You are getting visitors from out of town and your first thought are probably going to be “Uh-Oh! where can I take them?” Lots of places actually. So we’ve taken it upon ourselves to create a short list of places to take your dearest visitors! You’re welcome. When we first started to curate this list, we thought we might struggle to find 10 – reality check; we’re struggling to keep it at 10! So read on to find out about all the cool places you can take tourists to!
Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Cultural Centre
The cultural center is a work of architectural art. The geometric Islamic art motifs that are repeated on the buildings and on the grounds are a silent but impossible to ignore ode to a rich cultural and historical heritage. Go visit the space itself, grab a bite to eat in one of the many wonderful restaurants facing the dancing fountain or catch a show. It is a perfect way to show out-of-towners a lot of Kuwait in one go.
SoMu and Mubarakiya Proper
Culture and traditions have stood still in a photographic reflection of the past amidst the modern day hustle and bustle of the city. And with the renovations and urbanization of South Mubarakiya – SoMu – it’s a must visit. Visiting during the day and after nightfall are two totally different experiences, so it is a two-for-one. Read more here, here, here, and here.
The Islands
With a whopping nine islands to pick from, you have no excuse! Rent a yacht or take your friend’s yacht – better yet, find a dingy if you will – and just go. They’re a lot of fun and can make for some amazing photo ops and floating on clear waters. It is a one-day-vacay!
South to Beach Country
Buy a day pass at one of the resorts down south or hit the shaleih – this country has a major beach, let them experience it! Just remember, the further south you go, the clearer the waters are. The ideal time to go for a swim is October to December or March to May before the heat gets the best of us!
The Sharq Marina
The boats alone are a spectacular sight – no I’m not talking about the average yachts, I’m talking about the actual dhows. All lined up and ready to go, the dhows are a symbol of Kuwait’s cultural glory – pearl diving. Speaking of which, the season is almost upon us and the celebrations are impressive.
House of Mirrors
Bet you didn’t know that existed huh? And no, this isn’t your generic House of Horrors mirror clad room – this is a full house in residential Qadisiya containing a whopping 77 tons of mirror and 102 tons of white cement. The mosaic patterns are glorious and twinkle around the entire house! Room of the Universe, anyone?
The Gates
While London has its dragons guarding the city where the wall once stood, we have gates! Erected in the 1920’s, the four gates were the only entrance and exit to and from the City of Kuwait. While the wall is long gone, the gates are still there marking the original boundary of the city.
Friday Market
Where else would you get the purest of shearling at a bargain price? Don’t believe me? Go see for yourself! Full of odds, ends and oddities – the market is on once a week and offers you the true experience, and joy, of haggling. From Persian rugs to fresh produce – the market has everything! Oh and although your instinct might tell you to head over there on a Friday, don’t – it’s usually on Saturdays.
Sadu House
Beit Al Sadu – Sadu House – is known for their exhibitions on all the traditional weaving techniques of Kuwait. Looms, fibres, and even finished pieces can be found – if you’re lucky, there might be someone sat there, weaving up a masterpiece! A beautiful preservation of the culture.
Kuwait Towers
Architecturally fascinating, the three spears are glorious to look at. We can’t have a list of Kuwait landmarks without the most important one. The view from the top is amazing, especially from the rotating viewing deck. Get a 360 degree show of the country while you stand in place. And don’t forget to check out the photographs of after the Iraqi invasion in 1991 – absolutely haunting.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on May 14, 2015 and has been updated on February 13, 2020
You can also check out these hidden gems for more inspiration. Enjoy! Photo by Masrur Rahman on Unsplash.
