Table of Contents
Qatar has fast become a global gateway for overseas travellers and is one of the busiest transit destinations in the world. So, if you are scheduled to stop at the Hamad International Airport, why not break up the journey and take a holiday in this tiny and elegant gulf nation. It is one of the safest countries in the world that welcomes you with true Arabic hospitality. The culture, food, sand dunes, beaches and more will together give you a fascinating time. Here is a guide to 25 incredible things to do in Qatar on your next vacation.
Top Things To Do In Qatar
Say hello to Qatari culture at Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village in Qatar is a huge complex dedicated to the enhancement of the country’s cultural identity. There are electric carts that can take you around the place. It is one of the most ravishing and aesthetically wonderful locations.With amphitheatres, convention centres, museums, cafes, beaches and more, you get to embrace its artistic beauty. Visit the cultural village, one of the best things to do in Qatar.
Timings: 24-hours
Average Price: $7 – $12 per person
Insider tip: Savour local delicacies and have dinner at one of the excellent restaurants here.
Indulge in history at Al Zubara Fort
Al Zubara Fort is one of the most delightful places in Qatar for history and architecture lovers. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular historical attraction. The fort was built in 1938 and is recognised as a museum that houses chapters from the bygone era of Qatar. From its lofty walls to the courtyard, the history of the site is captivating.
Timings: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Average Price: Free
Insider tip: We recommend booking the Al Zubara Fort tour ahead of time to secure your spot.
Gaze at the beauty of the Museum of Islamic Art
If you have a deep interest in relics and artefacts, then visiting the Museum of Islamic Art is just the thing to do in Qatar. Located in Doha, you can feel mesmerized by the beauty of Islamic art. Find here ancient ceramic works, Holy Quran from the 17th century, jewellery, glass, manuscripts, and a lot more. Delve into the beauty and learn about the values of Islamic culture via its structure. The mystifying architecture of the museum is beckoning and an incredible experience.
Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm |1:30 pm to 7:00 pm on Fridays
Average Price: $13.75 for adults|$6.90 for students | Free for children below 16 years of age
Insider tip: MIA’s Education Centre hosts education events and other programmes.
Shop in traditional style at the Souq Waqif
The traditional marketplace is one of the major tourist attractions in Qatar. Souq Waqif is where you will find dozens of shops and stalls selling an array of articles, ranging from handicrafts to clothing and spices to souvenirs. You will find numerous restaurants and cafes, a perfect place to savour authentic Qatari cuisine. The architectural brilliance of the building is mystifying and a great sight.
Timings: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm | 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Fridays
Average Price: No Entrance Fee
Insider tip: Look for Dalla Arabian Pots or decorative wooden boxes that are good souvenirs to buy.
Take a city tour of Doha
The capital city of Qatar, Doha welcomes you with shopping markets, infotainment complexes, beaches, historical monuments, forts and museums. Look for beautiful artefacts at the Museum of Islamic Art or scrutinize the lovely complex of Katara Cultural Village. Other major places to visit in Doha are the Pearl, National Museum of Qatar, Aspire Park, Katara Beach, Barzan Towers and more.
Timings: Day tour
Average Price: Based on the tour
Insider tip: Book a private tour in advance that is safe and allows for flexibility and a full refund.
For serene island views at Al Khor
The marvellous Purple Island is located near Doha and is one of the most prominent destinations in Qatar for it houses the only archaeological site in the country. With a history of thousands of years, the island allures offbeat explorers from around the world. The lush greenery surroundings and sandy beaches make the island extremely popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
Timings: Day tour
Average Price: Based on the tour
Insider tip: Book a local guide who can provide valuable historical insights.
Marvel at The Pearl
The Pearl is an artificial island in the Persian Gulf of Qatar and one of the most glamorous and will let you indulge in sophisticated lifestyles. Visit it for its hotels, variety of charming cafes and restaurants, iconic marina and luxury boutiques. The island is artificial spanning approximately 1.5 square kilometres (0.6 square miles) and extends from the mainland.
Timings: Day tour
Average Price: Based on the tour
Insider tip: Spend time in the iconic marina and look out for luxury boutique stores.
Also Read: 15+ Best European Destinations from Dubai In 2022
Feel the thrill of Qatar gold dune bashing at Khor al Udaid
Discover the landscapes and culture of Qatar during this private desert safari from Doha. Crash through the golden sands aboard a 4×4 vehicle and glide down the sands on a sandboard. After a stop for tea, visit a great inland sea (Khor al Udaid), where you can spot Saudi Arabia over the horizon, and admire sun-soaked surroundings.
Timings: Day tour
Average Price: From $82.65 per person
Insider tip: Visit the Inland Sea, a saltwater sea framed by dunes.
Sense the peace at Katara Mosque
The Katara Mosque also known as the Blue Mosque of Katara is a very intricate and beautiful mosque. It is located in the Katara Cultural Village situated in the north of the capital city Doha. Experiencing the religious marvel is an incredible thing to do in Qatar. The Katara Mosque is predominantly blue due to the impressive glass mosaic art and hand-painted ceramic tiles that are spectacular. The mosque has been designed by the famous Turkish mosque designer, Zainab Fadil Oglu.
Timings: Day tour
Average Price: Based on the cultural village tour
Insider tip: Don’t miss the views of the mihrab, minaret and domes with golden elements in their design and calligraphic panels made from actual 24K gold-leafed glass mosaic tiles.
Feel amazed at the ancient beauty of Barzan Towers
The Barzan Towers, also known as the Umm Salal Mohammed Fortress, is situated in the village of Umm Salal Mohammed in the municipality of Umm Salal in Qatar. It was built in 1910 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani. The tall 14 meters high towers monitor the fleet of pearl divers and guard against pirates. Some also think they might have been used as a moon observatory. Make a visit to the historic site which is a popular thing to do in Qatar.
Timings: 24-hours (confirm entry timings with the concerned authority)
Average Price: Based on the Doha city tour
Insider tip: Get your cameras ready for wonderful pictures of the endless sea from the towers.
Splash away in the thrilling Aqua Park
The Aqua Park is a great place to have a fun-filled day with the entire family and a famous thing to do in Qatar, especially with kids in tow. It is full of theme rides, games, restaurants, gift shops, lagoons, pools, and so much more. Hidden inside the park is the African cultural village that connects to the rest of the park via a wooden bridge. There are space boat-themed rides or glass tunnels that splash you into a water basin. A pirate-themed playroom, colourful slides, wave pool and the lagoon area are amazing spots to have an adventure with your kids.
Timings: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm
Average Price: $42
Insider tip: Springtime is the season to visit here, as summer gets very hot.
Experience world-class collection at the Arab Museum of Modern Art
The ‘mathaf’ or museum was opened in December 2010 and specializes in contemporary and modern art by Arab artists. Here you get to see some world-class art that dates back to the 1840s. The museum features paintings, sculptures, photographs and multi-media installations that will awe you. There are also educational programs that aim to educate you on the wonders of Arabic art.
Timings: 11.00 am to 8.00 pm
Average Price: $6.87
Insider tip: Follow the path around the museum until you reach an outdoor MIA Cafe where you can lounge to get beautiful views of the city.
Walk along the Doha Corniche and take a dhow ride
A wonderful thing to do in Qatar is to take a walk along the gorgeous Doha Corniche which is a 7 km promenade. Get amazing views of the Persian Gulf, grab a coffee and take photographs of the iconic pearl shell, a symbol of the nation’s past. Hop on to a traditional dhow for unobstructed views of the city’s skyline. There are also fitness machines installed along the corniche for public use.
Timings: 24-hours
Average Price: Free
Insider tip: Don’t feel awkward haggling a bit with the boatmen for a charge that is reasonable.
Don't Miss: Unique Street Food Dishes In The World You Must Try
Take a historical tour of the Radwani House
Step back in time as you discover historical artefacts of Qatar at the Radwani House. It was owned by Aki Akbar Radwani and his family for around 70 years. This is one of the finest places to visit for its archaeological beauty. In 2007, the attraction was renovated and restored to the public. Take a tour of the courtyard, kitchen, living room and other places of the house. This is historical brilliance of Qatar at its best.
Timings: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Average Price: Free
Insider tip: Book a guided tour of the place in advance.
Get lost in the Al Thakira Mangroves
Visit the country’s most iconic spot which is a large area of greenery and water. The Al Thakira Mangroves is its own ecosystem amidst a sandy desert. Watch an incredible selection of birds from herons to flamingos. Rent a kayak and get lost in the greenery where incredible bird life welcomes you. It’s easy to forget that you are in a desert nation here. Experiencing the desert greenery, especially in January, is an incredible thing to do in Qatar.
Timings: All Day
Average Price: $55 (per adult kayaking tour)
Insider tip: Bring a pair of water shoes so you can wade in the low-level water zones.
Shop at the elegant Villaggio Mall
The Villaggio Mall has over 200 stores and resembles the Italian city of Venice. The indoor canal is its main draw which is an interesting thing to do in Qatar. You can take a gondola ride here and look up to see the blue sky when outdoors. The mall is filled with shopping and entertainment facilities. Pick from a string of fashion brands and check out the world-class shopping vibes.
Timings: 9.00 am to 3.00 pm | 7.30 pm to 1.00 am
Average Price: Free entry
Insider tip: The condole tour is a must when visiting.
Have fun kitesurfing at Sealine Beach
Kitesurfing is full of fun and an exciting thing to do in Qatar. The activity can also be called a perfect blend of surfing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding. Sealine Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches where kitesurfing is popular. With perfect climatic conditions for kitesurfing, Sealine Beach is a great place to hang out. There are local agencies that offer kitesurfing experiences, so if you are up to adventure then this is an incredible thing to do in Qatar.
Timings: 24-hours
Average Price: $192.24 per person
Insider tip: Sealine Beach offers other activities such as water sports, ATV experience, swimming and more.
Take a trip to the famed Inland Sea
A famous thing to do in Qatar is to visit the Inland Sea of Khor Al Adaid. It is recognised as a UNESCO site for its uniqueness. This is where sand meets the sea as the dunes slip into the sea during high tide. This is a breathtaking sight and an unmissable attraction. There are species such as rare turtles and dugongs to add to the beauty of the ecosystem. Hire a 4×4 vehicle and drive across the dunes to live this exciting adventure on your vacation.
Timings: Based on the tour
Average Price: Tour price
Insider tip: Visit Khor Al Adaid during the winter months from November to April for cooler climes.
Have fun at the Doha Festival City
Doha Festival City is the main shopping hub and one of the biggest malls in the city. It stretches across an area of 600,000 square feet and has in store major global brands. Outlets such as Harvey Nichols and the Dior Beauty Boutique will keep you busy at the DFC. The mall also features world-class dining options that serve authentic cuisine. Head to eateries Nando`s, PF Chang and The Cheesecake Factory and give your taste buds a treat. There is a 4D screen cinema which is another reason to be here.
Timings: 10.00 am to 10.00pm
Average Price: Based on the buy
Insider tip: The place is not open during Friday prayer timings.
Visit the iconic Lusail Stadium
FIFA World Cup 2022 is just around the corner with the event kicking off in late November. This is the world’s greatest football event to be held at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Taking a tour of the attraction is a great thing to do in Qatar to understand its significance. The stadium plays a pivotal role in making the event a success. It has a seating capacity of more than 80,000 people and has worked out all the sustainability factors. Why not take a tour of the arena and see where the final of the FIFA World cup will play out.
Timings: As per the match timings
Average Price: $455 upwards (FIFA matches)
Insider tip: The stadium will host a total of 10 matches including the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in December 2022, a good time to visit Qatar.
Explore the mysterious Film City
This fascinating place is set amidst the desert and boasts of its gothic beauty. You get to understand here the way the villagers lived in the Gulf region. The origin of the village remains unknown and it is famous as a shooting set for various television series. The mystery of its origin adds to the fun of the exploration. Visiting the hidden gem is a popular thing to do in Qatar to uncover the activities of the city and unravel its mysteries.
Timings: 24-hours
Average Price: Free
Insider tip: Embrace the beauty of a bygone era by booking a tour in advance.
Take a tour of the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Indulging in the history and culture of Qatar is one of the best things to do while at the museum. Look for the private collection of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani that is most fascinating. Home to an amazing collection of cars that totals almost six hundred, this is truly a vintage car lovers’ paradise. You will also find a fine collection of Islamic art and heritage. There is also a carpet museum that is worth a visit. The popular car museum has trucks and convertible cars to limousines that are amazing to see.
Timings: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm
Average Price: Free
Insider tip: Timings of the museum on Fridays are 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm.
Enjoy the beach at Banana Island
Just 24 km away from the heart of Doha is the favourite Banana Island with its surrounding blue waters. The island is a favourite spot for beach lovers where you can take a swim in the azure waters. Indulge in a range of watersports or have fun banana boating and more. This is a perfect thing to do in Qatar with family where the island vibes are mesmeric. The luxury escape with scenic views is a pleasure to be amidst surreal environs.
Timings: 24-hours
Average Price: Free
Insider tip: Check out a few restaurants for a tasty bite while you enjoy your day trip.
Learn About These Most Enthralling Beach Holiday Destinations
Have an adventure at the Dahl Al Misfir Cave
Explore to have an awe-stunning adventure in Qatar at the popular natural landmark. The cave is about 40 m deep and has a phosphorescent glow. It refracts light provided by a moon-like glow and is an absolutely amazing attraction. You can see owls that add to the touch of adventure on a tour. This is undoubtedly one of the hidden gems to discover, a top thing to do in Qatar.
Timings: 24-hours
Average Price: Based on the tour.
Insider tip: The cave glows differently at different times of the day.
See dolphins at the Fuwairit Beach
This is a perfect thing to do for leisure and with family. Spend some private time at the beautiful Fuwairit Beach which nestles in the north of the country. The long stretch of white sand with stretches of the blue sea is a wonderful sight. There are pretty seashells scattered in pink, white, red and yellow colours. The beach remains mostly secluded which makes it attractive. The sea is calm and inviting, so swimming here is totally safe, including for children.
Timings: 24-hours (do check with local authorities on the best time to visit)
Average Price: Based on the tour.
Insider tip: You can enjoy camping and get to see some dolphins in the sea.
