14 Must-Do Activities in Qatar

With one of the fastest-growing tourism hubs in the Middle East, Qatar has been busy establishing itself on the global visitor map. The efficient new metro system, which opened in 2019, makes it easier than ever to experience the Gulf nation’s expanding array of attractions. Since most things to see and do are located in the capital of Doha, you might be surprised by just how many must-dos you can fit into a short visit.

Qatar is smaller than the U.S. state of Connecticut, so it doesn’t demand as much time to explore as its larger neighbors. Here are 14 attractions and activities in Qatar worth prioritizing in your itinerary.

Marvel at Doha’s Next-Level Museums and Galleries

Rising from a purpose-built island off Doha’s Corniche, the postmodern fortress-styled Museum of Islamic Art is Qatar’s showpiece gallery, housing the world’s largest collection of Islamic art. In 2019, it was joined by the unmissable National Museum of Qatar, rebuilt to resemble a desert rose. This museum charts the nation’s history using 21st-century technology, making it a fascinating visit.

Moreover, other cultural institutions, such as Mathaf, the Arab Museum of Modern Art, showcase a vast collection of contemporary Arab art. The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, which opened in 2022, is another sophisticated ode to sports that shouldn’t be missed.

Get Lost in Souq Waqif

In the heart of Doha, the sprawling Souq Waqif complex is one of the most atmospheric corners of Qatar. Best visited in the evenings when it’s teeming with locals, this marketplace was built on an ancient site and redeveloped to resemble a 19th-century souq, featuring mud-rendered shops and exposed timber beams.

Despite the rise of mega-malls, Souq Waqif remains at the core of social and commercial life in Doha. It’s a vibrant place where diverse people come together to enjoy regional cuisine, shop for everything from antique daggers to custom thobes, or sip karak tea while soaking in the lively ambiance.

Go Off-Roading to Qatar’s Iconic “Inland Sea”

For adventure enthusiasts, a thrilling 4WD off-roading trip to Khor Al Adaid, Qatar’s spectacular “inland sea,” is essential. This unique tidal embayment blends huge shifting sand dunes with azure waters and creates a natural border between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Organized tours typically last around four hours, making it a memorable outdoor experience.

Visit Qatar’s Only UNESCO World Heritage Site

The most prominent feature of Qatar’s UNESCO-listed Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, Al Zubarah Fort, was built in 1938 and served military purposes until the 1980s. Now restored and transformed into a museum, it showcases the rich history and pearling heritage of Al Zubarah, a once-thriving pearling port.

Seek Out the Mysterious Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings

A fascinating cluster of nearly 900 petroglyphs, the Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings depict various ancient symbols and figures. Located about 90km (56 miles) north of Doha, these rock carvings offer insight into the historical communities of the region, although they may appear underwhelming at closer inspection.

Explore the Ultra-Modern Msheireb Downtown District

Msheireb Downtown is touted as the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project. This compact precinct, blending Islamic and contemporary design elements, is architecturally striking. Four heritage houses have been beautifully restored and opened as the Msheireb Museums, while the area hosts numerous restaurants and luxury hotels.

Eat Your Way Around the World Without Leaving Doha

Qatar’s diverse cultural landscape fosters an extraordinary food scene, making dining out in Doha a delight. While hotel restaurants primarily focus on European, Latin, and East Asian cuisines, many migrant-run eateries serve authentic and affordable dishes from the Middle East, the Subcontinent, and beyond.

Seek Out Qatar’s Excellent Public Art

Qatar’s commitment to the arts is evident in its substantial budget dedicated to public art. Notable installations can be found throughout the country, such as a giant golden digit in Souq Waqif and a collection of sculptures in the Education City precinct.

Admire the National Mosque

The impressive Imam Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque, the largest in Qatar, boasts a fort-like appearance with over two dozen domes. Particularly striking at dusk, visitors are welcome to peek inside the cavernous prayer hall during designated times.

Spend a Morning Wandering Katara

Katara Cultural Village features two splendid mosques and numerous performance and gallery spaces, including the renowned Katara Amphitheater. Enjoy various dining options or take a stroll along Doha’s public beach.

Catch a Camel Race

Camel racing is a beloved wintertime sport in Qatar. Held on Fridays from October to February, races take place at the Al Shahaniya camel racetrack. This unique event showcases robot jockeys, marking a significant change in the sport, while still drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Wander the “Arabian Riviera” at The Pearl

The Pearl, a luxurious artificial island development, showcases Qatar’s opulence through its marina and waterfront promenade, rich with cafes and dining options. Visitors often enjoy the Venetian-inspired Qanat Quartier, complete with picturesque canals and architecture.

Get an Unexpected Culture Hit at a New Kind of Wellness Resort

Zulal Wellness Resort, located on Qatar’s northeastern tip, provides a unique chance to experience Qatari culture through the lens of wellness. Guided by traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine, the resort offers immersive stays that fuse relaxation with cultural education.