Kuwait City

Kuwait's unofficial symbol, found on everything except the flag, are Kuwait's top attraction. Designed by Swedes, built by Yugoslavs, and opened in 1979, they're actually rather interesting up close, as the spheres are covered with a funky polka-dot pattern made up from colored circular plates. The first, 178 m (583 ft) high, houses the Viewing Sphere (123 m [403 ft]) complete with a rotating viewing platform; don't miss the photos of the damage done by the Iraqi invasion, at the foot of the staircase to the second level of the sphere. In the viewing sphere there is also a small bar that serves soft drinks and snacks. You can enjoy your snack at a stand-up table on the rotating viewing platform. The lower sphere houses the Ofok restaurant (82 m [270 ft]), serving breakfast (ladies only), lunch and dinner buffets daily. The second tower, 145.8 m (478 ft) high, is for water storage and is not accessible to the public, while the third, sphereless spike mostly serves to light up the other two at night. Best visited, but also the most crowded, at sunset.

Stripped of many artifacts during the war – part of it has been renovated and is now open to the public for display. One exhibition shows ancient relics found on Failaka Island and the other resembles a carefully designed copy of an old Kuwaiti souq (market). An old Kuwaiti boum (dhow) is on display as well.

Built in 1896, the interior features original Islamic mosaic tile work, though these suffered badly during the Iraqi occupation. You will not be allowed to enter, however it is still interesting to walk by and see the vast gardens of the palace.

The National Assembly is the seat of the Kuwaiti parliament and is one of the few pieces of fine architecture in the country.

Across from the Seif Palace and about 400 m east of the National Museum. Guided tours by friendly Kuwaitis are available for tourists. Women can borrow a proper dress from the mosque in order to enter. You will likely be told a time to come back for a tour by the security guard when you visit the mosque. Come back at that time and there will hopefully be a couple of guides available.

The war museum depicts the somewhat gory view of Kuwait on the Iraqi invasion.

Kuwait's largest urban park and is a cultural platform with cutting-edge architecture and works of art. It has a museum, botanical garden, monuments, fountains, jogging paths and much more. On a weekend you might spot some pop-up shops and markets with small local businesses offering their products and quick bites to eat. It's a great place to go for a walk and absorb the vibes of Kuwaiti leisure and family time. There are plenty of options to hide from the sun too.

Maybe the most interesting thing to see in Kuwait. It's a giant, bustling building filled with rows of 274 (!) counters stocked high with fish. The interior is kept very clean with people hosing down the floor constantly. There is also a small fruit and vegetables market in the same building. Some people buy fish from the market and bring it to the restaurant in the same building to be cooked right away.