Between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Kuwait is renowned for its modern architecture, luxurious shopping malls, and vibrant culinary scene, offering a blend of traditional Arab cuisine and international flavours.
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The list of best things to do in Kuwait is brief; so a day or two is enough time to see the highlights.
Let’s Begin! 10 Best Things to Do in Kuwait
1) Spend the Morning at Souq Al-Mubarakiya
One of our favourite experiences in any new country is always to explore the local markets- and this souq, located in Kuwait City, did not disappoint.
Souq Al-Mubarakiya is one of Kuwait’s oldest and most famous markets. This bustling marketplace is a vibrant hub of traditional Kuwaiti culture, offering many goods and experiences to locals and visitors alike.
Stroll around and find diverse products, including spices, perfumes, textiles, traditional Kuwaiti garments, handicrafts, souvenirs, and more. The market is also known for its fresh produce section, where you can buy fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices – it’s a great place to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of Kuwaiti daily life.
In addition to shopping, Souq Al-Mubarakiya is home to various restaurants and food stalls serving delicious Kuwaiti cuisine and international dishes.
Visitors can enjoy traditional Kuwaiti dishes like kebabs, grilled fish, falafel, and sweets like baklava and kunafeh. The best things to do in Kuwait often include good food, it’s everywhere!
The market’s architecture is also worth admiring, with its traditional-style buildings and archways creating a charming atmosphere.
2) The Mirror House
The Mirror House, or the Khalifa & Lidia Qattan Art Museum, is a unique and artistic residence in Kuwait City. It is the creation of Lidia al-Qattan, an Italian artist, and her husband Khalifa al-Qattan, a Kuwaiti artist and engineer.
The Mirror House is renowned for its extraordinary interior and exterior designs, featuring intricate mosaic and mirror artworks covering almost every house surface. It creates a dazzling and reflective environment- it is very cool!
Visitors to the Mirror House can explore its various rooms, each adorned with stunning mosaic artwork, mirrors, and glass pieces.
The house also hosts art exhibitions and cultural events, making it a hub for the artistic community in Kuwait.
3) View the City from Kuwait Towers
A visit to the top of Kuwait Towers would have to be one of the best things to do in Kuwait.
A modern Kuwait landmark, these three towers on a cape by the Persian Gulf offer breathtaking views.
Marvel at the central tower, soaring 614 feet high, it boasts a restaurant, lounge, café, and a revolving viewing sphere at 400 feet for a panoramic city and gulf experience.
It’s open from 9:00 a.m to 11:00 p.m, entrance is 3 KWD (roughly 10 USD) for adults and 1.50 KWD (5 USD) for children aged 4 to 9.
4) Al Kout Beach
Visit the serene Al Kout Beach in Fahaheel; it offers a beautiful stretch of golden sands and clear blue waters.
Perfect for a relaxing day by the sea, the beach is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it an excellent spot for a leisurely seaside meal.
Families and beachgoers can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and soaking in the peaceful ambience, making Al Kout Beach a delightful day getaway.
5) Visit the Tareq Rajab Museum
The Tareq Rajab Museum in Kuwait is a renowned private museum with an extensive collection of Islamic art, artifacts, and historical objects.
Visitors can explore diverse exhibits, including traditional Islamic ceramics, textiles, jewellery, musical instruments, and calligraphy.
The Museum also features a remarkable display of antique Islamic manuscripts, manuscripts related to Kuwait’s history, and an intriguing collection of traditional costumes from various countries in the region.
The Museum is well-known for its impressive collection of Islamic arms and armour, showcasing a variety of swords, daggers, and other weapons from different periods and regions – it offers a unique opportunity to learn about Islamic civilisations’ cultural and artistic heritage.
6) Visit the Grand Mosque
Catch a taxi to the Grand Mosque in Kuwait, the largest and official mosque in the country. Its impressive interior ranks it among the top 10 best things to do in Kuwait.
It blends traditional Islamic and modern design, accommodating thousands of worshippers.
Free guided tours in English are available from Sunday to Thursday at 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, and 6:30 pm, lasting about 25 minutes, providing an excellent opportunity to learn about the mosque and Islam.
- 🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation in advance on Booking.com
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7) Day Tour to Failaka Island
Take an hour-long ferry ride from the city, and you’ll land on Failaka, a Kuwaiti island steeped in history. Inhabited since 2000 BC by the lively Mesopotamians, it held the title of Kuwait’s longest continuously inhabited spot.
But then, the Gulf War changed everything: Iraq invaded, forcing over 2,000 residents and bustling schools to evacuate to the mainland.
Now, the island echoes with the past – abandoned homes and buildings slowly crumbling, a poignant reminder of the war’s devastating impact.
A visit here unveils a haunting open-air museum of war’s aftermath.
8) Stroll around Avenues Mall – One of the best things to do in Kuwait
Indulge in a shopping extravaganza at Kuwait’s largest mall, boasting 1,100 stores, cinemas, spas, and hotels. This place is massive!
Influenced by British heritage, you’ll find familiar brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Jack Wills alongside American favourites and big-name brands.
If you’re a food lover like us, explore global flavours in one of the many international restaurants. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, the vast mall offers ample space for leisurely strolls, exercise, and people-watching.
And perhaps you’ll be asked to pose for a photo with some smiling locals too!
9) Visit the Kuwait National Museum
Designed by French architect Michel Ecochard, this former pride of Kuwait, now recovered from the Iraqi invasion, serves as an invaluable window into the country’s history and traditions.
The museum, comprising five interconnected buildings surrounding a central courtyard, is divided into four sections: Kuwait Heritage Museum, Archaeological Museum, Boom Al Mouhallab, and the planetarium.
Visitors can explore artifacts like a 17th-century chess game, coins, a Bedouin tent, and more. Entry is free!
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10) Al Shaheed Park
Relax in the green oasis of Al Shaheed Park, a sprawling urban park featuring beautiful gardens, walking trails, modern architecture, and cultural spaces.
It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely day outdoors. Even better, stop by at the markets to pick up some ingredients such as dips, mezze, fruit and bread – and take it to the park to enjoy a picnic.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kuwait
Kuwait experiences scorching summers, reaching up to 50°C, which even locals find challenging. Consequently, the high season falls in February and March when the weather is more pleasant.
Kuwaitis particularly relish the winter season. For the most comfortable visit, consider planning your trip during the mild seasons of Autumn and Spring.
How to Get Around in Kuwait
Car or Taxi
Like many Middle Eastern countries, exploring Kuwait is best with your own transportation. We recommend you check Discover Cars for the best rates for car rental.
If you’re just here for a few days and are not too keen on driving, then taxis may be your best option. Taxis are expensive here, though, so be prepared for this.
Within Kuwait City, getting around is convenient with taxis and Uber, allowing you to visit the best things to do in Kuwait.
City Bus
The most budget-friendly option for navigating Kuwait is the bus system. The government-run buses in Kuwait City are surprisingly efficient and relatively inexpensive.
You can purchase a one-day city bus pass for just 1KD (approximately 3 USD), making it an affordable and accessible way to explore the city.
You can easily plan your bus routes in Kuwait City by downloading the City Bus Kuwait App or visiting their helpful website.
The Kuwait City Bus service also offers connections from the airport to downtown Kuwait, making it a convenient option to consider when travelling to your hotel in Kuwait.
Travelling in other Gulf countries? We recommend a Road Trip in Oman. Check out our ULTIMATE 7 Day Itinerary!
Where to Stay In Kuwait City
We recommend booking a hotel room in downtown Kuwait City, as it makes sense to access public transport and reach the city’s attractions easily.
These are our hotel recommendations for every budget in the downtown area of Kuwait City.
Luxury Hotels
Four Points by Sheraton: Located in a central position in Kuwait’s commercial and financial centre, this 4-star hotel is around 1 km from Kuwait National Museum. Excellent facilities, highly recommended. Check Price & Availability
Grand Hyatt Kuwait: This beautiful hotel is in a perfect location with direct access to the Mall. Outstanding past customer reviews, a reliable choice. Check Price & Availability
Mid-Range Hotels
Residence Inn by Marriott Kuwait City: Spacious, comfortable rooms with excellent facilities. They provide a fantastic breakfast too! Check Price & Availability
Swiss-Belinn Sharq, Kuwait: Located in the centre of Kuwait, Swiss-Belinn Sharq features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, free private parking and room service. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and city views. This property offers great value. Check Price & Availability
Budget Hotels
Ibis Sharq Hotel: This hotel offers good value for guests. Located in the heart of Kuwait city, 5 minutes from Kuwait business hub, across from Al-Hamra Luxury Shopping Mall and Commercial Tower. This hotel is just 2 km from Kuwait Towers, Souq Sharq and Mubarkia traditional Souq. View Price & Availability
City View Hotel: All rooms are air-conditioned, with a wardrobe, a kettle, a minibar, a safety deposit box, and a flat-screen TV. The hotel is in a great location and we recommend this as a solid budget option. Check Price & Availability
We hope you enjoy your visit to Kuwait as much as we did. A small country with very welcoming and friendly people. Are we missing your favourite things to do in Kuwait? Please share them with us in the comments below.
Travel Tips for Asia
We have many travel guides and tips for Asia— a fascinating continent!
Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Asia, and our food map of Asia will inspire your food journey.
These top 5 best street foods in Asia are unmissable! We explain Central Asian food, including seven popular foods in this region.
Our Southeast Asia packing list will be helpful if you’re travelling here.
Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.
Not surprisingly, our top 10 best countries for food lovers include a few Asian countries.
You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Asia. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual Asian countries, or consider a regional eSIM for Asia (which covers 18 countries).
If your travels in Asia are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.
If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. View the best deals on group tours in Asia.
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View the travel gear we use on the road, and don’t miss our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.
Travel Planning Resources
✈️ Flights: We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.
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🚌 Transportation: Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.
🚘 Car Rental: We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.
👫 Group Tours: G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar.
📸 Day Tours & Trips: GetYourGuide & Viator are the only two platforms you need.
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