Planning a trip to Kuwait and curious about the top spots to visit? Well, Kuwait is a small Middle Eastern country, and while there aren’t tons of tourist attractions to explore, you can get a good feel for the place in just 2-3 days. Because of this, combining your Kuwait trip with another Gulf country might be a good idea.
Many folks stick to Kuwait City, but there’s more to see beyond the city limits, like the desert and famous camel farms. Let’s dive into some of the best things to do in Kuwait.
The Grand Mosque is a must-see in Kuwait. It’s the largest mosque in the country, covering a vast area of 20,000 square meters with a total land area of 45,000 square meters. Known as one of the most stunning mosques in the Middle East, it features intricate marble detailing, mosaics, European-imported chandeliers, and a magnificent golden central dome. During the week, you can join free guided tours to explore this beautiful mosque.
Another great place to explore is Souk Al-Mubarakiya. This traditional market is over 200 years old, making it one of the oldest in Kuwait. It’s massive, with both indoor and outdoor sections. Here, you can shop for practically anything, from food and spices to Persian carpets, antiques, traditional clothes, souvenirs, perfumes, jewelry, handicrafts, dried fruits, and sweets. You can also sample some delicious local food and find fresh produce.
Don’t miss the Kuwait Towers, a trio of towers with the tallest standing at 187 meters. These towers symbolize modern Kuwait and feature a 360-degree viewing deck at 120 meters with a rotating floor, plus a restaurant at 82 meters. It’s a major tourist draw and great for panoramic views.
Al Shaheed Park is the largest park in Kuwait and is truly unique. Home to one of the largest green roofs in the world and the biggest in the Arab region, it’s celebrated for cutting-edge architecture and stunning gardens. The park has various gardens, walkways, jogging tracks, outdoor sculptures, cafes, restaurants, two museums, outdoor theaters, exhibition areas, and a beautifully lit fountain.
Since much of Kuwait’s landscape is desert, missing out on a desert adventure would be a shame. The best way to experience it is through a desert safari, which can be booked at your hotel or a local travel agency. These safaris offer camel riding, overnight stays at desert camps, dune bashing in 4×4 vehicles, sandboarding, quad biking, and traditional Arab music and dance shows. Desert tours are usually available in the cooler winter and spring months.
Visiting a camel farm is another fantastic activity. Located in the desert, these farms let you observe camel auctions and learn more about these fascinating animals, with some even offering camel rides.
Lastly, camel racing is a unique Middle Eastern tradition you can enjoy in Kuwait. Races now feature remote-controlled robot jockeys instead of human riders, making it a unique spectacle. You can catch the races every Saturday afternoon from autumn to early spring.
These highlights cover some of the best experiences Kuwait has to offer, ensuring your trip is memorable. Enjoy exploring!