Places to Visit in Qatar

List of Places to Visit in Qatar

While Doha is extremely well-developed and offers all imaginable luxuries to its visitors; there are many other places to visit in Qatar. Many towns and villages in the country have been untouched for centuries, only recently garnering a lot of attention to their well-preserved sites and authentic culture. The country is scattered with ruins and remains of several mosques, forts and houses indicating the country's rich history.

• Doha
• Al Khor
• Mesaieed
• Al-Rayyan
• Al Wakrah
• Al Zubarah
• Umm Salal Mohammed

Before you start planning your trip, don’t forget to read up on important details including requirements for visas for Qatar, entry requirements due to COVID-19 and other important documents like international travel insurance for Qatar.

Doha

Home to Qatar's most local and expatriate communities, Doha is the shining capital of the country and usually tops the list of places to visit in Qatar. With ancient markets, beautiful beaches and cultural landmarks everywhere, this place offers a beautiful amalgam of historical and modern. This multicultural city offers impressive architecture, unlimited shopping venues and a dazzling view of their harbour, the Doha Corniche. The city also has important monuments including the National Museum and the Katara Cultural Village.

Be sure to check out the Qatar National Library, and the Museum of Islamic Art. If you want to shop for souvenirs, then Souq Waqif is going to be a perfect place to explore their street markets amidst scenic walking areas. The market is among the oldest markets in the country and among the best places to visit in Qatar for traditional jewellery, spices and handicrafts.

The city also has several charming and modern hotels to make your stay memorable. With no shortage of fine diners and restaurants, make sure to try local Middle Eastern delicacies along with other international cuisines. Finally, don't forget to visit the artificial island in the western bay, the Pearl, for some of the best views in Qatar.

Al Khor

Away from the bustle of Doha, Al Khor is a popular place to visit in Qatar for families and couples alike. Once famous for its pearl industry, Al Khor is most popularly visited because of its beautiful Al Thakhira Beach. Plenty of activities are offered here, from kayaking to fishing or simply lounging. Nearby, there's a quieter Farkeh Beach for those who want a private space. You can also visit Al Khor Island, famous for its Purple Island Beach. If you're into wildlife and birdwatching, head over to Al Thakhira Mangroves for some unique flora and fauna. During the winters, you can spot several migratory birds including Flamingos and herons at Jazirat Bin Ghannam. Finally, for history lovers, don't forget to visit the Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings to see petroglyphs of unique symbols, boats, footprints etc.

Mesaieed

A popular day-trip destination, Mesaieed offers great opportunities among the places to visit in Qatar. This small industrial town is popular for its sand dune adventures and dune bashing. You can also paraglide over the dunes or bounce over them in a 4x4. People also spend nights here for stargazing or a relaxing traditional candlelit dinner. Because this is an industrial town, there aren't many places to stay here. If you wish to stay overnight, you can opt for a private overnight desert safari with a tour operator. Since Doha is barely an hour away from here, you can easily plan a day trip or a desert safari to explore this town. You can also try a camel ride or try a quad bike. You can also visit the serene Sealine Beach or the Khor Al Udaid Beach. Here you can explore Qatar's unique marine life and go scuba diving. Other popular tourist destinations include Mesaieed park for families, Sealine Sand Dunes, and Sarab Camp.

Al-Rayyan

Al Rayyan is among the most historically intact places to visit in Qatar. The city has several fortifications and mosques dating back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The place is a haven for shoppers who want to buy traditional Qatari products, as well as designer goods from the Wathnam Mall.

The place is also frequented because of several international conferences and concerts at the Qatar National Convention Center, a 1,011-hectare compound. The place also includes the Qatar Science and Technology Park. If you're into horse riding then visit the Al Shaqab, the equestrian centre of the Qatar Foundation. Nearby is Mathaf, the Arab Museum of Modern Art. If you want to go shopping, check out the Mall of Qatar, spread over an area of 5.4 million square feet. Equipped with the world's first resident troupe and a 360° rotating multi-lift, the mall offers a wide selection of most international brands and every form of modern entertainment you can possibly think of. You can also check out Zekreet Beach and the Musfur Sinkhole, one of the best natural attractions to visit in Qatar. Film buffs can also visit the famous Film City for some dramatic sets and views.

Al Wakrah

Among the country's rapidly growing cities, Al Wakrah should be on the list of places to visit in Qatar to experience a typical Arabian town. While this place is pretty close to Doha, it is wonderfully refreshing and different from the concrete skyscrapers of the capital. Earlier a small fishing village, Al Wakrah now offers tourists beautiful gardens, delightful beaches and amazingly authentic markets.

The city is famous for the Al Wakrah Heritage Village, offering a taste of Qatar's medieval past life. Market hunters can visit the maze-like alleys and courtyards of the Al Wakrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in Qatar. Another highlight of the city is the recently restored mosque from the 17th century along with the Al Wakrah Fort. For a relaxing time with your family, visit the Al Wakrah Public Garden with over 70 plant species and a pet-friendly dog beach nearby.

Al Zubarah

Since 2013, Al Zubarah has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for being one of the most impressive walled coastal towns in the country. The city used to be a flourishing trading centre until the 19th century but was soon abandoned. Luckily, the sand from the desert preserved many historically significant palaces, cemeteries, huts, mosques and courtyard houses, making it a significant place to visit in Qatar. The Al Zubarah Fort offers a glimpse into the nation's history and is an important place to visit in Qatar. A part of the Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, this fort has one-meter thick walls significant for safety and cooling purposes. Next to the fort is the Qal'at Murair: a huge rectangular enclosure with four towers and other domestic buildings. Other nearby attractions include the Al Thaqab Fort.

Umm Salal Mohammed

Perfect for nature lovers and explorers, Umm Salal Mohammed is known for its scenic beauty as well as tourist attractions. This fortified town has three protected areas and has Qatar's best nature reserves. The place can be easily visited from Doha and is among the top places to visit in Qatar thanks to its rich biodiversity.

The most famous sites here include the Barzan Towers or the Umm Salal Mohammed Fort Towers built in the 19th century. The place also has several prehistoric elements, including a 5,000-year-old burial ground. Don't forget to visit the Angry Birds World Qatar and the Barzan Olympic Park to have a fun-filled and relaxing time with family!

Be it dune bashing or having a leisurely time at the beach, make sure to carry the essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen and your travel insurance to safeguard you from any emergencies!

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