06 January 2009 04:25 GMT
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Exploring the city
- Top sights |
- Restaurant picks |
- Hotel picks |
- Bar picks |
- For the family |
- Outdoors |
- Shopping |
Kuwait Towers
www.kuwaittowers.com, +965 244 4021
25 minutes from the airport
These retro-cool towers on the seafront are the most recognisable landmark in Kuwait City. Built in the late 1970s, the jewelled spheres on these three needles contain 55,000 coloured plates, and are made of Chinese steel. The tallest of the towers, which reaches 187 metres, has an observation deck which is open to the public and is definitely worth a visit for the panoramic views. Entry costs KD1 ($3.6) per person and it’s open from 9am until 11pm. There’s also a restaurant and café.
Mubarakiya Souk
25 minutes from the airport
The perfect place for a wander (as long as the weather’s not too hot), the Mubarakiya souk has been renovated in recent years. It’s partly covered, and hosts an array of shops and market-traders selling fruit and vegetables, fish, spices, household wares and clothes. The souk closes between approximately 2pm and 5pm, before reopening for the busy evening period which is when most shoppers come out.
Scientific Centre
30 minutes from the airport
www.tsck.org.kw, +965 834 8888
Kuwait’s Scientific Center is home to the largest aquarium in the Middle East, which is certainly worth visiting if you’re only in Kuwait for a day. The best part is a 1.5 million litre tank with sharks and rays – if you already have a diving permit, then you can book in advance to get in the tank with them! There’s also an IMAX cinema showing a documentary about Kuwait’s post-war clean-up and a children’s learning centre. Ticket prices vary according to which attractions you want to see, but a combo ticket which gives access to the aquarium and the IMAX cinema costs KD5 ($18).
Tareq Rajab Museum
www.trmkt.com, +965 531 7358
20 minutes from the airport
Kuwait’s best museum by some way and a must-see for the culturally-minded, this collection of ethnic antiques and items spans everything from traditional musical instruments to jewellery, pearls and war helmets. It was put together over a period of years by a Kuwaiti who later became the country’s first Director of Antiquities and opened his private collection to the public in the early 1980s. In March 2007 the museum also opened a new section dedicated to Islamic Calligraphy. Check out the website for opening hours and a detailed description of the different categories on show – some 10,000 items are on permanent display in the museum.
Beaches
20 minutes from the airport
OK, so it might not be exactly Ibiza, but Kuwait boasts some fine beaches and translucent waters around the edge of the city which are worth a walk or a swim if you’re in town at the right time of year (spring or autumn). Your best bet is to pay for daily use at one of the hotels, like the Radisson SAS or the upcoming Messilah Beach Hotel.
RELATED KUWAIT LINKS
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