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Katara, Souq Waqif, and Inland Sea: 18 Best Places to Visit in Qatar

From traditional markets and world-class museums to desert landscapes, discover Qatar’s top destinations for history, leisure, and adventure.

Best places to visit in Qatar 2

From traditional markets and world-class museums to desert landscapes, discover Qatar’s top destinations for history, leisure, and adventure.

Qatar has emerged as a top travel destination, known for its world-class attractions, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, the country offers something for every type of traveler. 

Tourist attractions in Qatar

But what are some of the best places to visit in Qatar? We'll tell you all about them! There are dozens of things to see and do in Qatar, but where should you start? Here are our best picks for the top places to visit when traveling to Doha.

Katara Cultural Village

Katara Cultural Village is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Qatar. It’s a hub for Qatari art and culture, with cobblestone pathways and a variety of cafes and restaurants. It’s also home to leading cultural communities such as the Qatar Fine Arts Society, Qatar Photographic Society, Qatar Music Academy, and Qatar Visual Arts Centre, and often hosts festivals and exhibitions.

Desert safari

For a unique way to experience the Gulf’s arid landscapes, explore Qatar’s deserts. The country's desert is home to a variety of wildlife, such as camels, turtles, flamingos, and dugongs, with plenty of great photo opportunities.

If you're looking for an adventure, try a dune bashing safari, driving over towering dunes at varying speeds, or sandboarding. 

Barzan Towers

Known for their unique architectiure, Barzan Towers are a must-see tourist destination in Qatar. These historic towers — once a watchtower and execution tower — the Barzan Towers are located about 20 km north of Doha in the village of Umm Salal Mohammed. 

Aspire Park

Aspire Park is one of the largest public parks in Qatar. Located right next to the Khalifa International Stadium and Villaggio Mall, it features a lake, jogging tracks, and various types of flora. The park also has an impressive 300-meter Torch Tower. which offers an incredible 360-degree view of Doha.

It's a great place for families and children to play and enjoy the fresh air and scenery. The park has an artificial lake, which houses a variety of marine life. It's the only artificial lake in the country. It's also the perfect place to picnic with your family. The park also has shade, so you can spend your afternoons reading a book.

Souq Waqif

If you're visiting Doha, don't miss the Souq Waqif (Market Place) - a traditional Arab marketplace with colorful stalls and sidewalk cafes. Its vibe is reminiscent of neighboring Dubai. Here you can watch local street musicians perform.

If you're an art lover, you'll love Souq Waqif. It is home to modern and traditional sculptures and paintings. The center also promotes the development of local artists and has an arts and crafts section that you can browse through.

Best places to visit in Qatar

Souq Waqif

Film City

In the deserts of Qatar, you can visit Film City, a Bedouin-style village that was built for filming. The film village is surrounded by sand dunes and is a few hours' drive from Doha. It offers a glimpse into the history of television in Qatar, as well as an unmatched view of the country. Here, you can see ancient buildings and Bedouin stones and take a tour through the movie sets.

The Film City in Qatar is an 80-kilometer drive from Doha and is only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle.
The setting of the film set is like a mini-Arabic town, complete with small houses, a mosque, and a lookout.

Doha Corniche

There are many things to do in Doha, but the best place to relax and enjoy the views of the bay is Corniche. It stretches for 7km along the bay and features a number of restaurants and cafes. It also has a number of cultural attractions. A popular spot is Al Mourjan Restaurant, which offers both indoor and outdoor dining.

Guests can also enjoy a hookah session.

The Corniche is also home to the National Museum of Qatar, designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel. It tells the story of Qatar's heritage and culture. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a place to eat. Doha's Corniche offers something for everyone.

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Doha Corniche

Al Zubarah

Al Zubarah is a coastal village located in the northwest of the peninsula of Qatar. It is also known as Az Zubarah. It is located within the Al Shamal municipality in Doha. Its climate is sub-tropical and is ideal for relaxing and swimming.

The Al Zubarah Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was originally a coastal guard station but is now a museum with displays of archaeological discoveries and works of art. This UNESCO-listed site is a perfectly preserved example of a traditional merchant town in the Arabian Gulf. It is located in the northwest of Qatar near Ruwa beach.

Visitors can visit the historical site by bus or taxi. The buses are air-conditioned and comfortable. If you're traveling with a group, you can also rent a car. This will give you flexibility and freedom to explore the area at your own pace.

Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art is one of the best museums in the world, and you should definitely pay it a visit when you're in Doha. It's located near the end of the seven-kilometer Corniche in Doha. Qatar.

The museum contains an impressive collection of Islamic art. and the building itself is beautiful. It contains exhibits from places as far-flung as Central Asia and Morocco. It is home to a world-class collection of Persian art. and the rulers of Qatar's Al Thani family have been collecting these objects since the 1980s.

Designed by the famed architect I. M. Pei. the museum stands on an island just off the coast of an artificial peninsula near the traditional dhow harbor.

Al Khor

Al Khor is a beautiful place with a lot to offer. You can explore nature here and take your family on a picnic. The surrounding areas are lush green and dotted with beautiful houses. The park also features a tower on a hill and many benches and walkways. The children will love the playground and the park is a great place to enjoy the day.

Al Khor is one of the best places in Qatar to see a beautiful natural environment. The area is home to migratory birds and mangrove forests. It's also home to rare species of marine life, fossils, and salt marshes. Its scenic surroundings make it an ideal location for picnics and kayaking.

Visitors can take Arabic lessons at the Islamic Cultural Centre, which is located in the spiral mosque near the Souq Waqif. This free organization works to educate non-Muslims about Islam and culture. There are Arabic courses available, and volunteers are willing to answer questions about Islam.

State Grand Mosque

If you are interested in Muslim culture and history, the State Grand Mosque is a must-visit place. Located in Doha's Katara district, it is also the home to the city's most famous public beach. This area also offers a wealth of cultural experiences. Several of the best museums in the world can be found here, including the renowned Qatar Museum of Islamic Art.

It is one of the largest mosques in the world and it can accommodate up to 30.000 people. Its interior is incredibly beautiful, and it is made of marble and precious stones. Its second floor includes a dedicated chapel for worshipers. There is also a large outdoor courtyard, which can hold 8.000 worshippers.

National Museum of Qatar

If you're looking for an interesting museum to visit while on a trip to Qatar, you shouldn't miss the National Museum of Qatar. Its three floors of exhibits have plenty of space and are set up for ongoing expansion. Visitors can explore its 11 galleries, which feature artifacts and high-tech digital displays that tell the story of Qatar.

You can learn about the region's ancient maritime trade, pearl-collecting history, and the oil and gas industry. Children will love the museum's interactive exhibits.

The museum is also home to two gift shops. The main shop features a large collection of exclusive gift items, including crafts made by local artisans. Visitors can also purchase books and puzzles, and buy souvenirs that reflect Qatari culture.

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National Museum of Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar is an international luxury living community on a man-made island near the city of Doha. This luxurious community features waterfront homes, marinas, restaurants, luxury boutiques, and upscale shopping.

Residents can enjoy five-star dining and shopping, as well as a relaxing, picturesque environment.

The Pearl-Qatar also features vast landscaped gardens and pedestrian-friendly squares. The luxurious community lifestyle, combined with its unmatched amenities, makes it a popular destination.

Villaggio

When it comes to shopping. Villaggio mall has it all. Whether you are looking for high-end designer brands or something cheaper, you can find it all here. The mall is influenced by Venetian architecture, complete with gondolas and working bridges.

If you're looking for a fun place to visit with the family. Villaggio Mall is the place to go.

Aside from its designer boutiques, the Villaggio Mall also has a movie theater with an IMAX screen and an indoor canal gondola ride. It also has a variety of restaurants and an amusement park called Gondolania. There are also a variety of sports and activities to keep you busy, including horse riding lessons and pony rides. The food hall is also a great place for quick snacks or a meal.

Qatar National Library

The Qatar National Library is a cultural and educational center that was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. The building itself is massive and has an atrium that spans seven stories. The staff is very friendly and the building is located in Education City, which is home to many universities and research institutes.

It is also close to several hotels.

The Qatar National Library was built to become one of the top learning and research centers in the world. It's a must-see attraction for anyone interested in discovering more about Qatari history—there are 500.000 periodicals. eBooks, and newspapers here!

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Qatar National Library

Radwani House

Radwani House is a unique and ancient structure that represents the evolution of Qatar and the living style of the people living here. As one of the Best Places to Visit in Qatar, this structure is a must-see for visitors.

This historic structure was formerly an abandoned palace but has recently been restored to its former glory. Its heritage was discovered during excavation, and the property is now open to the public.

Company House

Company House is a historic museum that dates back to the times when Qatar was a poor nation. The building now houses the Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art. which attracts visitors.

The museum honors the hard work and dedication of workers in the oil industry, which made Qatar one of the richest countries in the Arabian Gulf. This historic building is a must-see when in Qatar.

Falcon Souq

Falcon Souq is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Doha. It is located near the City Centre Mall. Most tourists start their day at the mall and end it at the Falcon Souq. A visit to the Falcon Souq can provide a unique perspective on Arabic traditions.

Doha's Falcon Souq is one of the oldest and largest souks. It is the home of many international and local brands. Visitors to the souk can enjoy shopping at many local and luxury stores, as well as a variety of entertainment venues. One of the most popular attractions in the Falcon Souq is Gondolania.

Falcons are a prominent part of Qatar's culture, serving as symbols of status and influence. These birds are extremely intelligent and have been used to hunt the prey for centuries. In the past, falconry was a popular pursuit, and the Falcon Souq is the best place to see these beautiful birds in person. It is a great place to learn more about falconry and the significance of falcons in Qatari and Arab culture.

Pro Travel Expert Tip: Traveling to a new country can be a great experience. However, if you are not prepared, it can also turn into an ordeal that leaves you with nightmares for years to come. That is why it is important that you stay safe on your trip and protect yourself against any eventuality. One way of doing this is by getting travel health insurance for Qatar before embarking on your journey.

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Falcon Souq

Article by QIC
Qatar’s most awarded insurance company
Updated 18 February, 2025
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