Kuwait City is rich in history, culture and a variety of exciting activities for travellers. In this blog, we'll guide you through the best attractions to visit. From exploring iconic landmarks such as Kuwait Towers and the Grand Mosque to discovering the treasures of the Tariq Rajab Museum and searching for hidden gems in the vibrant Mubarakiya Souk, there is something for everyone.
The Best Places To Visit in Kuwait City: Top Kuwaiti Attractions!
The Kuwait Tower
The Kuwait Tower consists of three slim towers, often referred to collectively as the "Kuwait Tower" despite being multiple towers. Officially opened to the public in 1979, they are considered a landmark of modern Kuwait and a popular tourist destination.
Standing at a staggering 187 metres tall, The towers are the most prominent structures in their vicinity, making them highly visible. Guests can enjoy world-class hospitality at 82 metres, with an open buffet served daily and the tower's dedicated café.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 11 PM.
Entrance Fees: The Kuwait Tower costs 3KD per person, however, children under 4 are free.
Type of Activity: Indoor.
Location: Arabian Gulf St, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Al Shaheed Park
Al Shaheed Park is one of the best places to visit in Kuwait City for those looking to learn more about the history of Kuwait. Covering about 200,000 square metres it is the biggest park in Kuwait.
It is home to two of the biggest museums in Kuwait, the Thekra (Memorial) museum, which focuses on the history of Kuwait, and its major battles such as the Al-Jahra, Al Seef, Al Riqqa battle and the Gulf War. The Habitat Museum, a unique institution in Kuwait, displays the country's diverse plant and animal life, promoting environmental awareness.
Opening Hours: Open daily from 5 AM to 12 AM.
Entrance Fees: Entrance to the park is free of charge.
Type of Activity: Outdoor.
Location: Soor St, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Souk Al Mubarakiya
During your trip to the most beautiful city in Kuwait, a visit to Souk Al Mubarakiya is a must. Souk Al Mubarakiya is a bustling marketplace in Kuwait City that combines traditional and modern vibes. It is one of the oldest markets in the entire region (100+ years old!). It's a great place to find souvenirs like clothing, jewellery, spices, and delicious Arabic street food.
Opening Hours: Opens from 9:00 AM to 10:29 daily, except on Fridays as they are closed.
Entrance Fees: Entrance to the souk is free.
Type of Activity: Outdoor.
Location: 15 16 Salah Aldin Al Ayoubi St, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
The Grand Mosque
Moving on with our list of the best places to visit in Kuwait City, we have The Grand Mosque of Kuwait. The Grand Mosque, also known as Al-Masjid Al-Kabir, is the largest and most important mosque in Kuwait. It's famous for its beautiful Islamic architecture, with a central dome, arches, and colourful tilework.
The mosque can hold up to 10,000 men in the main prayer hall and has a separate area for women which can house up to 1,000 women. Visitors are welcome to tour the mosque for free and learn more about Islam.
Entrance Fees: Free.
Type of Activity: Indoor.
Location: 25 Arabian Gulf St., Kuwait City, Kuwait.
The Avenues Mall
For all the shopaholics out there, we have one of the biggest malls in all of Kuwait, the Avenues Mall. The Avenues is a giant upscale mall in Kuwait that feels like a whole city, with its 1,100 stores, from luxury brands to international chains and local favourites.
There are restaurants and cafes everywhere, serving all kinds of food from all over the world. The Avenues even has different areas designed like different places, like a European boulevard and a traditional Kuwaiti market. Whether you want to shop, eat, or just relax, The Avenues is one of the best places to visit in Kuwait.
Opening Hours: Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Entrance Fees: Free.
Type of Activity: Indoor.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Rd, Kuwait.
Tareq Rajab Museum
The Tareq Rajab Museum is a fascinating place to explore Islamic art and artefacts. It houses a wide collection of items (roughly 30,000), including Islamic manuscripts, ceramics, glass, metalwork, arms and armour, jewellery, textiles, costumes, and musical instruments. The museum is divided into two locations: the Tareq Rajab Museum, which houses the main collection, and the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy, which focuses on Arabic script.
One of the highlights of the Tareq Rajab Museum is the Hattin Diorama, which recreates the Battle of Hattin using 3500 hand-painted miniatures. The museum also houses an extensive collection of gold jewellery, textiles, and costumes from around the Islamic world. The Gold Room features gold from both pre-Islamic times and post-Islamic times and highlights the influence the Islamic craftsmanship took from the Himalayan region.
Opening Hours: The Museum opens its doors from Saturday to Thursday from 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM & from 04:30 PM to 08:30 PM, and on Fridays from 09:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Entrance Fees: Tickets for the Tareq Rajab Museum are 3 KD for adults and 1.5 KD for people under 18. Note, that entrance is free for children under 6.
Type of Activity: Indoor.
Location: Building 22, Block, 12 5 St, Jabriya, Kuwait
Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy
The Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy is one of the best places to visit in Kuwait City for anyone who appreciates beautiful writing. Founded by Tareq S. Rajab inspired by his grandfather's collection of Qur'ans, the museum showcases Islamic calligraphy in many forms.
It was originally opened by the then-British Ambassador Stuart Laing in 2007. It is home to original manuscripts by famous calligraphers like Yaqut Al-Musta'simi and Hafiz Osman, contemporary calligraphy and artwork that keeps this ancient art form alive, and decorated everyday objects like ceramics, metalwork, glass, and textiles, all featuring beautiful Arabic script.
Opening Hours: The museum is open Saturday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Fridays have shorter hours, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Entrance Fees: Entry to the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy is free for children under 6. Adults pay 3 KD, while visitors under 18 can enter for a discounted price of 1.5 KD. Tickets for the Tareq Rajab Museum can be used here as well.
Type of Activity: Indoor.
Location: Block 12, Street 1, Building 2, Jabriya, Kuwait.
The Kuwait National Museum
To finish up our list of the best tourist attractions in the most beautiful city in Kuwait, we have the Kuwait National Museum. The Kuwait National Museum is a treasure trove of Kuwaiti history and culture. It is composed of different buildings all connected by walkways and built around a central garden, here’s what they contain:
The Kuwait Heritage Museum: This section takes you on a trip through time, showcasing how Kuwaitis adapted and thrived in their desert environment.
The Archaeological Museum: Ever wondered what Kuwait was like in prehistoric times? This museum has fossils and artefacts unearthed from archaeological sites like Failaka Island, giving you a window into Kuwait's deep roots.
The Boom Al-Muhallab: This isn't just any exhibit, it's a massive dhow, a traditional sailing boat, that played a significant role in Kuwait's history.
The Kuwait National Planetarium: The planetarium offers shows that will take you on a cosmic adventure, gazing at the stars under a giant dome
Opening Hours: The National Museum of Kuwait is open from Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM-12.30 AM & 4:30- 8:30 PM. While on Fridays: 4:30 PM-8:30 PM.
Entrance Fees: Free to enter.
Type of Activity: Indoor.
Location: Next to the Seif Palace and Kuwait’s National Assembly, Arabian Gulf St, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
FAQs About The Best Places To Visit in Kuwait City
Q. What is the best time of year to visit Kuwait City?
The best time to visit Kuwait City is during the mild weather months, which fall between November and April. During this time, you can expect pleasant daytime temperatures, with cooler nights. This makes it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.
Q. Are there any cultural etiquettes to be aware of when visiting Kuwait City?
Yes, as Kuwait is a Muslim-majority country, we advise you to dress modestly.
Q. How can I get around Kuwait City?
There are a few different ways to get around Kuwait City:
Taxi: This is a popular and convenient way to get around Kuwait City.
Bus: Kuwait City has a public bus network operated by the Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC).
Car: Renting a car is a good option if you want the freedom to explore Kuwait City.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Apps like Uber and Careem are available in Kuwait.
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