For visitors getting to know Middle Eastern tourism, Kuwait is the perfect starting point. Geographically speaking Kuwait is located along the Persian Gulf, nestled between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait may not be the first thought for an adventure vacation destination but, the country’s unique culture and history may surprise you. There are dozens of tourist attractions dotted about the country.
In just under 100 years, Kuwait has become one of the richest countries in the world, thanks in major part to the country’s oil exportation. Despite these rapid advancements, many of the locals still hold on to their own traditions, beliefs and have a strong sense of pride of the land where one is able to see the new and old world meet.
One will find mosques and traditional architecture tucked among modern skyscrapers. While Kuwait City is an urban jungle, gorgeous beaches are found just around the corner. There is no shortage of art and culture. Find below a list of the most popular activities in the country.
Tour the Grand Mosque
One cannot visit Kuwait without seeing the largest mosque in the country. The staggering yet beautiful piece of architecture was completed in the 1980s. Once inside, visitors will forget about the hustle and bustle of the city just outside the doors.
Guided tours are available for those interested and are free of charge. This will give tourists a first-hand look at how warm and welcoming the locals are. One could think of the Grand Mosque as the oasis in the middle of the desert.
Of course, it is important that visitors understand Kuwait is a majority Muslim population. The conservative laws and beliefs should be respected.
While locals do not expect foreigners to practice themselves, certain actions will help tourists. Dressing and behaving conservatively, along with respecting traditions such as Ramadan will tremendously make a difference in anyone’s experience.
Climb the Kuwait Towers
A quick Google search of Kuwait will bring up skyline images which include the Kuwait Towers. The three slender towers stand along the Persian Gulf and are among five other groups of water towers in the country.
These are unique and an obvious tourist attraction for their exceptional architecture. Not only are the spherical shapes on two of the towers interesting to look at but they also give panoramic views of the city and the sea. Along with a viewing deck, there is a fine dining restaurant found in one of the towers.
Skate the Kuwait City Ice Rink
An ice skating rink in the middle of the desert may seem like a strange choice, but it comes as a welcome relief. Not only will tourists want to beat the heat but it is a change of pace from the other sightseeing activities.
The Rink is a major landmark for tourists and locals alike. It is a great way to add some sport and fun into the day. Plus, it is something the whole family will love!
Relax on Kuwait’s Green Island
Green Island is the only artificial island in the region. It is found off the coast of Kuwait City’s promenade and is another popular landmark of the city. This is because the island offers a retreat from city life, even if just for an afternoon.
The entire family will enjoy the soft, sandy beaches where one can play any sports or games. There is a swimming pool located on the island and kid-friendly attractions. For those who want to get active, biking and walking trails are aplenty.
Explore the House of Mirrors in Kuwait
For a truly remarkable experience, visit the House of Mirrors. This is an installation by a local Italian artist. The artist and her late husband turned the entire house into a beautiful mosaic of looking glass. Both inside and out are covered from ceiling to floor.
The artist does tours by appointment and brings a personal touch to each one. Visitors can expect afternoon tea and refreshments while they marvel at the impressive home.
Visit Kuwait National Museum and Planetarium
The Kuwait national museum is a great place to uncover the history and heritage of the country. There is something for everyone. Art buffs will enjoy the art collection of the Al-Sabah family that is permanently displayed.
There are plenty of archeological findings exhibited that are important to any Kuwaitis history.
Lastly, a planetarium is located on the grounds dedicated to space education. This dome structure boasts state of the art interactive storytelling.
Regardless of how tourists choose to spend his or her time in Kuwait, there are plenty of options that will make an unforgettable experience.
Take a Ferry to Failaka Island
Failaka Island is a Kuwaiti Island located 20 kilometres off the coast of Kuwait city in the Persian Gulf. many settlements on Failaka can be traced back to 2000 B.C. and great civilizations such as the Mesopotamians, Babylonians, and ancient Greeks have passed through the territory, making the island the center of archeology in Kuwait.
The Island boasts a range of enticing attractions such as a Heritage Village containing examples of 1950s Kuwaiti architecture, a museum palace which recreates life in Kuwait in the 1900s, and the Failaka Stables where visitors can see camels and Arabian horses. To get to Failaka Island, visitors can take a ferry from the Ras Salmiya port in Kuwait city.
Go Diving Around Kubbar Island
Located 29 kilometres south of Failaka, this much smaller island is nearly a perfect circle, completely coated in sand, and home to various species of birds, including flamingos, which stop over on the island during their annual migration.
Kubbar is most famous for the spectacular coral reefs which surround the island, and is consequently a popular spot for scuba diving and other water sports.
To get to Kubbar Island, visitors can take one of the regular boat tours which depart from Al-Fahaheel south of Kuwait City. It is also possible to rent a private yacht or speed boat to reach the island.
Discover the Doha Village Entertainment City
Those traveling to Kuwait with children shouldn’t leave the country without paying a visit to the Al-Doha district in northern Kuwait, 20 kilometers north of the capital.
Formerly a district known for fishing and traditional boat-building, the area is now home to Entertainment City, a theme park considered the equivalent of a Kuwaiti Disneyland.
Entertainment City spans over 1 million square meters and boasts a range of attractions based around themes such as ‘The Arab World’, ‘The International World’, and ‘The Future World’. The park also features extensive exotic gardens, and also contains a functional Mosque and Roman Amphitheatre within the complex.
