It may not appeal to you in an instant but Qatar is one of the countries in Middle East which deserves to be visited at least once in your lifetime. Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is one of the richest cities in the whole world. It also has the most beautiful skyscrapers which look so unique and different – but a good different. There are so many great things to do in Qatar if you’re a tourist and this Qatar travel guide will help you plan your itinerary.
1. Museum of Islamic Art, Doha
Museum of Islamic Art, Doha is the first museum featuring historical and cultural Islamic art in the whole Persian region. The main museum is five storeys tall which safeguard ancient scripts, fabrics, woodworks, jewelry, old money and more. These ancient collections have come from the 7th century until the 19th century. If you want to join the free tours, you can walk in on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2pm. Dress decently, just a reminder, especially for those who are not familiar with Islamic beliefs.
2. Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Qatar. The term tourist doesn’t necessarily mean that the visitors are from other nations. Qatari residents from other cities are also taking a break during holidays and they often head to Souq Waqif.
What is in Souq Waqif that everybody loves so much? For one, there are many Shisha lounges in the area. Two, the shops there sell original Qatari garments, herbs and spices and a lot more. Lastly, the spring festival (April 10-17) is so much fun!
3. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is the only museum in the whole world which showcases works of art with a modern Arab twist. The word mathaf means museum and right now, The Mathaf contains at least 6,300 words of art as collected since the 19th century up to the present. The museum was opened in 2010 through the initiative of Emir Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani, a patron and an artist himself. His passion and main goal was to establish Arab art in the modern times through education.
4. The Pearl-Qatar
The Pearl-Qatar is a little city with at least 12,000 residents in Doha, Qatar. The island is man-made and several foreigners live within the area. The goal of the developers is to create thirteen islands with residential buildings good for at least 45,000 people by 2018. Of course, it won’t be a tourist spot without the commercial establishments. As for now, it serves as a tourist attraction and it is one of the most visited places in the country by both locals and travelers.
5. Doha Corniche
Doha Corniche is like a boulevard which is shaped like a horseshoe on Doha Bay. You will find the best-looking building structures in all of Qatar right here. It’s like a city by the bay. One of the things to do in Qatar is to jog in Doha Corniche. Some love to do some leisure walks or they just marvel at the beautiful bay while sitting down on the ledge during sunset. It is so peaceful there in Doha Corniche – leave your bag and people will call the police so that it will be returned to you without a scratch!
6. Khor Al Udaid
Khor Al Udaid is a two in one tourist attraction – it is a beach with sand dunes ready for bashing. The tallest sand dune in Khor Al Udaid is 40 meters and that’s enormous. How thrilling it would be to strap in a jeep or a truck and trek the roller coaster type of sand dune ride.
After the exciting ride, you and your travel companions can go to the white sand beach and just relax. If you love to take hikes, the area is full of unique flora and fauna.
7. Aspire Park
Aspire Park is one of the premier parks in Qatar and a famous tourist attraction, as well. One you get there, what you will see is all green. Green grass, green trees, and green plants and no, not green people. It’s just a nature park where families can go for a picnic and relax. Qatar is a desert region and “green” parks are not common in these parts but it is very refreshing indeed to be in one!
8. Al Koot Fort
Al Koot Fort or Doha Fort used to be a military fortification in Doha. The structure was founded in 19th century and before it became a fort, the area was a police station. Today, Al Koot Fort also functions as a museum. Be sure to visit the fort from Sundays to Thursday at these times, 9am to 12nn and 4pm to 7pm. There’s no need to bring cash as entrance fee because it is free of charge for everyone, resident, citizen or tourist. There are other attractions near the fort which you may want to visit too.
9. Aqua Park Qatar
The Aqua Park Qatar is Qatar’s very own water amusement park. It is located in Abu Nakhla and can accommodate at most three thousand guests in a day. Of course, like any modern day aqua themed park, it has a huge wave pool and an activity pool too. It also has an interesting village waiting to be explored plus a massive shopping arcade for your retail needs. Spending a day in this park is one of the things to do in Qatar.
10. Katara Cultural Village
The Katara Cultural Village is also referred to as the Valley of Cultures and if you are a traveler who loves to explore history, culture, tradition, art and architectural designs of other countries, then, this is the place for you. There are many structures within the village which include the Qatar Fine Arts Society, Qatar Music Academy and Theatre Society and the Childhood Cultural Centre, among others. They also have international restaurants within the complex which serve Armenian food, Egyptian delicacies, Turkish dishes and Indian menu.
11. Al Wakrah Heritage Village
Since its soft opening last February 16, 2016, Al Wakrah Heritage Village has become one of the most visited places in Al Wakrah. The area is actually a complex with various shops, cafés, restaurants, and more. But the unique thing about Al Wakrah Heritage Village is that every store and shop in the complex is like something out of a historical museum – the structure is old and traditional Qatari providing modern goods and services. It’s a breath of fresh air, actually.
12. Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack
The Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack is not just a tourist spot. Many of the locals in Qatar spend their leisure time in Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack because camel racing is considered a sport. In fact, they term camel racing as the Sport of the Sheik’s and now, even if you’re not a Sheik, you can enjoy being part of the race!
From the city center, you have to travel for sixty minutes just to get to the track. Be ready to splurge some cash here if you are participating. It is after all an elite type of sport.
13. Doha Film City
Do you want to see how an ancient Arabic village looks like? Well, you can always check out Doha Film City in RasAbrouq. It displays a recreation of how an old city village during the Islamic days looks like. The area has no inhabitants at all and it is purely for tourist attraction purposes only. Actually, there were gossips that the Film City will be used for a Hollywood movie, an Arabic film or the 2022 World Cup advertisement. Whatever the real reason is for making this replica city, to visit the attraction is one of the things to do in Qatar.
4. Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort
Sealine Beach is a family friendly resort located at Mesaieed, Qatar. It is an all-around resort which many amenities and facilities. You can also choose which rooms you can stay at according to you budget. The great thing about Sealine Beach Resort is that it is in front of the beach. Guests can always swim there and bask under the sun or choose to do the many activities available. You can ask for Jet Ski rentals, banana boat and fly board too. If you want sand activities, you can explore the dunes; try to ride a camel or a horse.
15. Doha Zoo
The Doha Zoo used to be one of the most famous attractions in Qatar. At this time, it is temporarily closed for public visits but it is expected to open in 2017 and it will be bigger and better. Reports say that the new Doha Zoo will be seven times larger than the old zoo and that it will be made into a Safari Park. It is also expected for the park to shelter at least 3,000 animals and currently, animals in the old zoo are giving birth which will add to the numbers. The reopening of this zoo in 2017 is definitely something which must not be missed.
