This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Kuwait City.
Kuwait City, Kuwait, is the capital of the Middle Eastern country with the same name. Surrounded by the desert and the Persian Gulf, you can find a vibrant city that not many tourists have discovered yet.
Which areas belong to Kuwait and which are not is not considered the same by everyone. Some claim that areas such as Hawalli and Salmiya are neighbourhoods within Kuwait City, while others only consider downtown Kuwait with all its skyscrapers as Kuwait city and thus consider areas as Hawalli and Salmiya as different cities.
Within downtown Kuwait City, everything can be covered by foot, as the distances are short. Downtown Kuwait City is a mix of modern architecture with many skyscrapers and the typical Arabic architecture. You will see many locals wearing the traditional Arabic or Islamic dress. The locals are very friendly and will make sure you will not mistake them for ISIS or other terrorist groups. Despite the traditional dresses, some conservative thoughts from a Westerner's point of view, and the fact that you cannot stay in the same hostel or hotel room with someone from the opposite sex (proof of marriage is required), you may be surprised to see Victoria's Secret stores and Western fast food chains at the shopping malls. Marina Beach is the place to go outside downtown. Here, visitors can find a nice beach, boulevard, and mall.
As in most places in the Middle East, hostels in Kuwait City, Kuwait are in short supply. However, recently there have been hostels opened in the more popular places in the Middle East, so possibly this trend will expand to Kuwait, and some Kuwait City, Kuwait hostels will be opened in the near future. For now, other kinds of accommodation are your only choice. Budget accommodation is limited and accommodations do not tend to focus on solo travelers, so be sure to budget right if you are traveling alone.
Written by local enthusiast for Kuwait City hostels
Martin Straatman
