Have you ever wondered what to do in Qatar? The country rarely comes to mind when people think of exotic holidays, but it never fails to surprise and captivate its visitors. It may be tiny, but it exudes a larger-than-life mystique that intrigues even the most experienced of travellers.
This Arabic country is a fascinating fusion of the millennial old and the impressively modern. Here, you can learn about the ancient art of falconry one moment, then shop at a stylish mall the next, or wander around the archeological site in Zubarah, then navigate the maze of skyscrapers in West Bay.
Qatar is home to ancient traditions, a sea-faring heritage, and rock carvings that date back to the Neolithic times. But it is also teeming with avant-garde museums, world-class sports venues, and high-rise buildings.
Jutting prominently along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf, the country boasts a 563-km coastline of scenic beaches and sweeping dunes fringed by glittering waters. You can lounge on a beach chair all day or go onboard a traditional dhow.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Qatar on your holiday, you will not be disappointed. There are desert safaris and skydiving adventures for thrill-seekers, road trips and city excursions for explorers, malls and markets for the avid shoppers. The art, the architecture, the beaches, the food make the total experience truly unforgettable.
There are loads of amazing things to do in Qatar - so many, in fact, that you'd be hard-pressed to pick which to prioritise. But do not fret. From desolate deserts to charming cities, here are 11 of the best things to do in Qatar to help you plan your travel itinerary
1. Walk Along the Doha Corniche
The Doha Corniche is a crescent-shaped waterfront promenade in the country's capital city. Stretching for seven kilometres along the Persian Gulf, the boardwalk offers breathtaking panoramas of the sea on one side and high rises on the other.
There is something for everyone at the Corniche. Grab a coffee at a traditional cafe, eat ice cream by the water fountain, dine on fresh seafood, fly a kite in the park, admire modern art at the waterfront gallery, or go on a dhow cruise for an unforgettable vista of the city's skyline.
Explore its best attractions on a walk from the Sheraton on West Bay to the Museum of Islamic Art at its northern end. There, you'll find the iconic pearl monument and the bustling dhow harbour dotted with Qatar's traditional cargo boats.
The walkway becomes even more beautiful in the late evening when the sun descends against a silhouette of skyscrapers. At night, the lit-up dhows create a flurry of colours on the otherwise pitch-black waters.
2. Experience Local Culture at Souq Waqif
There is a lingering old-world air at Doha's Souq Waqif, so if you want to delve into authentic local culture, this is the place to be. Get lost in the intricate labyrinth of shops selling everything from sweets to spices to scented oils and souvenirs, and if all the walking works up your appetite, pop into one of the traditional-style eateries or charming cafés for a filling meal of freshly baked bread and juicy kebabs.
You can also relax at a shisha lounge, hunt for rare finds at an antique store, admire exotic fabrics at the textile section, see Arabian horses at the stables, or check out local masterpieces at the Art Center. Wander to the far edge of the vast complex to find the famous Falcon Souq, where you can learn about falconry and meet the celebrated birds themselves.
3. Visit Katara Cultural Village
The art and architecture of this self-styled cultural village are phenomenal, making it an ideal destination for art lovers. Its famous attractions include the Katara Mosque, clad in blue and gold Persian and Turkish tiles, and the striking Gold Mosque, which shimmers in the sun. There is also the 3,275 sqm sprawling amphitheatre, which marries classical Greek design with Islamic architecture.
On the village's ultra-luxe high street, you will find Galeries Lafayette, a posh French department store that displays an undeniable Mediterranean flair. The Qatar Museum Gallery, with its collection of local and international artworks, is also a must-see.
If you are travelling with kids, head to the Al Thuraya Planetarium to soak in celestial delights or try watersports at the public beach. Don't forget to go on a sunset stroll through the Katara Hills, then get your fill of local cuisine at the famous food strip known as Tasty Street.
4. Spend the Day at The Museum of Islamic Art
Housing an extensive collection of Islamic masterpieces from all over the globe, The Museum of Islamic Art is an impressive representation of the diversity of Islam's cultural legacy. Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the edifice itself is a stunning work of art featuring sharp geometric patterns combined with traditional Islamic designs.
The structure sits on an artificial peninsula surrounded by a crescent-shaped park and connected to the coast by two bridges. From certain angles, the museum appears like it's floating on water.
Inside, you will find calligraphy, ceramics, coins, glass, jewellery, metalworks, textiles, and woodwork, some of which date back to the 7th century. Climb up to the outdoor terrace on the top floor to catch a striking vista of the city skyline.
The museum also houses IDAM, a restaurant by the famous French-born chef Alain Ducasse. If you want something fancy, try its menu of haute cuisine fused with Arabian flavours
You can't say you've fully experienced Qatar without exploring its deserts. The best way to do this is on an exhilarating roller-coaster ride on the dunes. Feel the excitement build up as your 4x4 ascends a steep incline then suddenly drops down a massive bank of sand. The adventure will have you gripping the edges of your seat, a little nervous but truly happy. One of the more adrenaline-fuelled things to do in Qatar.
Even if dune bashing isn't your cup of tea, you will still enjoy an excursion to the desert. See the vast wilderness from the back of a camel, then head to the fascinating inland sea Khor al Adaid. There, you might spot sea turtles, desert foxes, and fossils of marine life from millions of years ago. Stay overnight in a luxurious Bedouin tent, savour local flavours and tell stories by the campfire
6. Explore Al Zubarah Archaeological Site
For your fix of history, head to the coastal area of Al Zubarah, located about 100 kilometres from Doha. Encompassing 400 hectares, Al Zubarah is the largest archaeological site in Qatar.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the district thrived as a centre for fishing, pearl diving, and trading. UNESCO designated the area a World Heritage Site in 2013, and it includes a walled town, a harbour, a sea canal, and the famous forts, Qal'at Murair and Al Zubarah.
Within the fortifications are ruins of palaces, streets, courtyard houses, mosques and fishermen's huts. Excavations in the area uncovered tools used during the pearling era, including diving weights, pearl boxes, and measuring weights used during trading
If you've got the time when visiting, venture a little further from Al Zubarah to visit the abandoned village of Al Jumail, where you will find ruins of traditional houses and a mosque with its minaret still standing
The Al Zubarah Fort is a more recent addition to the Al Zubarah Archeological Site. Built in 1938 to serve as a Coast Guard station, it is now a museum that exhibits various archaeological finds and artworks.
The fort is made of compressed mud, coral stones and wood and features four corner towers, three circular ones and one rectangular turret. Some of the fort's eight rooms house its collection of fascinating artefacts, including cannonballs, coins, clay pipes, diving weights, pottery, even semi-precious stones.
8. Float Through the Al Thakira Mangroves
When the city gets scorching hot, escape to the seaside town of Al Thakhira, where you will find acres of mangroves just a little off the coast. Located north of the industrial city of Al Khor, the Al Thakhira mangrove forest is part of a nature reserve that comprises verdant inlets, sections of the coastline, dry riverbeds and salt flats.
Explore this unique paradise on a kayak and navigate its waterways dotted with clusters of lush vegetation. As you head out to the inlets, keep an eye out for migratory birds such as herons and flamingos and numerous types of marine life, including a newly discovered species of sea slug.
The Al Thakhira canals are often smooth and quiet, so you can enjoy a tour of the mangroves even if you are inexperienced in kayaking. If you are touring with kids, exploring the protected area is an excellent opportunity to educate them about the environment.
9. Explore the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Situated about 23 kilometres west of Doha, this privately-owned museum is one of a kind. It houses more than 15,000 artefacts and artworks from the personal collection of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim and gathered over 50 years.
The museum is divided into several halls. There are rooms full of textiles and carpets of various dyes, weaves and patterns and halls with an extensive collection of Qurans, Islamic manuscripts and paintings. The car room showcases 600 vintage automobiles ranging from steam engines to convertibles, while other sections display pearling boats, dhows, even traditional homes from Syria and Qatar
10. Watch the Races at Al Shahaniya
Another activity that you should not miss while visiting Qatar is camel racing. The best place to witness this fascinating treat is at the Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack, situated 38 kilometres from Doh and about an hour's drive from the city centre.
Qataris have raced camels for thousands of years, and the tournament has become a national symbol of sorts through time - beloved by nations and one of the more exciting, once-in-a-lifeitme things to do in Qatar. The event is so popular that it has its own festival which takes place in March and April. The grand winner of the competition gets the coveted golden sword of HH the Emir
11. Visit the National Museum of Qatar
Shaped as a desert rose, the National Museum of Qatar is an unmissable sight at the southern end of the Corniche. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum features eleven mesmerising galleries that trace the history of Qatar - from its prehistoric origins to its humble pearling heritage to its growth as one of the world's wealthiest nations.
One of the museum's most priced displays is the Pearl Carpet of Baroda, hand-embroidered with 1.5 million pearls, diamonds, and sapphires. It also houses meteorites that fell into the country's desert, the Pearl Fountain, a sculpture by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, and a 220-seat auditorium
So, what to do in Qatar? From desert safaris to sunset strolls and bargain hunting at street markets, this destination offers countless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
