Given the abundance of spectacular locations to explore in Qatar, it comes as no surprise that the nation is gradually gaining recognition as a highly desirable tourist hotspot in the Middle East. Prior to an influx of adventure-seeking travelers and those eager to check off items from their travel bucket lists, it is advisable to visit as many of Qatar’s magnificent attractions as feasible to claim that you were the first to witness their beauty.
Not sure where to begin? Here are some of the best places to visit in Qatar.
The Pearl Qatar
Covering an area of nearly four square kilometers, the Pearl is a man-made island with a staggering budget. Positioned 350 meters away from Doha’s West Bay Lagoon, it takes after a string of pearls, serving as a tribute to Qatar’s pearl diving and trade history.
The Pearl is segmented into twelve unique precincts, each distinct from the others. All of the islands are marked by a distinct Mediterranean ambiance, featuring groups of seaside villas, marinas with moored yachts, pedestrian-friendly piazzas, landscaped gardens, and outdoor cafes.
Medina Centrale, one of the island’s most popular areas, emulates the appeal and nuances of a Mediterranean town square, complete with gardens, palm-lined boulevards, terraced buildings, and a charming fountain. Qanat Quartier is another celebrated neighborhood, reminiscent of Venice, featuring elaborate canals, colorful villas, and arched bridges, including a replica of the iconic Rialto Bridge.
Porto Arabia, also known as the Pearl’s central hub, is perhaps the best spot on the island for shopping, dining, and lodging. The district features a waterfront promenade lined with high-end boutiques, cafes, and townhouses.
Banana Island
Banana Island serves as Qatar’s response to the Maldives’ water bungalows, the Greek Islands’ golden sands, and the Caribbean’s turquoise waters. The island spans 13 hectares and is situated off the coast of Doha, reachable by a 25-minute ferry ride. Its appearance is strikingly distinct from its surroundings, featuring a half-mile-long beach with fine, honey-colored sand, lush palm trees, and sparkling blue waters.
As a luxury resort, Banana Island offers everything you would expect, such as a 300-foot lagoon pool, an exclusive 20-seat movie theater, and a spa and wellness center. Guests can choose from a vast selection of overwater villas and high-end hotels, dine in fancy cafes and world-class restaurants, including a floating one. The resort caters to families, newlyweds, and day-trippers alike, providing opportunities to bond, honeymoon, or escape from the city’s bustle.
While Banana Island is ideal for relaxation, it also caters to those seeking some excitement with water sports and other activities. Guests can surf in the wave pool, kayak around the island, bowl at the multi-lane alley, play golf, or snorkel in the marine-rich waters.
Katara Beach
You don’t have to travel far from Doha to experience a top-notch beach resort in Qatar. Katara Beach, stretching for a mile, sits in the heart of the city and is one of the Katara Cultural Village’s most sought-after destinations.
As far as it goes for swimming, visitors can engage in a variety of water sports, including parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing. Those who want to explore further out into the sea can choose between pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, sailing dinghies, or even join a fishing trip.
Katara Beach, unlike remote beaches, provides all the necessary amenities for a day at the beach, from shower facilities to restaurants, lifeguards, and beach umbrellas. Additionally, there are plenty of shaded areas to escape the sun’s rays.
During weekend afternoons, it can get a bit crowded, but the vibrant atmosphere adds to its allure. Please note that the beach has a strict dress code, requiring women to cover their elbows and knees while outside.
Mall Of Qatar
Located adjacent to Al Rayyan Stadium, the Mall of Qatar boasts an assemblage of 500 retail, dining, and café choices. Each aspect of the mall, ranging from its unique exterior to its captivating interior, contains an element of unpredictability, ensuring an unforgettable visit.
The ‘Oasis’ is undoubtedly the mall’s most prominent characteristic, an atrium reaching 30 meters in height, adorned with vegetated plots and living support structures reminiscent of trees. The surrounding area is replete with a plethora of dining establishments and cafés. Within the heart of the Oasis is MOQ Live, a state-of-the-art theatre that hosts live entertainment shows and performances, showcasing a 360-degree, multi-lift rotating stage encompassed by dancing water fountains.
Aspire Park
Envision a vast garden situated within a desert city. Aspire Park, nestled in Aspire Zone, spans an area of 217 acres, making it the largest green space in the capital city. The park features well-manicured lawns, picturesque walking paths, exercise equipment, children’s playgrounds, stunning fountains, and cafes and eateries.
The park boasts a diverse range of intriguing flora, including exotic baobab trees imported from Argentina. The only lake in Doha is at the park’s center, providing refuge from the scorching heat for ducks, geese, and other birds. A 5 km running track circles the park’s perimeter, hosting various events, such as fun runs and fitness activities, throughout the year.
The iconic Aspire Tower stands 300 meters tall and casts a magnificent presence over the park, particularly when illuminated at night. In close proximity are the shopping malls Villaggio and Hyatt Plaza, as well as famous sports venues such as Khalifa Stadium, Hamad Aquatic Centre, and Aspire Dome.
Souq Waqif
Undoubtedly one of the most captivating places to explore in Qatar, this lively complex was constructed on a historical market site and still serves as the social hub of Doha. In the past, Bedouins would bring their sheep, goats, and wool to exchange for essential items. Today, the entire market area has been skillfully restored to resemble a 19th-century souq, complete with mud-rendered shops and exposed timber beams, as well as a selection of authentic and beautifully refurbished Qatari structures.
Due to rapid prosperity, the emergence of expansive air-conditioned shopping centers, and Qatar’s eagerness to embrace modernization, Souq Waqif suffered a significant decline in the 1990s, culminating in a destructive fire in 2003 that destroyed much of the market. However, the outcry from Qataris prompted the authorities to launch a vast rehabilitation program that is still ongoing. This undertaking has been so successful that the souq continues to expand incorporating new old alleyways.
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, established in 1998, serves as a home to Sheikh Faisal’s personal collection and endeavors to safeguard and investigate the Islamic cultural legacy. Situated in Al Samriya, the museum encompasses three edifices built within a traditional fort constructed from indigenous stone. Over a period of fifty years, the collection has been amassed and comprises more than 15,000 relics categorized into four main genres, namely Islamic art, heritage of Qatar, automobiles, and coins and currency.
The museum creates exhibits and educational programmes to broaden knowledge and share the extensive collection with the local population as well as tourists from other regions and abroad. The museum also has a café and gift shop for visitors to enjoy.
Book cheap flights to Qatar with Mushtaq Travel and perpare for an unforgettable experience.