You’re probably wondering: what can you actually do in Kuwait in 48 hours (or less)?

If Kuwait isn’t already on your travel bucket list, this short but culture-filled itinerary might just change your mind. From iconic landmarks and powerful museums to relaxed seaside moments and coffee stops, here’s how we explored Kuwait in just two days — at a comfortable pace, and yes, with a toddler.

Before You Go: Visa & Arrival Tips

(Kuwait Travel Essentials)

If possible, apply for your tourist visa online before arrival. This can save you hours at the airport, as in-person processing can take two hours or more, depending on crowds and staffing.

We weren’t able to complete ours online and ended up spending most of the night and part of the morning at the airport handling the visa on paper. While it’s manageable, having it done in advance would make arrival significantly smoother. Keep your visa accessible — many attractions will ask to see it.

Getting Around Kuwait

(Transportation Tips for Visitors)

We highly recommend downloading the Careem app for transportation unless you plan to rent a car. Careem made getting around Kuwait easy and efficient, especially while traveling with a toddler. It saved us time and eliminated the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.

Walking isn’t always ideal, particularly with a stroller. When in doubt, ask locals or museum staff if walking between sites is doable. Some routes are manageable without a stroller, but many are not pedestrian-friendly.

Travel tip: Carry cash, especially when taking taxis from the airport. Many drivers do not accept card payments.

Where We Stayed: Marina Hotel Kuwait

(Beachfront Stay)

We stayed at the Marina Hotel, conveniently located near Marina Mall. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and guided through a smooth check-in process. Our ground-floor room offered direct beach access and uninterrupted sea views — the kind of stay that instantly makes you slow down. The hotel is family-friendly and well-equipped, with a children’s play area, outdoor movie nights, restaurants, and easy access to the marina promenade.

Day One in Kuwait: Landmarks, Food & Culture

Lunch at The Fish Market (Kuwait Towers)

We started our day near Kuwait Towers with lunch at The Fish Market. Here, you choose your seafood fresh by the kilo and decide how it’s prepared — fried, baked, or grilled. We ordered fish soup (still thinking about it after having a similar one in Malta), a full appetizer tray, sushi, and egg rolls. Everything was incredibly filling, and the open, airy atmosphere made it a relaxed place to ease into the day.

Kuwait Towers

From the restaurant, it’s an easy walk to Kuwait Towers, one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks.

The complex consists of three slender towers symbolizing Kuwait’s modern identity and Arab heritage. The main tower features two spheres — the upper one housing a revolving viewing deck, offering panoramic views of the city and coastline. The towers are also listed on Kuwait’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

After entering, you’re escorted to your designated level based on your ticket. We had access to the café and revolving deck. Watching the city slowly rotate around you is a memorable experience.

Stroller note: Leave strollers on the lower level before heading up.

Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy

Next, we visited the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy, a beautifully curated space showcasing Islamic calligraphy through ceramics, manuscripts, textiles, and garments.

One of the most remarkable sections features sacred textiles, including historic coverings from the Ka’aba and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Seeing these pieces in person felt incredibly special, especially knowing many will soon return to Saudi Arabia for preservation and exhibition.

The museum is self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace across two thoughtfully arranged floors.

Tareq Rajab Museum

Just a short walk away is the Tareq Rajab Museum (allow extra time if you’re with a stroller).

Photography and recording are strictly prohibited here, which encourages you to fully take in the experience. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of rare artifacts — jewelry, musical instruments, manuscripts, costumes, and everyday objects from across the Islamic world. The depth of history here is remarkable, and you could easily spend hours exploring. Bringing a small notebook isn’t a bad idea.

Evening at Marina Mall

We returned to the hotel to rest before heading out for dinner at Marina Mall, just a five-minute walk away. It’s a great spot for a relaxed evening, with plenty of dining options and coffee and dessert stops along the marina strip.

Day Two in Kuwait: History, Museums & Heritage

Despite steady rain throughout the day, we continued exploring — and Kuwait didn’t disappoint.

Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum

Our first stop was the Al-Qurain Martyrs Museum, a deeply moving memorial honoring the 19 Kuwaitis who defended their country during the Iraqi invasion.

The museum is guided by dedicated volunteers who share detailed, personal accounts of what happened, what the Iraqi forces were searching for, and the history of the home itself. It’s emotional, informative, and one of the most impactful experiences of the trip.

Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil & Gas Exhibition

Next, we visited the Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil & Gas Exhibition to learn more about Kuwait’s relationship with oil.

This interactive exhibition walks you through the discovery of oil, its production, and its influence on Kuwait’s development and global standing. Guided tours are available based on language and availability, and having a guide adds valuable context to each section.

This stop offers essential insight into Kuwait’s economy and its role within the Gulf region.

The Grand Mosque of Kuwait

The Grand Mosque of Kuwait is the largest mosque in the country and the eighth largest in the world. Free guided tours in English are available and highly recommended.

Tours run Sunday through Thursday (9 AM–4 PM) and last between one and two hours. Tours are not available on Fridays or Saturdays.

Women are asked to dress modestly, and abayas are provided. Visitors are welcomed with drinks and snacks before the tour begins, followed by a guided walk through the mosque covering its architecture, religious significance, and Islamic practices. Questions are encouraged throughout.

Al Sadu Society

Our final stop was Al Sadu Society, dedicated to preserving traditional Bedouin weaving. Al Sadu refers to the weaving technique used by nomadic Bedouins, and here you can watch the process firsthand.

A group of women were actively weaving textiles while sharing home-cooked food, creating a warm and communal atmosphere. Bedouin weaving is recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2020) list.

Before exploring the textiles, we stopped at Jumo Cafe for coffee and a sandwich — simple, comforting, and absolutely worth it.

Dar Hamad

We ended the night — and our trip — back at the hotel and opted for a quieter evening in. Using Talabat, a popular local delivery app, we ordered dinner from an authentic traditional Kuwaiti restaurant.

Our order included Lamb Machbous, a tender boneless lamb served over fragrant basmati rice infused with spices, and Margooga, a comforting dish made with flat pasta slowly cooked with lamb and vegetables. It was the perfect way to wind down after two full days of exploring and a delicious introduction to traditional Kuwaiti cuisine.

Is Kuwait Worth Visiting? Final Thoughts

Kuwait surprised us in the best way. Even with limited time, the country offers a meaningful mix of history, culture, and everyday moments that make you want to linger longer.

If you have 48 hours (or less), Kuwait is absolutely worth the stop.

Would you visit Kuwait? Tag the person you’d explore it with.