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Nestled on the shores of the dazzling Persian Gulf and boasting great skyscrapers and futuristic architecture, Qatar is the next big tourist destination in the making. It flourishes within the aesthetic sphere of the Qatar Peninsula, next to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and is nothing short of a treat for globetrotters. For those who love exploring hidden and offbeat culture and history, Qatar serves as a great surprise. With a number of mesmerising locations and tourist places to explore, it is one of the best places to visit in the Middle East. Visit Qatar and be a part of its existence. Here are the top things to do in Qatar that you must add to your itinerary.
Top Things To Do In Qatar
1. Capture the Skyline of Doha
Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is a wonderful place where you get to admire scintillating skyscrapers dominating the sky. Look at those towering buildings radiating brilliance all around. Capture their magnificence on your camera and get the best of cityscape shots ever. Doha has a significant number of supertall skyscrapers that have unique architecture. Visit the city and enjoy watching these modern marvels.
Recommended For: Photographers
Ideal Timings: Early Morning and Evening
Pro Tip: Capture the best of Doha’s skyline from the MIA Park.
2. Visit the National Museum of Qatar
Celebrating the culture, lifestyle and heritage of Qatar, the National Museum of Qatar is one of the recently-built tourist places in the country as it opened to the public in the year 2019. However, the kind of tourist crowd that flocks here is unmatchable. The museum houses a beautiful collection of artefacts from ancient times, galleries displaying books and art and more. That’s why it is a perfect place to study the past of the country. The museum also has galleries representing several international themes.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Culture Explorers
Location: Doha, Qatar
Entry Fee: $14 for adults and $7 for students
Timings: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
3. Explore Ever-Glistening Beaches
Beaches in Qatar are sandy, glistening and enchanting. They are the major parts of Qatar tourism and hence, visited by thousands of locals and tourists every day. People come to shores to spend their day amid serenity and savour tranquil surroundings. You can laze by the seawaters or just lie down under the sun witnessing the horizon spreading heavenly charm. The most stunning beaches in Qatar include Sealine Beach, Katara Beach, Khor Al Adaid, Fuwairit Beach, Al Ghariya Beach and Al Thakira Beach.
Timings: Anytime
Price: No Entrance Fee
4. Tour the Katara Cultural Village
A beautiful centre with paved cobblestone streets to rejuvenate the art-lover in you, Katara Cultural Village in Qatar is one of the most ravishing and aesthetically-wonderful locations. With amphitheatres, convention centres, museums, cafes, beaches and more to relish, this artistic beauty is all there to astound you. It is also the venue for numerous local celebrations and festivals. Visiting it is surely one of the best things to do in Qatar.
Timings: Anytime
Price Range: $7 – $12 per person
5. Confront the Beauty of the Pearl
The Pearl is an artificial island in the Persian Gulf of Qatar and is one of the most glamorous and exquisite destinations to look forward to. Visit it and capture some of the arresting views with a blue backdrop of the magnificent sky. The island houses incredibly-built apartments and villas and is a perfect place to witness the modern architecture of Qatar. Do visit it if you love taking photographs for the place is truly spectacular.
Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Price: No Entrance Fee
6. Learn the History of Al Zubara Fort
Al Zubara Fort is one of the most delightful places in Qatar for those who ride high on history and architecture. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hence, is popular amongst history buffs across the world. The fort was built in the year 1938 and is recognised for being a museum that houses chapters from the bygone era of Qatar. From its lofty walls to the broad courtyard, everything deserves to be captured and appreciated.
Timings: 07:30 am to 05:00 pm
Price: No Entrance Fee
7. Shop Your Heart Out at Souq Waqif
A happening marketplace and one of the major tourist attractions in Qatar, Souq Waqif makes for a great destination for shopaholics. It is the place where you would find dozens of shops and stalls that sell everything, ranging from handicrafts to clothing and spices to souvenirs. The market is also home to numerous restaurants and cafes and hence, it is the perfect place to savour authentic Qatari cuisine. The architecture of the buildings at Souq Waqif is equally interesting.
Timings: 09:00 am to 12:30 pm and 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm
04:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Fridays
Price: No Entrance Fee
8. Admire the Museum of Islamic Art
If you have a deep interest in relics and artefacts, then the Museum of Islamic Art would serve a great purpose. Located in Doha, it represents the beauty of Islamic art by housing ancient ceramic works, jewellery, glass, manuscripts and a lot more. Looking forward to learning about the basic structure of Qatar’s Islamic values? Well, do visit the museum and delve into the beauty of its wonderful collection. The equally-mystifying architecture of the museum is also noted and captured by tourists.
Timings: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
01:30 pm to 07:00 pm on Fridays
Price: $13.75 for adults
$6.90 for students
Free for children below 16 years of age
9. Spend Your Weekend Days at Al Khor Island
Also known as Purple Island, Al Khor 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, composed surroundings and sandy beaches have made the island extremely popular amongst locals. However, it is also frequented by common tourists.
Timings: 08:00 am to 11:00 pm
Price Range: $1.50 – $2 per person
10. Visit the Wonders of Lusail
If you are looking for a place that is not Doha but is studded with all the beauties of a major urban area, then the planned city of Lusail is all you need on your vacation. Showcasing luxury all around, Lusail houses some of the most beautiful residential areas, shopping complexes, waterfront villas, man-made islands, splendid resorts and more. That’s the reason its popularity amongst tourists is increasing drastically. The most noted places to visit in Lusail are Barzan Towers, Snow Dunes, Angry Birds World, Palm Island, Olympic Park and Al Aaliya Island.
Recommended for: Families, explorers
Pro Tip: If you are looking for a relaxed evening with your partner, then do check out the cafes and restaurants by the canal in the city.
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