Are you preparing for a trip during the holidays? Why don’t you think about adding Qatar to your itinerary? Or perhaps you have already purchased a ticket with a layover of more than six hours at Hamad International Airport, and you are unsure of what to do with yourself during that time as you wait for your connecting flight. The greatest way to pass the time is to venture outside, discover the city, stop by breathtaking locations, try traditional Arabic cuisine, and immerse yourself in Arabic culture. But first, I advise you to see if you qualify for visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.You can check that information here.
Allow me to briefly introduce Qatar to you and discuss what makes it interesting. Qatar is a little peninsula that stretches for around 4,247 square miles along the western shore of the Arabian Gulf (6,286 square kilometers). Last December 2022, the nation hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its neighborhood. With an increasing number of museums and galleries showing anything from ancient regional relics to contemporary art from around the world, Qatar is quickly emerging as the cultural hub of the Middle East. Qatar ranks lowest in world crime index and Doha, Qatar considered as one of the safest city in the world according to data from Numbeo.
Update: Starting February 01, 2023, all visitors coming to Qatar are now required to obtain health insurance before entering the country. To know more about mandatory health insurance for visitors, click here.
Here are the places a tourist must visit in Qatar:
1. Explore Souq Waqif
The “standing market,” also known as Souq Waqif, is one of the best locations a visitor or tourist must see. The souq is well known for selling souvenirs, traditional clothing, spices, and handicrafts. There are also a number of restaurants and shisha lounges there. Due to the variety of cuisine options available in one location, both locals and foreign tourists commonly visit the area (particularly on the weekends).
The colourful complex is without a doubt one of Qatar’s most atmospheric locations to explore. The neighborhood, which was constructed on the site of an old market, continues to be Doha’s social center. The market area has been craftily redeveloped to look the part of a 19th-century souq, with mud-rendered shops and exposed timber beams, as well as some authentic and beautifully restored original Qatari buildings. Centuries ago, Bedouin would bring their sheep, goats, and wool here to trade for necessities.
Related Article: Things to do in Souq Waqif – Doha’s Old Standing Market
Even while the neighborhood continues to undergo gentrification, the souq’s main activity continues unabatedly, and it is still one of the most established markets in the area.
2. Visit the National Museum of Qatar
A tour to the National Museum of Qatar takes visitors through a loop of galleries that address three major, interrelated themes. The galleries are informally structured in chronological sequence, starting with exhibits on the natural history of the desert and Persian Gulf items from Bedouin culture, historical exhibits on the tribal conflicts, the founding of the Qatari state, and eventually the discovery of oil to the present. Audiovisual displays featuring carefully chosen artifacts from the museum’s holdings are included in the exhibits and installations that explore these themes. Over 8,000 objects make up these collections, which also include books, historical records, architectural components, textiles and costumes, jewelry, decorative arts, publications, and heritage home and travel items.
The best time to visit the National Museum of Qatar during the day should be prior to 10:00 in the morning and early afternoon or around lunchtime. The reason for this is that the large flow of tourists haven’t arrived yet before 10:00 and the majority of them have left for lunch in the early afternoon.
Entrance Fee: QAR 50.00 for tourist and Free for residents
Others, click here
***For Multi-Museum Cultural Tour with free pick-up and live tour-guide, you can book your ticket here.
Museum timings:
Saturday-Thursday: 9am-7pm
Friday: 1.30pm-7pm
LATEST ENTRY – ONE HOUR BEFORE CLOSING
3. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is one of the best places to visit as the museum was influenced by ancient Islamic Architecture yet has a uniquely modern design involving geometric patterns.It is the first exhibition of its kind in the Arab nation of the Persian Gulf, showcasing artwork from more than 14 centuries. Due to its beautiful architectural design, MIA is one of Doha’s most well-known museums and one of the best locations for portrait or landscape photo shoots.
As you arrive, check to see if there are any special exhibitions running. Even if you’re not a big fan of museums, it’s still worthwhile to wander around, if only to take in the beautiful scenery and architecture.
Entrance Fee: QAR 50.00 for tourist and Free for residents
***For Multi-Museum Cultural Tour with free pick-up and live tour-guide, you can book your ticket here.
MIA is open from Sunday to Saturday
Timing: 9:00am to 7:00pm
4. East Mound Skyline View
The East Mound Skyline View should be your next stop after visiting the Museum of Islamic Art. It is among Doha’s top attractions. From MIA, you may either walk to June Café or get a free ride on one of the free service carts. While relaxing in one of the nearby coffee cafes, take in the breathtaking view of the Doha skyline.
5. Doha Corniche
In Doha, the capital of Qatar, a seven-kilometer beachfront promenade known as the Doha Corniche runs beside Doha Bay. The Doha Corniche is the focal point of yearly celebrations of national holidays such as National Sports Day and Qatar National Day. The most popular tourist destination in Qatar, it is the greatest spot to visit.
6. Katara Cultural Village
Katara is a cultural village in Doha, Qatar. It is located on the eastern coast between West Bay and the Pearl.
It is one of the most well-known and well-liked tourist attractions in Doha and is a must-see for anyone with an interest in the arts and culture because it is home to some of the most exciting arts venues in the nation as well as a thriving community of creative types.
Cultural Diversity Festival at Katara, Doha Qatar
Every year, the management of Katara is organizing different kinds of events like Jazz Festival, Cultural Diversity Festival, National Day Celebration and other worth attending events so always check their website to make sure you are updated.
7. Mall of Qatar
The Mall of Qatar is a shopping center that opened in December 2016 in the Rawdat Al Jahhaniya neighborhood of Al Rayyan, Qatar. The Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, one of the host venues for the FIFA World Cup in 2022, is close to the Mall of Qatar project.
There are an array of restaurants to satisfy the majority of taste buds. The centre stage provides various types of entertainment to visitors.
It has large number of shops and entertainment areas for both the young and old.
The food court and cinemas are additional attractions.
8. Desert Safari Adventure – Sand Dunes Trips
Explore a variety of adventures to discover the Sand Dunes of Qatar at the Inland Sea.
Khor al-Adaid, more commonly known as Inland Sea, is located in the southeastern side of Qatar. The vast tidal embayment, surrounded by rolling dunes, separates Qatar from Saudi Arabia, which is only a short distance away, and it is connected to the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf) by a narrow canal. Other than Doha, it is the best site to visit in the country and one of the most well-liked tourist attractions.
There are travel websites like get your guide and mobile apps wherein you can book a tour for desert adventure. Part of the deal is to pick you up from your hotel, airport, port or anywhere in Doha by 4×4 air-conditioned car, you will venture out of town to hit the desert. On the way, you will have the chance to see Wakra City and the oil city of Messaid.
9. Al Zubara Fortress
Zubarah, also known as Al Zubarah or Az Zubarah, is a ruined and ancient fort situated on the northwestern shore of the Qatar peninsula in the Al Shamal municipality, approximately 105 kilometers from the Qatari city of Doha. In the early half of the eighteenth century, Shaikh Muhammed bin Khalifa, the founder father of Bahrain’s Al Khalifa royal family, established the Utub tribe. In 2013, UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site.
Between the Strait of Hormuz and the western arm of the Persian Gulf, it was formerly a prosperous hub of international trade and pearl fishing. It is among the region’s largest and best-preserved examples of a settlement from the 18th to the 19th century. The layout and urban fabric of the settlement have been preserved in a way that is unique to Persian Gulf settlements, offering insight into urban life, spatial organization, and the social and economic history of the region prior to the discovery of oil and gas in the 20th century.
Photo credits to Jeph Photography
https://www.instagram.com/jephmarquez/?hl=n
10. OLD DOHA PORT (MINA DISTRICT)
The first thing that draws your notice in Mina District are the colorful buildings. Find them in colors including pink, orange, teal, blue, and more.
Admire the structures as you stroll through the winding pathways and check out the docks.
For those who enjoy photography, the entire district is a terrific location. Visit there during the golden hour to take beautiful pictures and perhaps even capture the ideal “sunset-shot”!
- Location: www.goo.gl/maps/HeR7rAgw2f9ojV6W7
- Timings: Mina District: open 24 hours; Shops: different timings
- Parking: There’s ample parking available right outside Mina District and the Box Park area
Tip: Use the Couchsurfing app and take use of the hangout option if you are traveling alone and are reluctant to explore the city. Just feel free to approach the expats and locals if you need help finding your way about. I can also be found there. Send me a message, and I’ll be pleased to serve as your personal tour guide and photographer as well as show you around.(for free). 🙂
BOOK YOUR TOURS HERE:
Nice pictures! I want to visit Qatar soon.
Thanks Jan! I am glad you like the photos. Come and visit Qatar! And let me know about your experience.
Qatar looks amazing the Museum’s, the sites, the food. It looks like a unique traveling experience.
I definitely go and visit Museum of Islamic Art! I missed it during my layover last year. Do you know until what time they are open?
Hello Cassandra! Indeed, Museum of Islamic Art is one of the places in Qatar that one should have visit. Do not forget to take photos when you get there. It is also a best place for selfie right after checking the items inside the museum.
And you can check the timings here http://www.mia.org.qa/en/ 🙂
Nice pictures, Qatar is beautiful
Hey Rachael! Thank you! Indeed Qatar is beautiful.
I might go to Qatar next month for work, I am actually very excited about this trip. I would love to see all these amazing places.
Hey Chad. That is really good to hear! The weather next month is still perfect. You will enjoy those places for sure. And one good thing is those places listed are not that really far from each other except the Zubara Fort and Sealine. Have fun and feel free to ask if you any questions.
Looks amazing, thank you for sharing!
Hello Lorena. Thank you. I am glad you liked my content 🙂
These pictures are fantastic. I have never thought of visiting Qatar but you make me want to now!
Thank you Jody for the nice words. I strongly recommend you to visit Qatar someday. It is one of the amazing countries in the middle east that is worth visiting for.
This info was so fantastic. I would be all over the sand dunes!!! I read so many travel posts as I take people on trips and this info really is a great read! Makes be want to add Qatar to my bucket list!
Hi Candice. Thank you for the good words. A holiday vacation in Qatar is incomplete if you missed to experience the amazing sand dunes and riding on ATV. It was one of the amazing experiences I ever had so far.
I loved this! I really enjoy learning about new places (new to me) around the world! I’ve been able to add so many places to my travelling bucket list! Thank you 🙂
Hello Brandi-Leigh. I am really glad to hear those words. Enjoy your upcoming future travels and hope you can make it to visit Qatar very soon.
This looks amazing! I love the variety of activities that you did. It’s beautiful.
Hi Dasha. It was really a great experience. Looking forward to explore other places I missed. And thank you for your wonderful comments.
Graet guide! Since I have only been to Qatar’s airport I didn’t know Qatar has so many interesting places to visit!
Hey Chris! I am encouraging you to explore the city on your upcoming layover in Hamad International Airport in Doha. The city is worth visiting for and it is a good experience to meet locals while waiting for your next flight. But ofcourse, please do consider as well the weather. Actually not a good idea to roam around during summer. hehe
The pictures are so pretty! This seems like a beautiful and unique place to travel!
Hello Shelby. I appreciate your comment. Indeed the Qatar is very interesting place to visit. If you want to experience arabic culture, this country is the perfect place to be.
Every time I travel, I look to book a ticket on that has a long layover in Qatar – I haven’t found one that fit my itinerary yet. Maybe someday though. It looks incredible.
Hello Jessica. Hope you can have that long lay-over very soon and experience the arabic culture in Qatar. I heard that if you booked a flight with Qatar Airways with over 12 hours layover they can provide free hotel accommodation or low hotel room rates.
It just amazes me with the structures. definitely looks like an amazing place to visit!!
Hi Kelly. I had the same reaction. The buildings really look amazing. That is what they are proud of. Even those stadiums they are building for the upcoming FIFA World Cup are so impressive. They really are preparing for this most awaited event.
Qatar is beautiful. I have visited Corniche in my lay over few years back but I really want to visit the Sand Dunes. I am planning a trip this summer so hopefully I could do it. Great post.
Hi Nadia. Watching the sunset from Corniche is so relaxing. Hope you can make it to Sand Dunes on your next layover in Qatar. Dune bashing was one of the amazing experience I ever had so far.
I have been to Qatar but unfortunately only to the airport,en route elsewhere as you mentioned at the beginning of your post. Mind you the airport is really amazing. I have thought before that we should break our long flights with a stop over. Thanks for the great ideas of places to visit.
Hi Rebecca! Indeed the airport alone is so impressive. Hamad Internatinal Airport was recognized as one of the best airport in the world. Hope you can make it on your next layover and visit these amazing places.
I haven’t been to Qatar yet but if I do i will definitely check all the places that you’ve mentioned!
Thank you for reading Krizzia!
I’ve been seeing a lot about Qatar lately. I really would love to visit there eventually. It looks amazing just from the art and history aspect. Love your pictures!
Awesome photos! Qatar looks beautiful, I would love to travel there!
Such wondeful places in Qatar I hope I have a chance o visit this place someday. The pictures are really stunning!
The museum looks like an amazing building! Have never thought about visiting Qatar. Thank you for the information!
I love places that are right in culture and Heritage, and Qatar looks right up my alley! Your pictures are GORGEOUS, btw! Great work 🙂
I would love to visit Qatar one day and not just be there for layovers. The souk looks so lovely and wow, look how amazing the national museum is!
Love the photos! Seems like Qatar is missing spot on my list. Adding it in just now. Thanks for sharing!
I wish I traveled more. Qatar looks amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Qatar has so many places to visit! What is the best time to visit? Are there any neat festivals or celebrations to check out?
Hi Aisasami! The best time of the year to visit Qatar is from the end of November until the month of April. During summertime is not advisable to visit Qatar as it will be very warm and humid. With regard to celebrations, they are always organizing different kind of events here like autumn festival, food festivals usually start from November till June of next year.
Awesome pics! The museum looks beautiful, especially with the lights.
Hello Bindu. Thank you for your comments. Really appreciated. Indeed, the Museum is must place to visit whenever you get the chance to visit Doha, Qatar.
Wow, so many cool places to explore! I hope I can make it there one day! I LOVE museums.
Wow, Qatar looks like a stunning place. The architecture is amazing!
Everything on this list looks amazing but I would really love the Souq Waqif! I think that market looks like something I would just love!
I used to live in Abu Dhabi your photos and articles brought back so many memories. I would love to visit to compare them both.
Qatar has been on my list for long. This article makes me want to visit that beautiful country now. Thanks for this, I will bookmark this so I can use it when I am planning my travel.
It looks like they have a lot of beautiful places to visit, I LOVE that museum it is stunning. And those shops/shopping stalls look like a lot of fun to visit, thanks for sharing all of this.
not been to Qatar & really enjoy my reading here & with nice captures shared. gonna add Qatar to my to travel list. cheers, siennylovesdrawing
I thought Qatar was pure desert but it looks like there are some beautiful places to visit. I had a friend who was stationed there for a year. He enjoyed his time there.
Wow!! What a beautiful place to visit. It’s so great seeing it from your perspective.
Wow, this is not how I imagined Qatar at all. Now I really want to visit – beautiful post!
Amazing. Well written article. I learned something from reading it. Thank you for sharing.
Very unique country to visit. Feels like I’ve taken a quick tour with your pictures and comments in the post.
Wow, all of it looks amazing to visit. Thanks for sharing!
thanks for your post
petzneeds.com