Top 10 Things To Do In Kuwait

Kuwait sits atop the world’s 6th largest oil reserves, has a thriving culture and a modernized society that is not as extremely religious as most of the Middle-Eastern counterparts. The attractions that it offers are some of the finest you will see in the Middle East. If you want to experience warm Arabic hospitality, this is the gateway to the rich east. It is a country with a culture that is not so opposed to foreigners and very safe for any visitors. They love theatrical acts and soap operas. Welcome to this list that takes you to the best places you can possibly visit in Kuwait.

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The Grand Mosque

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In the heart of the city sits the biggest and most revered mosque in all of Kuwait. It is one of the most prominent landmarks in Kuwait, spanning an area of 20,000 square meters. You can get a free tour on any weekday. It has a parking lot that can accommodate 600 cars, floor space for 10,000 men to pray and a 350 square meter library.

The Old Souk Al-Mubarakiya

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Before Kuwait struck oil, this was the beating heart of the economy. This vast trade center is where you will find things like Arabian pottery and Persian Silk carpets among other novel items that will make for very enticing souvenirs. You can also purchase high-quality royalty-level perfumes and dried fruits. This is a throwback to a simpler time that you cannot afford to miss.

Kuwait Towers

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This is one of the most famous landmarks. There are delicious meals to be had, magnificent views to be appreciated and a chance to experience what it feels like to be at the top of the world. There is a rotating café at the top where you can enjoy your food and a view at the same time. They are open to the public all days of the week.

Mirror House

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Composed of 70 tons of mirror and built between 1966 and 2006, the Mirror House is living art in action. It is the brainchild of artist and eccentric Lidia Al Qattan. She tells stories of each room and there is even a room with a cosmos theme that will blow your mind away. Mirror mosaics don’t get better than this.

The Desert

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You do not visit a country in the desert without experiencing the real desert. There is camel milk to be drunk, baby camels to be petted and you can ride these desert creatures. After this, you can drive into the desert, ride some quad bikes and keep going till you can’t see civilization. Stop here and take it all in. The silence, the vastness and the night under the clear starry night, all come together to make this extremely memorable. Do not go alone though, get a guide.

Failaka Island

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If you want to experience the kind of ruin a war brings to a country, visit this Island and see the remnants of the invasion by Saddam’s Iraq. There are offices, schools and other residential properties, all in ruins. It is a haunting experience that will show you what happens when people get greedy and start attacking each other.

Avenues Mall

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This is the largest mall in all of the Middle East. It is a vast space filled with everything from Versace to Dior brands. There are few local brands because the local textiles market is small and insignificant. However, there is shopping to be done if you want to and food to be enjoyed in the numerous eateries sprinkled throughout the building.

Al Kout Beach

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This bustling beach that is always populated by vacationers is famous for the dancing fountain and barbecue parties that take place right there next to the water. It is usually breezy, has white sands and the right amount of sun to soak in and work up a tan or just rest and relax. The water is nothing short of magnificently scenic.

Kobar Island

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This island is well-known for its clear waters and very sandy beaches. Here, you can scuba dive and swim with stingrays and see the ocean floor with ease. After that, you should enjoy the speed boating activities that are a major part of what you will be doing here. It is a lovely island that should give you the kind of relaxation only it, can provide.

The Scientific Center

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In the spirit of Arabian academic prowess from the ancient days, this place was given as a gift to the people of Kuwait by the Late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed. It is all about improving the scientific interests and spirit of the people who visit here. If you have kids, you should go see it. The attractions include an Aquarium, Discovery Place and an IMAX theatre.

Just So You Know:

• In Kuwait gas is cheaper than water.
• Their currency (The Kuwaiti Dinar), is the highest-valued currency in the world. One Kuwaiti Dinar is well worth over $3.3.
• You probably already knew that but it is worth reiterating. Visiting a Muslim country means adjusting your behavior and dress sense to adhere to local laws and customs.
• Speeding, aggressive driving, tailgating, lane weaving, and relentless texting while driving are all common occurrences on Kuwaiti roads.
• The state of Kuwait is banned from the Olympics due to government legislation that permits the state to interfere in elections of sporting organizations. As a result, Kuwaiti athletes compete as independent athletes under the Olympic flag instead of their own flag.

Get Some Culture:

• Visit the Amricani Cultural Center to learn what the everyday life of Kuwait has been like over the ages.
• Visit the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Arts – You will find musical instruments, Saudi gold ornaments and jewelry, and Omani silver. There are also items like Mongol helmets, pearls from Bahrain and enamel from Jaipur.

Grab A Bite:

• You can find affordable meals at The Breakfast Club.
• For local cuisines, you should try the Dar Hamad.