Kuwait isn’t what most people expect. Behind the glossy skyscrapers and oil wealth, there’s a country where traditional coffee shops sit next to modern art galleries, and ancient dhows float past futuristic towers. The food scene here is wild, and the local hospitality makes every visit memorable.
Here are the most beautiful places to visit in Kuwait that showcase both sides of this fascinating country. From architectural masterpieces to quiet spots along the Gulf where locals fish at sunset, these 12 places will show you why Kuwait deserves more than a layover.
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#1 tip to save money on your trip to Kuwait
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Kuwaiti adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last winter, I flew to Kuwait for just $370 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by eating at local restaurants in areas like Hawally and Salmiya. A filling meal of machboos or shawarma costs around 1-2 KWD ($3-6), while traditional breakfast at a local spot runs about 1.5 KWD. Food courts in older malls offer better value than standalone restaurants.
- Transport: Download Kuwait Bus Route or Kuwait Metro apps to navigate public buses. While there’s no metro system, using local buses and shared taxis (orange taxis) instead of private cabs has saved me dozens of dinars on each trip. City buses cost just 250-500 fils (under $2) per ride.
Kuwait is one of the most expensive countries in the Middle East, especially around tourist areas and luxury malls. But if you follow the strategies above, you can explore this Gulf state for much less. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Kuwait:
1. Kuwait Towers
- 📍 Location: Kuwait City
- 🏆 Best For: 🏙️ Iconic views, 📸 photography lovers, 🍽️ unique dining
- 📸 Top Experiences: Observation deck views, revolving restaurant, night skyline photography
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar – Stylish hotel with sea views near the Towers
Kuwait Towers are easily the country’s most iconic landmark and the perfect starting point for any visit. These needle-like structures capped with blue mosaic spheres overlook the Persian Gulf and are even more impressive in person than in photos. It’s one of those spots that locals are genuinely proud of, and you’ll understand why the moment you see it lit up at night.
The main tower has an observation deck offering panoramic views of the entire city. You’ll spot glassy skyscrapers on one side and the endless blue sea on the other. Inside, there’s a revolving restaurant that slowly rotates as you dine, making it a memorable spot for lunch or dinner.
You can visit the Towers during the day, but they shine brightest at sunset. The light reflects off the Gulf, and everything around turns golden. It’s an experience you’ll want to capture, both in photos and memory.
2. Kuwait City
- 📍 Location: Capital of Kuwait
- 🏆 Best For: 🕌 Culture lovers, 🛍️ shoppers, 🏙️ city explorers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Souk Al-Mubarakiya, Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, coastal Corniche walks
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Grand Majestic Hotel Kuwait – Central location with skyline views
Kuwait City blends sleek modernity with deep tradition. The skyline is full of gleaming towers, yet hidden between them are age-old souks and centuries-old mosques. It’s a place where you can sip artisan coffee one minute and haggle for spices and scarves the next.
For history and culture, head to Souk Al-Mubarakiya or the National Museum. If you’re into architecture or performance arts, the cultural center is a standout. The waterfront Corniche is perfect for an evening stroll or catching the sea breeze with a view of the Kuwait Towers.
What makes the city special is how easy it is to dip in and out of different experiences. One block is all tech and style, the next is filled with cafés serving saffron-infused tea and grilled meats. It’s a layered city that rewards curious travelers who don’t rush through it.
3. Al Khiran
- 📍 Location: Southern Kuwait, along the Gulf
- 🏆 Best For: 🌊 Beach lovers, 🛶 watersport fans, 🚤 marina escapes
- 📸 Top Experiences: Beach lounging, jet skiing, marina boat tours
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Alyal Resort – Waterfront villas with direct marina access
Al Khiran is one of Kuwait’s best-kept secrets, a quiet coastal town where weekends move slower and the water is always close. The mix of golden sand, calm waves, and peaceful marina vibes feels more like the UAE or Maldives than what you might expect from Kuwait.
Locals love it for weekend getaways, and once you’re there, it’s easy to see why. The beaches are clean and lowkey, perfect for sunbathing or launching a kayak. The marina has an upscale feel, with yachts lined up beside cozy cafés. Water sports are popular too, from banana boat rides to jet ski sessions.
This is the kind of place where you bring a book, unplug, and let the sea breeze do its thing. As the sun sets, the skies turn pink and purple over the Gulf. It’s a surprisingly romantic end to a quiet day by the water.
4. Al Shaheed Park
- 📍 Location: Kuwait City
- 🏆 Best For: 🌿 Nature lovers, 🖼️ art fans, 🧘 peaceful urban escapes
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking trails, Habitat Museum, sunset at the amphitheater
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Kuwait City – Modern comfort near the park
Al Shaheed Park is Kuwait City’s most refreshing surprise, an urban green space that’s as much about culture and art as it is about nature. Locals come here to relax, jog, or watch performances, but even casual visitors will find themselves lingering longer than expected.
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The park is split into zones with walking trails, botanical gardens, water features, and shaded paths that cut through native plants. Along the way, you’ll spot sculptures and public art, plus interactive museums that tell Kuwait’s ecological and historical story in surprisingly fun ways.
On weekends, the open-air amphitheater often hosts events, from jazz nights to film screenings. It’s also a great place to catch sunset views over the skyline while sipping tea from one of the trendy cafés inside the park. Whether you’re into slow strolls or low-key culture, this is a chill must-visit.
5. Failaka Island
- 📍 Location: Off the coast of Kuwait City
- 🏆 Best For: 🏺 History lovers, 🐚 beach explorers, 🛶 cultural day trips
- 📸 Top Experiences: Greek ruins, beach picnics, boat ride from Marina Crescent
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Spice Boutique Hotel – Stylish stay in Salmiya with ferry access to the island
Failaka Island offers a quieter, more reflective side of Kuwait that you won’t find on the mainland. Just a short ferry ride away, it blends archaeological wonder with coastal calm. The ride itself gives you sweeping views of the Gulf and sets the tone for a peaceful escape.
The island is home to ruins from the Bronze Age and the Greek era, including old temples and pottery shards still visible in the sand. Walking among these open-air relics with the sound of waves in the background feels like stepping into a story that hasn’t finished yet.
Beyond the history, Failaka is also a solid spot for beach downtime. The shorelines are uncrowded and the pace is slow, making it perfect for day picnics or sunset watching. If you’re looking for somewhere chill and a little unexpected, this place deserves your ferry ticket.
6. Hawally
- 📍 Location: Hawally, Kuwait
- 🏆 Best For: 🛍️ Local culture, 🥘 foodies, 🎮 arcades & nightlife
- 📸 Top Experiences: Arcade alley gaming, shawarma stands, late-night markets
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Le Jazz Hotel – Reliable city hotel near Hawally’s busiest streets
Hawally gives you a closer look at everyday life in Kuwait. It’s a district known for its low-key charm, buzzing electronics markets, and some of the best budget food options in the city. Early mornings bring the smell of fresh bread from corner bakeries, and the sidewalks are always filled with movement.
This is where you’ll find everything from tech deals to hole-in-the-wall shawarma joints. The streets hum with different languages, and the energy feels more lived-in than curated. Families gather at local parks, and vendors chat with regulars who know the neighborhood inside out.
For travelers curious about the Kuwait locals actually experience, Hawally’s got you covered. It’s a great place to slow down, skip the tourist gloss, and appreciate the everyday rhythm that makes the city feel human.
7. Kubbar Island
- 📍 Location: Kubbar Island, Arabian Gulf
- 🏆 Best For: 🏖️ Beach lovers, 🤿 snorkelers, 🌞 weekend picnickers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Beach sunbathing, coral snorkel, Gulf sunset views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Safir Fintas Kuwait – Coastal resort with beach access nearby
Kubbar Island is a tiny slice of paradise floating in the Gulf. You’ll need a boat to get there, but the trip is worth it for the powdery white sand and clear, shallow waters that stretch out like a swimming pool. It’s quiet, peaceful, and ideal for a day away from the city.
The reef around the island is a favorite for snorkelers. Expect to spot vibrant fish, patches of coral, and maybe even the occasional sea turtle gliding through. It’s not overrun with crowds, which makes the whole experience feel refreshingly personal.
Whether you’re sunbathing with friends or floating for hours in calm blue water, Kubbar gives you a chance to reset. Most people bring food, water, and shade for the day since there are no facilities on the island.
8. Salwa
- 📍 Location: Salwa District, Kuwait
- 🏆 Best For: 🏡 Residential charm, 🍽️ foodies, 🧘 laid-back luxury
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling palm-lined streets, dining at upscale restaurants, visiting boutique cafes
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Marina Royal Hotel Suite – Comfortable base with easy beach access
Salwa is one of those areas that feels calm, classy, yet lived-in. While it’s mostly residential, that’s part of its charm. The streets are quieter than the city center, and many of them are shaded by trees and lined with villas that showcase both modern and traditional Kuwaiti styles.
It’s also a stronghold for good food. You’ll find everything from upscale Mediterranean restaurants to cozy shawarma joints, most of them tucked into low-key shopping plazas or standalone buildings. Cafes with minimalist interiors and fusion menus are easy to spot here too.
Salwa doesn’t try to be a tourist hub, and that’s what makes it appealing. It gives you a glimpse into daily life in Kuwait, where locals unwind with friends over dinner or walk to the beach after sunset. It’s more relaxed than flashy, but always genuine.
9. Grand Mosque
- 📍 Location: Kuwait City, Capital Governorate
- 🏆 Best For: 🕌 Architecture lovers, 📷 cultural explorers, 🧘 spiritual travelers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Mosque tour, admiring Islamic calligraphy, quiet reflection in the prayer hall
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February ❄️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait – Elegant hotel close to major landmarks
The Grand Mosque is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Kuwait. Its architecture is defined by symmetry, intricate carvings, and soft lighting that creates a calming atmosphere from the moment you step inside. The prayer hall feels massive yet welcoming, with plush carpets and a ceiling adorned with elegant detail.
Tours are available for visitors of all backgrounds, offering cultural context and a closer look at the artistic features that make this mosque so special. Guides often share stories about the building’s design and how it reflects Kuwait’s history and values.
This is a space where the energy of the city fades into quiet reflection. The exterior courtyard is just as impressive, with sweeping views and plenty of room to slow down. The Grand Mosque leaves a lasting impression by simply offering peace and perspective.
10. Salmiya
- 📍 Location: Salmiya, Hawalli Governorate
- 🏆 Best For: 🛍️ Shopping lovers, 🍽️ foodies, 🌃 nightlife explorers
- 📸 Top Experiences: The Scientific Center, Marina Mall, beachside cafés
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March ❄️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Marina Hotel – Beachfront luxury with a scenic promenade
Salmiya captures the modern pulse of Kuwait with a mix of upscale malls, waterfront hangouts, and international food spots. It’s one of the best places to experience the country’s cosmopolitan lifestyle without losing its Middle Eastern roots. Weeknights feel lively, but weekends are when this district truly buzzes.
From casual shawarma stands to sleek rooftop lounges, the food scene is wildly diverse. Take a walk along the Gulf Road, where city lights shimmer across the water and families gather at seaside parks. It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the neighborhood’s shops, eateries, and galleries.
The Scientific Center is a favorite stop, with a massive aquarium and IMAX theatre. If you’re into people-watching or boutique browsing, Marina Crescent offers both, with palm-lined walkways and Gulf views. Salmiya is where modern Kuwait shows off its stylish, social side without trying too hard.
11. Farwaniya
- 📍 Location: Farwaniya, Farwaniya Governorate
- 🏆 Best For: 🛒 Bargain hunters, 🍛 food lovers, 📷 street photography
- 📸 Top Experiences: Street markets, Al-Dajeej shopping area, public parks
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Continental Inn Hotel – Central base with easy access to local markets
Farwaniya brings you straight into Kuwait’s everyday life. This district doesn’t rely on big-name attractions but shines through its street energy, neighborhood shops, and multicultural atmosphere. Locals from all over the region live here, which means the flavors, languages, and rhythms constantly shift.
You’ll find home-style Arabic meals next to spicy South Asian snacks, and old-school electronics shops sitting beside trendy mobile boutiques. The mix is chaotic in the best way. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly areas, making it great for street shopping and low-key hangouts.
Public parks are where families relax, and in the evenings, kids often take over the sidewalks with bikes and soccer balls. The vibe is casual, and the area feels like a lived-in city rather than a curated destination. Farwaniya keeps it real, and for travelers who want authenticity over gloss, that’s the best part.
12. Souk Al-Mubarakiya
- 📍 Location: Kuwait City, Capital Governorate
- 🏆 Best For: Culture lovers, 🛍️ souvenir seekers, 🍽️ local cuisine
- 📸 Top Experiences: Spice stalls, traditional cafes, gold market browsing
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Grand Majestic Hotel Kuwait – Comfortable stay near heritage sights
Souk Al-Mubarakiya is one of the oldest markets in Kuwait and still feels alive with character and color. The narrow alleys twist through a maze of shops that sell everything from saffron and perfumes to sweets, textiles, and antiques. The air smells of cardamom, grilled kebabs, and fresh bread.
You can sit in a traditional café with an Arabic coffee while watching shopkeepers call out deals in a blend of Arabic, Urdu, and English. Haggling is expected and usually friendly, making every purchase feel like part of the experience rather than a transaction.
What makes this souk special is how it balances history with daily life. Locals shop here just as much as tourists do. It’s one of the few places where you can feel Kuwait’s past blending with its present. For cultural immersion, no itinerary is complete without walking these lanes.
