- The Kuwait Towers: These iconic towers offer breathtaking views of the city and its coastline. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant while taking in the panoramic views.
- The Grand Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Kuwait, this architectural marvel is a must-visit for its stunning design and peaceful ambiance.
- Failaka Island: This historical island is home to ancient ruins, museums, and beautiful beaches. It offers a unique glimpse into Kuwait’s rich history and culture.
- The Avenues Mall: Shopaholics will love exploring this massive mall, which is one of the largest in the Middle East. It offers a wide range of international brands, entertainment options, and delicious dining choices.
- The Liberation Tower: Standing at 372 meters tall, this tower symbolizes Kuwait’s liberation from Iraq. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
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Backpacking Kuwait in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Kuwait with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Kuwait
Welcome to Kuwait, a blend of modernity and Middle Eastern tradition. Pros? Experience a taste of Arabian hospitality, explore modern architecture, and enjoy a relatively safe environment. Kuwait offers a unique cultural experience, and transportation is efficient. However, the cost of living is higher, limiting budget options. For backpackers seeking a glimpse into Gulf culture with a touch of luxury, Kuwait stands as an intriguing destination, where the intersection of tradition and contemporary living creates a distinctive Middle Eastern adventure.
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Kuwait
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Kuwait
The best time to visit Kuwait for backpacking is during the winter months, from November to February. During this time, the weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This allows for enjoyable outdoor activities and exploration without being too hot. Additionally, this period is less crowded with tourists, offering a more authentic experience.
Risk level: low (33%)Safety advice for Kuwait
- The ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. There is an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests across the region. Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
- The ongoing conflict may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, flight diversions and other travel disruptions across the region.
- Conflicts in the Middle East and Gulf region could affect Kuwait. Monitor local and international media. If there's a security incident, follow the advice of local officials.
- There's an increased risk of terrorism in Kuwait, including threats against military bases. Maintain a high level of security awareness and be aware of your surroundings. Follow the advice of local authorities.
- Demonstrations and protests occur and can turn violent quickly. Protesters and security forces have clashed. Avoid large public gatherings. Take care, especially around Friday prayer times. It is illegal for non-Kuwaiti nationals to protest in Kuwait.
- Kuwait's crime rate is low. Armed robberies have been reported, notably in Jahra and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh.
- Driving can be dangerous due to high speeds and reckless driving, especially at night. Avoid driving on unmarked roads.
- Be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Sand and dust storms occur regularly. In the hottest months, between June and September, the temperatures are often above 50°C. Flooding can occur between December and January. Follow the advice of local authorities.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
KuwaitMy tips to get you on the way!Does Kuwait sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Kuwait. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Kuwait may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Kuwait. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Kuwait may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Kuwait, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Kuwait, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024