25 Best Things to do in Qatar 2023

Qatar might be a small country, but in terms of activities, it packs quite a punch. It sits on a small peninsula connected to the larger Arabian Peninsula and is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Bahrain, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. As the previous host of the World Cup 2022, more people are flocking to Qatar to experience what it has to offer. So, what should you do while visiting?

There are a million reasons to visit Qatar, but in this article, we’re going to go through the 25 best things to do in the country. Whether you’re going just for fun or on a brief layover, these suggestions will keep your Qatar travel itinerary full and exciting!

1. Souq Waqif

One of the top things to do in Doha is to visit Souq Waqif. It’s a traditional folk market where locals and tourists can explore the various vendors, sip coffees at cafes, or have a few puffs of flavored tobacco (known as Shisha or Hookah). Souq Waqif is an excellent way to get a cultural feel of Qatar.

2. Mangrove

Most of us don’t think of swampy areas when it comes to the Middle East, but Qatar has beautiful mangroves around its coast that are worth exploring. The best way to experience them is to sign up for a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding tour. You can book your trip here with highly rated guides.

3. Desert Safari

When you’re in Doha, going on a desert safari is an absolute no-brainer. Your guides will give you the full-on experience as you ride camels across the never-ending dunes, go sandboarding, quad-biking, and soak in the drop-dead gorgeous views of sand and sea. Book your trip here in advance to claim your spot.

4. Fuwairit Beach 

The small peninsula that makes up Qatar offers some of the best beaches in the Persian Gulf. We recommend taking advantage of the campsites along Fuwairit Beach–one of Qatar’s most stunning coastal locations. Each morning, you’ll wake up to the sound of waves gently lapping. If camping’s not your thing, it also makes for a killer beach day with plenty of activities!

 

5. East-West/West-East 

Richard Serra took public art to the next level with his East-West/West-East 2014 installation in the Qatari desert. The artwork includes four massive black monoliths in what seems like the middle of nowhere. It’s located about an hour and a half outside of Doha.

6. Glamping along the Inland Sea

The Inland Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s considered to be Qatar’s most unique landscape. Fully immerse yourself in the sandy beaches and stunning views by staying at one of the glamping accommodation options. Multiple resorts off fully equipped tents that provide a more than comfortable stay.

7. Qatar Foundation Area

The Qatar Foundation Area is an awesome place to visit year-round to see one of the country’s top universities, research areas, and art collections. With the architecture around intertwined with the modern and heritage culture, it makes a great spot for instagram-worthy images. 

8. National Museum of Qatar

Spend the afternoon on a fascinating journey through the National Museum of Qatar. The facility includes several exhibitions and displays of important artifacts found in the country. Keep your eyes peeled for interactive workshops, special exhibitions, and events that will take place during your stay.

9. Al Zubarah World Heritage Site

History buffs can’t miss out on visiting the Al Zubarah World Heritage Site. It’s a coastal town that once thrived as a trading and pearling center in the 18th century. The town’s heyday didn’t last long, and it was eventually destroyed and was abandoned by the 20th century. 

10. Qatar National Library

The Qatar National Library, with an exterior in the shape of a diamond, is unlike any library you’ve ever seen before. It’s an exciting place to explore, read a book, have a cup of coffee, or just take in the sights. The building is in the same area as the Qatar Foundation Area but is worth its own trip.

11. Paddle Boarding

The best way to explore The Pearl–an artificial island right off the coast of Qatar–is to go paddle boarding. The water stays nice and warm and calm. If you’ve never paddle-boarded before, this would be the perfect opportunity to do so. You can book your tour here with the main tour company.

12. Kite Surfing Sealine Beach

Qatar’s climate makes it a perfect spot to go kitesurfing. For those who are interested, Sealine Beach is considered one of the best spots to do it. It does require a bit of physical fitness, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be hooked.

13. Drive-In Cinema

You’ll be surprised to hear that catching a movie at a drive-in theatre is one of the possible things to do in Qatar. The venue is in Lusail, a small city right next to Doha, and pulling up in your rental car is a super fun way to kick back and relax.

14. Katara Beach 

When you visit Doha, head over to Katara Beach. There’s an endless number of activities, like laying out on the sand (duh), parasailing, and diving into a plate of incredible food at one of the restaurants. Foodies should have two eateries on their radar: BOHO Social and MAMIG. You’ll thank us later.

 

15. Take a Stroll Down the Corniche 

Doha is known for its incredible coastal views, and taking a stroll down the Corniche puts you face to face with all its glory. The Corniche is a seven-kilometer waterfront promenade where you can take in the serenity around you–obviously, you don’t have to walk all seven miles, and there are peaceful places to sit and relax.

16. Banana Island

Banana Island is a small, man-made island off the coast of Doha. You can take a ferry over to check out the island’s resort or spend the night with access to a beautiful private beach. A night stay is slightly costly, so do bear that in mind. 

17. Dahl Al Misfir Cave

If you like exploring caves, then you can’t miss out on visiting Dhal Al Misfir–a natural cavern located in the center of Qatar. The cave goes 40 meters deep, and it’ll feel like being in a different world. No guide is needed, but it’s recommended you take a vehicle with a high clearance when driving through the desert (4x4 preferred).

18. Picnic at MIA park 

Who doesn’t like a good picnic, right? Well, the Museum of Islamic Art Park is the picture-perfect place to spread out a blanket with snacks and enjoy the wonderful skyline views. 

19. Bir Zekreet Landscape

Bir Zekreet is an area on the east side of Qatar that is home to ruins, a small village, and a unique landscape that the wind has morphed over the years. It’s, by all means, an off-the-beaten-path location and makes for an epic day trip. 

20. Grab a Bite to Eat at Msheireb Downtown Doha

Msheireb Downtown Doha is in the center of the city where, you’ll find some of the top restaurants and cafes in the country. Try out Bao Doha for a unique Asian fusion restaurant or Nisrine for a delicious Lebanese meal.

21. Camel Racing

No matter what you choose to do in Qatar, try to attend a camel race ! Events take place at the Shahaniah Camel Racetrack, with races taking place every Friday from October to February. Of all the things to do in Qatar, camel racing just can’t be missed, try to add this unique experience to your list. 

22. Lusail Clay Pot Shooting

Over in Lusail, there’s a shooting range where you can test your skills shooting down clay targets. No license or certificate is required. Just pay for a box of shells and start firing. Of course, someone will be there to show you the ropes. 

23. Lusail Go Karting

Lusail has an exciting go-kart circuit that is a blast! You can zip around with the whole team on karts, that pick up some serious speed. Who will be the champ of your group?

24. Villagio Mall

The Villagio Mall in Doha has it all. There are stores of top brands, including luxury shops for those looking to spend some money, restaurants, salons, and a cinema. Not to mention, the mall has a theme park inside with small rides and games. It’s a nice way to get out of the sun and spend an afternoon.

25. Rent a Boat for a Day 

The beautiful ocean water off the coast of Qatar is enticing. So why not rent a boat for the day? You’ll have your pick between traditional boats, speed boat and yacht rentals, and captains will take you out for a full-on boat party. You can easily find rentals in the corniche area. 

Final Travel Advice

When you’re looking for things to do in Qatar, you’ll find there’s no shortage of exciting activities to choose from. Since it’s a small country, nothing is out of reach, which opens up a whole world of possibilities. Remember, camel racing is a must. Safe travels!

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If you are interested in the camera gear and equipment we use to create beautiful pictures, videos and memories, all are listed below. Each product has its own use for the different type of content we create. PS: we highly recommend the Sandisk SSD drives - game changers for transferring content from the camera to our laptops.

CAMERAS & LENSES

Canon EOS R (Camera body) (Professional) 

Canon RF 35mm lens (Good for close up videos and photos)

Canon RF 70-200 (Crystal clear images from a distance)

Canon RF 15-35mm (Versatile lens, amazing for wide angle shots)

Go Pro Hero 10 (Under water shots)

iPhone 13 PRO (Quick videos and for vlogging)

DJI Mavic Air 2 (Aerial drone photography and videos) 

LAPTOP & HARDWARE 

MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021), Apple M1 Max chip with 10‑core CPU and 32‑core GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD 

Sandisk SSD (Small, compact, super fast transfer speed)

WATERPROOF BACKPACK

Yeti Panga 100% Waterproof bag (Submersible backpack)