Things to do in Kuwait

What to see and do in Kuwait: a shorter list of 25 experiences, not yet checked against sources.

25 things to do in Kuwait

Culture

Explore the iconic Kuwait Towers

Kuwait City

Ascend the main sphere of these landmark blue-tiled towers for panoramic views of Kuwait Bay, then dine in the revolving observation restaurant.

Culture

Wander the historic Souk Al-Mubarakiya

Kuwait City

Lose yourself in the narrow alleys of one of Kuwait's oldest markets, where spices, perfumes, and traditional sweets fill the air.

Culture

Admire the Grand Mosque of Kuwait

Kuwait City

Tour the country's largest mosque, with its vast prayer hall, majestic dome, and serene courtyard reflecting Islamic architecture.

Nature

Stroll through Al Shaheed Park

Kuwait City

Reconnect with nature in this urban green lung, walking botanical gardens, lakes, and modernist memorials honoring Kuwait's martyrs.

Culture

Visit the Tareq Rajab Museum

Jabriya

Discover a treasure trove of Islamic manuscripts, ceramics, and jewelry in a private collection hidden in a residential villa.

Culture

Discover maritime history at the Kuwait Scientific Center

Salmiya

Walk through a giant ship-shaped building to see Gulf marine life, IMAX films, and interactive exhibits on desert and sea ecosystems.

City

Walk along the Corniche at Marina Crescent

Salmiya

People-watch and gaze at luxury yachts along this breezy waterfront promenade lined with cafés and boutiques.

Adventure

Embark on a desert safari in the Abdali area

Abdali

Speed over red sand dunes in a 4x4, then savor Arabic coffee at a Bedouin-style camp under a star-strewn sky.

History

Uncover ancient history at Failaka Island

Failaka Island

Take a ferry to a windswept island where you can explore the ruins of a 4,000-year-old Dilmun settlement and a Hellenistic fortress, plus abandoned war relics.

City

Shop at The Avenues Mall

Al Rai

Get lost in Kuwait's vast shopping paradise, featuring themed districts, an indoor canal, and over a thousand international brands.

Culture

Learn about Islamic art at Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah

Yarmouk

Browse an exceptional collection of rare Qur'ans, ceramics, and glass from across the Islamic world in a tranquil cultural centre.

City

Admire the mushroom-shaped Kuwait Water Towers

Kuwait City (Bayan area)

Spot these distinctive striped towers rising over the city skyline, a playful modernist symbol of Kuwait's water distribution network.

Food

Dine on a traditional dhow at Al-Boom Steak & Seafood

Kuwait City

Feast on fresh Gulf seafood aboard a beautifully restored wooden boat docked in Kuwait City, blending maritime heritage with fine dining.

Hidden gem

Step inside the kaleidoscopic Mirror House

Qadsiya

Enter a private residence completely covered in intricate mirror mosaics, a glittering testament to artist Khalifa Al-Qattan's vision.

Adventure

Take a boat trip to Kubbar Island

Kubbar Island

Cruise to a tiny sandy islet with turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting seabirds like terns and gulls.

History

Explore the National Museum of Kuwait

Kuwait City

Trace Kuwait's past from prehistoric finds to pearl-diving dioramas, including treasures from Failaka and a recreation of a souk.

History

See the soaring Liberation Tower

Kuwait City

Gaze up at the 372‑metre telecommunications spire, a symbol of Kuwait’s freedom, and hear the carillon that marks the hour.

Food

Enjoy a traditional Kuwaiti breakfast at Freej Swaeleh

Kuwait City (Al Shaheed Park)

Sip cardamom-spiced tea and taste balaleet at this heritage-inspired restaurant in Al Shaheed Park, served in vintage surroundings.

Adventure

Experience camel racing at the Kuwait Camel Racing Club

Al Wafra

Feel the ground vibrate as remote-controlled robot jockeys send thoroughbred camels thundering down the track in a high-speed desert spectacle.

Culture

Discover the Sadu House

Kuwait City

Watch Bedouin women weave vibrant geometric patterns at this cultural centre preserving the traditional craft of sadu textile art.

Nature

Relax at Messilah Beach

Messilah

Unwind on a sandy stretch fringed with palm trees, splash in calm waters, or fire up a barbecue in one of the private chalets.

History

Explore the Al Qurain Martyrs' Museum

Qurain

Walk through a bullet-scarred house that preserves the final stand of young Kuwaiti resistance fighters during the 1990‑91 invasion.

Adventure

Scuba dive at Qaruh Island

Qaruh Island

Descend into clear Gulf waters to investigate vibrant coral reefs teeming with angelfish, parrotfish, and the occasional turtle.

City

Watch the dancing fountains at Al Kout Mall

Fahaheel

Shop beside a waterfront promenade and pause to see a choreographed water-and-light show that illuminates the evening sky.

Culture

Marvel at the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre

Shuwaikh

Roam six interactive museums under one roof, including a natural history gallery with dinosaur skeletons and a space exploration pavilion.

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