1. Kuwait City
The inclusion of the capital city of any country in its must-visit places is rather obvious, but don’t underestimate how much this diverse city has in store for you. Starting from the slender Kuwait Towers, ending with the massive Grand Mosque of Kuwait & covering everything in between, the largest city has plenty of attractions. Geographically in the heart of Kuwait, situated on the shore of Kuwait Bay, Kuwait City truly encapsulates the essence of the gulf nation. Markets, mosques, cafés, restaurants, parks, museums—with so much going on, it is a no-brainer that Kuwait City made it to our suggested Kuwait tourist places list.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
How to Reach
- By air: Kuwait International Airport, 16 kilometers from the capital, is your gateway to the gulf nation. Jazeera & Kuwait Airways take off & land all the time, connecting to major cities like New York, London, Paris, Rome & others.
- By road: If you are in Saudi Arabia, you may like to board a bus by the Kuwait Public Transport Company from Riyadh. Driving through Al Salmy is another option.
- By train: Taking a train to Kuwait City is an option if you are in a nearby city.Travel Duration: 2 to 3 days
Nearest Airport: Kuwait International Airport
Top Attractions (Kuwait City Attractions): The Grand Mosque of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, Al-Muzaini Mosque, Al Shaheed Park
Things To Do: Watch a science show at the planetarium of Kuwait National Museum, treat your taste buds at Souk Al-Mubarakiya, marvel the chandeliered dome of the Grand Mosque
Places To Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, Al Kout Beach Hotel, Marina Hotel, Levels Tower Hotel Apartments, Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar Kuwait
Shopping Markets: Souq Al Kuwait, Souq Sharq, Al-Salam Mall
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2. Hawalli
Also spelled as ‘Hawally’ & a former home to innumerable Palestinians, Hawalli is one of the six Kuwaiti provinces. Today, a melting pot of cultures, it is inhabited by Iraqis, Syrians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Lebanese & Indians. Geographically, this large city area lies in the eastern part of the country. It is this geographic location that also results in this governorate being so beautiful. The fact that it is located in Persian Gulf’s inlet should give you a fair idea, and no wonder that it’s on our Kuwait tourist places list.
Best Time to Visit: January to May
How to Reach
- By air: Considering that it is just 6 kilometers from Kuwait City, Kuwait International Airport remains the nearest airport to this beautiful province.
- By road: You may either decide to stay in Kuwait City & hop in to a bus by CityBus or KPTC, or want to stay in Hawalli to soak in the atmosphere.
Travel Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Kuwait International Airport
Top Attractions (Places to see in Kuwait): Mirror House, Tareq Rajab Museum, Bayan Palace, Bayan Botanical Garden, Masjid Al Imam Al Baqer
Things To Do: Spend plenty of time outdoors with family/kids, visit the only house in the world that is covered in mirror mosaics (Mirror House), Shop till you drop
Places To Stay: Roomi Suites Hotel, Times Square Suite Hotel, Jazz Hotel, Boudl Al Salmiya, Royal Casa Hotel
Shopping Markets: Marina Mall, The Promenade Mall & Al-Othman Tower, The Avenues
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3. Kubbar Island
Also spelled ‘Kobar’, this island is located about 30 kilometers from the southern tip of Kuwait, in Persian Gulf. Referred to as the Ibiza of Kuwait by travelers, the tiny island is surrounded by crystal clear waters & offers sandy beaches for hip parties. While you make a trip to the gulf country, it only makes sense to include it in your Kuwait places to visit. This tiny island, with its major BBQs awaits!
Best Time to Visit: November
How to Reach: To reach you would require a speed boat, though some groups can also arrange a yacht. Don’t forget to bring a day’s worth of food & water!
Travel Duration: A few hours
Nearest Airport: Kuwait International Airport
Things To Do: Discover the calm waters through snorkeling, enjoy watching nesting seabirds, organize a beach party for friends
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4. Salwa
Considering that Salwa is one of the most prominent cities of the Middle Eastern country, it makes it to our list of Kuwait visiting places. Geographically, the place is sandwiched between Rumaithiya & Messila. It is part of the Hawalli governorate yet we mentioning it separately is worthwhile. Another multicultural hub, it is home to the British, Egyptians, Asians, and Kuwaitis, of course! To the tourist, it offers great shopping opportunities, with several shopping centers.
Best Time to Visit: December to March
How to Reach
- By air: The nearest airport to Salwa remains Kuwait International Airport, which is 13 kilometers away. Feel free to grab a taxi at the airport to your hotel in Salwa.
- By road: Tourists often prefer making a quick stop in Salwa as they go to another city. You could do that, stopping to have a meal & picking up souvenirs, or spend a day, as we suggest. If you prefer the latter, take a taxi ride, as aforementioned.
Travel Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Kuwait International Airport
Top Attractions: Mohammad A Khorafi Mosque, Injafa Beach, Badria Al Ahmad Mosque
Things To Do: Watch the setting sun with your beloved, take lots of goofy pictures with family, buy souvenirs like dates for foodie friends
Places To Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel, The Palms Beach Hotel & Spa, The Regency Hotel Kuwait, Movenpick Al Bida’a Apartment, Movenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida’a Kuwait
Shopping Markets: Arabella
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5. Salmiya
A heaven for shopaholics, Salmiya provides unending opportunities to shop till you drop, with plenty of malls & arcades. From Kuwaiti sweets to handcrafted ornaments, traditional teapots to rugs of sheep wool, if you are looking for presents for friends, the options are aplenty. This gem city is filled with Kuwait attractions like Al Fozan, or a unique pyramid-shaped mosque, & the biggest aquarium of the Middle East.
Best Time to Visit: September to November
How to Reach
- By air: As always, the nearest airport is Kuwait International Airport, 16 kilometers from Salmiya. You could catch a taxi.
- By road: We suggest keeping Salmiya as your second stop in Kuwait, succeeding Kuwait City. This is because the distance between the two cities is only 10 kilometers.
Travel Duration: 3 days
Nearest Airport: Kuwait International Airport
Top Attractions: Al-Muzaini Mosque, Pyramid Mosque, Masjid Al Imam Al Baqer, Enjefa Beach, The Scientific Center
Things To Do: Watch a 3D film at the Scientific Center, go on a picnic at Green Island, take kids to the Al Hashemi Marine Museum
Places To Stay: Marina Hotel, Levels Tower Hotel Apartments, The 58 Hotel Apartments, Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar Kuwait, Four Seasons Hotel at Burj Alshaya
Shopping Markets: Marina Mall, Boulevard Mall, Al Salam Mall
6. Farwaniya
Salmiya brings us to Farwaniya, the most populous of the six governorates of Kuwait & its main residential area. Another paradise for shoppers, esp. international travelers, the city is brimming with shopping destinations from where one can get a huge range of items, like Kuwaiti dried fruit, perfumes, metal ornaments, rugs, clothes & so on. If you are travelling with kids, don’t forget to take them to ‘Kids Village’, an outdoor entertainment area. With the airport being here, your Kuwait sightseeing begins in Farwaniya.
Best Time to Visit: February & March
How to Reach
The Kuwait International Airport is in Farwaniya. As you take a flight to Kuwait, this is where you will land.
Travel Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Kuwait International Airport
Top Attractions: Kids Village, Cinemascope 360, Zabin Y Al Zabin Mosque, Marina World, Failaka Island
Things To Do: Go for some entertainment for the full family at Kids Village, watch a movie far from home at a local cinema, buy gifts from family & friends
Places To Stay: Crowne Plaza Kuwait Al Thuraya City, Continental Farwaniya, Holiday Inn Kuwait Al Thuraya City, Royal Chalet, Hilton Garden Inn Kuwait
Shopping Markets: Bloomingdale’s, Muji—Japanese Departmental Store, Ikea
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7. Souk Al-Mubarakiya
Ask any local about things to do in Kuwait & among the suggestions they make would surely be shopping at Souk Al-Mubarakiya in Kuwait City. And even though we have started this post with the capital city, so iconic is this bazaar that it is worth mentioning separately! One of the oldest markets of the country, this was the site of trade before the gulf nation discovered oil. Today, it sells everything that you can think of buying as a souvenir for a loved one—dates, dried fruit, olives, jewelry & even Made-In-China products! Over time, modern buildings have been added to this historical area.
Location: Between Mubarak al-Kabir, Ahmad al-Jaber & Ali al-Salem Streets; Kuwait City
Timings: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Things To Buy: Dates, spices, gold jewelry
8. Al Shaheed Park
Yet another of the places to visit in Kuwait that deserve a special mention is this urban park, consisting of plenty of green areas (including botanical gardens), a lake, paths, restaurants, and even gift shops & two museums! Once again located in Kuwait City, it is the largest urban park of the country. Opening early morning for joggers & closing by midnight, it houses several elements that depict cutting edge architecture. You can also see 5 sculptures displayed here, which won an ‘Outdoor Sculpture Competition’ that was held in 2013. The thorough maintenance, considering all attention to detail, will blow your mind off!
With you tantalized by all this information, don’t forget to browse through our selection of hotels in Kuwait. How about finding one around the Al Shaheed Park, if you are a jogger?
Location: Soor Street, Kuwait City
Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Entry Fee: Nil
Built In: 2015
Built By: Al Diwan Al Amiri
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9. Grand Mosque
One of the finest tourist places in Kuwait, the Grand Mosque attracts travelers from all around the world. As the natives put it, it is one of the many treasures that Kuwait possesses. While officially being the biggest mosque in the country, the Grand Mosque is renowned for having big celebrations, and other religious events here. Covering about 46000 square meters, the mosque is a fine example of the Islamic architectural style and attracts visitors pretty much due to its Persian structural design. Interestingly, Muslims from all around the world gather at the Grand Mosque during the period of Ramadan.
Location – 25, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Timings – The Grand Mosque is open for full 24 hours all week
Entry Fee – N/A
Built In – 1979-1986
10. Al Ahmadi
One of the finest cities in Kuwait, Al Ahmadi was first founded in 1946 and located in the southern side of the country. The city, in fact, originated with the oil field there. One can find a number of parks here along with the well-renowned Kuwait Oil Company Display Center. Notably, the city has been named after Sheikh Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. Travelers coming here would find the city to be covered by sand while it serves as a private preserve of the Kuwait Oil Company.
Best Time To Visit – February until May and September
How To Reach – Travelers can reach Al Ahmadi by taking a flight to the Kuwait International Airport and covering the rest of the journey by road
Travel Duration – 1 to 2 days
Nearest Airport – Kuwait International Airport is the nearest airport to Al Ahmadi
Top Attractions – Fahaheel Park, Kuwait Oil Company Display Center, Al-Riqqa Park, Port of Shuaiba, Fintas Park
Places To Stay – Crowne Plaza Kuwait al Thuraya City, Holiday Inn Kuwait al Thuraya City, Al-Kout Beach Hotel, Hilton Kuwait Resort, Crowne Plaza Kuwait al Thuraya City, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa
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11. Kuwait Zoo
Another of those places to see in Kuwait, Kuwait Zoo is a fine place for kids to have the best possible time with parents. With over 1606 animals that include dangerous species as well, this is a place that ensures it all. In fact, there are a number of rare birds at the Kuwait Zoo too which have been categorized into five different units and each category has a staggering 12 different species.
Interestingly, as the authorities put it themselves, the purpose of the park is to educate children about the different animals and how they are or should be treated. Simply visit the zoo and spend the day meeting rare animals in a safe environment.
Location – Airport Rd, Kuwait
Timings – Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 7 PM (Closed on Sunday)
Entry Fee – 500 fils
12. Aqua Park
Located on the Arab Gulf Street, the Aqua Park is one of the best places to visit in the Middle East and the first water park in the Gulf with a total area of more than 60,000 square meters. One can find the park just adjacent to Kuwait Towers and is a perfect place to spend a family fun day in Kuwait. With top of the line water activities, scuba diving, volleyball court, swimming for adults and so much more, this is a perfect place to enjoy your day in Kuwait and to get some respite from the heat.
Interestingly, the park features separate mosques for men and women while one can also savor the best of delicacies at the restaurants nearby.
Location – Gulf Road
Timings – Travelers are advised to confirm the timings of the park with the concerned authorities
Entry Fee – 4.750 Kuwaiti Dinar
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13. American Cultural Centre
One of the best things to do in Kuwait is to visit the American Cultural Centre, a perfect spot for art and craft in the city. Portraying art and craft from cultures like the Middle East, Asia, and far East, the place has all the attributes to be a fine spot for historical experience in Kuwait. As the natives and travelers to Kuwait put it, a trip to Kuwait without visiting the American Cultural Centre is virtually incomplete. In fact, the way art and craft have been displayed here shows how so much stress has been laid on an informative tour for the visitors.
Location – The corner of Arabian Gulf Road and al-Shuhada Street across the road from Youm al-Bahaar by the National Assembly Parliament building، Kuwait City, Kuwait
Timings – Monday to Thursday & Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM | Friday from 2 to 7 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Entry Fee –
- 3 Kuwaiti dinars
- 2 Kuwaiti dinars for those under the age of 18
- Free for children under the age of 2
14. Kuwait Towers
Another of those Kuwait city attractions to visit, Kuwait Towers are a group of three towers that stand at a staggering height and are one of the major attractions in Kuwait. For visitors coming to see the towers, the main tower stands at an approximate height of 187 meters while the second tower stands at a height of 147 meters. Besides, speaking about the third one, the third tower features equipment that is there to illuminate the two towers. As defined by history and the architects who built it, Kuwait Towers are a symbol of humanity and technology.
Location – Arabian Gulf St, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Timings – The towers are open all week from 8 AM to 11 PM
Entry Fee – KD3 per person, KD1. 5 for children between 4-9 years old
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15. National Museum
Designed by French Architect Michel Ecochard and a place that truly represents Kuwaiti Heritage, the National Museum is one of the top Kuwait tourist attractions today and was the former residence of the royal Al Subah family. The museum has three main sections like Archaeology, Heritage, and the Planetarium. One can visit here and find the most amazing collection from the Failika Island. Interestingly, the Failika Island dates back to the Bronze Age.
In fact, as far as the whole museum is concerned, it was once plundered during the Gulf War but was again restored more than once. Besides, the heritage section of the museum portrays the various facets of life in Kuwait. As for the planetarium, this is, in fact, the first of its kind in the whole Gulf region. So, what’s the delay? Come and visit the national museum in Kuwait and the most perfect time experiencing the historical tour here.
Location – Arabian Gulf Street next to the Seif Palace and Kuwait’s National Assembly، Kuwait City, Kuwait
Timings – Monday to Thursday & Saturday: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Entry Fee – N/A
16. Kuwait House of National Works
There aren’t many places in Kuwait that match the importance of the Kuwait House of National Works. One of the most prominent places to visit in the country, this memorial museum takes one back to the period of the first Gulf War in 1990-91. It is an ode to the brave citizens, military, and allied forces that were martyred during the war.
There are many exhibits in the museum that comprise a set of crafted models of the city from the time. These models have recordings both in English and Arabic. Coming to other attractions here, the museum has an invasion tunnel that portrays the story of Saddam’s invasion. The tunnel features lights and sound effects that give a sense of drama to the whole scene.
As for the other attractions of the museum, the Kuwait House of National Works even showcases a number of artifacts from the remnants of the war. One can walk through a room and find walls that resonate with the blasts or machine gun fires.
Location – 71 St, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Timings & Entry Fee – Travelers are advised to confirm the timings and entry fee with the concerned authorities
FAQs
Kuwait City is home to some of the top Kuwait tourist attractions, including Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, the Grand Mosque of Kuwait & Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Center. Don’t rush your stay in the capital city!
While it would vary depending on your interests, the best places to see in the country are the Grand Mosque, as aforementioned, and the synonymous Kuwait Towers. Make a point to shop at the Avenues & Souk Al-Mubarakiya, and if you are travelling with family, spending time at Al Shaheed Park is a must.
Even though Arabic is the main language of the gulf country, Kuwaitis are fluent in English. Part of the reason is that it’s a compulsory second language taught in schools. So, if you are English speaking, expect to have no problem whatsoever getting around Kuwait.
As soon as you land, you will be stunned by the striking cityscape of the nation. When you explore, you will be taken aback by the awe-inspiring blend of traditional Islamic culture & Western liberalism that sets the country apart in the region. Oh, and while you are there, why take a camel ride in the country’s mesmeriZing desert!
If you are looking for beautiful destinations to visit, Kuwait should surely be considered. Offering an amalgam of beauty & history, the country is full of striking aesthetics, from the most obvious cityscape to the architecture of mosques. All in all, there are loads of gorgeous things to see in Kuwait.
Don’t miss trying the national dish of Kuwait—Machboos! Consisting of rice that is first cooked in a meaty stock & then served with slow-cooked chicken/mutton/fish, it is an absolute delight for non-vegetarians. For those who have tried ‘mansaf’ in Jordan, this preparation is somewhat similar.
The Avenues Mall, a must go-to, is the largest shopping mall of Kuwait. Containing more than 800 stores, it lies in the Farwania governorate of the country. If you want to shop till you drop, this center should be at the very top of your places to go in Kuwait list.
Our three top picks to witness beauty in Kuwait are the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Arts, Kuwait Towers & Grand Mosque. All of these are in Kuwait City.
The Grand Mosque is the biggest mosque in Kuwait and is renowned for its grand celebrations and religious events. The mosque covers about 46000 square meters in area.
For visitors coming to see the towers, the main tower stands at an approximate height of 187 meters while the second tower stands at a height of 147 meters. Besides, speaking about the third one, the third tower features equipment that is there to illuminate the two towers.