Kuwait 2 Day Itinerary

2-Day Kuwait Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on the historical and cultural aspects of Kuwait, with a bit of modern fun thrown in!

Day 1: Exploring the Past & Present

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Kuwait (9am - 1pm & 4pm - 8pm).

    • Things to know: This museum offers a fascinating journey through Kuwait’s history, from its ancient beginnings to the present day. Be sure to check out the exhibits on the country’s archaeological treasures, maritime heritage, and the evolution of Kuwaiti society.

  • Afternoon: Explore the bustling souks (markets) of Kuwait City, such as:

    • Souk Al-Mubarakiya: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of traditional Arab commerce at this historic market.

      Things to know:

      • Haggling is expected and part of the fun!
      • Be sure to check out the spice market, the gold souk, and the traditional Kuwaiti clothing shops.

    • The Avenues Mall: Experience Kuwait’s modern shopping scene at one of the largest malls in the world.

      Things to know:

      • Kuwait City is a bustling hub for traditional and modern shopping, dining, and entertainment.
      • Day 1: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Souk Al-Mubarakiya, but be prepared for crowds and a fast-paced environment. You can find delicious street food, unique spices, and beautiful handwoven carpets and textiles here.

    • Kuwait Towers: Marvel at these iconic landmarks that symbolize Kuwait’s progress and modernization.

      Things to know: The towers are open to the public for visits.

  • Evening: Stroll along the vibrant Souk Al-Mubarakiya, experiencing the heart of traditional Kuwaiti commerce. Enjoy a delicious dinner of local specialties like machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish), kabsa (a similar dish to machboos, but often featuring vegetables and dried fruits), or shawarma.

Day 2: History, Culture, and Relaxation

  • Morning:

    • Kuwait National Assembly Building: Admire the impressive architecture of this modern legislative landmark.

    • Things to know:

      • The building is a stunning example of Kuwaiti Islamic architecture.
      • Respectful attire (covered shoulders and knees) is required for visitors.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Kuwait:

    • Kuwait National Museum: Explore the fascinating historical exhibits, focusing on the nation’s political, social, and cultural development.
    • The Sadu House: Delve into the traditional art of weaving with a guided tour and discover the intricate designs and techniques used to create beautiful Kuwaiti textiles.

  • Evening: Immerse yourself in the culture and history:

    • Kuwait National Museum: Experience the interactive displays and learn about Kuwait’s past through hands-on exhibits and historical artifacts.
    • Kuwait Towers are a landmark, offering stunning views of the city.

Things to know for Tourists:

  • Visa Requirements: Check with your local Kuwait embassy or consulate for current visa requirements. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival in Kuwait, but it’s essential to ensure you have the necessary travel documents and any required visas before arriving.

  • Transportation:

    • Taxis are readily available in Kuwait. You can hail them on the street or use ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber.

  • Culture:

    • Be aware of cultural sensitivities.

  • Dress Code:

    • Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. This is especially important when visiting religious sites.

  • Currency: The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) is the official currency.

  • Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

  • Things to Consider:

    • The best time to visit Kuwait is during the cooler months (October - April).
    • Be prepared for hot weather in general.

Transportation Tips:

  • Taxis:

    • Taxis are readily available but it’s a good idea to use a ride-hailing app to avoid confusion and haggling.

  • Public Transportation: Public transportation is limited in Kuwait, so using taxis or ride-sharing services is recommended for convenient travel within the city.

  • Dress Code:

    • While not strictly enforced, it’s still best to be respectful of local customs by dressing conservatively when visiting the mosque.

Things to do:

  • Culture:

    • Visit the Kuwait National Museum and the Sadu House for a deeper understanding of Kuwait’s rich history and cultural heritage.

  • Shopping:

    • Experience the hustle and bustle of the souks, particularly Souk Al-Mubarakiya, which offers a unique opportunity to explore local crafts, spices, and traditional clothing and food items.

  • Food:

    • Kuwait Towers offer panoramic views from their observation decks.

  • Historical Sites:

  • Kuwait National Museum: Explore the history of Kuwait through its exhibitions on archaeology, art, and culture.

  • Cultural Experiences:

    • Consider visiting a traditional Kuwaiti souk, such as the Souk Al-Mubarakiya, to experience local life.

Important Notes:

  • Climate: Be prepared for the intense heat during the summer months in Kuwait.
  • Dress Code: Remember that it is customary for women to cover their heads and wear loose clothing when visiting religious sites, out of respect for Islamic traditions.

Things to Consider:

  • Visa Requirements: Be sure to check if you need a visa before travelling to Kuwait, as some nationalities can only get one through specific processes.

  • Cultural Sensitivity:

    • Research and respect local customs. This is crucial when visiting a new country, and Kuwait is no exception. The key here is modesty - both in dress and behaviour.

For a more comprehensive experience:

  • Traditional Markets: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kuwait’s souks.

    • Consider:
      • Souk Al-Mubarakiya (Kuwait City)
      • Souk Sharq (Kuwait City)
      • Al-Seif Palace
      • The Avenues Mall (Kuwait City)

    Things to Remember:

  • Respectful Attire: While Kuwait has a more relaxed dress code than some other countries in the region, it’s still best to dress conservatively.

  • Weather:

  • Visa Requirements:

For a More Immersive Experience (Traditional Markets):

  • Respect Local Customs:

    • Remember that the Kuwait City is a Muslim city, and while you are not required to wear traditional clothing, it’s important to understand the local culture.
    • Dress appropriately: Women should cover their hair and shoulders when entering a mosque or other religious sites.

For a More Immersive Experience (Historical Sites):

  • Weather:

  • Religious Etiquette: Dress modestly and respectfully, covering your head and shoulders as a sign of respect for the Dinar.

The Kuwait National Museum:

  • You’ll want to visit the Kuwait City Museum.

Public Transportation:

  • Visa Requirements:

  • Cultural Sensitivity:

  • Ramadan: Be mindful that some public transportation options may be limited during Ramadan, and it’s important to be respectful of those who are fasting.

    Consider:

  • Avoiding rush hour: Traffic can be congested in Kuwait, especially during the summer months. Consider visiting museums outside of peak hours for a less crowded experience.

  • Respectful Dress:

    • Dress modestly and respectfully for traditional Kuwaiti architecture.
    • Transportation Etiquette:

  • Dress Code:

    • Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering a mosque or religious site.

Enjoy Your Trip!

Remember, these are just suggestions. You can always tailor the itinerary to your own interests and time constraints.