We set off for a journey around the Middle East from Bangkok, spent 2 full days in Bahrain and then headed to Kuwait for 2 nights — meaning one full day of sightseeing. Now we want to share the best things to do in Kuwait during a short stay. If you are planning a stopover or a very short trip, this guide is for you!
You can check out the map of our route below:
Our complete route looked like this: Thailand → Bahrain → Kuwait → Egypt → Jordan → UAE → Thailand
Where Is Kuwait? A Quick Overview
Kuwait, with its capital Kuwait City, sits right at the tip of the Persian Gulf. This desert nation shares land borders with only two countries: Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Small but powerful — Kuwait owes its wealth to massive oil reserves, and the Kuwaiti Dinar is the most valuable currency in the world.
Is Kuwait Worth Visiting? Our Honest First Impressions
Coming straight from welcoming Bahrain, Kuwait felt different. Locals didn’t seem open to tourists — we noticed it immediately at the border and again more than once during our stay. That said, nobody was hostile or posed any danger. Kuwait felt very safe, just not particularly welcoming or tourist-friendly.
In one day we discovered plenty of interesting things to do in Kuwait City, and honestly, one day was enough for us. Is Kuwait worth visiting? Yes — we saw 4 interesting attractions, experienced a new culture and formed our own opinion. And that, for us, is always worth it.
Things to Do in Kuwait City: What We Saw in One Day
During our one-day trip we visited 4 main attractions: Kuwait Towers, Grand Mosque Kuwait, Al Hamra Tower and Al Shaheed Park. Come along and experience them through our eyes!
Kuwait Towers — Is It Worth Going Inside?
I believe that Kuwait Towers is one of the most well-known attractions of Kuwait City. The Kuwait Towers were opened in 1979 and designed by Scandinavian architects. The interesting fact about the towers: there are three towers and across them there are three massive spheres. Two of them are functional water tanks holding millions of gallons of water, whereas the third tower is just there to light up the other two at night.
At first we wanted to take a look at them from the distance and take photos. We went there in the afternoon and there were only a couple of tourists apart from us. The sun was still strong during that time of the day but it was manageable. The good thing is that one, main sphere, is actually open for tourists so we wanted to go inside to see Kuwait City from the top.
We paid 3 KWD each for the entrance and took an elevator to go up. The sphere is split into two levels: the lower half features a restaurant, while the upper one houses the famous rotating observation deck. The view of the city is beautiful: in the foreground we got to see surprisingly a lot of greenery as for the desert land and in the background the city’s impressive skyline packed with modern skyscrapers. And on the other side of the sphere there is a view of the sea. And don’t be afraid of the rotating observation deck: it goes extremely slowly so that you can peacefully soak in the views while standing on it :)
Kuwait Towers are definitely worth visiting, especially from the inside. If you plan to visit this attraction, make sure to go all the way to the top. The tickets can be purchased on the spot. The architecture with its rotating deck is interesting and the views are amazing :)
Grand Mosque Kuwait — The Highlight of Our Trip
We were not well prepared for visiting Grand Mosque Kuwait to be honest. We just took a car via the Kareem App on our mobile phone and were super lucky to join an organised group of tourists from the United States with a guide. Otherwise we would probably have seen the Mosque on our own. The best perk is that everything was free of charge — entrance, guide, and borrowing a traditional abaya (which is mandatory for women, unless you have your own).
Now I know that if you want to get a walk-in tour, you should go there at set times (guided tours typically run Monday to Thursday between 9 and 11 am — always double-check before you go as times can change) and it’s worth taking advantage of. The Mosque is huge, with many interesting features, including a stunning Persian carpet, intricate calligraphy, and a rare copy of the Quran. If you want to check some important information before the visit, you can use their official website: Grand Mosque Kuwait website and please be aware that the mosque is closed on Fridays and Saturdays for visitors.
First of all, there is a strict dress code: men have to wear long trousers and cover their arms, whereas women have to be fully covered: long sleeves, long trousers/skirts and a hair cover. Women can get a traditional abaya for the time of the visit with a scarf and it’s completely free of charge to borrow it.
After making sure we were dressed properly, we were invited into a little room with free refreshments like water, traditional coffee and dates. And after that our tour began.
Main Prayer Hall of the Grand Mosque Kuwait
The first stop of our tour was the Main Prayer Hall, which is covered with a beautiful blue carpet. Our guide told everyone to lie down on the carpet and look straight up at the massive dome. It makes an incredible optical illusion — from that perspective, the intricate patterns on the ceiling look like they are spinning or moving. Our guide also explained that according to tradition men and women pray in separate areas to fully focus on their prayers and avoid distractions.
Also in the Main Prayer Hall we were even allowed to go up the steps of the grand pulpit (minbar) where the preacher stands, which was a unique highlight.
Amiri Hall of the Grand Mosque Kuwait
Later on, our guide took us to the Amiri Hall. It’s a luxury, spacious room dedicated to the Emir of Kuwait and serves as his private reception room. It’s inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Spain and feels incredibly elegant. What makes it unique is the hand-carved ceilings, Moroccan mosaics and a beautiful, huge, hand-knitted Persian carpet from Esfahan (it was even more interesting for us as we also brought a similar souvenir from our travel to Iran — only not that big and expensive :) – check out here).
Apart from that, there is also a replica of one of the world’s oldest Qurans, written in ancient Kufic script. It is located in the middle of the room and well protected behind the glass.
Islamic Arts Gallery of the Mosque complex
Our final stop of the tour was the Islamic Arts Gallery. This hall features beautiful Arabic calligraphy as art. Our guide explained that because traditional Islamic art avoids depicting people or animals, calligraphy became the ultimate form of artistic expression.
Grand Mosque Kuwait — Is It Worth Going Inside?
In my honest opinion, Grand Mosque Kuwait is one of the most interesting things to do in Kuwait City. Even if you are planning a short trip to Kuwait, I would suggest adding this impressive Mosque to your must-see list. Just make sure to come on the right day, when the mosque is open for tourists, and even better to come at the right time to enjoy a walk-in tour with a guide. At the end of our visit we also got free souvenirs — magnets, books (even with stickers for kids). Outside the mosque Kuwait didn’t seem like a welcoming place for tourists, but inside the mosque it was different and the atmosphere was really nice.
Al Shaheed Park — What to Expect
We were lucky to have Al Shaheed Park within walking distance from our hotel — at least that’s what we thought at first. Right after check-in we decided to go there in the evening to enjoy our first attraction. We got to the gate only to see that it’s closed, but we saw someone running inside from behind the gate, so we thought we’d find another one. But the park is huge and as we were walking outside along it we couldn’t find a second gate and decided to give up :)
We came back on the evening of the second day by car (booked via the Kareem app) and it dropped us off right in front of the gate that was open. What a relief! :) It was 2022, so I am not sure how many gates are open now. Just make sure you head to the right one before you go :)
The park is extremely well-kept and very modern. The best thing about the park is the long walking trails with cooling mist stations. The entrance is free of charge, but you’re not allowed to bring your own food inside. There’s a lot of greenery, which makes this place perfect for relaxing peacefully. Skyscrapers are all around the park, creating a nice contrast — trees and plants with a view of the urban jungle in the background.
Al Hamra Tower — the tallest building in Kuwait
The Al Hamra Tower is the tallest building in the country and is located in Kuwait City, also within walking distance from our hotel. It is possible to go inside — there is a shopping centre connected to this tall skyscraper. The shopping centre is not crowded at all, rather elegant, filled with premium fashion boutiques and fine restaurants. However, there is also a handy Sultan Express store if you need to buy some snacks or drinks.
Al Hamra Tower is located very close to Al Shaheed Park, so that’s where we ended up on the first evening when our park visit didn’t work out.
Practical Tips: Visiting Kuwait as a Tourist
| Attraction | Entry Fee | Best Time to Visit | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuwait Towers | 3 KWD per person (~$10 USD) | Morning or afternoon | Go all the way to the top — observation deck is the highlight |
| Grand Mosque Kuwait | Free | Please check current info about walk-in tours | Closed Fri & Sat; abaya borrowed free for women |
| Al Shaheed Park | Free | Late afternoon or evening | Check which gate is open before you go; no outside food allowed |
| Al Hamra Tower | Free (mall entry) | Any time — great midday escape | Premium mall with Sultan Express for snacks |
Additional tips:
- Marriage certificate — bring it. Our hotel required it at check-in. Without it we wouldn’t have been allowed to share a room as a couple.
- Kareem app — the easiest way to get around Kuwait City.
- Heat — avoid outdoor sightseeing around noon and plan indoor attractions for midday.
Kuwait City One Day Itinerary: How We Planned Our Time
After check-in on the first day we wanted to go to the park. We didn’t have much time as we arrived in the late afternoon, and that’s why when we couldn’t find the open gate, we gave up and went for a walk around the city. We managed to see Al Hamra Tower and went inside the shopping centre only to explore the interior and stroll around.
On the second day, we visited Grand Mosque Kuwait first. After that we took a car to Kuwait Towers and ate some lunch. In the late afternoon we went to Al Shaheed Park.
Is Kuwait Safe to Visit?
Yes, I think Kuwait is a safe place to visit. We felt safe walking and exploring the city even in the evening after dark. We could feel that people weren’t open or welcoming but it didn’t change anything about the safety of the country. Kuwait City was a short stop on our trip around the Middle East in 2022 and we were traveling without kids back then, but I think Kuwait could work well for a visit with kids, even small ones. The only thing to watch out for, just like in Bahrain (see our previous post) is the heat.
However, our stay took place in 2022, and since February 2026 the situation in the Middle East region has changed. I highly recommend checking and monitoring up-to-date travel warnings before booking your trip.
Kuwait vs Bahrain: Which Is Better for a Short Visit?
I would say that both countries are comparable when it comes to the number of days needed to see main attractions, tourist safety, weather and pace of sightseeing. In both cases it’s better to see outdoor attractions in the morning or late afternoon/evening, and to plan something with air con around noon when the sun is at its worst.
The best attractions of Bahrain that I would recommend are Bahrain Fort, Bahrain Bay Cruise and Bab Al Bahrain Souq. On my must-see list in Kuwait are: Grand Mosque Kuwait, Kuwait Towers and Al Shaheed Park.
The difference was in the locals’ attitude towards tourists — Bahrain feels definitely more open and welcoming. Although the countries are close to each other, we could feel their uniqueness in both cases. Sometimes it’s hard to exactly say why — it’s also just the typical atmosphere of each country. Both countries are definitely worth visiting though. Every journey is worth it. The true joy of being a traveller lies in exploring a country your own way and learning from it — even if things get tough or look completely different from what you first imagined.
FAQ: Things to Do in Kuwait
How many days do you need in Kuwait?
One full day is enough to see the main attractions of Kuwait City — Kuwait Towers, Grand Mosque, Al Shaheed Park and Al Hamra Tower. We managed all four comfortably in one day. If you want a slower pace or plan to add a day trip to Failaka Island, add one more day.
Is Kuwait worth visiting as a tourist?
Yes — but go with realistic expectations. Kuwait isn’t Dubai or Bahrain when it comes to tourist infrastructure. It has its own unique character though, and the Grand Mosque alone makes the trip worthwhile. Form your own opinion — that’s the best reason to go anywhere :)
Can unmarried couples stay in hotels in Kuwait?
This is something we experienced firsthand — our hotel required us to show a marriage certificate at check-in. Without it, we wouldn’t have been allowed to share a room as a couple.
What is the dress code for Grand Mosque Kuwait?
Men need long trousers and covered arms. Women must be fully covered — long sleeves, long trousers or skirt, and a hair cover. Women can borrow a traditional abaya and scarf free of charge at the entrance, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own.
Is alcohol legal in Kuwait?
No — Kuwait is completely dry. Alcohol is illegal, including in hotels. This is one of the key differences from neighbouring Bahrain, where alcohol is available in licensed venues.
Is Kuwait safe for tourists?
In our experience, yes. We felt safe walking the city day and night. Locals weren’t particularly warm towards tourists but posed no danger. Just be aware of local laws and customs — Kuwait is more conservative than some of its Gulf neighbours.
What is Kuwait known for?
Kuwait is known for its massive oil wealth (the Kuwaiti Dinar is the world’s most valuable currency), the Kuwait Towers, Grand Mosque, and being the host of the first Formula One race in the Middle East. It also has a fascinating modern history — including the 1990 Iraqi invasion which shaped much of the country’s identity today.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Kuwait
For us one full day in Kuwait was enough. There are plenty of interesting things to do in Kuwait and we feel we made the most of our stay there. One day may seem really short but for us everything went according to plan and we accomplished everything on our itinerary. Definitely the top attraction for us was the Grand Mosque Kuwait — we would recommend it to everyone planning a trip to Kuwait City.
Have you ever visited Kuwait — and did it surprise you, for better or worse? Or is it still on your bucket list? Tell us in the comments!