Kuwait City Layover
Mar 02, 2009 | Comments 0
Stuck on a layover in Kuwait City? Within the last five years, the Kuwait International Airport has gotten a $60 million dollar expansion and facelift, including new state of the art facilities. Make sure, before you venture out of the airport, that you have a pre-arranged visa, if needed. (For a quick check of visa requirements, check the widget on the right hand column of this page.) The airport is located roughly 10 miles from downtown Kuwait City, which makes it an accessible destination for those stuck on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Kuwait City layover, click here for useful tips.
If you’re stuck in the airport, there is now a Kids Zone, as well duty free shopping. There are also a few prayer areas, a nursery and restaurants and cafes, and a medical center. In addition, there is also an Airport Mall, designed in the shape of an aircraft, linked to the main terminals’ Arrival and Departure Halls, that can help you pass the time.
The Safir Airport Hotel located a hundred meters from the main terminal, which you can email for more information at safirairport@safirhotels.com. Passengers who have an 8+ hours wait for their connecting flight, are entitled to a free room, courtesy of the airline.
Taxis into Kuwait City are available on the ground floor, outside Arrivals and are the most practical form of travel in Kuwait (fares are negotiable). There are also buses outside arrivals that take you into the city. Travel time is roughly 30 minutes to the city (keep in mind at times there can be traffic).
Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Kuwait City Layover:
Kuwait Towers
One of Kuwait’s top tourist attractions, the three Kuwait Towers are located on the Arabian Gulf in the Sharq Souk area. The first tower features a Viewing Sphere with great views, as well as a rotating platform. The bottom of the staircase in the second sphere displays photos of the destruction done by the Iraqis, and in the lower sphere you can find the Ofok restaurant.
Liberation Tower
The Liberation Tower is the tallest structure in Kuwait and one of the tallest telecommunications towers in the world. Tourists can visit the revolving observation tower and restaurant at 492ft up, and get a great view (check ahead – recently the platform and restaurant were closed due to security reasons).
Elysium Health Spa
Elysium Health Spa is located next to the Sharq Souk on Arabian Gulf Road, and is the epitome of luxury spa treatments in Kuwait City. Perfect for rejuvenation from a long layover, the spa mixes of eastern and western treatment options, as well as a fitness room and a temperature controlled pool. The spa caters to Kuwaiti culture, with prayer areas and separation of the sexes. (Tel: +965 245 3930)
Villa Moda
This 100,000 square foot mall is Kuwait City’s new shopping emporium for the well-to-do. Made of all glass, this isn’t for the bargain hunters, but for those who have some serious money to spend (or just want the experience). The mall carries many major name brands and also is known to display art exhibitions.
Tareq Rajab Museum
The Tareq Rajab Museum has a collection of over thirty thousand items including ceramics, manuscripts, metalwork, musical instruments, textiles, costumes and silver jewelry made in the Islamic world over the last 250 years.
Have a suggestion for a Kuwait City layover? Leave a comment below!
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Filed Under: Middle East • Spa • airport • hotel • layover • museums • shopping • transportation • travel • visa
