It is always easier to fall back on the familiar, whether it is a restaurant choice or a place to hang out. But, sometimes it is worth it to leave the beaten path behind and explore. Kuwait has some really interesting hidden or unknown gems that are worth visiting.
Outdoors
Mutlaa Ridge: This is considered the highest point in Kuwait. A great spot for camping and hiking in general, it offers a wonderful view and an escape from the city.
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Blue Lake Farm: Strawberry picking is probably not something you think is locally available. We promise you, nothing beats eating freshly picked strawberries. It is an hour and half’s drive to Al-Bohayra (Blue Lake) Farm in Al-Abdaly (5505 8663) from Kuwait City. You can spend the day, rent a tent, visit and pet animals and hang out in the cafeteria. Since they are only open to the public on Fridays, it makes it a perfect weekend activity.
[For more farms in Kuwait, read our latest story]
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Secret Garden: We realize the you might be short on time, so if you are still in the mood for nature pass by the Secret Garden Project in Baghdad Street in Salmiya. Mimi Al-Nisef’s brainchild is an urban community garden. Volunteers cleaned up an abandoned mini park that was in disrepair and built vegetable and herb plots. Saturdays are gardening day and people are encouraged to come flex their green thumbs. During good weather, the area is also used to host outdoor events.
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Stargazing in Salmi: All you need is to look up and see the amazing night sky. Take a drive all the way out to Salmi and watch the stars, visible here without the usual light pollution you find in the city. You could also join the Kuwait Stargazing Club on Facebook for more information.
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Mishref Park: Right in the middle Mishref is a cozy park. It is quite large, has some really fun kids’ play areas, volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts and even a soccer pitch.
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Museums and Antiques
Kuwait Car Museum: On a totally different note, the Kuwait Car Museum in Shuwaikh is the next best thing that allows you to time travel, not literally of course! Their collection of classic and vintage cars will delight everyone and not just the diehard car enthusiasts. It is a great opportunity to learn about automobile history, practice your photography skills and to be in the presence of some of the greatest cars ever built.
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Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy: From the mechanical to art, the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy is next on our list. The museum houses an extensive array of diverse pieces of Arabic calligraphy. Our favourite exhibit is one that comes from China. The script is decidedly Arabic but it looks very Chinese. #mindblown.
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Bait Al Othman: This is another beautiful surprise in the middle of Hawalli. The converted home turned into a museum celebrates Kuwait’s history and heritage pre-oil until the present. Some of the exhibits are completely unexpected like the hall featuring Kuwaiti soccer stars and their signed t-shirts, or the movie and TV hall that has some of the original dresses worn by beloved Kuwaiti actors and actresses. #Oldisgold
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Antique Stores in Salmiya: Seeing all the interesting paraphernalia made us want some of our own little knickknacks that represent Kuwait’s history. There is a group of antique stores that sell just that in Salmiya, behind Marina Mall.
Irani Market: In Rai right across the Friday market, between the nurseries and furniture stores is a hidden entrance to this famous market. If you can’t find it, just ask someone on the street and they will be able to point it out to you. You can find spice, furniture, knickknacks, straw baskets, textiles and so much more. It is an authentic experience to be had!
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Kuwait Salmiya Palace: Or maybe just visit the Kuwait Salmiya Palace. The architecture honors traditional Arabic styles. Pool and ping pong tables are also available. Grab some friends for a game and see who wins!
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Food
Beit Dickson: The restaurant’s decor is designed to look like a really old Kuwaiti house. Complete with colourful teapots, mud benches and lots of traditional textiles thrown around. It is always a hit with people visiting from out of town. Totally an Instagram-worthy spot!
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Keys Cafe: Situated in Shuwaikh Life Centre, the steampunk vibe will be the first thing that hits you when walk through the door. That, and the amount of keys all over the place. Don’t miss the electric blue lattes and be sure to taste their other colorful coffees.
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Community
Better Books: For a cozy afternoon head on over to Better Books. A used bookstore with an eclectic collection of books for all tastes. There is also an adjoining studio that is used for yoga classes, craft workshops and more. They also have the friendliest and fluffiest cat that is a major draw for us!
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Takween Bookstore: We really can’t get enough of bookstores. The dark wood, the lush leather wingbacks and the smell of books at Takween just makes us want to grab a huge mug of hot cocoa and read for hours. They also invite writers and poets regularly for talks, have movie showings and run workshops so check out their Twitter account to see what is happening.
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Masaha13: An experimental co-working space infused with art sounds like just our thing. Throw in a library, coffee shop and a concept store and you have got Masaha13. The high ceilings and perfect lighting create the perfect ambience. The space is inviting and warm, which is why it is a perfect venue for performances and event which take place there too.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcU1w_uBiHO/?taken-by=masaha13
Featured image of the Kuwait Car Museum by bazaar
