Souq Mubarakiya

Souq Mubarakiya, in the heart of Kuwait City, is the country's oldest and most atmospheric market, a bustling, characterful survivor of the old city that existed before the oil era transformed Kuwait. Centuries old, this warren of covered and open lanes is a feast for the senses, its stalls piled with spices, dried fruit, nuts, perfumes and incense, gold, textiles, traditional dress, handicrafts and antiques, alongside fragrant food stalls and traditional restaurants and coffee houses. A rare link to Kuwait's mercantile and pearling heritage, and to the life of old Arabia, it is the most vibrant and characterful place to experience the city's traditional culture.

What's there

• The market lanes - the bustling warren of spice and craft stalls.
• The spice and perfume stalls - the aromas of spices and incense.
• The food and coffee houses - the traditional eateries and cafés.
• The gold and textiles - the gold, dress and handicraft shops.

When to go

November to March, the cooler season, for the most comfortable weather to wander the souq, as Kuwait's summers are extreme; the market is liveliest and most atmospheric in the cool of the evening, when locals and families come to shop, eat and socialise. Its traditional restaurants and coffee houses are a highlight after dark.

Practical notes

While atmospheric, Souq Mubarakiya has been partly rebuilt and modernised over the years, so it is not wholly ancient, and Kuwait offers relatively little conventional tourism beyond such highlights, with the fierce summer heat a major limitation. As the most atmospheric and characterful link to old Kuwait, though, alive with the aromas, food and bustle of a traditional Arabian market, and a wonderful place to eat and soak up local life, Souq Mubarakiya is the vibrant heart of the city.

Nearby

The Kuwait Towers, the Grand Mosque and the National Museum are close by.