Kuwait is not a large country, but it is a great example that size can be completely irrelevant when you have so many interesting places to visit – from the golden ribbons of sand along its sea to its deep-rooted architectural traditions, impressive buildings, manicured green areas and engaging museums.
Things to Do in Kuwait City
Nestled on the shores of the Persian Gulf, Kuwait is rich in contrasts – it is a place where traditions harmoniously intertwine with the modern world, and the skyscrapers holding up the heavens are the perfect balance to the mosques and the bustling market. The city has an image of luxury, and its locals are known for being friendly and cherishing their culture, so have no doubt – embarking on a journey of discovery in Kuwait will be an extraordinary adventure.
Kuwait Towers
Kuwait’s famous towers should definitely be on the top of your list of must-visit places in Kuwait. Though the towers are an example of modern Kuwaiti architecture, they also feature a harmonious blend of traditional Islamic design elements. The towers were opened in 1979. The group consists of three towers. The main tower is a whopping 187 meters high and has an observation deck (at 123 meters) that you shouldn’t miss, as it provides a fabulous panorama of Kuwait.
This tower also has a revolving restaurant, where lunch or dinner with a breath-taking view will be a truly memorable experience. The main tower actually has two spheres: the upper one houses the restaurant, and the lower one holds a water tank that ensures the city’s water supply. The second tower serves purely as a water tower, while the third tower serves as illumination. The Kuwait Towers are worth seeing even after dark – when illuminated, they looked very impressive to me.
Kuwait National Museum
The Kuwait National Museum is a significant cultural and educational center throughout the country. The museum opened its doors to visitors in 1983. The building itself perfectly reflects the pursuit of modernity and an appreciation of functionality, but traditional elements of Islamic architecture are also beautifully incorporated.
At the museum, visitors are welcomed by various exhibition halls. One of these is the Hall of Archaeology, which features a wide range of ancient ceramics, coins, jewelry, and other items that reveal what life was like in ancient times. Another is the Kuwait Heritage Hall, showcasing handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and everyday items. The Planetarium offers various educational sessions on space and astronomy, using advanced equipment. You will also find interactive exhibits and cultural events that highlight Kuwaiti art, culture, and history.
Opening Hours: The museum is open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Fridays, the museum is closed in the morning, and is only open in the afternoon, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Before planning your visit, check the opening hours on the museum website.
Accommodation: Here are all your hotel options in Kuwait City.
Grand Mosque of Kuwait
Of course, one of the top things to do in Kuwait City is to visit Grand Mosque. Famous both for the impression of grandeur it creates and for its architectural solutions, the Grand Mosque of Kuwait is the largest mosque in the country and the eighth largest in the world. The mosque, which covers an area of 45,000 square meters, opened its doors in 1986. This place of worship cost roughly USD 46 million to build. The amount covered not only the construction of the building itself but also extravagant details, such as glass and crystal from France, Italian marble, stunning mosaics and tiles from Morocco, teakwood from India, and the impressive central dome of the mosque.
Incidentally, this dome measures 26 meters in diameter and 43 meters in height! The dome is adorned with calligraphy, most of which is Quranic verse. The mosque’s impressive impact is further emphasized by its vast space. The main hall can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers, while the courtyard and the women’s hall can hold an additional 7,000. Although visiting the mosque was one of my main goals when traveling around Kuwait City, I never managed to get inside. That is why I created the Kuwait Mosque Guide, which will help you avoid my mistakes.
Practical Information: Sunday through Thursday, visitors are invited to a free guided tour from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and in the afternoon from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the history of the mosque, its architectural features, and Islamic culture.
Al Shaheed Park
Al Shaheed Park was opened not so long ago – in 2015. Today, it is the largest park in Kuwait City, covering an area of about 355,000 square meters. And at the park, you will see one of the largest green roofs in the world!
The park greets visitors with huge green spaces that are in subtle contrast to the city’s architecture. While I was walking around the park, I marveled at the abundance of plants, the exquisite tree-lined avenues, the manicured flower beds, and the delightful ponds. The park features walking and jogging trails, along with small cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy Kuwaiti dishes, delicious drinks, and relax after a busy day in the city.
This space is very dynamic and always full of life. Don’t be surprised if you come to the park and end up in a yoga class or other leisure activity. The good news is that admission to both the park and many of its events is completely free!
Souq Al-Mubarakiya
This, one of the oldest souq in Kuwait, captivated me so much with its exciting Arabian commotion that I didn’t even notice that I had spent half the day there. The history of the market dates back a couple of centuries, and allows visitors to become a part of Kuwait’s unique atmosphere, which is the complete opposite of modern shopping centers. This market has everything: from clothes, cosmetics, stunning Persian silk carpets, antiques, and perfumes to fresh vegetables, fish, meat, nuts, and fabulously aromatic spices.
People often go there because of the gold market – the shops offer a huge selection of high-quality jewelry made of gold, silver, and other precious metals. A lot of the jewelry sold there is handmade by local craftsmen and admired for its uniqueness. Sellers often include certificates that confirm the authenticity of the gold. Apart from being a great place to shop, Al-Mubarakiya is also one of the best things to do in Kuwait City if you are looking for a unique cultural experience.
Discover: Kuwait City: Private Tour with a Local Guide.
Kuwait Corniche
City promenades are always a favorite with travelers, and Kuwait City’s seafront promenade is no exception. Stretching 20 kilometers along the coast, it offers more than just stunning views. You’ll find some of Kuwait’s most famous landmarks along the way, such as the Al-Salam Palace Museum and the Kuwait Opera House.
As you continue, you’ll come across Al Bahhar Entertainment Historical Village, where traditional Kuwaiti life, crafts, and architecture are beautifully portrayed. This village often hosts cultural events, so attending one during your visit would be a delightful experience. Further along, you’ll discover the Kuwait National Museum and the iconic Grand Mosque of Kuwait, one of the largest mosques in the world. The promenade also takes you to the city’s symbol, the three Kuwait Towers. A perfect spot to relax is Green Island, an artificial island offering plenty of entertainment and recreation.
The promenade goes all the way down to the Marina – a vibrant, modern, upscale district that offers plenty of entertainment. The Marina features a stunning pedestrian seaside strip and the gigantic Marina Mall, as well as a yacht club, beach, and park.
Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre
This is a cultural center that offers a wide range of educational and entertainment experiences. Officially opened in 2018, it covers an area of roughly 130,000 square meters. The museum complex consists of six main buildings. The Natural History Museum features dinosaur skeletons, animal reconstructions, and other interesting exhibits.
The interactive and other exhibits at the Science Museum will delight curious visitors interested in science, experiments, and the latest technologies. The exhibits at the Arabic Islamic Science Museum focus on Arab history, art, architecture, and so on. The Space Museum also has an abundance of interactive and other exhibits that provide engaging information about planets, astronomy, stars, and more.
In addition to the museums, the cultural center has numerous educational and entertainment venues, shops, and places to eat. This is one of the most interesting things to do in Kuwait City, so don’t miss it!
Opening Hours: The cultural center is open to visitors Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Before planning your visit, check the opening hours on the museum website.
Desert Safari
This was definitely one of the most memorable experiences during my trip to Kuwait! “Experiencing” the desert – it might sound unusual, but that’s exactly how I would describe this trip. You need to feel the magic of the desert by speeding over sand dunes in a 4×4, watching the sun set as the horizon seems to vanish into the sand, or slowly riding a camel.
Each traveler can choose a route that matches their needs and capabilities. A popular choice is an off-road ride through the sand dunes. In this case, you will have an experienced driver who will make you feel safe so you can simply enjoy the subtle adrenaline and the vastness of the deserts. You can also go camel riding, whether just to try it out, or to venture on a longer journey. Those looking for a unique experience will enjoy camping in the desert, with dinner and a night under the starry sky. Incidentally, this is also a chance to try a truly unique sport – sandboarding. Sandboarding is a lot like snowboarding, only everything is done on sand. All equipment can usually be rented on site.
Tip: The best time of year for a desert safari is November–April, when the temperature is comfortable.
Discover: You can find all desert tours here.
How To Get To Kuwait City
Kuwait International Airport is one of the busiest in the Persian Gulf, so you should have no problem getting to Kuwait City. Kuwait Airways, the country’s national carrier, flies to a range of international destinations in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. Many other major international airlines, such as Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Etihad and IndiGo, flying to Kuwait International Airport as well.
I flew to Kuwait from Dubai with Etihad Airways and it was a short flight – just an hour long. I was really happy with this spontaneous decision, because during one trip I visited not only Dubai, but also Kuwait.
Best Time To Go To Kuwait City
Kuwait has a dry, subtropical climate, so the city enjoys almost year-round sunshine with very little rainfall. Kuwait has an average annual temperature of 28°C and an average annual rainfall of just 110 mm. The warmest months of the year are Juny, July and August, with an average temperature of 37°C. The coldest time of year is January, when the average temperature is just 21°C.
The best time to visit Kuwait is from November to April. The temperature isn’t as high during these months – usually a pleasant 21–27°C. Most of the days in the city are sunny, so be sure to pack sunscreen. I visited Kuwait City in April, and the weather was perfect every single day, without a drop of rain.
Tip: Kuwait City is the hottest city in the world, and gets “crazy hot” in June, July and August. The thermometer sometimes climbs over 50 degrees, so don’t travel to Kuwait City during those months!
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Where To Stay In Kuwait City
Kuwait City is large, so the hotel offer is diverse. When choosing a location, I recommend booking a hotel closer to Souq Al-Mubarakiya. This will allow you to visit many points of interest on foot. I’ve listed a few hotel options for different budgets, so I hope you’ll find the best one for you.
Budget Hotels
- Oasis Hotel – this hotel is located just a few hundred meters from Dar Al Awadi Tower, opposite Souq Al-Mubarakiya. Guests stay in air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi and can also enjoy the restaurant, which serves both Arabic and international cuisine.
- Ibis Sharq – part of the world-famous chain, this hotel is located next to Al Hamra Luxury Centre. It offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
Mid-Range Hotels
- Swiss-Belinn Sharq Kuwait is located next to Al Shaheed Park, in a convenient part of the city. The hotel has an outdoor pool with beautiful views of the city.
- I stayed at the Grand Majestic Hotel myself, so I can confidently recommend it to you. The room was bright and spacious, with a large and comfortable bed, and the evening city views were breathtaking. The hotel is also in an excellent location. Within a 15 to 20-minute walk, you can reach the Al-Mubarakiya market, and from there, it’s easy to get to the promenade or the Grand Mosque of Kuwait.
Luxury Hotels
- Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya offers its guests 284 rooms, all equipped with various amenities. The hotel also has lounges, a gym, several restaurants, a luxury spa center, and indoor and outdoor pools.
- St. Regis Kuwait Hotel welcomes guests with first-class rooms, a full range of services and warm hospitality. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and six restaurants serving various international dishes.
How To Travel Around Kuwait City
Kuwait City is huge, but public transport is not very well developed. The bus fleet is outdated, so they are mostly used by emigrants. Taking the bus is always time consuming, so I don’t recommend this form of transportation for travelling around the city.
Since some of the points of interest in Kuwait City are far away, the most convenient way to get around the city is by taxi, although they are quite expensive. Always ask the driver to turn on the taximeter – otherwise you’ll end up paying much more than you should.
FAQs About Things To Do In Kuwait City
I spent three days in Kuwait, and in my opinion, that is enough to see all the main points of interest in the city. However, if you want to get to know the city better or plan to spend more time on the beaches or in the desert, four to five days would be more appropriate.
It is about 18 kilometers from the airport to the city center. A taxi from the airport takes about 20 minutes, while the bus takes around 40 minutes.
Kuwait City is very safe, and violent crime is almost non-existent. I didn’t have any problems during my trip and the locals were friendly. Obviously, it’s important to follow local customs and laws when travelling, and respecting another culture will reward you with an unforgettable holiday.
Drinking the tap water in Kuwait City is not recommended, so you are better off buying bottled water in stores. I often use a Grayl GeoPress water filter and purifier bottle when travelling, and I have never had a problem with water contamination. This bottle protects against waterborne pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoan cysts), pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals and microplastics.
The official currency is the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD). You can exchange money in banks, currency exchange offices and hotels.
The cost of your trip to Kuwait City will depend on how well you plan your holiday. In Kuwait City, you can have lunch at a café for seven or eight euros, or you can go to a luxury restaurant and spend several hundred. The same applies to hotels and various activities.
Book your flight
Skyscanner is our favourite tool for searching for the cheapest flights and flight combinations. Multi-city or Explore Everywhere helps us to find real bargains.
Rent a car
The best platform to rent a car and compare the prices for your next road trip anywhere in the world is Discovercars.com. The booking process is hassle-free.
Find your acommodation
On Booking.com we always find the best deals for accommodation. Another great option for cheap accommodation is Hostelworld.
Travel insurance
We always recommend IATI Travel Insurance which offers excellent plans. As a reader of Broken Navigation, get an exclusive 5% discount. For Europeans Truetraveller offers perfect travel insurance for the best price.
Explore more with Tours
Some places are better off explored with a knowledgeable guide. Or, if you simply want to save time and hassle, we recommend GetYourGuide. Another great option that also has an amazing range of activities is Viator.
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I hope you found my detailed list of things to do in Kuwait City enjoyable!
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Evelina
Hi, I’m Evelina, a travel enthusiast who loves nature, peace, and authentic places. I cherish the freedom to explore and learn with each adventure, whether it’s hiking trails, stunning beaches, natural parks, unique architecture, or rich cultural heritage. I hope my experiences inspire you to embark on your own journeys!
