Qatar: The Top 7 Things to do in This Remarkable Country

Qatar. An extraordinary Middle Eastern country that’s renowned for its blend of tradition and modernity. Boasting a rich cultural heritage that’s showcased through the spectacular attractions in its capital of Doha, such as Souq Waqif and the Al Koot Fort, alongside its modern architecture, found in The Pearl, the West Bay district and beyond, there’s so much waiting to be discovered there. 

Alongside the variety of activities and attractions in Doha, Qatar has a selection of remarkable cities and villages sprinkled throughout the country, with their own awe-inspiring highlights, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to breathtaking scenery. A country that became a popular holiday destination after it played host to the FIFA World Cup in 2022, it’s also home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year; these include, but are not limited to the Souq Waqif Spring Festival and the Qatar Grand Prix. 

If you’re travelling to Qatar in the near future and are looking for travel inspiration, keep reading to find out the top things to do there and see why millions of people are booking getaways to it every year.

Contents:

1. Explore the Vibrant Souq Waqif
2. Be Transported Back in Time at Al Zubarah Fort
3. Spend a Day at The Pearl
4. Discover the Awe-Inspiring Khor Al Adaid
5. Visit the Unique Katara Cultural Village
6. Head to the Futuristic Lusail City
7. Take in the Sights of West Bay From the Water

Explore the Vibrant Souq Waqif

Situated in the heart of Doha, Souq Waqif is a must-visit when you’re in Qatar. Situated next to the Wadi Musheireb, it’s constructed on an ancient trading market and has a selection of eateries, stalls and more waiting to be discovered. 

Top highlights at the souq include a range of handmade gifts, antiques and more that are available to purchase, the selection of whole and ground spices, the street performances that occur throughout Eid or the popular Shop Qatar festival, the Souq Waqif Art Centre and the unique Falcon Souq. Alongside the Falcon Souq, animal-lovers will also adore the camel pen and Emiri Stables, that’s home to a herd of Arabian horses. 

Be Transported Back in Time at Al Zubarah Fort

Once a trading centre in the 18th and 19th centuries, Al Zubarah was home to a bustling town with mosques, houses and more. Perfectly encapsulating Qatar’s pearl fishing history, it makes for a fascinating visit. 

Now the largest archaeological site in the country, the most prominent feature is the Al Zubarah Fort, a military fortress that was constructed in the early 20th century. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, you’ll find a museum with exhibitions, a gift shop, a large courtyard, cannons and more throughout. 

Spend a Day at The Pearl

A man-made island in Doha, The Pearl showcases the country’s modernity, with an abundance of villas, hotels, marinas, shops and restaurants to choose from. A popular visitor attraction, it’s within easy reach of the West Bay district and 40 minutes from Qatar's largest airport, Hamad International. 

Occupying four million square metres, The Pearl is often referred to as the “Arabian Riviera”, and once you wander into it, you’ll see why. From Porto Arabia with its retail shops, yachts and luxury properties to Medina Centrale, which often hosts events and has a series of family-friendly attractions such as a cinema and an expansive arcade, it’s often one of the first places people head to when arriving in Doha. 

Another must-see on The Pearl is the Qanat Quartier which takes inspiration from the beautiful neighbourhoods of Venice. 

Discover the Awe-Inspiring Khor Al Adaid

Alternatively, head out of the city and discover the incredible Khor Al Adaid (also referred to as the Inland Sea). Located in southern Qatar, here you’ll find beautiful beaches and sand dunes; ideal if you’re looking to either relax and unwind or enjoy some adrenaline-pumping activities. 

From camel rides to 4x4 experiences and desert safaris, Khor Al Adaid makes for a fun day out when holidaying in Qatar. Spectacular scenery and adventure awaits at this hotspot, and when sunset arrives, head to a traditional Bedouin camp for food, tea and an unforgettable Arabian experience. 

Visit the Unique Katara Cultural Village

Another attraction within easy reach of West Bay and The Pearl, the Katara Cultural Village is home to the scenic Katara Mosque, the Gold Mosque, a Greek-style amphitheatre, Galeries Lafayette (a French department store), the Qatar Museum Gallery, the Al Thuraya Planetarium and more.

Representing the cultural heritage of the country through visual art, theatre and other activities, there’s so much to see and do here, meaning you could spend all day exploring all that it has to offer.

Head to the Futuristic Lusail City

The second-largest city in Qatar, Lusail City has several standout-attractions that are worth visiting, including the bustling Al Maha Island; spanning 230,000 square metres, it provides visitors with various entertainment opportunities, from the Nammos Beach Club, to award-winning dining at Zuma, Lusail Winter Wonderland and theme park attractions.

There’s also the Meryal Waterpark, the picturesque Lusail Marina Promenade, the Lusail Stadium (host to the 2022 FIFA World Cup) and a wide array of restaurants, a beach and retail outlets. 

Take in the Sights of West Bay From the Water

And last but certainly not least, another top activity you should add to your list is taking in the sights of the West Bay district from the water on a dhow cruise. Whilst West Bay is primarily a prominent business district, with the City Center Mall and Gate Mall at the heart of it, it's also worth heading out onto the water on one of the boat trips available to explore it from a different perspective. 

An experience that gives you the chance to see the impressive skyline from afar, there’s a selection to choose from throughout the day and night. See the rapidly developed skyline and the marvel of architecture that it has to offer, whilst sailing on the Persian Gulf. And when your boat trip has come to an end, you can enjoy a refreshing stroll along the Doha Corniche- a 7km promenade that overlooks the waterfront. For the best photo opportunities, be sure to visit West Bay at night; when the skyscrapers come to life with thousands of glistening lights.

There you have it, there’s the top 7 things to do in Qatar. Of course, Qatar has so much more on offer than this, including the renowned Villagio Mall, the serene city of Al Wakrah and the Msheireb Museums to name a few more hotspots. So wherever you visit in Qatar, whether it’s part of a Qatar Cruise onboard MSC Cruises or another cruise line, or you’re simply visiting there for a week or so, you can rest assured that there’ll never be a dull moment. 

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