Experience the best of Kuwait City

Kuwait City lies on the southern shore of Kuwait Bay in the north-western Gulf, a capital of wide highways, modern towers and a long waterfront corniche. Its symbol is the Kuwait Towers, three slender spires finished in 1979, the tallest with a sphere that holds a restaurant and a viewing platform. The Grand Mosque, with a huge central dome, stands near the Seif Palace and the old centre.

Souq Al-Mubarakiya, the old market, sells spices, perfume, cloth and sweets, and its alleys are lined with grill restaurants. Sadu House shows traditional Bedouin weaving, the Tareq Rajab Museum displays Islamic art, and the Kuwait National Museum covers the country's story. The Scientific Center has an aquarium, Al Hamra Tower is the tallest skyscraper in the country, and Failaka Island, offshore, preserves ruins from Greek and earlier times.

Machboos, spiced rice with fish or lamb, margoog, a vegetable and meat stew, and samoon, a light bread, are staples. Cardamom coffee and dates are offered to guests, and karak chai, a strong spiced tea, is sold at roadside stalls. Winters are mild, and the summer heat is fierce.