Experiences in Kuwait

Kuwait, the tiny country bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia is worth visiting, as there are plenty of things to do here, even if you are on a short visit. Kuwait has several tourist attractions that you will enjoy visiting. Kuwait City is also known for shopping, museums, historic sites and theme parks. In short, the Kuwait City, the largest urban area and the rich city in the Gulf region, is a combination of all modern day aspects with a more rugged and ordinary core.

Here are a few things that you could consider doing in your short visit to Kuwait:
– Located in Kuwait City, Al Hamra is the tallest tower in Kuwait, making it the 15th tallest sculpted tower in the world. The tower has 80 floors, and you can get an amazing aerial view of Kuwait if you go sightseeing here.

– The Liberation Tower is the second tallest building in Kuwait, and atop the tower, on an otherwise clear day you can see the whole of Kuwait. The tower has a revolving restaurant too, from where you get to enjoy some great Kuwaiti cuisine while also enjoying your view.

– Do not miss visiting the largest mosque in Kuwait, namely, the Grand Mosque. It is built so beautifully, that you cannot stop admiring its architecture. You can learn more about the Muslim religion, and take a daily tour at the Mosque.

– Visiting the Failaka Island’, gives a first-hand indication of what war does to a country. The Gulf war had caused lot of destruction. It is in this island that the effects of the war can be seen. The homes, offices and hospitals that were destroyed during the war have not been rebuilt. In the island, you can also visit archaeological sites dating back to the Bronze Age.

– The House of Mirrors is the only house in the world to be entirely covered with mirror mosaic done by a single artist. It is lived-in building bedecked with an astonishing range of mirror mosaics. This unique house is worth a visit.

– If you love to go shopping, there are plenty of malls in Kuwait City, with the Avenues mall being the largest, apart from 360 Mall, Marina Mall and many more. On the other hand, there is also the Old Souk / Mubarakiya, where you can shop for souvenirs, and taste some great Arabian dishes. It all depends on what you wish to shop for.

– There are several museums, such as the calligraphy museum, Kuwait National Museum etc., and depending on your interest, you can choose one.

– The Scientific Centre features world-class aquarium, IMAX theatre, and discovery area. There is a dhow harbour too outside, apart from shops selling gift items for children.

– Visit to Kuwait would seem incomplete without enjoying a desert trip. There are plenty of activities to do in the desert like camel rides, and camping for a night in the desert.

– Also, all the way along the Arabian Gulf Street there are wonderful beaches such as the Marina beach, Wanasa beach, Fintas, to name a few. You can just chill and do some sun bathing. The water tends to be on the shallow side for swimmers, but it is sure worth a visit with family.

Are you looking for some fun and free things to do in Kuwait? If you are planning a visit to Kuwait for touristic purpose, it is better to know that Kuwait is less of a touristic country. Nevertheless, it attracts huge number of foreigners all through the year, with majority of them travelling for businesses and related activities. However, despite the fact that Kuwait is located in the desert, there are plenty of fun and free activities to do as a tourist.

Kuwait National Museum
It is the National Museum of Kuwait. This simple museum is worth a visit, as it holds within its walls a lot of history and insights on how Kuwait was in early days, and the present. It is a must-visit for first-time travellers. The entry to National Museum is free. The modern Planetarium forms a part of the museum complex with shows at around 18:00 daily. The museum has heritage and archaeology exhibits and a dhow sailing boat.

Grand Mosque
Grand Mosque is the largest Mosque in the country, and guided tours take place here on daily basis. This imposing and beautifully decorated building is busy and warm from outside, but, you are sure to experience the bubble of peace and rest here, in an otherwise vibrant city. Situated opposite the Stock Exchange and Al Seif Palace, this beige tinted mosque does not seem to be as magnificent from the outside as it does from the inside. Visitors and tourists can visit the mosque every week day morning at 9.00am and can have a guided tour free of charge. This is well worth doing as tourists will find out many facts and figures about the building as well as about the Islamic way of life apart from their opportunity to ask lots of questions. Tourists may also borrow head scarf and an ‘abaya’ if they do not have one. Long loose clothing is recommended.

Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Arts
More than 30000 items collected over a period of more than 50 years are displayed in this private museum belonging to Tareq Sayed Rajab and his English wife. You can find several interesting collection of artefacts from all over the Islamic world, Asia and Far East. The museum located in the residential area of Jabriya, only has a very nominal entry fee, and is worth a visit.

Explore the traditional dhows
There are several locations in Kuwait where the traditional dhows are displayed for public viewing. Here you can learn its history and be amazed at how the ancient Arabs built these dhows. There is the World’s largest Arabic Dhow “Al Hashemi II” displayed within the grounds of Radisson Blu Hotel, and this is a top attraction in Kuwait. You can go in and view its beautiful interiors.

Visit The Avenues
The Avenues is the biggest and best mall in Kuwait, without doubt. The huge mall has all major brands and restaurant chains, and you can shop till you drop dead. There are coffee bars and kids play area too. If you are tight on budget and do not wish to spend, just spend some time window-shopping and take a stroll around the largest mall in Kuwait. The mall is very well planned and built, and, suits most budgets. However, when visiting on weekend, parking may be a little difficult.

Lights show in Kuwait Towers
Visit the Kuwait Towers in the night when the lights are on and enjoy the display of different lights. It is enjoyable to walk along its promenade, to have family picnics beside the beach and enjoy the Light Show.

Visit the Desert
A visit to Kuwait is incomplete without a visit to the desert. If you plan to spend an evening/night in the desert, your first stop should be at one of the many camel herds. Here you get to drink camel milk, pet the baby camels or if you are lucky, you may even get invited for a ride.

Visit the Fish Market
This is an air-conditioned fish market and is an added attraction for visitors and fish buyers. The place is clean, with different varieties of fresh catch being sold at reasonable prices, which fluctuate based on catch and demand. Your choice can range from barracudas, snapper, nuawibee, and zubaidee to many more. There is also a vegetable and meat market in the same building, and so your lunch will fit any pocket.

A stroll through the Friday Market
Take a stroll through the Friday market (also known as Souq Al Juma) during weekends. Located in Shuwaikh, a prime industrial area of Kuwait, the market is a huge open-air space, where you can stroll through sipping a hot cup of tea, or just enjoy the several simple things there, such as some attractive Iranian and Pakistani antiques. The market is especially crowded in the evening as the weather is more favourable then. The place also contains second hand merchandises of everything under the sun, and brand new pets, kitchen ware, vehicles, furniture, antiques, hardware, makeup, clothes, shoes, food, sun glasses, and more.

Enjoy your evening at the beach
All the way along the Arabian Gulf Street, there are wonderful beaches. The water tends to be on the shallow side for serious swimmers, but, can be considered for a weekend visit with family. Marina beach, Egaila, Wanasa beach, Fintas, Messilah and many more beaches are available in Kuwait. Just plan and enjoy an evening with your friends/family at the beach.