The country's outdoor activities are concentrated in the Kuwait City metropolitan area. Many larger communities have a sea club complete with various sport facilities and swimming pools. Several beaches are found near the city centre and offer basic water sport facilities including scuba diving. Children will enjoy the zoological gardens and the Scientific Centre, the latter of which blends informative museum-style exhibits with entertainment facilities.

Al-Shaab Sea Club
This sprawling sports facility is an excellent place for families to enjoy any number of indoor and outdoor activities, though use of most facilities will require you to become a member. On-site infrastructure accommodates basketball, volleyball, tennis and swimming; and this 78,000 square foot complex also adjoins the sea and includes access to the beach and boating facilities. Beyond active sport pursuits, visitors also have access to a video game arcade and an Internet café. You'll find sea clubs in every major city throughout Kuwait. Phone: +96 5 564 1953.

Beaches 
There are several fine beaches in or near Kuwait City. Messilah Beach is one of the nicest, boasting expansive white sands and three swimming pools for those who would rather avoid the open sea. A rather unique feature of this private beach, it staffed entirely by women three days each week. Al-Oqeila Beach is a public facility and is especially popular with families seeking typical waterfront activities.

Racing
The half-a kilometre-long Salem Al-Sabah race track is found on the sixth ring road outside of Kuwait City in the Safat neighbourhood. Constructed in the 1980s, this was the first such track built in Kuwait. It regularly hosts motorcycle and car races every year from November to June. Car competitions span several categories including pro and super pro; street and super street; and stock and super stock. Bikes compete in drag and stock categories. Phone: +96 5 600 5261.

Scientific Centre
This waterfront facility boats a mix of outdoor and family-oriented activities. On the premises, you'll find Dhow Harbour and the Salmiyyah fishing piers along with an IMAX theatre, an aquarium and the Discovery Palace. The latter is a science museum that caters specifically for children with a number of hands-on exhibits exploring physics, astronomy and chemistry. Phone: +96 5 84 8888; www.tsck.org.kw/en/.

Touristic Gardens
These gardens, found in the Safat neighbourhood of Kuwait City, are a lovely place to take a leisurely stroll or simply escape the bustle of the city for a while. Ornate flower beds and stands of palm trees are cut by a walking path, and the on-site Roman-style amphitheatre seats 2,000. The cafeteria hosts children’s entertainment, and there is also a weekly party that children can enjoy. Phone: +96 5 242 8394.

Zoological Park
Children are especially fond of this facility, which covers an enormous swath of land southwest of Kuwait City. The zoo boasts an impressive collection of birds, reptiles and mammals, and represents one of the few attractions in Kuwait that has a specific appeal for younger visitors. Phone: +96 5 473 3389.

There are relatively few historic gems found in Kuwait, granting 19th-century homes like Bayt Al-Badr an important place on every tourist's itinerary. Many of the museums highlight the endeavours of the pearling industry, which dominated the local economy in the days before oil drilling. While Kuwaiti mosques are traditional muted structures with little aesthetic appeal, visitors will find opportunity to learn about the religion itself (along with the Arabic language) through free classes at the Islam Presentation Committee Mosque in Kuwait City.

Al-Qurain House
An important site during the Gulf War, the Al-Qurain House has become synonymous with the spirit of Kuwaiti resistance. After it served as a key military outpost during an important battle in the war, the house was converted into a museum. Today, the exhibits inside commemorate the horrors of the war, paying special tribute to those who lost their lives. Phone: +96 5 543 0343.

Bayt Al-Badr
This is one of the rare Kuwaiti sites that pre-dates the modern era. It was built in the decade between 1838 and 1848, and as it has survived numerous conflicts and invasions it is considered a heritage structure. While the structure began as a lavish residency for the Al-Badr family, it has now been converted into a marketplace for local handicrafts.

Bayt Al-Sadu
Situated near the National Museum in Safat, this heritage structure is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Kuwaiti and Bedouin handicraft industries. The primary trade being protected here is the traditional art of weaving. Bedouin women have traditionally spun all of the family's fabric (from clothing to tent materials) on hand-operated looms. Bayt Al-Sadu offers exhibits, workshops and exhibitions that explore the art of hand-weaving and other peripheral traditional crafts. Phone: +96 5 243 2395.

Bayt Lothan
This not-for-profit organisation hosts workshops and exhibitions aimed at bolstering the local art community. The project is spearheaded by the daughter of the 12th Amir of Kuwait, who had originally used the building as his personal residence. Built in several stages, construction on this house began in the 1930s. Visitors will find local and international artwork on display and there is an on-site gift shop. Regular workshops are held, and the local photography and calligraphy clubs hold their meetings here. Phone: +96 5 575 5866; www.baytlothan.org.

Islam Presentation Committee Mosque
Located in the downtown Kuwait City, this modern mosque is an excellent place for visitors to learn more about Islam in a welcoming environment. In-house, English-speaking experts teach free courses on Arabic language and on the tenets of Islam. Phone: +96 5 244 7526.

Saif Marzooq Al-Shamlan Museum
The namesake of this museum was a historian who explored the early exploits of the local pearling industry. The museum houses a vast collection of documents relevant to the industry, as well as artefacts pertaining to local maritime archaeological excavations. A few of the outstanding exhibits include a gold rifle, period currency and Al-mahafah fans (made of leaves or hand-spun fabric).

Some of the finest dining in Kuwait is found in the capital city's upscale hotels. These establishments attract more than hotel guests, and it is common to find the local elite dining here. Many of the towers and tall structures feature revolving restaurants perched over the cityscape. Beef, lamb and seafood from the Gulf are featured on most of the menus. Pita bread, yoghurt and spicy meat and rice dishes are also common elements of local cuisine.

You'll also find numerous fast-food chains throughout Kuwait, though most locals looking for a quick bite to eat are more likely to visit any of the number of inexpensive Indian restaurants situated throughout Kuwait City. Some restaurants have family-dining halls where lone (male) diners are not seated.

Bear in mind that the production, purchase or consumption of alcohol is illegal in Kuwait, and the vast majority of local restaurants adhere to this law, which is strictly enforced.

The country operates a modern shopping scene with upscale department stores and malls situated on the fringes of Kuwait City centre. Sharq Souk Mall is the exception, centrally situated in the downtown area. This is one of the largest modern shopping outlets in the entire region, blending Middle Eastern motifs with the familiar layout of Western-style shopping malls. Kuwaiti merchandise is tax-free.

Traditional shopping still takes place in the old souk marketplaces. These culturally rich shopping venues sell everything from spices and produce to clothing and accessories. It's even possible to purchase livestock at some of these historic marketplaces. Negotiation is an essential aspect of shopping in the souk, so be prepared to engage in a bit of polite bargaining.