Colourful Kuwait City
Book flights to Kuwait City – a modern metropolis nestled among sand dunes. It’s a place that retains strong roots to its past while also looking to the future.
Explore this Middle Eastern capital with plane tickets to Kuwait City from Etihad Airways.
Sleek shopping malls co-exist with lively, traditional souqs, while glittering palaces and mosques exhibit opulent architecture. Above it all stands the iconic triple Kuwait Towers.
Kuwait’s capital is also home to the unmissable Tareq Rajab Museum, which curates a stunning range of Islamic artefacts and rare Arabic manuscripts.
There are a large number of art galleries, showcasing work by both local and international artists. The Grand Mosque, meanwhile, is the largest religious building in Kuwait City and is an impressive example of Islamic architecture.
Book flights to Kuwait City to explore this creative and colourful paradise.
Reasons to visit Kuwait City
Retail therapy at Souq Al-Mubarakiya
One of Kuwait City’s oldest marketplaces, Souq Al-Mubarakiya is a sprawling hub of vibrant activity. It delights and captivates the senses, and acts as a fascinating window into traditional Kuwait.
Wander through the heady, scent-infused air, browsing the colourful stalls and haggling with traders for bargains. With mountains of spices and everything from perfumes to clothes, jewellery and antiques on offer, you’re sure to find something you will like.
It also provides the perfect opportunity to try some fresh, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine – either from the stalls or at one of the small restaurants nearby.
Enter the surreal world of the Mirror House
The Mirror House is one of the most bizarre and unique attractions in Kuwait City. The entire building is covered in mirror mosaics both inside and out, creating an eclectic, glittering wonderland experience.
Each room has a different theme – such as ‘The Universe’ or ‘Knowledge’ – and guided tours with explanations from the artist, Lidia, are available in English. There is also a gallery on the first floor exhibiting other artwork by Lidia and her husband. Tours are by appointment only because the house is a private residence, so make sure you book your tickets in advance.
Take a tour of the Grand Mosque
When you fly to Kuwait City, a trip to the extravagant Grand Mosque is a must. The largest mosque in the country, it can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers in the main hall alone.
Some of its more opulent features include huge chandeliers and a courtyard lined with palm trees, while the interior colour scheme is almost entirely blues and golds to match the surrounding environment.
Free guided tours are available in English, which include a glimpse into the Amir’s private prayer room. Female visitors will be provided with a headscarf and abaya (robe-style dress) to wear.
Flying to Kuwait City: FAQs
What food should I try in Kuwait City?
One of the most authentic Kuwaiti dishes you should sample is machboos, a savoury dish made with fragrant basmati rice topped with slow-cooked chicken or mutton. If you prefer sweet food, try gers ogaily, a light and aromatic cake flavoured with saffron, cardamom, sesame and rose water.
How many days should I spend in Kuwait City?
Kuwait City is compact, so you can see many of its highlights in just a few days. However, be sure to extend your stay to one week if you really want to get under the skin of the city and explore the wider area.
What should I see in Kuwait City?
Must-visit sights in Kuwait City include the iconic Kuwait Towers, the extravagant Grand Mosque, and the wonderfully whimsical Mirror House. For shopping, be sure to visit both The Avenues shopping mall – one of the largest in the Middle East – and the colourful Souq Al-Mubarakiya, a traditional marketplace.
Where should I stay in Kuwait City?
Kuwait is so compact and most of its areas are well-located. The most popular areas with visitors include Salmiya, with its shopping facilities and restaurants, the beachside around Arabian Gulf Street, or the historic waterfront Sharq district.