The centre of the city is a joy: claustrophobic souks overflowing with goods of every description are dotted with restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. The locals are some of the friendliest in the region, and there is a real sense of calm, particularly at the weekends, where picnicking families spread out across the cities parks and beaches.

Kuwait is a place where the past and the present sit side by side: ancient houses next to space-age towers, fish markets beside high-end European boutiques and behind it al, a real sense of Bedouin heritage.

Kuwait may not grab the headlines like other countries in the region, but that is all the more reason to visit. Fascinating, serene and friendly, the country is one of the Middle East’s hidden gems.

See

The first thing that stands out from Kuwait City’s eclectic skyline is the Kuwait Towers. Built in 1979, their kitsch design and prominent position has made them an unofficial emblem of the city. Take the elevator up the viewing sphere for spectacular views of the city and beyond. Sunset is the best time to go, but be prepared for crowds. Another wonderful piece of architecture is Liberation Tower, which looms over the old part of the city centre. Perfect for that early-evening photo opportunity.

One of the largest collections of Islamic artefacts in the world, the Tareq Rajab Museum in Jabriya is a fascinating experience. With more than 10,000 items collected over the past 50 years on display, the museum is a treasure trove of ceramics, calligraphy, jewellery and manuscripts.

17 km off the coast of Kuwait lies Failaka Island, whose history goes back to the Bronze Age and was once occupied by Alexander the Great’s troops on their way to India. These days, Failaka, thanks to its history and unique ecosystem is slowly seeing a rise in tourism. There is a ferry service from Kuwait City and it is worth a day trip.

Kuwait has one of the most vibrant art scenes in the Middle East as a visit to one of its myriad galleries will testify. Dar Al Funoon in the Churches Area near the Sheraton is a case in point. Focusing on contemporary regional art and Arabic calligraphy, many of the pieces are available to buy and new exhibitions are held regularly.

Another gallery worth checking out is the Sultan Gallery, a large industrial space in South Sabhan. Eclectic in its exhibitions, the gallery showcases modern Arabic art from around the region and is one of the most important galleries in the Gulf.

For something more intrinsically Kuwaiti, pay a visit to Sadu House, which sells Bedouin arts and crafts, made on the premises by local Bedouin women. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, the place gives an intriguing glimpse into local culture. The adjacent Abu Adnan Café is the perfect place to experience Bedouin hospitality while resting those weary feet.

If you are a seafood fan you will want to visit the Fish Market, which is right next to the Sharq Mall. Packed with fishermen and their day’s catch, the whole place is an amazing mix of sights, sounds and smells. Every conceivable type of fish is on sale here and even if you are not buying, its worth a visit – just be careful of the slippery floors!

Stay

One of the most popular resorts in Kuwait is the Moevenpick Al Bida (Book here). With a private beach, villa-style rooms and some of the best leisure facilities in the country, the Al Bida has become a firm favourite with both business travellers and tourists. Room rates start from $230.

The Sheraton Kuwait Hotel & Towers (Book here) is right in the centre of town and is perfect for those wanting to stay in the city centre. An outdoor pool, health club and business centre are just some of the amenities on offer. Room rates start from $290.

Farther south of Kuwait City is the Al Manshar Rotana (Book here), which is part of the massive Al Manshar entertainment complex in Fahaheel. With an infinity pool, hi-tech rooms and spectacular views north and south, this is one of the most popular hotels in Kuwait. Room rates start from $270.

Eat

Kuwait has a huge range of world-class restaurants featuring cuisine from around the world. From hole-in-the-wall kebab shops in the centre of the city to five-star French fare, Kuwait has it all. If you want to keep things authentic, try the shwarma, which is as good in Kuwait as anywhere else in the Middle East.

One of the new breed of restaurant-cafes that has opened up recently is Napket Arabia in The Avenues Mall. The sandwiches and salads are delicious but quite pricey – they don’t call it snob food for nothing!

Another place for healthy food in The Avenues Mall is Obika. Minimal décor and subtle service have seen this venue become very popular with shoppers since it opened. Try the Mozzarella Rolls with beef, utterly delicious.

If you want something more substantial, all of the city’s hotels have restaurants, offering everything from Japanese to Italian. But to truly get a taste of Kuwait, you have to try the seafood. Totally Fish is one of the best in the city, with two branches; one in Salmiya and one in The Avenues. Diners can order from the menu or from the fish market. The huge selection, open kitchen and friendly staff have seen Totally Fish quickly gain popularity.

Away from the mega-malls lies one of Kuwait’s best Japanese restaurants: Edo. Located in Shaab, Edo combines a hip interior with a mouth-watering selection of sushi rolls, which are dreamt up by the Head Chef. We recommend the Kyoto and Dragon Rolls – both are delicious!

Shop

Kuwait has enough retail choices to satisfy the most demanding shopper with a host of malls around the city. The biggest mall in Kuwait is The Avenues, which has more than one hundred shops catering to every need, as well as a host of restaurants and a cinema complex.

One of Kuwait’s most famous exports is Villa Moda, a luxury department store, which houses brands such as Gucci, Prada and Evisu.

Another homegrown shop (albeit on a much smaller scale) is LBo J’zazz, a bead shop run by two local women who design their own creations. The results are beautiful and for a local souvenir like no other, drop by their store in Shaab Al Bahary on Ibn Al Khatib Street.

If you are looking for a literary fix, check out The Kuwait Book Shop in the basement of the Muthana Complex. With a huge selection of new and old books as well as a massive magazine section, there is nowhere else like it in Kuwait.

Elsewhere the Sharq Mall is a local favourite, as much for its location (sandwiched between a yacht marina and the sea) as for the variety of shops on offer. If you get tired of shopping, head to one of the restaurants over looking the Marina and relax as the boats bob in the water.

Red Tape

Money
Kuwait’s official currency is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KD). 1KD is equal to US$3.46 making it the strongest currency in the world. Credit cards are accepted everywhere and there are ATM machines across the city. Money exchanges are also plentiful in shopping malls and in the airport. 

Telephone
The country dialling code is +965

Visas
The citizens of most western countries can get a visa on arrival at Kuwait’s airport and land borders. This tourist visa lasts three months and costs $20.
Other nationalities need advance visas and an invitation from a sponsor in Kuwait. Your local Kuwaiti embassy or consulate can provide more details.

Transport
Kuwait has a pretty good local bus network but most visitors use taxis which are easy to find and not too expensive. Most taxis have meters although it is often cheaper to negotiate with the driver in advance. Ask your hotel concierge the standard local rates to your destination.