Vibrant souks, serene beaches, singing dunes, dense mangrove forests, and even a unique inland sea – Qatar is more than just a land of towering skyscrapers and shimmering glass buildings. The desert meets the ocean in this pristine Khor Al Adaid, while the crystal clear waters of Fuwairit Beach are inviting. Kayak away in the wetlands of Al Thakira Mangrove Forests, explore the natural caves of Dahl Al Misfir, and get mesmerised by the formidable fortress of Al Zubarah. And indulge in the opulent Pearl Island, where you can experience a bit of Venice in the Arabian Riviera. Plan a visit to the desert country and get inspired by this curated list of the most beautiful tourist places to visit in Qatar.
Best time to visit the beautiful tourist places in Qatar
Winter is the best time to visit the beautiful tourist places of Qatar as it is also the peak festival season with plenty of desert adventure and culinary events. Tourists throng the desert country from November to March when the weather is pleasant and during the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn (April-May, and September-October).
How to reach Qatar
There are two international airports in Doha, the capital city. Doha International Airport is adjacent to the Hamad International Airport, now the city’s main airport.
The most beautiful tourist places in Qatar
Khor Al Adaid
Located in the southeast of Qatar and about 80 km from Doha is this unique “inland sea”, a spectacular landscape exuding a mystical aura. Undulating mobile dunes, rise up to 40 metres to greet the ocean, forming a tidal creek surrounded by salt pans. The natural reserve with endemic flora and fauna and a pristine marine ecosystem is a haven for bird watchers as you can spot ospreys, terns, flamingos, and other migratory species. Go for a guided nature walk and look for gazelles and oryx. The Khor is accessible only by a four-wheel drive and you can go camping with a tour company on a full moon night. Adventure enthusiasts should try dune bashing, quad biking, and sand skiing at one of the most beautiful tourist places in Qatar.
Best time to explore: November-March
Best hotels: Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and The Outpost Al Barari.
How to reach: Hamad International Airport is located 80 km away.
Book your stay at Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel via Agoda.com
Book your stay at The Outpost Al Barari via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Outpost Al Barari via Agoda.com
Al Thakira Mangroves
You don’t expect to find a verdant mangrove forest amidst a sandy desert with serpentine networks of creeks and rivulets along the tidal estuaries brimming with avian and marine life. Kayak away in this oldest biodiversity hotspot, one of the most beautiful places in Qatar, and look for flamingos and herons.
The Al Thakira Mangrove Forests, home to the Avicennia Marina species (also called the grey or white mangroves) is located 18 km from Al Khor and is about 70 km from Doha. Head to the Al Thakira Beach nearby for picturesque views, enjoy a swim, or simply relax on the white sands.
Best time to explore: November-March
Best hotels: Al Sultan Resort, and Al Khor Camp.
How to reach: Hamad International Airport is about 60 km away.
Book your stay at Al Khor Camp via Booking.com
Purple Island
Take a day trip from Al Khor to the exotic Purple Island, also called Jazirat Bin Ghannam, and explore one of the most beautiful tourist places in Qatar. While you may not find the red-purple dyes produced from mollusc shells eons ago, you can immerse in the beautiful tapestry of blues and greens. Kayak through the dense mangrove forests and watch shoals of fish swimming around the pencil roots jutting on the surface while migratory birds come visiting in winter. Purple Island is also one of the most ancient excavated sites dating back to 2000 BC. Soak in the raw wild natural landscapes, cross the wooden bridge, hike the hills, or laze on the beach and enjoy a picnic.
Explore our guide to the incredible hiking trails around the world.
Best time to explore: November-March
Best hotels: Khour Bay Residency, and Al Sultan Resort.
How to reach: Hamad International Airport is about 80 km away.
Dahl Al Misfir
Explore the dark secrets of the 40-metre-deep warren of caverns of Dahl Al Misfir, formed over 25,000 to 500,000 years ago in central Qatar. Also referred to as the Musfur sinkhole, the natural cavern contains fibrous gypsum crystals that emit an out-worldly glow and form desert roses. The surrounding rocks are filled with marine sediments, now remnants of an ancient sea. The caves are accessible but there is no electricity inside. Carry torches, and wear warm clothing and shoes as you hike through the rocky landscape. Other attractions near the caverns are no less exciting as you can visit the Inland Sea and the Singing Sand Dunes, making it one of the most beautiful tourist places in Qatar. Located about 40 km from Doha, you need a four-wheel drive to traverse the route, especially between Salwa and Rawdar Rashed Road.
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Best Time to Explore – November to March.
Best Places to Stay – Retaj Salwa Resort and Spa, Al Samriya Doha Autograph collection.
How to Reach – Hamad International Airport is about 50 km away.
Book your stay at Retaj Salwa Resort & Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Retaj Salwa Resort & Spa via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Al Samriya Hotel, Doha, Autograph Collection via Booking.com
Book your stay at Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection via Agoda.com
Al Zubarah
Step back in time as you explore the ruins of the walled coastal town of Al Zubarah, which was once a flourishing pearl trade centre in the 18th century. In this historic town filled with palaces, mosques, and courtyard houses, you can see remnants of a fishing harbour with village houses and streets. Overlooking the historic town is this formidable walled fortress, a time capsule of the era, and a UNESCO Heritage Site now turned into a museum. While the town attracts historical and cultural travellers, you cannot miss the alluring charm of this ghost town, once buried under sands and later excavated.
Best time to explore: November-March
Best hotels: Zulal Wellness Resort, and Villa de Mykonos.
How to reach: Hamad International Airport is about 120 km away.
Book your stay at Zulal Wellness Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at Zulal Wellness Resort via Agoda.com
Fuwairit Beach
Lose yourself in the golden hues of dawn on the shores of Fuwairit Beach, one of the most beautiful places in Qatar. Tucked away along the northeast coast of the Peninsula near Al Ghariya city, the pristine Fuwairit Beach, with its white sands and turquoise waters, is idyllic for romantic getaways and family picnics. While it’s a great destination for kite surfing, the beach is closed from April to July when the turtles come here to lay eggs. Locals believe the hatchlings that survive return to the same spot years later to lay eggs.
Best time to explore: November-March
Best hotels: Fuwairit Kite Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and Zulal Wellness Resort.
How to reach: Hamad International Airport is about 100 km away.
Book your stay at Fuwairit Kite Beach, Tapestry Collection By Hilton via Booking.com
Book your stay at Fuwairit Kite Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton via Agoda.com
Ras Abrouq Nature Reserve
Take a four-wheel drive to experience off-roading as you visit the tip of the Zekreet Peninsula near the Dukaan City, at the Ras Abrouq Nature Reserve (also called Bir Zekree). While Zekreet Beach is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Qatar, the stunning cape is also home to several ancient archaeological sites. With a dominating coastline flanked by surreal rock formations dotted with abandoned forts, be prepared to be mesmerised by the monumental East West/ West East monolithic sculpture by renowned artist Richard Serra. While you are here, visit the wild deer reserve, look out for the Arabian oryx, explore Zekreet Fort, Ras Abrouq Rock and visit the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, boasting over 15,000 art pieces.
Best time to explore: November-March
Best hotels: Our Habitas Ras Abrouq, and Heenat Salma Farm.
How to reach: Hamad International Airport is about 90 km away.
Book your stay at Our Habitas Ras Abrouq via Booking.com
Pearl Qatar
Experience Mediterranean blues in the fascinating Arabian Riviera as you get transported to Venice on the Rialto Bridge here. Pearl Island in Doha may be an artificial island but the fantasy land is without doubt one of the most stunningly beautiful tourist places in Qatar.
Covering 4 million square metres of reclaimed land, including 30 km of its famed coastline, the Pearl is breathtaking with colourful cafes, sprawling mansions, verdant gardens, luxury boutiques, fine dining restaurants and grand residences created along the waterfront. While the Qanat Quartier will take you to Venice, the Marina of Porto Arabia has a Mediterranean vibe. You can also take a paddleboard and cruise to the uninhabited Al Safiya Island for romantic moments.
Best time to explore: November-March
Best hotels: Hilton Doha The Pearl, and The St Regis Marsa Arabia Island.
How to reach: Hamad International Airport is about 30 km away.
Book your stay at Hilton Doha The Pearl via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hilton Doha The Pearl via Agoda.com
Book your stay at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island via Booking.com
Book your stay at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island via Agoda.com
Katara Cultural Village
The cultural heartbeat of Doha boasting grand amphitheatres, spectacular mosques, bustling luxurious galleries, concert halls and a planetarium, Katara Cultural Village is a mini replica of the country and arguably one of the most beautiful places in Qatar. While the iconic Katara Mosque and the glittering Gold Mosque, inspired by Turkish and Persian designs and motifs, are absolute showstoppers, you cannot miss the Grand Greek Amphitheatre spread over 3275 sq m, boasting a capacity to seat 5,000 people. Shop till you drop at 21 High Street, walk around the lush gardens, explore the vibrant cafe and restaurant scene and relax at Katara Beach, the local favourite.
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Best time to explore: October-March
Best hotels: The Chedi Katara Hotel and Resort, and Katara Hills Doha.
How to reach: Hamad International Airport is about 25 km away.
Book your stay at The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Katara Hills Doha via Booking.com
Book your stay at Katara Hills Doha via Agoda.com
Souq Waqif
Atmospheric, traditional, vibrant and full of life, the narrow lanes of Souq Waqif, built on the site of an ancient market of the Bedouins, are full of flavour and colour. The quaint mud daubed shops, selling anything from antique daggers and ceramics, to spices and incense, draw inspiration from the old-world charm of a 19th-century souk. All that glitters is gold in the gold souk. Lose yourself in the restored heritage buildings, shop for art and antiques, have a cup of Arabian coffee with dates, watch locals play Dama and say hello to the camels relaxing around the Souq. Don’t miss the massive Falcon Souq and the hospital next door where you can listen to tales of falconry and pearl fishing from locals.
Best time to explore: October-March
Best hotels: Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, and Musheireb Boutique Hotels.
How to reach: Hamad International Airport is about 15 km away.
Book your stay at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels via Booking.com
Book your stay at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Musherib Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Musherib Hotel via Agoda.com
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(Feature Image Credit: Sven Hansche/Shutterstock)
Related: The Best Things To Do In Qatar
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-Are there any historic or cultural places in Qatar worth visiting?
Katara Cultural Village, Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar and Msheireb Museums are some of the best cultural places in Qatar. You can also visit the ruins of the Al Zubarah town and the fortress.
-What are some of the picturesque beaches in Qatar?
Some of the best beaches in Qatar include Katara Beach, Sealine Beach, Fuwairit Beach, Al Wakra, Al Ghariya, Al Farkiya and the surreal Al Khor Beach.
-Where can I enjoy a scenic view of the city of Doha?
The Corniche, West Bay and Orry the Oryx are some places that offer a scenic view of Doha.
-Are there any desert experiences in Qatar for adventure seekers?
Off-roading, quad biking, sand skiing, and desert safari are some of the best desert experiences in Qatar for adventure seekers. You will have to take a four-wheel drive to visit most destinations around Doha.
-What are some of the family-friendly attractions in Doha?
Doha Quest at Doha Oasis, Circus Land Park, Megapolis, Gondolania, Aqua Park Qatar, CanDo Doha, and Jungle Zone are some of the family-friendly attractions in Doha.
-Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known beautiful places in Qatar?
MIA Park, Aspire Park, Qatar Film City, and Barzan Towers are some of the hidden gems in Qatar.
-Can I visit the Inland Sea in Qatar and what makes it special?
You can visit the unique inland sea where towering, undulating mobile dunes, greet the ocean forming a tidal creek surrounded by salt pans. The natural reserve with endemic flora and fauna and a pristine marine ecosystem is a haven for bird watchers.
-What’s the best time to visit Qatar’s beautiful tourist places?
Winter is the best time to visit Qatar followed by spring (November to March).
-Are there any guided tours to visit Qatar’s beautiful tourist places?
Yes, there are guided tours to visit Qatar’s tourist places. Contact Visit Qatar Tourism Board, Falcon Tours, Qatar International Tours, Qatar Tours, and Arabian Adventure Qatar, among other tour operators.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi is passionate about everything that is local — from cultural traditions to art and architecture ..Read More
