-25°C and cool evenings, with occasional rain and dust storms. Spring can be lovely before the heat builds in May. From June to September Kuwait is one of the hottest places on Earth, with temperatures often above 45°C and sometimes nudging 50°C. Ramadan changes daytime opening hours, but evenings come alive.
Head to Souq Al-Mubarakiya in the early evening, when the heat drops and locals arrive for grilled fish, tea and conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kuwait worth visiting?
It suits travellers who enjoy architecture, museums, food and seeing a Gulf country without the tourist crowds. It works well as a long weekend or stopover rather than a beach holiday.
Is alcohol allowed in Kuwait?
No. Alcohol is completely banned, including in hotels, and bringing it into the country is a criminal offence.
What is the dress code in Kuwait?
Dress modestly in public, covering shoulders and knees. Women do not need to cover their hair except when visiting mosques, which usually lend suitable clothing.
How long should I spend in Kuwait?
Two or three days covers Kuwait City's main sights, with an extra day for Failaka Island.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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