Shopping is one of Kuwait City's great pastimes -- people joke that the two things to do in Kuwait are eat and shop, and they do both with enthusiasm.
Souk Al-Mubarakiya is the oldest and most atmospheric market in the city. A maze of shops selling gold jewellery, spices, perfumes, traditional clothing, and souvenirs. Gold is sold by weight and prices are competitive. Bargaining is expected -- start at about half of what you want to pay and be polite about it.
The Avenues is the largest shopping mall in Kuwait and one of the largest in the Middle East. It has over 1,100 stores, cinemas, restaurants, and an IKEA. If you want Western brands and air conditioning, this is the place.
Salhiya Centre, behind the Meridian Hotel, is Kuwait's most exclusive mall with designer stores -- Fendi, Gucci, and the like. Come here if dropping $3,000 on a leather briefcase sounds like a good afternoon.
Sharq Souk Mall in downtown Kuwait City combines modern shopping with a view of the Gulf. Good for a combination of shopping and a modest seafood lunch at the waterfront.
Friday Market (Souk Al-Juma'a) is held every Friday morning off the Fourth Ring Road. It is the Kuwaiti equivalent of a flea market -- everything from Persian rugs and traditional antiques to live sheep and second-hand electronics. Come early for the best selection and be prepared for crowds.
For Persian and Afghan tribal rugs, the shops in Fahaheel off Highway 30 near the fish market offer excellent deals. The glass perfume bottles and traditional handicrafts make good souvenirs at reasonable prices.