Kuwait is a perfect blend of stunning cityscapes and architectural wonders. The tall towers, historical and Islamic museums, beautifully designed mosques, man-made green islands and the animal diversity in the zoos of Kuwait will take you to a fascinating journey that you have never experienced before. There are hundreds of mesmerising places to visit in Kuwait but naming all of them isn’t possible. That’s why I’ve mentioned the best 13 places to visit in Kuwait so that you know what you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Kuwait. Let’s check them out.

Why should I visit Kuwait?

Kuwait is a small but prosperous country located in the Arabian Gulf region. Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Kuwait:

• Cultural Heritage: Kuwait has a rich cultural heritage, and you can explore its history and tradition by visiting places like the Tareq Rajab Museum, the National Museum of Kuwait, and the Sadu House.
• Beautiful Architecture: Kuwait has a modern skyline with unique and beautiful architecture. Some of the must-visit buildings include the Kuwait Towers, Al Hamra Tower, and the Grand Mosque.
• Desert Experience: You can experience the beauty of the Arabian Desert by taking a desert safari or camping trip. You can also explore the Wafra Farms or visit Failaka Island for an island getaway.
• Delicious Food: Kuwaiti cuisine is a blend of Arab, Persian, Indian, and Mediterranean influences, making it unique and flavorful. You can try traditional dishes like machboos (spiced rice and meat), harees (wheat and meat porridge), and margoog (vegetable and meat stew).
• Shopping: Kuwait is known for its extravagant shopping malls, like the Avenues Mall, which has over 800 stores, an indoor skating rink, and a cinema complex.
• Warm Hospitality: Kuwaitis are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature, making your trip a memorable one.

Overall, Kuwait offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity that makes it an attractive travel destination.

The Best 13 Places to Visit in Kuwait:

Grand Mosque Kuwait:

With an area of 45,000 square metres, the Grand Mosque Kuwait stands in the heart of the city and is considered to be the biggest and the official Mosque of Kuwait. All of the official religious celebrations of the country are held in this mosque. The building of the mosque covers 20,000 square metres.

The Grand Mosque is particularly famous for its prayer arrangement during the last 10 days of Ramadan. The beautiful architecture of the mosque attracts several international tourists every year. That’s why it is also known as one of the most treasured landmarks of Kuwait.

• Location: The Grand Mosque of Kuwait, 25, Sharq, Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: Sunday - Thursday 8:30 am to 10:45 am; Sunday - Thursday 4:45 pm to 6:45 pm

Best Time for Visit: The best time to visit the Grand Mosque is during the cooler months, from October to April, and during the weekdays to avoid large crowds. However, it's also worth considering your personal interests and the type of experience you're looking for when deciding on the best time to visit.

Kuwait Towers:

A group of three thin towers standing on a promontory is the Kuwait Towers. Out of the 34 water towers, these three were the last group of towers. They were also built in a style considerably different from the other five groups. They are regarded as a landmark and symbol of modern Kuwait.

The architecture of the tower refers to ideals of humanity and technology, symbolised by the globe and the rocket. The towers not only store water but also is a popular tourist attraction in the country.

• Location: Arabian Gulf St, Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: Everyday 8:00 am to 11:00 pm

Best Time for Visit: Visit the Kuwait Towers is during the months, from October to April, and during the weekdays to avoid large crowds. However, it's also worth considering the time of day and the weather conditions when planning your visit to ensure the best possible experience.

Al Shaheed Park:

Al Shaheed Park is the largest urban park and the most significant green infrastructure in Kuwait. It also has one of the larger structure green roofs in the world. There are several phases in the park, each with unique beauty.

There are two museums in the park representing the history of the country.

• Location: Soor St, Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: Everyday 5:00 am to 12:00 am

Best Time for Visit: Visit Al Shaheed Park from October to April, and during the weekdays to avoid large crowds. However, it's also worth considering the events and activities taking place and the time of day when planning your visit to ensure the best possible experience.

Al Hamra Tower:

Al Hamra Tower, the tallest building in Kuwait is an iconic and award-winning skyscraper. It is a sculptural office tower reaching a height of 413 metres and consisting of offices, a health-club and a shopping mall. It is the 23rd tallest building in the world and the tallest carved skyscraper in the world.

The tower was designed by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and was completed in 2011. It has a unique shape, with a curved facade that is designed to withstand the harsh desert climate of Kuwait.

The tower contains a mix of office, retail, and residential spaces, with a total floor area of over 200,000 square meters (2.2 million square feet). It also features several amenities, including a luxury shopping mall, a cinema complex, and a rooftop observation deck that provides panoramic views of Kuwait City and the Persian Gulf.

• Location: Al-Shuhada St, Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: Not specific

Green Island:

Green Island is an artificial island situated off the coast of Kuwait City’s promenade. It is a famous tourist attraction and a popular place for relaxation. The sands at the beaches of the island have been imported from other countries. The plants and greeneries of the island makes everyone forget that Kuwait is a desert country.

Green Island is home to several parks and gardens, as well as a large artificial lake that is stocked with a variety of fish species. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities on the island, including swimming, snorkeling, diving, boating, and picnicking.

The island also features several amenities, including a food court, a children's playground, and several sports facilities. There is also a large amphitheater that hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year.

• Location: Gulf Street،, Green Island Persian, Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: Everyday 9:00 am to 10:00 pm

Kuwait Zoo:

Kuwait Zoo is an entertaining and a major tourist attraction in Kuwait. In the total area of the zoo that is around 180,000 square metres, there are four zones, namely animal section, cultural centre and life science division, services and maintenance section and veterinary clinic.

The vast animal zone consisting of several animal species is the main point of attraction for both local and international tourists, including lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, and reptiles. There is also an aquarium section that features a range of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

The zoo is an interesting place to visit in Kuwait for both the adults and children as they get to see almost half of the animal kingdom in the zoo.

• Location: Airport Rd, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: not specific

Seif Palace:

Located opposite to the Grand Mosque, the Seif Palace is an enormous historic complex with an artificial lake, a helipad, and a dock for yachts. The main attraction of the palace is the watchtower that is covered in blue tiles and roofed with pure gold. Islamic architecture is clearly evident in the mosaic tile work of the palace.

Seif Palace in Kuwait City is a historic palace that serves as the official residence of the Emir of Kuwait. The palace was built in 1896 by Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, the seventh ruler of Kuwait, and it has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years.

The palace is located on the waterfront, overlooking the Persian Gulf, and it features a beautiful blend of traditional Islamic and modern architecture. It has a central courtyard surrounded by several wings, and it is adorned with ornate carvings, intricate tilework, and elegant chandeliers.

• Location: Opposite to Grand Mosque, Sharq, Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: not specific

Kuwait Science and Natural History Museum:

The Kuwait Science and Natural History Museum is a must-visit attraction for those interested in learning about the technological and scientific progress of Kuwait. Located on Abdullah Mubarak Street in Safat, Kuwait City, this museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and demonstrations showcasing the country's achievements in various fields.

The museum is divided into several departments, including the Natural History Department, Space Science Department, Planetarium, Electronics Department, Machinery Department, Zoology Department, Aviation Department, and a Health hall. Each department offers visitors a unique glimpse into Kuwait's history and technological advancements.

One of the main highlights of the museum is its Petroleum industry exhibit. Kuwait is home to one of the largest petroleum industries in the world, and the exhibit at the museum showcases this history in great detail. Visitors can learn about the process of oil extraction, refining, and transportation, and explore the various equipment and tools used in the industry.

• Location: 1 Abdulla Al Mubarak St, Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: Not specific

Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah:

Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah (DAI) is a cultural organization and museum located in Kuwait. The organization was founded in 1983 by Sheikha Hussah Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah with the aim of preserving Islamic art and culture.

A cultural organization that operates several cultural centres of the country and contains a collection of around 20,000 rare Islamic art is the Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah. Among the collection, there are books, manuscripts, glass, metal, ceramics, jewelled objects, precious stones, textiles, carpets, architectural ornaments, coins and scientific instruments. This diverse art collection belongs to Sheikh Nasser Sabah al Ahmed al Sabah, and his wife Sheikha Hussah Sabah al Salem al Sabah.

• Location: Arabian Gulf Street, Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; Friday 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm; Closed on Sunday

Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum:

Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum is a museum located in Kuwait that commemorates the 1991 Gulf War and the Battle of Al-Qurain. The museum was established to honor the memory of the Kuwaiti resistance fighters who died during the battle.

During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, a group of Kuwaiti men and women formed a resistance movement to fight against the occupying forces. They took refuge in a house in Al-Qurain, a suburb of Kuwait City, and held off the Iraqi forces for several days before they were eventually overrun. Many of the resistance fighters were killed, and the house was destroyed.

After Kuwait was liberated, the Kuwaiti government established the Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum at the site of the battle. The museum contains exhibits and displays that tell the story of the battle and the resistance fighters who gave their lives for Kuwait. Visitors can see artifacts such as weapons, clothing, and personal items belonging to the resistance fighters.

The museum also includes a memorial to the resistance fighters, which features a wall with the names of all those who died in the battle. The museum serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Kuwaiti people during the Gulf War and as a tribute to those who fought for their country's freedom.

• Location: 53WC+Q6H, Daher, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: Everyday 10:10 am to 11:55 pm

Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre:

Known as Kuwait Opera House to many, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre is the largest opera house and cultural centre in the Middle East. It is a multidisciplinary public space offering a range of events in theatre, music, film, workshops and spoken word to amuse and educate the people of Kuwait.

It took two years to complete the cultural complex which is a combination of concert halls, conference and exhibition halls, theatres, music centres, cinemas, and other areas of public interest.

• Location: Arabian Gulf St, Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: Everyday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Historical, Vintage, & Classic Cars Museum:

Situated in Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Industrial Area, the Historical, Vintage, and Classic Cars Museum opens its doors to car lovers. The museum contains some of the oldest vehicles connected to Kuwait’s history and the nation’s past. Its vision is to introduce the rich cultural traditions and heritage of Kuwait's automobile sector to the world.

Some of the most popular exhibits of the museum include a rare 1956 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, an Aston Martin DB5, and two 1950s Chrysler Imperial models.

• Location: Shuwaikh Industrial, Block 1, Street 49, Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: Saturday - Thursday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Closed on Friday

Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy:

The Tareq Rajab Museum is home to a very large collection of Islamic artefacts. There are two sections of the museum in two locations in Jabriya, one is the Tareq Rajab Museum and the other one is the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy. The total collection of both parts of the museum consists of around 30,000 items that have been collected over the last sixty years starting from the 1950s.

Islamic manuscripts, glass, ceramics, miniatures, metalwork, textiles, orientalist artworks, silver folk jewellery and many other items can be found in the museum. 

• Location of Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy: Block 12, Street 1, Building 2, Jabriya, Kuwait
• Visiting Hours: Saturday - Thursday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm; Friday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Shopping in Kuwait: A Retail Paradise:

Kuwait is a shopper’s delight, offering everything from traditional souks brimming with culture to luxurious malls with global brands. Whether you're looking for exotic spices, rich fabrics, artisanal perfumes, colorful scarves, dazzling gold bangles, or unique seafood delicacies like dried shrimps and pickled sharks, Kuwait has something for every shopper.

Experience the Charm of Traditional Souks:

• Souk Al-Mubarakiya – A Cultural Gem:

Step into the heart of Kuwait’s retail heritage at Souk Al-Mubarakiya, where ancient trading traditions meet modern architecture. Engage in bargaining battles, soak in the aroma of fresh dates and premium olives, and explore stalls selling handcrafted goods. The lively atmosphere, friendly merchants, and delicious local snacks make it a must-visit destination.

• Sadu House – A Hub for Traditional Handicrafts:

For authentic Bedouin art and heritage, visit Sadu House, a cultural foundation dedicated to preserving traditional weaving techniques. Pick up intricately designed rugs, tapestries, and souvenirs made from vegetable-dyed wool, showcasing Kuwait’s rich artistic legacy.

Modern Shopping Extravaganza:

• The Avenues Mall – Middle East’s Largest Shopping Destination:

No trip to Kuwait is complete without visiting The Avenues Mall, the largest and most extravagant shopping hub in the Middle East. Featuring world-renowned brands, lifestyle stores, hypermarkets, high-end boutiques, a traditional souk, and even a luxury hotel, this European-themed mall offers an unparalleled shopping experience.

• Sharq Mall – A Waterfront Retail Haven:

Located near the serene Arabian Gulf, Sharq Mall offers a blend of shopping, dining, and leisure. Enjoy a ride in the artificial lake, watch the boats at the marina, or shop at top fashion and electronics stores—all while taking in breathtaking waterfront views.

• Marina World – Where Shopping Meets Entertainment:

A perfect fusion of retail therapy and entertainment, Marina World is home to luxury brands, a five-star hotel, a convention center, gourmet cafes, and fine dining restaurants. The centerpiece of this magnificent mall is a stunning glass fountain, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals.

Where To Stay in Kuwait:

There are many hotels & Service apartments that stay in Kuwait. The lowest price of hotels in Kuwait starts at $25-$30 per night. Luxurious hotels can cost way more than this. Service apartments might cost more than $100 per night. However, if you choose to stay in a shared room you can stay for $23 per night.

Here are some of the popular areas to stay in Kuwait:

• Salmiya: Salmiya is a bustling neighborhood known for its shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. It's a great place to stay if you want to be close to the action.
• Kuwait City: Kuwait City is the capital of Kuwait and offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. It's a good base for exploring the city's cultural attractions and museums.
• Fahaheel: Fahaheel is a suburb of Kuwait City that's popular with families. It's quieter than the city center and has a range of shopping and dining options.
• Sharq: Sharq is a modern neighborhood in Kuwait City that's popular with business travelers. It's close to the financial district and has a range of luxury hotels.
• Mahboula: Mahboula is a residential area that's popular with expats. It's close to the beach and has a range of accommodation options, from serviced apartments to hotels.
• Farwaniya: Farwaniya is a suburban area that's close to Kuwait International Airport. It's a good option if you're looking for affordable accommodation close to the airport.

Ultimately, the best area to stay in Kuwait depends on your preferences and travel plans. Consider factors like proximity to attractions, budget, and the type of accommodation you prefer when choosing where to stay.

Best Food to Eat in Kuwait:

Kuwait is known for its rich and diverse culinary culture, with a range of traditional dishes that are influenced by the country's history as a trading hub and its location at the crossroads of several major civilizations.

Here are some of the best dishes to try when you're in Kuwait:

• Machboos: This is a staple dish in Kuwait, made with rice, meat (chicken or lamb), and a variety of spices, including saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom.
• Harees: A porridge made from wheat, meat (chicken or lamb), and spices, this dish is a staple during Ramadan and other religious festivals.
• Kabsa: Similar to machboos, kabsa is a rice-based dish made with spices, meat (chicken or lamb), and vegetables.
• Machmoul: A traditional Kuwaiti sweet, machmoul is a type of pastry made with semolina, ghee, and a variety of fillings, including dates, nuts, and honey.
• Mashkak: A popular street food, mashkak is a type of skewered meat (typically beef or chicken) that is marinated and grilled over hot coals.
• Shuwa: A traditional slow-cooked dish made with meat (typically lamb or beef), spices, and a banana leaf or aluminum foil, shuwa is often served during special occasions and celebrations.
• Thareed: A type of flatbread made from a mixture of flour, water, and yeast, thareed is often served with a variety of dips and stews, or used to scoop up food in the traditional Kuwaiti way.
• Balaleet: A sweet and savory pudding made with vermicelli noodles, sugar, rose water, and cardamom, balaleet is a popular dessert in Kuwait.

Travel Tips to Follow while Visiting Kuwait:

Here are some tips to follow while visiting Kuwait:

• Dress conservatively: Kuwait is a Muslim country and visitors are expected to dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or other religious sites. Women should cover their arms and legs, and headscarves are recommended.
• Respect local customs and traditions: Kuwait is a conservative country and visitors should respect local customs and traditions, such as not drinking alcohol in public or engaging in physical displays of affection.
• Be aware of local laws and regulations: Kuwait has strict laws and regulations, and visitors should be aware of these, especially when it comes to drug use and public behavior.
• Stay hydrated: Kuwait can be very hot and humid, so it's important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Learn some basic Arabic: Although many Kuwaitis speak English, learning some basic Arabic will show respect for the local culture and may make it easier to navigate the country.
• Avoid taking photographs of military sites and government buildings: Taking photographs of military sites and government buildings is prohibited in Kuwait and may result in legal consequences.
• Use caution when driving: Kuwait has a high rate of traffic accidents, so it's important to drive defensively and always wear a seatbelt.
• Try local food: Kuwaiti cuisine is rich and diverse, so be sure to try as many local dishes as possible.
• Shop for souvenirs: Kuwait has a vibrant shopping scene, with traditional markets selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and handcrafted items.
• Get a Kuwaiti SIM card: Kuwait has good mobile phone coverage, and getting a local SIM card can make it easier to stay connected and find your way around the country.

Kuwait is a fascinating destination for travelers looking to explore the culture and history of the Middle East. The country is home to a variety of top tourist attractions, including the iconic Kuwait Towers, the beautiful Grand Mosque, and the vibrant Souk Al-Mubarakiya. Visitors can also enjoy the natural beauty of Kuwait by visiting the beaches, going on a desert safari, or exploring the Al Shaheed Park.

The country's rich history and heritage are showcased in museums such as the Tareq Rajab Museum and the Seif Palace. With its mix of traditional and modern attractions, Kuwait offers a unique travel experience that is both educational and entertaining. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, there are plenty of places to visit in Kuwait that will satisfy your interests.