Top 10 best places in Kuwait to visit: Tourist attractions

Overflowing with incredible sights to see, Kuwait’s tourist attractions are heavily underrated. Here are some of the best places in Kuwait to visit in and outside the main city.

Hidden between Saudi Arabia & Iraq in the Persian Gulf, Kuwait boasts skyscrapers, modern architecture, and a sprawling coastline that everyone needs to see at least once. The State of Kuwait is the proud home of the three Kuwait Towers that offers an uninterrupted view of the stunning Persian Gulf. Within Kuwait City lies the Grand Mosque and the Kuwait National Museum.

The oil-rich, peaceful oasis is a great place to start exploring the Middle East. This list of the 10 best places to visit in Kuwait combined with our ultimate Kuwait travel guide will help you plan and enjoy your adventure in the Persian Gulf.

In Kuwait City

When traveling to any country, the capital city should always be part of the itinerary, and Kuwait is no different. Especially since Kuwait City is so diverse. From the eye-catching Kuwait Towers and Seif Palace to the Grand Mosque with its intricate Islamic architecture and the Scientific Center, there are many attractions to visit in Kuwait City.

The best time to visit the city on the shores of Kuwait Bay is between November and April. Fly into Kuwait International Airport, which is just 16 kilometers out of the capital, with either Jazeera or Kuwait Airways.

The best places to stay in Kuwait City according to reviews are the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, Al Kout Beach Hotel, Marina Hotel, Levels Tower Hotel Apartments, and Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar Kuwait. Plan to stay in the largest city in Kuwait for at least two to three days to fully enjoy and explore its attractions. Here are some worth adding to your itinerary.

1. The Grand Mosque of Kuwait

Probably one of the major attractions to visit in Kuwait City is the Grand Mosque. Built between 1979 and 1986, the site draws in travelers worldwide. It is considered a national treasure in Kuwait.

Spanning over 46000 square meters, the mosque’s intricate Islamic architecture and innately Persian design is a must-see site. The Grand Mosque is open 24 hours a day and has no entrance fee. However, please note that there is a strict dress code, and women will be required to wear a headscarf and abaya.

2. Kuwait Towers

While on the Arabian Gulf road, visit the three Kuwait Towers. Towering over the city, with the main one measuring an impressive 614 feet tall and the second one at around 482 feet high.

The third Kuwait tower aims to light up the other two. The staggering height provides a breathtaking view of the Persian Gulf. They are open to the public throughout the week from 8 AM to 11 PM and have a small entrance fee ($10 or 3 Kuwaiti Dinar), which is discounted for children 4 to 9 years old.

3. Kuwait National Museum

Another major attraction for Kuwait tourism is the Kuwait National Museum, designed by French Architect Michel Ecochard which also lies on Arabian Gulf Street. The museum comprises three main sections: Archaeology, Heritage, and the Planetarium. During your visit, pay attention to the beautiful collection from Failaka Island.

During the Gulf War, the museum itself had been plundered. However, it was restored many times after that and now portrays the various aspects of life in Kuwait. The planetarium is the first in the Gulf region and well worth the visit.

The museum is located next to Seif Palace and Kuwait’s National Assembly. While here, consider exploring the rest of Arabian Gulf St. if you have time. There are many attractions, including the Green Island water park, Dickson House Museum, Seif Palace, and sandy beaches like the Arabian Gulf Beach.

4. Souk Al-Mubarakiya

Once you’re done exploring that part of Kuwait City, let’s move on to retail therapy at a typical Arab market: Souk Al-Mubarakiya. A local favorite, it is one of the most iconic bazaars in Kuwait as it is one of the oldest markets.

Needless to say, the market forms a large part of Kuwaiti history as it was a place of trade before the Arabian gulf nation found oil reserves. Now, it is a place where history meets modernity as more modern buildings were added to the market’s old school structures.

You can find almost anything at the souk, from souvenirs and gifts to dates, dried fruit, olives, jewelry, and even internationally-made products.

5. Al Shaheed Park

Not interested in shopping? Need to stretch your legs? Intrigued by green projects? One of Kuwait's best attractions is Al Shaheed Park. The urban park, built by Al Diwan Al Amiri in 2015, comprises sprawling green areas, botanical gardens, an artificial lake that also serves as a water reservoir. It also boasts one of the biggest over-structure green roofs in the world.

It is home to many restaurants, gift shops, and two museums and is the largest urban park in Kuwait. Al Shaheed Park opens early morning and closes around midnight. Located on Soor Street, Kuwait City, the park is free to access.

Other cities & islands in Kuwait to explore

There is plenty to see in Kuwait's other regions, including Kubbar Island and Hawalli, in addition to Kuwait City. Here are some of the best:

6. Kubbar Island

Kuwait's Southern coast is only about 30 kilometers from Kubbar Island, which offers a great beach vacation. This tiny island is surrounded by crystal clear water and packed with sandy beaches.

7. Hawalli

One of six provinces in Kuwait, Hawalli is a diverse and colorful city found in the eastern part of Kuwait at the Persian Gulf’s inlet. This tiny island is best enjoyed from January to May. It is just six kilometers from Kuwait City, meaning you can land at Kuwait International Airport and then catch a bus by CityBus or KPTC.

While there, remember to visit Mirror House, Tareq Rajab Museum, Bayan Palace, Bayan Botanical Garden, and Masjid Al Imam Al Baqer. If you’re in a rush, you can see all these places in a day or two before moving on to your next destination, Salwa.

8. Salwa

Dubbed one of the most prominent cities in a Middle Eastern country, Salwa lies between Rumaithiya & Messila. It falls under the province of Hawalli. However, the multicultural, bustling hub deserves a special mention.

Grab a bite to eat, buy some souvenirs and visit Mohammad A Khorafi Mosque, Injafa Beach, and Badria Al Ahmad Mosque before moving on. If you stay longer, there are many great hotels to choose from.

9. Al Ahmadi

Next, we recommend visiting one of Kuwait’s finest cities: Al Ahmadi. Founded in 1946 on the southern end of the country, Al Ahmadi was developed around the oil field discovered there.

Named after Sheikh Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the city boasts numerous parks and the Kuwait Oil Company Display Center. The sandy city offers a different side to Kuwait’s glamorous tourist attractions.

10. Farwaniya

Ending your adventure in Kuwait? Head back to Farwaniya, one of Kuwait’s main residential areas and where the Kuwait International Airport is located. This is the city for retail therapy and indulgence. You will find everything from local dried fruit, perfumes, and metal ornaments to rugs and clothes.

For those with kids, before heading to the airport, stop at the Kids Village entertainment area and let them work out any access energy so they can have a more relaxed flight home.

The ultimate guide to Kuwait

Kuwait has an endless list of places to visit. It has plenty more to offer to tourists—from shopping to museums, it has something to offer for any travel. Create your itinerary with the help of this blog, or find out more things to do in Kuwait City, reading our blog about top things to do in Kuwait.

If we’ve convinced you to explore Kuwait and its many attractions like the Grand Mosque and Souq Al-Mubarakiya and you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, read our ultimate Kuwait travel guide for more information on practicalities, such as applying for the Kuwait eVisa, safety in Kuwait, and the best time to travel.