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Top Activities To Do When Visiting Kuwait

By Azure Lee

Kuwait is located close to Iraq, in the northwest corner of the Persian Gulf. While most travelers choose to visit Jordan and Oman when planning a Middle Eastern trip, Kuwait is a less well-known hidden gem that appeals to those seeking a unique adventure and a culturally dense getaway.

Kuwait is a country characterized by beautiful deserts, turquoise waters, a history, and numerous modern wonders. There are plenty of activities in Kuwait for any kind of traveler, from history buffs and art enthusiasts to gourmets and beach bums.

Are you getting ready for your trip to Kuwait but are not sure where to go? Do not worry, Kuwait Immigration Services has put together a detailed list of the top sights and things to do in Kuwait. Just scroll down to find the fascinating locations that are waiting for you to discover!

7 Things To Do & Places To Visit In Kuwait City

Kuwait, renowned for its substantial oil exports and prosperous Sheikhs, stands as one of the most affluent nations globally. If you have an interest in the Middle East and are considering a new destination, here are our suggested activities to explore in Kuwait.

1. View of The City From Kuwait Towers

Offering a witness to Kuwait’s success, the renowned Kuwait buildings provide a riveting look at the city’s economic and social advancement. These buildings are not only symbolic but offer panoramic vistas of the metropolis and the sea, and experience in architectural magnificence. Don't miss the chance to dine in the revolving restaurant, experiencing both delicious cuisine and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.

The Kuwait Towers, decorated with more than 41,000 enameled steel discs in various hues of blue, green, and gray, mirror the aesthetics of traditional mosque domes. Their spiraling design enthralls viewers. The three towers overlook Kuwait City, with the main tower being 614 feet high.

The Kuwait Towers are open every day from 8 am to 11 pm. Adult admission is KWD 3 or USD 10; children's admission is KWD 1.5 or USD 5. Visitors can enjoy the scenery from the restaurant and observation deck, as well as purchase souvenirs from the gift shop. At night, the towers will be illuminated, providing for an amazing show.

See the city from above at Kuwait Towers

See the city from above at Kuwait Towers

2. The Royal Bayan Palace

It is one of the most magnificent buildings in the country and is the official residence of the Emir of Kuwait. It is surrounded by lush gardens and elaborate fountains and has a unique Islamic architectural design. Although it is closed to the public, you can still admire its magnificence from the outside or take pictures from a distance.

Spread over 1,399,500 square meters, the Royal Bayan Palace was unveiled in 1986 during the Fifth Islamic Countries Conference. It assumes a main location for international conferences in Kuwait and includes the Conference Hall, the Amiri Tent, six complexes, and a service station. Additionally, the palace has an international conference center and a library.

3. Experience the magnificence of The Grand Mosque

Whether you practice Islam or not, you will undoubtedly enjoy visiting Kuwait’s Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque of Kuwait was built between 1979 and 1986 and occupies an area of 45,000 square meters; it’s the country’s biggest mosque. In addition to having a five-level car park that can hold 550 automobiles and a library of Islamic reference books and materials, it can hold up to 10,000 men in the main prayer hall and up to 950 women in the separate women's prayer hall.

With Persian and Andalusian architectural influences, the mosque features distinctive Islamic architecture with a large dome measuring 26 meters in diameter and 43 meters in height, adorned with the 99 names of God, known as the Asma al-Husna. The mosque also features a 74-meter-tall minaret that is modeled after those found in Spain and Morocco.

Though you can borrow abayas and headscarves, you should dress correctly for a mosque. You can view its beauty through a free guided tour that requires booking.

Immerse in cultural splendor at the Grand Mosque

Immerse in cultural splendor at the Grand Mosque

4. Sadu House, A UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage

Sadu House is not your typical museum. Located next to the National Museum in a historic Kuwaiti home, it honors the little-known Bedouin tribe, which is well-known for its weaving techniques. You can learn about the tribe and their methods by watching an educational video and even taking part in workshops where you can learn how they weave.

You can also learn about the history and way of life of the Bedouin people by perusing the museum's collection of artifacts and handicrafts. The gift shop has a wide selection of home decor, bags, wall hangings, and other souvenirs.

5. Take A Tour of Souk Al-Mubarakiya

An essential place to visit if you want to fully experience Kuwait's genuine and customary culture is the Old Souq, also known as Souk Al-Mubarakiya. If you do not like mall shopping, you can visit Souq Al-Mubarakiya for more traditional retail therapy. This is among the oldest markets in Kuwait, offering a wide variety of goods from treasured antiques and artisan handicrafts to fragrant spices and fragrances.

There are various areas within the Old Souq, such as the marketplace for textiles, the meat and fish emporium, the fruit and vegetable bazaar, and the gold and jewelry enclave. Let's indulge in delicious foods like matchbooks (meat and rice) and hares (wheat porridge) to enrich your cultural experience.

You can also explore the architectural wonders and historical sites surrounding the Souq, including the Grand Mosque, the Seif Palace, and the Sheikh Mubarak Kiosk after you go beyond the marketplace.

Spend a morning at the Old Souq

Spend a morning at the Old Souq

6. Learn Kuwaiti history at the Kuwait National Museum

The Kuwait National Museum, the creation of French architect Michel Ecochard, houses the majority of Kuwait's history.

The museum's division into four sections demonstrates the richness of Kuwait’s history. These include the planetarium, the Boom Al Muhallab, the Archaeological Museum, and the Kuwait Heritage Museum, each of which has different exhibitions.

You may see paintings and sculptures at the Kuwait Heritage Museum that depict historical Kuwaiti lifestyles.

7. Visit The Scientific Center and Dhow Harbor

The Scientific Center and Dhow Harbor interestingly combine educational and enjoyable activities. Guests can engage with a variety of displays featuring marine life, historical artifacts, and cultural showcases. Popular attractions include the expansive Mijbil Almutawa Aquarium, boasting more than 100 marine species from the Middle East, immersive IMAX films, interactive learning experiences at the Discovery Place, and the chance to uncover Kuwait's maritime legacy at the historic Dhow Harbor.

The center is open every day from 9 am to 9:30 pm, with an opening time of 2 pm on Fridays. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Other amenities include food options, a gift store, and a picturesque walkway overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

Revel in the fascination of the Scientific Center and Dhow Harbor

Revel in the fascination of the Scientific Center and Dhow Harbor

Traveler Tips For Kuwait Exploration

  • Applying for a Kuwait eVisa: Before planning a trip to Kuwait, it's important to check Uganda e-visa requirements. Visitors can apply for a Kuwait eVisa, an electronic visa that simplifies the application process. 
  • Respect Local Culture: Kuwait is a conservative country, so it's advisable to dress modestly, especially in public areas and religious sites. 
  • Weather in Kuwait: Kuwait experiences scorching summers with high temperatures. Travelers should stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day to avoid heat-related issues.
  • Language and Communication: Arabic is the official language. But don't worry; English is widely understood, especially in urban areas.
  • Transportation: In Kuwait City, taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber are widely accessible. However, renting a car might provide greater flexibility, particularly when visiting destinations outside of the city.
  • Currency and Payments: The official currency is the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD). Credit cards are accepted everywhere, although it is a good idea to have some local cash on hand for smaller purchases or in more traditional locations. 

Kuwait is a country with a wealth of historical sites, amazing contemporary buildings, and breathtaking natural beauty. It is kind of a hidden gem, with plenty of activities available for all kinds of interests.

Go from a traditional museum to a traditional market; swap out the sandy beaches for golden deserts; swap out the expansive city vistas for up-close looks at marine life. The choice is all yours.

So, plan your journey, explore the wonders of Kuwait, and apply for your Kuwait eVisa via our website to kickstart your adventure hassle-free!

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