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Things to Do

Fun and Free Things to Do in Kuwait

05 March 2020

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.

So, what can you do in Kuwait for free?

Let's quickly glance at a list of things which can make your visit to Kuwait a worth, without being a burden on your pockets. So, let's start with the fun on the go.
Here goes the list of free places to visit and free things to do in Kuwait:

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.

Location: Arabian Gulf Street, next to the Seif Palace and Kuwait’s National Assembly, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Tel: +965 2245 6534
Hours: 8:30am to 12:30pm, 4.30pm to 8.30pm

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. 

Location: 25, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Tel: +965 2298 0800
Hours: Open 24 hours

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.

Location: 1 St, Jabriya, Kuwait
Tel: +965 2531 7358
Hours: Opens at 4pm

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.

dhows in kuwait

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.

Address: Ghazali Street, Al-Rai- 5th Ring Road، Kuwait
Tel: +965 1810 004
Hours: closes at 10pm

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.

Address: Seafood Market, Arabian Gulf Street
Tel: 965 2244 8200
Hours:  4am – 12am

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.

Robin Vinod

Writer/blogger who writes on topics such as travel, real estate, employment and everyday life on GCC countries.