16 Best Things to do in Qatar

A small peninsula in the Persian Gulf connected to Saudi Arabia, Qatar is one of the largest oil producers. But this country, which has benefited from a real spotlight thanks to the World Cup 2022, is also an increasingly popular tourist destination. Located in the North of Saudi Arabia, on the shores of the Persian Gulf, Qatar is an emirate which does not lack opportunities for exotic discoveries. Between futuristic shopping centers and desert landscapes, embark with us to discover the must see locations in Qatar.

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Exploring Doha, The Capital

The city of Doha, capital of Qatar, stands out above all for its skyscrapers. But this is not its only asset. Its huge shopping centers and bustling souks are also worth a visit. If you want to go for a walk, take a walk on the Corniche, a promenade several kilometers long, and stroll through the alleys of its parks where, even if the country is arid, there is no shortage of vegetation.

Visiting Marvel at Katara Cultural Village

It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Qatar. The Katara Cultural Village, located in Doha, was inaugurated in 2010 during the Doha Film Festival. You discover superb artistic exhibitions as well as typical Qatari architecture. The ideal place to immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the emirate. It presents about thirty buildings built in the traditional architectural style of Qatar. There are also museums and a theatre.

Stroll through the heart of the Ras Abrouq peninsula

From Doha, take the direction of the West Coast and discover a small isolated peninsula characterized by its deserted beaches, its lunar landscapes and its steep reliefs. It is here that the largest reserve of wild deer in the emirate is located. From the peaks of the Ras Abrouq peninsula, access breathtaking views of the territory, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Visiting Al Wajbah Fort

Built between the 18th and 19th centuries, Al Wajbah Fort is one of the oldest forts in Qatar. It is located only about fifteen kilometers west of Doha and offers a fine example of the beauty of Qatari architecture. You discover four magnificent towers as well as high and powerful Wall which once served as defensive walls.

Observing the animals of the Al Thakira mangroves

North of Al Khor, the mangroves of Al Thakira are among the most beautiful natural sites in Qatar. This vast space of vegetation located by the sea is home to a multitude of bird species. Embark on a canoe and go observe herons, flamingos, and other sedentary and migratory birds.

Exploring Khor Al Adaid in a 4×4

Want to discover the desert landscapes of Qatar? Direction the Khor Al Adaid reserve, classified by Unesco. Accessible only by 4×4, you discover an inland sea surrounded by desert, all under an incredibly pure sky. It is really the best place to observe the stars in peace.

Sunbathing on Shara’o Island

It is on the island of Shara’o that you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Qatar. The place is therefore ideal for enjoying the ambient heat, relaxing on beautiful fine sandy beaches, and why not learning about scuba diving, thanks to the seabed incredibly rich in aquatic fauna. As a bonus, you will even have the opportunity to observe migratory birds in winter!

Having fun at The Pearl

The Pearl is an artificial archipelago located near the capital. There are a multitude of tourist complexes, shops, marinas, beaches and recreational opportunities. If tourist places don’t scare you, then this pharaonic project recently set up by the emirate should please you!

Immerse yourself in the Qatari atmosphere at Al Wakrah

Want to visit Qatar off the beaten track? For an authentic discovery, head to Al Wakrah, a 30-minute drive south of the capital. This charming fishing village is often forgotten on tourist routes and reveals beautiful traditional houses as well as a superb fine sandy beach. A stroll through its old souk and a visit to the Al Wakrah fort are unmissable.

Observing the Fuwairit Petroglyphs

It is a rare, mysterious and little-known place that Qatar invites you to discover here. The Fuwairit Petroglyphs reveal a set of rocks engraved with rudimentary rock figures. A good way to dive into the very ancient history of the emirate…

Exploring The rock carvings of Al Jassasiya

This exceptional site, located in the northeast of Qatar, has more than 870 of these rock engravings called “petroglyphs”. They are scattered over more than 700 meters in length. The oldest dates from the Neolithic era. Here, man has engraved animals in the rock, such as fish or ostriches, but also boats or oval shapes which may have been containers used at the time.

Safari at Mesaieed

The city of Mesaieed extends to the south-east of Qatar. It is primarily a port and an industrial city. But it is also a tourist destination not to be missed. Indeed, there is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. And, in half an hour by car, you can reach the natural reserve of the Inland Sea, classified by Unesco.

Get A Ticket to the Past: Al-Zubarah

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Zubarah Fort, which dates from the 18th century, was intended to protect the neighboring town. This monument, very well restored, is one of the best testimonies of the past of a country which did not always live on oil windfalls.

Visiting The Museum of Islamic Art

Built on an artificial island, this museum, opened in 2008, is the largest in Doha. The exhibited works come from all over the world. You can admire both paintings and precious manuscripts as well as ceramic or wrought iron objects.

Visiting The National Museum of Qatar

Another Doha museum not to be missed. Built on the plans of the French architect Jean Nouvel and inaugurated in 1975, it reviews the history of Qatar. The visitor will thus be able, throughout a 1.5 kilometer route, to learn more about the past of a country which, before becoming independent, was colonized by the Ottomans and then the British.

Shopping at Souq Waqif

Restored in 2006, this souk is one of the liveliest markets in the capital. There are handicrafts and typical products of the Middle East, such as spices or dates. Art galleries have sprung up in this place with traditional architecture, which hosts many cultural events.