Qatar is a small and cheerful country located on the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia. Qatar is known for its amazing desert landscapes and modern skylines. You will find breathtaking architecture, world-class museums, and posh shopping destinations here. Do you know that Qatar has the 4th largest GDP per capita? Well, the standard of living here reflects that truly. You can enjoy many things like shopping for luxury items, eating delicious food, kayaking, desert safari, etc. Qatar offers the perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation with adventure. So, plan your Qatar tour soon for an unforgettable experience.
- Immerse yourself in history
- Relax on the beach
- Go on a boat trip
- Go shopping
Choose a hotel for yourself
Interesting in Qatar
- Qatari Riyal
- Arabic language
Must Visit Places in Qatar
There are many Qatar places to visit that will take your breath away. Check the list below and enjoy your trip here: -
Doha Corniche
For a stunning view of the Qatar skyline and the Arabian Gulf, Doha Corniche is a perfect place. People walk or jog here, and you would find many cafes, dhow boats, and parks. The promenade blends Qatari charm with modern architecture.
Katara Cultural Village
You will gain more knowledge about the culture of Qatar by visiting this place. It has art galleries, theatres, and restaurants. You will find art exhibitions, concerts, and festivals year-round. An Amphitheatre placed at the beachfront makes it a perfect spot for tourists.
The Pearl Qatar
You can step into this ultra-luxurious man-made island and experience Mediterranean-themed marinas, fine dining, and boutiques. For enjoying waterfront dining, casual walking, or shopping, this picturesque place is perfect.
Aspire Park
This beautiful park is located inside the Villagio Mall. It is known to be one of Doha’s largest green spaces, where you will find lakes, jogging/walking tracks, and playgrounds. You will also get a better view of the Torch Tower from here.
Souq Waqif
It is a traditional market where you will find shops selling perfumes, antiques, spices, textiles, and handicrafts. After your shopping, you can enjoy the lip-smacking Qatari cuisine alongside live performances.
Mina District
This place reflects an old-world charm with pastel-coloured buildings, boutique shops, and seafood eateries. This place showcases a mix of Mediterranean and Arabian culture, where you can click beautiful pictures against the backdrop of colourful architecture.
Historical Places of Qatar
There are many historical places to see in Qatar, and some of them are mentioned below: -
- Museum of Islamic Art
- National Museum of Qatar
- Barzan Tower
- Al Jassasiya Carvings
- Al Kook Fort
- Film City
- Al Zubarah Archaeological Site
- Al Zubarah Fort
Best Time to Visit Qatar
November to April is the best time to visit Qatar as the temperature is mild, offering much relief from the scorching summer season. It is the best time to enjoy every aspect of Qatar, from museums to desert safaris, but, being the peak tourist season, the prices are higher. If you want to see all the Qatar famous places at lower prices with fewer crowds, September and October will be perfect.
How to Reach Qatar?
The safest and most convenient way to reach Qatar is by flight. Here is a detailed view of other routes to reach Qatar: -
- By Air: Hamad International Airport in Doha has won many international awards for being the best airport in the world. You can enter Qatar from various Asian, African, American, and European countries easily.
- By Sea: There are no such passenger ferry services operating to Qatar currently. But you will find many private yachts and cruise ships at the Doha port.
- By Road: Qatar shares its international land border with Saudi Arabia. You can enter via the road through the Abu Samra border. Check for permits before taking this route.
Food & Cuisine of Qatar
The Qatari cuisine is a rich blend of Mediterranean, Arab, and Persian influences. The slow-cooked meals of meat, rice, and aromatic spices are a winner. While roaming around Qatar`s famous places, remember to have a bite of the following food types: -
- Machboos – it is the signature dish of Qatar, involving spiced rice slowly cooked with meat/chicken/seafood. The intense flavour of saffron and lime, with nuts garnishing, makes this unique.
- Thareed – it includes a crispy bread soaked in a spiced meat or vegetable broth.
- Harees – it is a famous Eid or Ramadan food that has the perfect blend of fibre and protein. The main ingredients are broken wheat and meat that are slow-cooked to achieve a smooth consistency. It is served with clarified butter for a great taste.
- Balaleet – you would enjoy this sweet and savoury dish made from eggs, cardamom, vermicelli noodles, sugar, and saffron.
- Ghuzi – this dish, containing a whole roasted lamb served with spiced rice, would cheer you up after a long day of sightseeing.
- Mashkool – local spices, garlic, and lemon are used to marinade fish pieces and then grilled to perfection.
- Luqaimat – it is a sweet, crunchy, and soft treat from Qatar made from dough balls. The dough balls are deep-fried and then dipped in date syrup or honey and garnished with sesame seeds.
Shopping Points in Qatar
Here is a list of some of the famous shopping destinations in Qatar: -
- Mall of Qatar, Doha – this is one of the largest malls in the country and features the best international brands alongside restaurants and cafés.
- Souq Waqif, Doha – this is a traditional market offering perfumes, handicrafts, spices, jewellery, and carpets.
- Villaggio Mall, Doha – this luxury shopping destination will amaze you with the Italian-themed interiors. You may buy electronic goods, watches, and designer accessories.
- City Center Mall, Doha – it is located in West Bay and offers fashionable clothes, children`s items, footwear, and cosmetics.
- Gold Souq, Doha – it is the best place to buy authentic gold jewellery of 18-22 Karat at the best prices.
- Falcon Souq, Doha – Falcon is the national bird of Qatar, and this market is dedicated to them. Witness a true cultural experience with Falcon Trading here.
Travel Tips for Qatar
- Dress code is important to remember, as Qatar is a Muslim country with conservative traditions. Both men and women should avoid sleeveless shirts and cover their shoulders and knees.
- You can wear swimsuits only on private beaches and pools.
- The desert climate of Qatar can be hot and harsh, especially from May to September. So, always carry a bottle of water with you. Wear sunglasses and a hat, apply sunscreen, and wear long sleeves to protect from the scorching sunrays.
- Plan your outdoor activities for early hours in the morning.
- Remember that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques unless they are open for cultural visits. Respect their tradition.
- You cannot show any public display of affection and should stay away from using any offensive language here in Qatar.
- Use Doha Metro and taxi services for safe and secure travel across the capital.
- Many places open late hours on Fridays, so plan your sightseeing accordingly.
Qatar has many things in store for its visitors. You can soak in the rich cultural history at the museums or enjoy a desert safari. The warm hospitality of people here will enrich your Qatar tour for sure.
FAQ’s
Which places I shouldn’t miss on my Qatar trip?
You should not miss the Museum of Islamic Art, the desert dunes of Khor Al Adaid, Souq Waqif, The Pearl Qatar, Doha Corniche, and Katara Cultural Village while on your Qatar tour.
Is there any specific dress code for Qatar?
Qatar is a Muslim-majority country, and you should dress modestly while touring Qatar. Both men and women should refrain from wearing any revealing clothes. The shoulders and knees should be covered, especially while entering any religious or traditional place.
Is alcohol available and allowed in Qatar?
Alcohol is available only in licensed bars, clubs, and hotels in Qatar. Drinking in public is strictly prohibited.
What are the famous things to buy in Qatar?
Qatar is famous for jewellery items, perfumes, dates, spices, saffron, pashmina, Arabic coffee and tea sets, and pearls.
What is the best time to plan a trip to Qatar?
The best time for your Qatar trip plan is between November and March. The weather is mildly cold and perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Deserts, salt flats, and limestone outcrops cover most of Qatar. It is the 2nd flattest country in the world after the Maldives. Qurain Abu al-Bawl is the highest natural point of Qatar, with just 103 metres in height, and that makes Qatar the 7th nation with the lowest natural high points in the world. Falcon, a kind of prey bird, is the national bird of Qatar.