The nightlife in Kuwait is vibrant, varied and exciting. Although there are no nightclubs, pubs, bars and discotheques in the city -- and alcohol consumption is banned in all forms within the country not only due to staunch religious beliefs but also due to a number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the past – there are many ways to explore and enjoy nightlife in Kuwait. Tourists will be spoilt for choice when in the city with a range of options, from street-hopping, trying out an array of restaurants, stopping in for a coffee at coffee shops to shopping around in massive, modern day malls and the many old-fashioned souks in the country.
Kuwait is the only country in the Gulf with an affiliation to theatrical culture – Kuwaitis are staunch lovers of theatre and art performances, and tourists can get a taste of authentic Kuwaiti folk-art performances at the Kuwait Theatre, which is the oldest theatre in Kuwait City and hosts a number of dramatic plays, and a favourite with the locals is the annual pantomime show. Kuwait Public Theatre also organizes various dramas and play all throughout the year. There are a number of cinema halls and multiplexes in the city that feature local and international language movies and documentaries.
Salmiya is another part of the country that is lined with several shopping complexes and a number of restaurants that suit all kinds of lifestyles and budgets. Restaurants range from the more casual TGI Fridays and Buffalo’s, to the slightly more sophisticated, La Brasa and Riccardo’s. Being popularly known as the shopping district of Kuwait, Salmiya has spectacular malls, such as the Avenues, Marina Mall, Sharq Mall, and Al Fanar Shopping Complex that provide an American-style shopping experience, and many traditional markets, such as Souk Al-Mubarakiya should be included in the list of must-visits for tourists.
Smoking a shisha, promenading along the Corniche and relaxing by the beach and waterfront parks are some of the less physically demanding nightlife activities that tourists can indulge in when in Kuwait.
