Best Places in Kuwait to Visit in 2026

Kuwait blends futuristic architecture with deep Gulf history, making it a compact but surprisingly varied trip. If you’re planning for 2026, here are the standout stops—with quick context so you know why they matter and how to fit them into a short itinerary.

Kuwait Towers

If you see only one landmark, make it the blue-tiled Kuwait Towers—modernist water towers turned national icon. The main spire rises to 187 m with a revolving viewing sphere and dining; they’ve been a symbol of the country since their 1979 inauguration.

Grand Mosque of Kuwait

Kuwait’s largest mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors on scheduled tours (English and Arabic), a great way to learn about local faith and design while seeing one of the city’s most elegant interiors. As of late 2023–2024, weekday guided or self-guided visiting windows were available—always check the current schedule before you go. 

Al Shaheed Park

The country’s largest urban park is a green lung on the edge of downtown, with museums, art, jogging paths and skyline views—perfect for an evening stroll when the heat dips. Expansion phases have been reshaping the park, keeping it one of Kuwait City’s most pleasant public spaces. 

Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre (Kuwait Opera House)

This glittering complex anchors the national cultural district with multiple theatres and concert halls—regional premieres, orchestras, film and more. It’s touted as the Middle East’s largest cultural and opera center; check the 2025–2026 season calendar for performances. 

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre

One of the world’s largest museum campuses packs a science museum, space museum, natural history and more across a vast complex—great for families and anyone who likes hands-on exhibits. 

Failaka Island

An easy day trip by boat, Failaka mixes serene beaches with layered archaeology—from Bronze-Age Dilmun remains to Hellenistic ruins—plus poignant Gulf-War traces. Recent digs continue to reveal temples and artifacts, and tourism plans are ramping up; it’s the spot where Kuwait’s ancient story feels most tangible. 

Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway

A striking drive across Kuwait Bay on one of the world’s longest sea bridges (total 48.5 km). Go for the panorama, stay for sunset photos on the artificial islands along the route. 

Souq Al-Mubarakiya

A lively historic market that predates the oil era—browse spices, dates, oud perfumes and traditional cafés beneath shaded lanes. Parts affected by a 2022 fire have been under restoration, but the souq remains a core cultural stop. 

The Scientific Center, Salmiya

Aquarium, interactive galleries and an IMAX dome on the seafront—ideal for a cooler afternoon or if you’re traveling with kids. 

The Avenues

One of the region’s largest malls is also a design statement and dining hub; global openings (like Ulta’s first Middle-East flagship in 2025) keep the mix fresh. Perfect for air-conditioned evenings and people-watching.