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Tucked between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Kuwait has long been known for its oil exploits. It’s often overlooked by travelers when considering travel destinations in the Middle East. However, the country has more to it than just oil.

There are many things to do in Kuwait for every traveler, from history buffs and art lovers to the gourmands and beach bums. It’s a nation defined by golden deserts, turquoise waters, a rich history, and many modern wonders.

To help you get started on your plans, here’s a list of the best things to do in Kuwait.

Tip: Kuwait isn’t cheap by any stretch of the imagination, so read some tips on visiting an expensive destination on a backpacker’s budget.

Things to Do in Kuwait City

When it comes to the bulk of the country’s best things to do, Kuwait City is host to most of them. The Kuwait capital’s attractions include cultural, modern, and historical points of interest, including the following.

Kuwait Towers

Kuwait Towers in Kuwait City

The Kuwait Towers blend traditional Islamic influences perfectly with modern-day architecture, making for Kuwait’s most famous landmark. The three towers overlook the Persian Gulf and Kuwait city, with the main tower being 614 feet high.

The Discovery Ball, the viewing sphere on the main tower, stands about 400 feet off the ground and offers 360-degree unparalleled views.

But the fun doesn’t stop there; it’s also home to a restaurant serving oriental and international delicacies. Splendid views and incredible dishes, I can’t imagine anything beating that.

Open from 9 am to 11 pm, entry into the Discovery Ball costs 3 KWD (around $10).

The Avenues Mall

Whoever coined the term “shop ‘til you drop” must’ve foreseen The Avenues Mall, Kuwait’s largest shopping complex. I don’t say that lightly; over a thousand stores are found in this shopping haven, so you’ll never run out of options.

Avenues Mall is replete with both international and local shops with products ranging from luxurious products to fantastic souvenirs. The food is just as diverse, with cafes and restaurants with cuisine from the likes of France, Turkey, Italian, and more.

Souk Al Mubarakiya

Fruits at a Market in Kuwait

If shopping at a mall isn’t your thing, you can go for more traditional shopping at Souq Al-Mubarakiya. This is one of the oldest markets in Kuwait. Being one of the best places to visit in Kuwait, you can spend hours here.

It’s remained largely unchanged and offers a glimpse into the Kuwait of old with an old-fashioned aesthetic.

Go on the hunt for authentic Kuwaiti goods like antiques, jewelry, and clothing, all at affordable rates. There’s also a free museum to learn a little more about Kuwait.

The market is the perfect place to delight your taste buds with authentic Arab bites. The shops and stalls also have sweets, spices, fresh fruit, vegetables, and souvenirs worth buying.

Tareq Rajab Museum

The Tareq Rajab Museum is the perfect stop if you’re a history buff. It’s home to the personal collection of Kuwait’s first minister, Tareq Rajab, and his wife.

The fantastic collection comprises over 30000 items and includes jewelry, ceramics, pottery, musical instruments, Islamic art, and more.

Kuwait National Museum

Boom Al Mouhallab in Kuwait
Image from Wikimedia Commons

Kuwait is a country with a fascinating, storied history that goes back centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or not, it’s absolutely worth a visit to understand what makes the nation great.

Most of that history can be found at the Kuwait National Museum, which was the brainchild of French architect Michel Ecochard.

The richness of Kuwait’s history is apparent in the museum being separated into four parts. This includes the planetarium, the Archaeological Museum, the Kuwait Heritage Museum, and the Boom Al Muhallab, each featuring unique exhibitions.

At the Kuwait Heritage Museum, you can find sculptures and paintings that depict how Kuwaitis lived in the past.

The Archaeological Museum features antiques like wood doors, jewelry, pottery, and more. Other items on display are miniature rockets and the Boom Al Muhallab dhow that sailed Kuwaiti waters in the 1940s.

Entrance to all exhibitions is free of charge.

Mirror House

Mirror House in Kuwait
Image from Mirror House

Kuwait isn’t all history, though; it also has something for the art enthusiast.

The Mirror House, also known as the Khalifa and Lidia Qattan Art Museum, is a normal house-turned-art exhibition thanks to Italian artist Lidia Qattan. She worked to turn their home into a fantastic work of art.

Today, it stands as one of the more unique tourist attractions in Kuwait that draws in hordes of visitors from across the globe.

Walk from room to room, and you’ll find each covered in mirror mosaics with a distinct theme inspired by the world. This includes the Sea World Hall, the Shark Basin, the Zodiac Hall, and more.

The first floor of the house is dedicated to the Qattan’s Art Gallery, which displays artwork by both Khalifa and Lidia Qattan.

Lidia’s section takes inspiration from recycling, the galaxy, and art therapy. Khalifa’s section takes inspiration from the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and its evolution.

The entrance fee is just 3 KWD (around $10), and you also have the opportunity to buy some of Lidia’s books, paintings, sculptures, and the like.

It’s open from 10 am daily but remains closed on Fridays. You can only visit here by appointment, which must be made 24 hours before your stop.

Beaches

For all its glitz and glamor, Kuwait has plenty of natural beauty that perfectly contrasts with its city landscapes.

This includes gorgeous beaches boasting clear, turquoise waters and an incredible stretch of sandy shorelines. Visiting these beaches is one of the best Kuwait City outdoor activities.

Many are free and open to the public, but there are private beaches that belong to various hotels. The best public beaches are Marina, Al Mahboula, and Salmiya beach; they boast clear waters and clean coastlines.

They’re perfect for escaping the Kuwait heat with a swim, enjoying a picnic, or turning into a beach bum just soaking up the rays.

Grand Mosque

Grand Mosque in Kuwait

Whether you’re Muslim or not, you’ll surely appreciate Kuwait’s Grand Mosque. Measuring over 200,000 square feet, it’s the country’s biggest mosque.

It’s easily one of the best places in Kuwait and boasts incredible Islamic architecture, highlighted by the central dome. Its blue and gold interior is mesmerizing, as are its Andalusian-style tiles and ornamental calligraphy.

You can see the mosque’s beauty through a free guided tour, which must be booked in advance. As a mosque, you’re to dress appropriately, although you’ll find headscarves and abayas available for borrowing.

Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Cultural Centre

Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Cultural Centre in Kuwait City

If you love performance art and architecture, take some time to visit the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Cultural Centre in Kuwait City. It is a stunning

The center consists of four buildings sitting like jewels on a landscape, waiting to be discovered.

Each building is covered with a steel skeleton, encased in a sparkling titanium and glass skin that captures light through its complex geometric forms inspired by Islamic architecture.

The interiors have a beautiful play of lights and shadows, and the foyers feature decorative calligraphy across the four pavilions, where more than 8,000 sqm of calligraphy is designed into the cladding of the theaters, concert halls, and libraries.

Watch an opera performance, a play, or any other show currently on their calendar. Or, walk around its public park and enjoy a drink, meal, or snack at one of its many restaurants.

More Kuwait Things to Do

Here’s a list of things to do in Kuwait outside of Kuwait City.

Scuba Diving

Things to Do in Kuwait: What to Do & Top Tourist Attractions 1

While Kuwait isn’t one of the first countries that come to mind when thinking about underwater adventures, it doesn’t have a shortage of ocean thrills. Kuwait’s coastlines stretch miles and miles of beautiful reefs and feature a diverse range of marine life.

The best place to see Kuwait’s underwater beauty is Kobar Island, a prime scuba diving destination. It’s just 19 miles from the south of Kuwait and boasts gorgeous, azure waters.

A colony of seabirds will likely welcome you but find marine life like triggerfish, barracudas, and more.

Other places to enjoy scuba diving are Umm al Maradim island, Qaruh Island, and Donkey Reef, where turtles, jawfish, flatheads, and puffer fish reside.

Failaka Island

Failaka Island

The tiny Failaka Island is the perfect getaway from Kuwait’s hustle and bustle and sits just an hour ferry ride from Kuwait city. The island is barely habited after the Iraqi invasion destroyed most of its infrastructure and forced all inhabitants to jump ship.

It’s now an untouched island featuring beauty and a long list of fun activities. It’s also become an open-air monument to remember the devastation of war for anyone wanting to pay their respects.

Land here, and you’ll be taken to days past by the ancient remains, war-torn buildings, and dilapidated ghost houses. There’s a restaurant selling authentic Kuwaiti dishes, perfect for a bite while strolling around the island.

You also have the opportunity to go sailing and fishing on the island’s calm waters.

Norbert in Failaka

Honestly, for its history, culture, and activities, Failaka was one of my favorite highlights in Kuwait.

Ferries to Failaka Island depart from Ras Salmiya (also known as Ras Al Ard). They run daily, departing at 8:15 am and returning at 12:30 pm, except Saturdays.

Departure times might vary slightly, so it’s recommended you check the latest schedule at the terminal and book your ticket ahead of time. The ferry terminal in Kuwait City can be reached via buses 15, 24, and 34.

Alternatively, if you’d like to spend more time there, you can do this full-day tour to Failaka.

You can also stay overnight at the Failaka Heritage Village, which is the only hotel on the island – owned by the ferry company, Ikarus Marine Services.

Explore the Desert

Desert in Kuwait

Can you really say you’ve been to Kuwait if you didn’t explore the desert, especially when it’s so vast? Probably not, which is why a desert safari should absolutely be on anyone’s bucket list.

Explore the desert atop a quad bike or opt for a camel if you want something more authentic and old-fashioned. You’ll find many companies offering these tours in Kuwait, along with some fun desert activities like sandboarding and dune bashing.

Take your fun to the next level by opting to camp on these incredible dunes, and you’ll find camps with delicious Kuwaiti food and drinks along your way.

Note that this seasonal activity is offered between November and March to protect the Kuwait tourists and locals from the scorching summer heat.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Kuwait

Kuwait is a nation featuring a rich history, incredible modern landmarks, and beautiful natural wonders. Somewhat of a hidden gem, there’s no shortage of Kuwait things to do, regardless of your interests.

Jump from a conventional museum to a unique mirror house. Trade the sandy shores for golden deserts or panoramic city views for closeups of marine life — the choice is all yours.

If you want to continue your Middle Eastern escapades, check out my guide on everything you need to know before traveling to Iran, Kuwait’s neighbor.

Essential Info: Logistical Tips and Tricks to Book your Trip

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Regarding cheap airfare, I highly recommend using Skyscanner and Expedia. These are two of the sites I use the most due to their exhaustive search on several websites and airlines around the world. They usually bring the cheapest fares.

Additionally, I recommend getting the WayAway Plus membership to save money on cheaper fares and earn cashback (sent straight to your PayPal) on your bookings.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
For hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and other types of accommodation, I highly recommend Booking.com. They are my go-to booking site because they usually have the cheapest fares.

If you’re a registered Booking.com user (“Genius”), you can take advantage of their “Genius discount” to save even more money. I almost always book my accommodation with Booking, and I’ve saved thousands of dollars with their Genius discount.

And of course, as one of the largest travel booking sites in the world, Expedia is another excellent accommodation booking site with a free reward program and discounted member prices.

If you’re looking to save money by staying at a hostel, HostelWorld has the largest inventory of hostels with shared dorms and private rooms. On the other hand, Vrbo offers a wide variety of rooms and apartments at affordable prices.

DON’T FORGET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance with comprehensive coverage will protect you against unexpected events like theft, cancellations, injury, and illness.

I use HeyMondo to insure my trips and recommend them. Their affordable plans offer a 24/7 assistance platform for claims, medical coverage for every traveler, adventure sports and covid-19 coverage, and more. And better yet, GloboTreks readers get 5% off their plan! Get a quote.

Alternatively, if you’re a nomad and travel often or long-term, then SafetyWing could help you save a lot of money on long-term travel insurance.

FIND THE BEST TOURS AT THE BEST PRICES
If you’re looking for the best day tours and cheapest ticket entrances to local attractions, I recommend checking Viator, as they have the largest selection of attractions, passes, and activities all around the world.

BOOK YOUR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AHEAD OF TIME
Bookaway
 offers the easiest and most accessible way to book overland transportation with local operators, be it by bus, train, ferry, plane, mini-van, or even private transfers.

If renting a car, then I highly recommend DiscoverCars to get the largest car selection at the best price.

OTHER TRAVEL AND MONEY-SAVING TIPS?
Lastly, check out my resources page for some of the best products and companies to use for your trip. If you like saving money (like I do!), then this page will help.

Adventure Awaits

LET ME HELP YOU TRAVEL MORE BY GETTING ADDITIONAL TIPS AND INSPIRATION VIA THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER.

Plus, receive a short e-book with 15 Beginner Tips and Tricks to Save Money on Flights!​

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2 Comments

  1. “Tucked between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Kuwait has long been known for its oil exploits.”

    The first sentence of your article is incorrect. Kuwait borders Iraq not Iran.