Two Perfect Days in Kuwait: A 48-Hour Travel Guide

Kuwait, also known as the State of Kuwait, is situated on the north-eastern border of the Arabian Peninsula and sits on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. This little and vibrant country has a long history of pearl diving and trade hubs and has developed into a modern nation that combines tradition with modernity. Kuwait is well known for its stunning skyline, historical sites, lively souqs, nightlife, waterfront attractions, and religious landmarks, providing something for every preference.

In 48 hours, you can do a variety of things in Kuwait. From exploring the famous Kuwait Tower, shopping and entertainment experience at The Avenues Mall, to treasure hunting at Souq Al Mubarakiya or visiting Tareq Rajab Mosque to explore Islamic artifacts, this city is full of experiences waiting to be uncovered. And when it comes to food, Kuwait features a diverse culinary scene and offers both traditional food and international food alternatives.

Below is the ultimate 48-hour guide to the city, including famous Kuwait attractions, shopping malls, museums, mosques, nature spaces, restaurants, and more. Keep reading to explore more.

Start your first day in Kuwait by having breakfast at the Cocoa Room, which is a hip café renowned for its chic décor and inventive food. The menu mixes foreign cuisine with creative presentations and offers popular breakfast options that include cheese and herb manaqish, brisket hash, corn flakes croquette, zaatar manaqish, kaymak with honeycomb, Turkish eggs, maple veal sausage, summer berries parfait, and egg and cheese sliders. If you want something sweet for breakfast, then try their kaymak and honey croissant, dates pancake, chocolate Gech, or Le Cinnamon Roll. The café features a stylish environment with Italian marble, brass accents, and herringbone wood, making it one of the best Places to visit in Kuwait to have breakfast.

After having breakfast, visit the Kuwait Towers, which are situated on a small promontory along the Arabian Gulf Street. This complex was inaugurated in 1979 and features three towers, the largest one of which rises around 187 meters above the shore. Enter the main tower and take the express elevator to the observation sphere, which is located around 123 meters above the ground. From here, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Kuwait City’s low-rise neighborhoods, the Arabian Gulf, and the waterfront corniche from the large windows. Moreover, the viewing level also features a revolving platform that completes a slow circle in 30 minutes and allows you to admire the skyline gently changing as you stand by the glass.

After the Kuwait Towers, continue your journey to the Tariq Rajab Museum, which is a private museum established in 1980 by collector Tareq and Jehan Rajab. The museum is divided into two primary areas. The first area focuses on Islamic art and manuscripts, including metalwork, pottery, glass pieces, sculpture, and rare calligraphy, including works associated with the famous writer Yaqut al-Musta’simi and a 7th-century folio written in early Hijazi script. The second area showcases cultural life by using traditional musical instruments, silver jewelry, fabrics, and embroidered clothes. During the 1990 Iraq invasion of Kuwait, a large portion of the collection in the museum was packed and concealed by workers before reopening in 1991. Today, the museum provides an in-depth look at centuries of craftsmanship from all over the Islamic world.

Spend your afternoon in Kuwait by visiting The Avenues Mall, which is the second-largest mall in the Persian Gulf and one of the greatest shopping destinations in the world. The 1,200,000-square-meter mall was opened in the Rai region of Kuwait in April 2007 and features more than 1,400 retailers and 17,000 parking spaces. It is home to neighborhood boutiques and regional shops, to international names like Zara, H&M, Sephora, Apple Store, and Gucci. The layout of the mall features greenery and natural lighting and mimics the beautiful streets of Europe. Moreover, in addition to shopping, visitors can also enjoy a wide range of entertainment facilities, including Magic Planet, VOX Cinemas, The Avenues Skate Park, KidZania Kuwait, and Cinescape Cinema. Visit the symphony-style spa that provides luxury therapies for rest.

After exploring the shopping and entertainment options of the avenue, it’s time to take a break at one of its famous restaurants for lunch. You can either try the regional meals like machboos or maraq for a flavor of the area, or visit the international food options of the mall. Visit Applebee’s, which provides a friendly environment and excellent service for casual American dining and offers a delicious menu with options like Bacon Ranch Chicken Sandwich, Bayou Shrimp Bowl, Big Easy Burger, and Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine. If you want Asian specialties, visit PF Chang's and try its famous items like Mongolian beef, chicken dumplings, and Lo Mein. Another option is the Eataly restaurant, which creates recipes inspired by Italian culture and offers a delicious pasta selection.

After lunch, visit Al Shaheed Park, which is one of the best things to do in Kuwait to relax. The park, situated in Al Asimah, spans an area of 78.5 acres and is one of the largest urban oases in Kuwait. The park provides a relaxing gateway from the rush of the city and features rich floral gardens, modern art pieces, and the Habitat Museum, which highlights the environmental heritage of Kuwait. Walk along the beautifully maintained trails, enjoy the outdoor amphitheater, or attend an evening music or cultural event.

Once the evening sun sets, make your way towards the Marina Crescent in Salmiya, which is one of the liveliest waterfront locations in the city. Walk along the well-paved path with breathtaking sunset views of the Arabian Gulf as children play close by. The promenade is also home to a wide range of boutiques that provide unique mementoes as well as stylish cafes that are ideal for coffee or a light snack. Moreover, at night, the crescent also features several music and live performances, making it a one-of-a-kind place in Kuwait. You can also take a boat excursion from Marina Crescent for an unforgettable experience. During this trip, you will sail across the glittering gulf while enjoying the beautiful views of Kuwait City’s skyline, Kuwait Towers, and Al Hamra Tower. Private charters and group trips are both available, so choose according to your preference.

After spending your evening in Marina Crescent, visit Maki, which is a modern Japanese restaurant situated in the Marina Waves of Salmiya. This restaurant is known for its creative tastes, fresh ingredients, and features a laidback and sophisticated atmosphere. Maki was established by brothers Oliver and Amer Zeitoun and offers a unique dining experience by combining Japanese customs with Mediterranean flair. Visitors can sample a range of cuisine while sitting indoors or outdoors on the balcony with stunning views of the Kuwait Bay. Some of the highlights of the menu include sushi platter, miso soup, tempura, edamame, negimayaki, and specialty rolls like Elsa Maki, Matcha Mame, Nouf Mango Maki, and Veggie Yuzu Maki. Pair your meal with their famous green tea to complete the experience.

Start your second day in Kuwait by having breakfast at the Lazy Cat Al Seif, which is a fancy cat-themed café in the center of Kuwait City and offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. You can eat specialties like Dreamy Eggy, Burrata Eggy, and Fancy Schmacny as well as fluffy classics like cinnamon roll pancakes, fluffy Japanese pancakes, and Big Ol Pancakes. Pair your meal with hot or cold beverages like Hot Chocolate, latte, original juice, or Blue Matcha to enhance the experience. The restaurant features a welcoming atmosphere with attentive service, making it one of the best Places to visit in Kuwait before visiting the Kuwait National Museum and Al Seif Palace.

After breakfast, visit the Seif Palace, which is a historic monument situated in the center of Kuwait City. The palace was commissioned in 1896 by Sheikh Mubarak and completed in 1907, and it serves as a magnificent example of Islamic architecture. It was constructed using regional resources such as metals, limestone, wood, and clay. The most recognizable feature of the palace is the watch tower with blue tiles and a gold-plated roof that houses a clock that was first made by a British smith of the Derby Group. The palace has undergone restoration several times, survived missile damage during the Gulf War, and serves as the seat of Kuwait’s government. Visitors can explore its stunning gardens and beautiful exterior, as the inside is closed to the public.

Continue your cultural journey in Kuwait by visiting the Kuwait National Museum, which was founded in 1983 and is designed by Michel Ecochard. The museum honors the rich history and maritime heritage of Kuwait by featuring areas like Heritage Hall, which displays traditional homes, marketplaces, and clothes, the Hall of Archaeology, which is home to artifacts from the Bronze Age and Hellenistic Era, and Boom Al Muhallab, which features a replica of a wooden boat from the 1930s. Moreover, visitors can also tour the planetarium, which has interesting displays on astronomy and space. The museum is situated around a central garden and interconnecting structure with Arab architecture. Admission to the museum is free; however, some planetarium programs and special displays may require a ticket.

For lunch, visit Souq Al Mubarakiya, which is a 200-year-old market in Kuwait. Start your food journey by trying traditional Kuwaiti cuisine at Shati Alwatia, such as hares and machboos, or try the fresh salad or grilled lamb at Al Fanar Restaurant. After lunch, indulge in sweets by visiting Al Mubarakiya Halwa for the famous saffron and rose Kuwaiti halwa or Al Hamra Sweets for maamoul and baklava.

After filling up, take some time to explore the colorful lanes of Al Mubarakiya Market, which is filled with traditional fabrics, Persian silk carpets, spice vendors, and gold and silver jewelry. Visit Al Sadu House to see Bedouin weaving, discover handcrafted ceramics at Al Mubarakiya Pottery, or explore antiques at Al Khazan Antiques. After that, relax in the peaceful courtyard next to Masjid Al Bahar and enjoy Arabic tea. If you want more cultural insight, visit the Al Mubarakiya Mosque and the small market museum. The souq offers a full and vibrant afternoon experience to its visitors.

After exploring Souq Al Mubarakiya, if you have time, visit the Grand Mosque, which is the biggest mosque in the country. It is 45,000 square meters in size and can hold up to 10,000 men and 950 women. The mosque was constructed in 1986, and its beautiful blue dome is adorned with 99 names of Allah, while the 74-meter-tall minaret is designed in the Andalusian style. The mosque also features Italian marble, French crystal and glass, Moroccan mosaic, and elaborate Indian woodwork. You can take a guided tour of the mosque available in English, which will take you through the main prayer hall, courtyard, and library while providing information about Islamic culture and Kuwaiti heritage. The peaceful courtyard of the mosque is filled with flowers and fountains, enhancing the experience. Modest clothing is essential, and female guests can use the on-site abayas.

In the evening, visit the Mirror House designed by Kuwaiti artists Lidia Al Qattan and her husband Khalifa Qattan for a unique way to end your trip in Kuwait. The Mirror House was built between 1972 and 2005 and is a residence turned museum that is completely covered in elaborate mirror mosaic, both inside and out, and represents the themes of cosmic harmony, peace, and the environment. You can explore several themed rooms with stunning mirror murals, such as Planet Eat, Universe, Zodiac, My World, and the Corridor of Nation. The first floor serves as an art gallery and is home to Khalifa’s Evolution and Lidia’s Art Therapy and Women and Society Galleries. A shopping gallery is also present, selling books, sculptures, jewelry, and paintings. Reservations for guided tours must be made in advance.

End your day by eating dinner at Dar Hamad, which is a famous Kuwaiti restaurant along the Arabian Gulf with breathtaking views and a warm ambiance. The restaurant has a gallery that features classic Kuwaiti décor, private salons for families, and both indoor and outdoor dining. The popular main courses include hares, lamb machboos, chicken machboos, and harees, while appetizers and soups include chicken soup, lentil soup, dill kubbah, and potato kubbah. The menu also includes salads like rocket salad, eggplant salad, as well as dessert options that include Mini Date Pudding, Mastic Om Ali, and Lugaimat. Pair your meal with pomegranate juice, laban mint, or Vimto to wind off the experience.

Plan your 48 hours in Kuwait and enjoy a comfortable stay at Wahaj Hotel Apartments 2 Mahboula, offering convenient access to beaches, dining, and local attractions.