Hawalli
Introduction
Hawalli is an area in the State of Kuwait and gives its name to the Hawalli Governorate, the governorate of which it is part.
Getting there
Hawalli sits within the greater Kuwait City metropolitan area, so you reach it as part of a trip to the capital rather than as a separate journey. Kuwait International Airport is the main gateway to the country, and from there you continue into the city by road.
Getting around
Hawalli is a compact, urban part of Kuwait, and getting around it is straightforward: mix walking for short local trips with taxis, ride-hailing or buses for anything longer. Because Hawalli sits within Kuwait's wider urban area, the transport you use here is the same transport you would use to reach neighbouring districts, so there is no separate local system to learn. Walking is realistic for short journeys within a district and is often the simplest way to reach nearby shops, restaurants and services, but it suits local hops rather than covering the whole governorate. Plan walking routes along main, well-lit streets and be mindful of the heat during the middle of the day.
There is no metro or tram network in operation, so do not build an itinerary around catching a train between districts; plan around road-based transport instead. Buses form the backbone of public transport and are the main lower-cost alternative to taxis, running along the main roads that connect the district with the rest of the city. Identify the main road nearest your accommodation, ask at your hotel or with locals about the routes serving your destination, and allow extra time since buses follow set routes and stops rather than going door to door. Sort out ticketing locally, on boarding or through the operator, and ask whether a multi-journey or day pass is available if you plan to travel by bus often. Taxis and ride-hailing are the most flexible option for door-to-door journeys, especially with luggage or when heading off the main bus routes; agree the fare or confirm the meter is running before you set off, and for ride-hailing make sure you have a working data connection or Wi-Fi. Arriving by air, your options are the same: taxi is the most direct, ride-hailing gives you a pre-agreed fare with pickup at a designated point rather than the terminal door, and bus is the cheapest but slower and less direct. Whichever you choose, have your accommodation address written in Arabic as well as English and sort out payment before leaving the terminal.
Where to stay
Hawally is home to numerous international hotels, and the properties listed here cluster in Salmiya, giving you a choice of chain-style comfort close to the water. If you want the full set of chain-hotel amenities, look to Best Western Plus Salmiya on Sayed Yaseen Street in Block 9, which adds a restaurant, a massage service, and a gym with a view of the sea. Another tower option is ibis Kuwait Salmiya on Salem Al Mubarak Street, which has a rooftop terrace and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Best Western Plus Salmiya — Block 9, Sayed Yaseen Street, Bld 37; chain-hotel amenities plus restaurant, massage service, and gym with sea view.
- ibis Kuwait Salmiya — Salem Al Mubarak Street, Salmiya; hotel tower with rooftop terrace and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Salmiya International Hotel — Al Dimna St. 5 Ln, Salmiya; restaurant, buffet breakfast, and wifi.
- Symphony Style Kuwait, A Radisson Collection Hotel — Symphony Style Mall, Arabian Gulf Road; premier hotel overlooking the sea.
For a more upscale stay, Symphony Style Kuwait, part of the Radisson Collection, is a premier hotel overlooking the sea at Symphony Style Mall on Arabian Gulf Road. Salmiya International Hotel on Al Dimna St. 5 Ln is a simpler choice with a restaurant, buffet breakfast, and wifi.
Food & drink
Hawalli is home to dozens of restaurants of every description, so you can eat your way through the district without ever settling on a single cuisine. Whatever you are in the mood for, the neighbourhood's sheer variety means there is very likely a place serving it.
What to see and do
For sport, head to the Al Qadsiya sports club, whose football stadium is among the best known in Kuwait and hosts international matches. In the centre of the governorate you'll find Hawally Park, a theme park, with the upscale shops of Muhallab Mall close by. For a quieter outing, the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy in Jabriya displays its collection daily except Fridays, and the Bayan Botanical Garden offers indoor and outdoor plant exhibits.Three days in Hawalli
Day one: Arriving at Kuwait International Airport, you can reach Hawalli by taxi or bus. Because Hawalli sits within Hawalli Governorate, close to Kuwait City, it makes a practical base. Walking around the State of Kuwait's Hawalli area lets you sort out Wi-Fi and identify transport options. Whichever language you use, Arabic or English, signs and staff in Kuwait are often bilingual. Plan your first evening gently, getting your bearings in Hawalli itself.
Day two: Head to Salmiya, also spelled Hawally, for a fuller day. Buses and taxis connect it with Hawalli. Walk Salem Al Mubarak Street and Al Dimna St, where you will find addresses such as Bld and Ln, plus places like Sayed Yaseen Street and Block. Among the options are the Best Western Plus Salmiya, the Kuwait Salmiya, the Salmiya International Hotel, and the Symphony Style Kuwait, a Radisson Collection Hotel. The Symphony Style Mall and the Arabian Gulf Road are also here. For a change of scene, Kuwait City is within reach.
Day three: Use your last day to revisit what you liked best in Hawalli and Salmiya. Sort any remaining errands, confirm your transport back to Kuwait International Airport, and allow time for the drive. There is another side to the area if you look beyond the main streets. Whichever route you take, keep the day simple so you leave the State of Kuwait without rushing.