Kuwait

Cost of living

What a month costs

Living figures exclude rent. No income tax lets salaries stretch, but housing and international schooling are the big line items.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Kuwait City

1. Kuwait TowersThe country's blue-green spherical landmark on the Gulf, with a revolving observation deck.
2. Grand MosqueKuwait's largest mosque, open for guided tours of its vast prayer hall and courtyards.
3. Souq Al-MubarakiyaThe atmospheric old central market for spices, textiles, gold and Kuwaiti food stalls.
4. Kuwait National MuseumHeritage and archaeology collections beside the National Assembly on the waterfront.
5. Al Shaheed ParkLarge landscaped park built over the old city wall line, with memorial museums and Gulf views.
6. The Scientific CenterBig aquarium, dhow harbour and IMAX cinema on the Salmiya waterfront.
7. Tareq Rajab MuseumPrivate trove of Islamic art, calligraphy and jewellery tucked into a Jabriya basement.
8. Liberation TowerOne of the tallest telecom towers in the world, a post-war symbol of the city skyline.
9. National Assembly BuildingStriking sail-like parliament designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon.
10. Sadu HouseHeritage house preserving Bedouin weaving traditions near the old seafront.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Failaka IslandFerry across the bay to Bronze Age and ancient Greek ruins, plus quiet beaches and a war-scarred old village.
2. Al Jahra Red FortHistoric mud-brick fort about 30 minutes west, tied to the 1920 Battle of Jahra.
3. Sabah Al Ahmad Sea CityVast man-made canal town in the south with marinas, beaches and holiday chalets.
4. Wafra farmsGreen farm belt in the far south, popular for weekend chalets, fresh produce and a break from the concrete.
5. Mutla Ridge desertSpring camping season when winter rain briefly turns the desert green, a classic Kuwaiti weekend out.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Caribou CoffeeThe city's ubiquitous coffee chain, a genuine local institution for meetings and long sits.
2. % ArabicaMinimalist Japanese-style coffee bar with waterfront and mall branches.
3. Cocoa RoomPopular homegrown cafe known for desserts, brunch plates and a busy weekend crowd.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Mais AlghanimA beloved Lebanese institution on the Gulf Road, grilling mixed platters since the 1950s.
2. Freej SwailehTraditional Kuwaiti dishes served in a heritage-styled setting.
3. Al BoomSteaks and seafood inside a restored wooden dhow moored at the Radisson Blu.
4. Slider StationHomegrown Kuwaiti burger favourite that grew from one branch into a local chain.
5. PeppermintPan-Asian spot popular with locals for dim sum and noodles.
6. Ric's Kountry KitchenAmerican diner famous for oversized breakfasts and pancakes.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Ric's Kountry KitchenBig American-style breakfasts, eggs and stacks of pancakes.
2. Le Pain QuotidienBakery breakfasts and communal tables with reliable coffee.
3. PaulFrench bakery for croissants, tartines and morning eggs.
4. Cocoa RoomLeisurely Kuwaiti brunch and sweet plates for a slow morning.
5. Mais AlghanimLevantine breakfast of manakish, foul and fresh bread by the water.