Kuwait Travel Guide: Top 10 Things To Do

If you are following our Middle Eastern journey after exploring Bahrain, our next stop brought us to Kuwait! Known for its blend of striking skyscrapers, deep-rooted tradition, and coastal views, Kuwait proved to be a fascinating destination.

Whether you are planning a short stopover or a multi-day trip, here are the 10 best sights and highlights in Kuwait based on our own experience—from iconic towers to hidden historic gems.

Practical Info & Fast Facts About Kuwait

Before diving into the highlights, here are a few quick facts to know before visiting:

Geography: Situated at the tip of the Persian Gulf, Kuwait shares borders with Iraq to the north and west, and Saudi Arabia to the south. It boasts a long coastline along the Arabian Gulf.
Population: Around 4.3 million people live in Kuwait, with roughly 30% being Kuwaiti nationals and around 70% expats from all around the world.
Strongest Currency in the World: Kuwait uses the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD). It holds the title of the world’s highest-valued currency unit, making budgeting and currency conversion an interesting experience for travelers!
Best Time to Visit: November to April, when temperatures are pleasant ( $18^\circ\text{C}$ to $28^\circ\text{C}$ / $64^\circ\text{F}$ to $82^\circ\text{F}$ During summer (June to September), temperatures easily soar past 45 $64^\circ\text{F}$ Local life in the warmer months shifts almost entirely to the evenings when parks, beach promenades, and outdoor terraces truly come alive.

Getting Around: Renting a car or using ride-hailing apps (like Careem) or taxis is the easiest way to explore. The road network is modern, well-maintained, and easy to navigate.
⚠️ Current Travel Advisory & Safety: Due to ongoing regional developments and geopolitics in the Middle East in 2026, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest local security situation before and during your trip. While Kuwait remains a stable and safe destination for tourists, travel warnings and advice can change quickly.
Always check the official travel advice from your home country’s government or embassy (such as the U.S. Department of State, UK Foreign Office, or your local Ministry of Foreign Affairs) for up-to-date travel warnings and safety alerts prior to departure.

A Glimpse into Kuwait’s History & Culture

Before the discovery of oil transformed Kuwait into a modern oil-rich nation in the mid-20th century, its identity was built entirely around the sea. Originally founded as a small fishing and trading village in the early 18th century, Kuwait became famous throughout the region for its skilled shipbuilders, maritime trade routes, and brave pearl divers who spent months at sea.

Today, Kuwait City offers an extraordinary blend of ultra-modern infrastructure, futuristic architecture, and deeply rooted Bedouin traditions. While the skyline is dominated by sleek glass skyscrapers, you will still feel the warm Arabian hospitality, traditional coffee culture, and historic heritage everywhere you go.

Top 10 Things to do in Kuwait

1. Marvel at the Iconic Kuwait Towers & Water Towers

You cannot visit Kuwait City without seeing the iconic Kuwait Towers. Located right on the waterfront, these towering blue-tiled spheres are the official symbol of the country. We went up to the observation deck of the main tower to soak in breathtaking 360-degree views of the skyline and the Arabian Gulf.

Throughout the city, you will also spot Kuwait’s unique mushroom-shaped Water Towers, which are an architectural trademark of the nation’s modernization.

Tickets & Entry: You can easily buy tickets at the entrance ticket counter for 3 KWD (around €9 per person; free for children under 4).
Dining Tip: If you plan to dine at the Horizon Restaurant inside the main tower, admission to the viewing platform is usually included with your meal reservation.

Throughout the city, you will also spot Kuwait’s unique mushroom-shaped Water Towers, which are an architectural trademark of the nation’s modernization.

2. Relax at Marina Beach

For a relaxed coastal vibe, head over to Marina Beach. Located in the Salmiya district, it offers a clean shoreline with views of the urban skyline. It is the perfect spot for an afternoon walk along the coast, to take a dive in the sea or to watch the sunset over the Arabian Gulf.

3. Shop & Stroll at Marina Mall

Right next to the beach is Marina Mall, a vibrant shopping and dining destination. Here you can grab a coffee, shop at international brands, or stroll along the modern marina filled with yachts and waterfront cafes.

4. Escape the City Noise at Al Shaheed Park

Al Shaheed Park is the largest green space in Kuwait and an absolute must-visit. It perfectly combines nature, modern monuments, and Kuwaiti history. It is a wonderful place to walk around, admire contemporary installation and enjoy botanical gardens. Also the look out over the surrounding modern skyline is incredible.

5. Wander Through the Financial District & Al Hamra Tower

Kuwait’s Financial District is packed with impressive modern architecture. Among all the futuristic glass skyscrapers, the standout is Al Hamra Tower. Standing as the tallest building in Kuwait, its unique curved concrete-and-glass design dominates the city skyline and offers incredible photo opportunities from below.

6. Stand Beneath the Historic Liberation Tower

Another staple of Kuwait City’s skyline is the Liberation Tower. Standing at nearly 372 meters tall, it represents Kuwait’s liberation and resilience. While public access to the upper levels is limited, seeing this massive telecommunications structure up close from the city center is an essential stop.

7. Admire the Historic Al Seif Palace (Royal Palace)

Situated near the coast, Al Seif Palace is the historic focal point of the ruling family and home to the monarch’s headquarters. While it is closed to the public inside, driving or walking past the palace lets you appreciate its traditional Islamic architecture, beautifully tiled walls, and the famous original clock tower.

8. Discover the Pearl Ship Graveyard

For a unique peek into Kuwait’s pre-oil maritime history, seek out the Pearl Ship Graveyard. Here, old wooden dhow boats—once used for pearl diving and fishing—rest along the shoreline. It offers a raw, historic contrast to the polished glass towers of the modern city and serves as a reminder of the nation’s rich seafaring past.

9. Experience Grand Architecture at the Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Kabir) is the official and largest mosque in Kuwait. Spanning 45,000 square meters, its main hall can hold over 10,000 worshippers. The interior features intricate Islamic craftsmanship, hand-carved details, stunning chandeliers, and massive archways.

Note: Free guided tours are available, but ensure you dress modestly (female visitors will be provided abayas/traditional robes at the entry).

10. Dive into History at Souq Al-Mubarakiya

To experience authentic Kuwaiti culture, spend a part of the day at Souq Al-Mubarakiya. As one of the oldest markets in Kuwait, this bustling bazaar is packed with stalls selling traditional perfumes (oud), dates, spices, and handmade crafts. It is also the best place to sit down for a traditional feast of Machboos and freshly baked flatbread.

Where to Stay in Kuwait

When choosing accommodation in Kuwait, you can select from modern city-center high-rises, waterfront luxury hotels, and comfortable family-friendly options. Whether you want to stay near bustling shopping districts, historic sights, or coastal promenades, Kuwait offers places to stay for every type of traveler.

During our trip, we stayed at the City Tower Hotel, which proved to be a great base for exploring Kuwait City.

Located in the Sharq district, this hotel sits right in the heart of the city, placing you just minutes away from major landmarks like the Kuwait Towers, Souq Al-Mubarakiya, and the Financial District.

The Vibe: A modern, practical, and welcoming city hotel with clear skyline views of Kuwait City.
Why Choose City Tower Hotel: It offers a fantastic central location combined with excellent value for money. Being centrally located means you save a lot of travel time when visiting the main sights across the city center.
Comfort & Amenities: The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped for both short stopovers and longer stays. After a full day of sightseeing in the heat, you can unwind in the indoor swimming pool, relax in the sauna, or work out in the fitness center.
Highlights: Unbeatable central location near major sights, clean and spacious rooms, friendly service, and a peaceful indoor pool area—making it a smooth and comfortable home away from home.

🎥 Watch Our Complete Kuwait Travel Guide Video

Want to experience Kuwait before you go? In our complete video travel guide on YouTube, we take you along as we explore all the best highlights this country has to offer. We’ll show you around the iconic Kuwait Towers, dive into the historic Souq Al-Mubarakiya, visit the grand Grand Mosque, and marvel at modern architectural landmarks like the Al Hamra Tower and the Financial District.

We also take you inside our stay at City Tower Hotel for an in-depth look at our experience and amenities. Packed with real-world practical travel tips, itinerary ideas, and honest insights, this video is the ultimate visual walkthrough to help you plan your own trip!

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