Kuwait City is built for cars, not pedestrians. The roads are wide, well-paved, and well-signposted in Arabic and English, but walking between areas is often impractical due to distances and the lack of pavements.
Taxis are the easiest option for visitors. Orange taxis can be flagged on the street, while white call taxis are booked through hotels or by phone and are more reliable. Meters are rarely used -- negotiate your fare before getting in. Ride-hailing apps (Careem, Uber) work well and take the guesswork out of pricing.
Buses are cheap but confusing. Route numbers correspond to destinations, but schedules are erratic. They are used mainly by the city's large expatriate workforce rather than tourists.
Rental cars give you the most freedom. You will need an international licence, though some agencies are flexible. Be prepared for aggressive driving -- Kuwait City is notorious for fast, unpredictable motorists. Take extra care on the highways.
Within the central area, particularly around Souk Al-Mubarakiya and the waterfront, walking is feasible and pleasant, especially in the cooler months. The trip to Salmiya takes about 10 minutes by taxi.