Standing on the Corniche and gazing at the shimmering glass and steel skyscrapers, towering towards the sky, you realise that Qatar’s meteoric rise as a tourist hub in the Middle East is the stuff of legends. A fascinating mosaic of cultural traditions and contemporary architecture, the State of Qatar occupies the Qatar Peninsula along the northern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and greets you with mesmerising views of undulating sand dunes, coastal plains and even a unique “inland sea.”
While Doha, the capital is synonymous with opulence and style, you can explore museums and souqs, caves and fortresses, go dune bashing or on a hot air balloon ride, see a camel race and visit the falcon souk and cruise away in traditional dhows. Lose yourself in the colourful lanes of Souq Waqif, marvel at the modern designs of the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar, explore Katara’s cultural precinct and visit the charming Pearl Island. Be it wellness, shopping, culture, or nature, here is a list of some of the best things to do in Qatar for your next holiday.
Best time to visit Qatar
The high tourist season begins in winter, from November and March and it is the best time to visit Qatar. It’s also the time for festivities, cultural and culinary experiences and desert adventure. Experience the Qatar International Food Festival, Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, Marmi or the Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival.
The shoulder season which includes the months of April and May and September and October is also idyllic for the outdoors and you can watch the Camel Races in May or attend Ajyal Film Festival and Qatar International Film Festival in October. Summer from June to August is extremely hot but the luxurious and opulent malls and hotels will pamper you with special deals.
Things to do for free
Visit Katara Cultural Village
The iconic cultural heart of Doha is a microcosm of Qatar with a fascinating blend of art and architecture with heritage monuments, grand amphitheatres, bustling galleries, and theatres. planetarium and concert halls. Nestled between West Bay and The Pearl, entry to the Katara Cultural Village is free however, some monuments and events charge a fee.
Don’t miss the Katara Mosque and the Gold Mosque, inspired by Turkish and Persian designs and the Grand Greek Amphitheatre which is a showstopper. An entertainment hub, there is a shopping precinct with cafes and restaurants where events are held as well and a beach as well within the village which charges an entry fee.
Best thing to do for fun
Experience the vibrant Souq Waqif
Immerse yourself in the colours and flavours of the bustling labyrinth lanes of Souq Waqif, built on the site of an ancient market of the Bedouins A pleasant assault on your senses, shop here for spices, ceramics, crafts traditional robes and headgear, antique daggers, incense, perfumes, in the quaint mud daubed shops that are reminiscent of a 19th-century souq.
Be dazzled by the glitter at the gold souk or learn more about pearls and pearl diving. Admire the architecture of the restored heritage buildings, savour a delicious lunch in a restaurant, sip tea in a cafe and lose yourself in the old-world charm. Don’t miss the massive Falcon Souk next door, with a Falcon Hospital, where you can let a falcon perch on you and listen to tales of falconry from the locals.
Best thing to do in Qatar for Culture
Go museum hopping
Go museum hopping in Doha and visit the monumental Museum of Islamic Art, built like a fortress by architect IM Pei (who also designed the Parisian Louvre Pyramid) on the Corniche. Housing the largest collection of Islamic Art collected from three continents, there are guided tours in English and Arabic that showcase the permanent collection, ranging from ceramics to textiles spread over two floors.
Don’t miss the gorgeous views of the West Bay skyline from the atrium or the courtyard. Also not to be missed is the iconic National Museum of Qatar, an architectural marvel, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. Inspired by the Qatari desert rose crystal, the sprawling spectacular museum pays tribute to the country’s heritage across 11 galleries displayed through three distinct chapters – Beginning, Life in Qatar and Building the Nation. Another fascinating museum is the heritage Msheireb Museum housed in four restored heritage houses.
Best thing to do for nature
Explore Al Thakira Mangroves
Amidst the never-ending sandy expanse of deserts lies the verdant oasis of the Al Thakira Mangrove Forests, one of the oldest ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots in Qatar that beckon migratory birds like herons and flamingos. Kayak away and explore the wetland wonder with its slithering waterways along the tidal estuaries where the pencil roots of the mangroves jut out of the marshes, brimming with shoals of fish.
These protected forests found between deserts and oceans are home to the Avicennia Marina species also called the grey or white mangroves. Located near the town of Al Khor and about 60 km from Doha by road you can also just chill and enjoy the pristine views of the mangroves from Al Thakira Beach. There are not too many facilities for tourists and you are just in harmony with nature.
Best thing to do for adventure
Go offroading at Khor Al Adaid
While the undulating dunes of the deserts beckon you for some dune bashing and off-roading adventure, it transforms into an exhilarating experience at Khor Al Adaid, also referred to as the “inland sea” This is where the massive dunes, some towering at 40 metres, meet the “ocean” which is actually a tidal creek.
You can go quad biking, sand skiing, pose with falcons or just camp here, especially on a full moon night and get mesmerised by stunning views and changing hues of the landscape. You can even see Saudi Arabia across the Khor. Look out for oryx and gazelles, birdwatchers can spot ospreys, terns, flamingos and other migratory species, while shoals of fish, and turtles swim around. There are several travel agents organising 4WD tours to the Khor, which is located 80 km away from Doha.
Things to do for couples
Be charmed by the Arabian Riviera
Experience a bit of Venice in the mesmerising Arabian Riviera created, even with a replica of the Rialto Bridge in the Qanat Quartier on Pearl Island. Surrounded by colourful houses, the canals flowing under the bridges are straight out of a picture postcard and they look surreal at sunset.
While the man-made Pearl Island with its sprawling residences and restaurants recreated around a waterfront filled with yachts is a romantic hotspot, you can lose yourself in the Mediterranean-inspired Porto Arabia district around the Marina and the plazas around Medina Centrale. But if you want to savour some secluded couple time, paddleboard or take a boat ride to the uninhabited Al Safiya Island and escape the bustle of the city.
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Doha via Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Doha via Agoda.com
Things to do for families
Experience the thrills of an adventure theme park
Experience a world of adrenalin-packed rides at the many theme parks in Qatar which set you on an adventurous journey. Don’t miss the Epic Coaster, the tallest indoor roller coaster soaring at 57 metres at Doha Quest, while you can feel the thrill from Magnum Drop, the tallest drop tower as well. If you want to soak up some fun, then head to the largest waterpark, with 56 rides and slides and 18 attractions, at Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park, located in Salwa Beach Resort and Villas.
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Another adventure awaits you at Angry Birds World, for gaming fans as this theme park recreates the experience of the fantasy world with 35 rides and games. Other theme parks include Kid Zania, Jungle Zone and Aqua Park Qatar. While Virtuosity is a gaming zone, you can enjoy a European fantasy world at Gondolania, a winter wonderland at Snow Dunes or a rustic theme park at Baladna Park. There is even a Cave of Wonders.
Things to do at night
Explore the nightlife at Doha
As the sun sets over the city, Doha’s rooftop bars, shisha lounges, night clubs come alive with pulsating music and dance and are thronged with locals and tourists. Looking for bars with a view then head to Nobu at Four Seasons, Irish Harp at Sheraton or Trader Vic’s at Hilton.
There are nightclubs galore and some recommendations include Vertigo at Banyan Tree, Illusions at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Iris at Ritz Carlton Sharq Village, The Vogue Club at Crowne Plaza, Ox Club at La Cigale, Black Orchid at Mondrian Doha, Qube at Radisson Blu besides Crystal at West Bay and O ‘Hara, an underground music hotspot at W Hotel Doha.
Book your stay at Mondrian Doha via Booking.com
Book your stay at Mondrian Doha via Agoda.com
Things to do in summer
Mall hopping
Shopping is beyond an experience in Doha and when the temperatures soar, it is the best time to seek the cosy and colourful malls which are almost like larger-than-life fantasy lands recreated with extravagance and glamour. Head to Villaggio where you can imagine you are in Venice and take a gondola ride in the canals.
AL Hazm inspired by Italian architecture is an opulent monument that looks straight out of Rome. The Pearl Island with its Mediterranean design is a perfect escape as you can shop designer labels and soak in the vibe. Mall of Qatar with 500 high-end stores is another premium entertainment centre where you can lose yourself in the Oasis. City Centre Mall, Doha Festival City, Lagoona Mall, Ezdan Malls, and AL Khor are more luxury retail destinations that are recommended.
Shop the best travel experiences here
Things to do in winter
Hit the Beaches and indulge in water sports
It is a great time to be outdoors during winter, be it star gazing at deserts, kayaking in mangroves or enjoying water sports along the many beaches around Doha. Be it jet skiing, kite surfing, parasailing or just cruising, the beaches around Doha beckon you. There are both public and private beaches in and around the city and winter is a great time to just soak in the sun and sand.
Head to Katara Beach, right in the heart of Katara Cultural Village in Doha or drive 30 km away to the pristine shores of Sealine Beach at Mesaieed or a further 100 km away to the idyllic Fuwairit Beach. Other beaches along Qatar’s coastline include Al Wakra, Al Ghariya and Al Farkiya while nothing is more surreal than Al Khor or the inland beach.
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
Related: Navigating Global Village Dubai: Your Ultimate Visitor’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are the best cultural places to visit in Qatar?
Katara Cultural Village, Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar and Msheireb Museums are some of the best cultural places to visit in Qatar.
– Are there any beaches in Qatar?
There are many beaches in Qatar and some of the best beaches include Katara Beach, Sealine Beach, Fuwairit Beach, Al Wakra, Al Ghariya, Al Farkiya and the surreal Al Khor or the inland beach.
– What are the best things to buy in Qatar?
Pearls, perfumes, spices, gold, dates and local sweets, traditional coffee pots and coffee, Al-Sadu weavings, shawls and scarves are some of the best things to buy in Qatar.
– What are the best festivals to celebrate in Qatar?
Qatar International Food Festival, Doha Cultural Festival, Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, and Al-Shahaniya Camel Racing are some of the best festivals to celebrate in Qatar besides religious festivals.
– What are the best hotels in Qatar?
Banyan Tree Doha, The Chedi Katara, Ritz Carlton Doha, Raffles Doha, The Ned Doha, Sheraton Grand Doha, and Dusit Doha are some of the best hotels in Doha
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
