The peninsular state of Qatar is a traditional yet modern creation, the Middle East’s gem for world-class hospitality. From spectacular wildlife scenes and outdoor adventures to enriching activities in museums and theme parks, exploring the cultural history and the sun, sand & sea, Qatar knows how to keep travellers of all kinds entertained. 

The ever-changing landscape and varied topography coupled with unparalleled safety and year-round pleasant weather make Qatar one of the best holiday destinations. There is an unbelievable amount of leisure, adventure, dining, and cultural offerings to discover.

Here are some of the iconic places in Qatar to enjoy:

National Museum of Qatar

The vibrant past and present of Qatar comes to life at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), where interactive audio-visual experiences ensure people of all ages are immersed in the story of the country, from more than 700 million years ago to the present day. A list of exciting activities and a mix of exhibits bring together antiquities and modern influences, stimulating conversations on the heritage and history of Qatar.

The Pearl Qatar

A man-made island offshore Doha’s prestigious West Bay District, The Pearl, Qatar, is a stylish and popular visitor attraction featuring Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas, residential towers, villas, and hotels. The Pearl also includes a luxurious shopping experience with premium designer boutiques and showrooms for shopping indulgence. 

Qatar National Library

The stunning 45,000-square-meter building resembles two pieces of paper that are pulled apart and folded diagonally at the corners to create a shell-like structure, encompassing the open plan interior. The bookshelves are an integral part of the building, rising out of the floor and highlighting the significance of the cultural Qatari books. Fostering an environment of learning, play and innovation, Qatar National Library offers an array of exciting activities and interests ranging videography, photography, design, sound editing and 3D printing.

Souq Waqif 

Travellers can enjoy an immersive experience of Qatar’s authentic culture at Souq Waqif, a bustling marketplace with intricate pathways full of local treasures. Within walking distance of the souq is the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and MIA Park, with children’s playgrounds and numerous cafes.  The winding alleys, mud-daubed buildings, a marketplace for best traditional buys set against a modern skyline, the Souq Waqif offers the best of Qatar’s traditional street life.

Katara Cultural Village

Where the Middle East meets Asia, Katara is a self-styled cultural village, and a go-to destination for art, culture, and cuisine.  Displaying a mix of tradition and modernism, the village is bordered by a vast beach on one side, and the twin Katara Hills on the other. From discovering the amphitheater, to the eye-catching mosques, exploring the 21 high street and enjoying popular food at the multiple eateries, this interesting tourist attraction, is a one stop culture and entertainment hub. With numerous art galleries, workshops, exhibition areas and performance arenas, Katara is an artist’s haven.

Inland Sea, Khor Al Adaid 

 When the sand dunes meet the shores of the sea, it makes for a spectacular view at the ‘Inland Sea’, or Khor Al Adaid.  Once can spend an afternoon in the desert, dune bashing, taking a stop along the way to ride camels, and posing with the country’s famous national bird, the falcon.  The sea recedes in the evening and the beach becomes desolate again, while dunes magically change colour under golden sunsets.

Msheireb Downtown Doha 

Msheireb Downtown Doha contains over 100 buildings with commercial and residential properties as well as retail and cultural offerings, and stunning Barahat or courtyard. In the heart of Msheireb Museums, a project by Msheireb Properties, there are four heritage houses celebrating Qatar’s rich and diverse history. The proportion, simplicity, space, light, layering, and the nuances in the catering to the country’s environment in Msheireb Downtown Doha’s contemporary architecture, are all inspired by the rich cultural history of Qatar. It also features specialty shops, a range of outdoor dining options, entertainment venues and four top notch hotels.

Qanat Quartier 

Qanat Quartier presents opportunities for some great photography and Insta-worthy views. Visitors can sing along with the musical stairway or take a leisurely stroll down wide avenue to the neighborhood’s numerous boutiques and coffee shops. The beachside promenade in Qanat Quartier offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf while sipping coffee and relaxing on the sand at leisure.  With candy-coloured buildings and gracefully arched bridges, this district, was modelled after Venice, and brings to life the Mediterranean in Doha. 

Travellers can expect the very best of Middle Eastern hospitality at Doha, which was named ‘Arab Tourism Capital’ for 2023, by the Arab Ministerial Council.  Furthermore, for the last five years, the Numbeo Crime Index has ranked Qatar the safest country in the world. 

The Corniche 

A seven-kilometer stretch of gorgeous promenade overlooking the serene waterfront, The Corniche is one of the most iconic attractions to spend time at. Overflowing with restaurants, clubs, parks and cultural attractions, travellers can also Watch the dhows lighting up the Corniche in the evenings.

Qatar’s neighbourhoods boast waterfront views, sandy beaches, retail, exhibition spaces and eateries, reflecting the rich diversity of this compact state.