The 12 most beautiful places to visit in Qatar

Are you looking for a unique destination that combines tradition and modernity? Visit Qatar to admire its cultural and architectural riches.

A trip to Qatar is not a trip like others, it is an invitation to discover! Qatar is a very small emigrant located north of Saudi Arabia, open on the Persian Gulf. Qatar is no less a rich state thanks to its oil and gas reserves. In the space of a handful of decades, the country emerged from the desert, passing from a modest fishing-based economy to a demeasured wealth. Doha, the capital is the most striking example of this economic success. The futuristic skyscrapers and state-of-the-art buildings grow like mushrooms.

Between bivouac in the desert, falcon hunt and walks in the shopping malls, are you wondering if to visit this emirate? We have selected for you the 12 most beautiful places to visit in Qatar.

1. Doha

Unlike what you might think, Doha is not just a city full of buildings without great interests, far from there. The capital of the small Emirate, Doha, offers many places of interest such as its mosques, museums, modern shopping centres and lively souks. The promenade of the Corniche, seven kilometers long, as well as its green parks attract visitors as the inhabitants. It is at nightfall that you can admire the skyscrapers illuminated in Doha. Ride aboard a wooden sailboat, more commonly called a butter, to enjoy an exceptional view of the skyline of the capital.

2. Al Zubarah

What to visit in Qatar? Visit Fort Al Zubarah in the northwest of the country, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place bears witness to the history of Qatar before the discovery of oil. Built between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, Fort Al Zubarah was restored. Today it presents an exceptional level of conservation. If you have planned to visit Qatar, Fort Al Zubarah is a must. His mission was to protect the neighbouring town of Al Zubarah, once a prosperous fishing port. In particular, there were fishermen of pearl oysters. Between sea and desert, this place will enchant you.

3. Souq Waqif

This is the perfect place to go shopping, find souvenirs, or just sit in a café. The Waqif Suq was renovated in 2006 and was able to maintain its traditional architectural style. There are many products from the Middle East such as dates, nuts, spices. Many merchants sell crafts like fabrics, perfumes...In addition to being a traditional market, there are art galleries. Events are held several times a month. Want to discover a Qatari tradition? The market is full of chichas of all kinds.

4. The Pearl

Visiting Qatar is also discovering The Pearl. It is an artificial island built off the west coast of Doha Bay. This is the ideal place to relax, swim, picnic and practice outdoor activities. There are three unparalleled quality marinas, large hotel complexes, shops and beaches. You will be charmed by its emerald color waters and its magnificent yachts. Here, the chic is in the spotlight, we call The Pearl the Arab Riviera.

5. Islamic Art Museum

You're going through 14 centuries in just a few hours. In this museum, you can admire one of the world’s largest Islamic art collections. The largest museum in Doha was built in 2008. It has the peculiarity of being built on an artificial island. The works exhibited come from various countries, from Iraq to Italy, to Uzbekistan. You will marvel at award-winning collections. It brings together paintings, works of glass and ironwork, ceramics, textiles and manuscripts. You can eat in the cafés or in the starred restaurant of Alain Ducasse.

6. Ras Abrouq Peninsula

As you walk to the west coast of Qatar, you will discover different landscapes from those encountered in the capital of Qatar. The picturesque area around Zikrit, including the isolated Ras Abrouq peninsula, is renowned for its beauty. You will discover pristine sand beaches, a reserve of wild deer and lunar landscapes in the form of mushrooms. These landscapes are mainly composed of limestone rocks carved by the wind. These lands in relief are a place taken by camping and photography enthusiasts. By climbing on rock formations, visitors enjoy a privileged view of the Qatar peninsula. This is the ideal place to admire a spectacular sunrise or sunset.

7. Khor Al Adaid

The Khor Al Adaid reserve is located south of the country. It is one of the desert wonders of Qatar and surely one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. This nature reserve is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khor Al Adaid is a sea band of the Arab-Persian Gulf that penetrates into the land to form what is called the inner sea. At night, the place turns into a beautiful landscape composed of high dunes illuminated by the moon. This extraordinary landscape can only be reached by crossing the dunes with an all-terrain vehicle. Indeed, there is no road access to the reserve.

8. Al Wakrah

Are you wondering if to visit Qatar? Half an hour south of Doha, the city of Al Wakrah is often forgotten by mistaken travellers. This fishing village is a pretty getaway to get out of Doha and visit the rest of the country. The traditional Qatari houses slice with the gigantism of the towers of the capital. You can walk along the large white sandy beach and stroll through the shops and bustling streets. You can also walk in the old souk bordering the shore, or visit the old fort of the city. Don't miss this little atypical jewel during your visit to Qatar.

9. The mangroves of Al Thakira

Visiting Qatar is also discovering its nature. The Al Thakira mangroves are located north of the coastal town of Al Khor. It is a vast area of vegetation on the seaside. It is populated by various species of sedentary and migratory birds such as herons and pink flamingos. This natural vegetation has its own ecosystem. The Al Thakira mangroves offer a striking contrast to the surrounding desert landscapes. The best way to discover them is to rent a kayak from the many tour operators and specialized companies. The Al Thakira mangroves are a must-see in Qatar. This real oasis is an invitation to relaxation!

10. Katara village

This cultural and entertaining village is located north of Doha, on the seafront of West Bay. The Katara village is permeable to all arts and genres. It represents a utopian vision of future worlds where borders no longer exist. On nearly 99 hectares, the village gathers 35 buildings built in a traditional architectural style. These buildings are entirely dedicated to culture. You will find museums, an outdoor amphitheatre with Italian airs, a theatre and an opera with French influences. You can also eat on site. Many restaurants offer cuisine from all over the world: Armenian, Lebanese, Italian...The Katara village organizes cultural events all year round, welcoming both regional and international artists. He organizes concerts and film festivals.

11. Qatar National Museum

The Qatar National Museum has been open since March 2019. You will experience an exciting, immersive and educational experience. This is a visit not to be missed during your stay in Doha. The structure of the building was inspired by the desert rose. This building, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, is spectacular. Throughout a 1.5 kilometre course and through 11 galleries it is the history of Qatar that will be told to you in three chapters. The first chapter evokes the beginning, the second life in Qatar and finally the construction of the nation. The exhibitions focus on Qatari history and heritage, celebrating the past, present and future of the nation on the world stage.

12. Aspire Tower

This skyscraper that peaks at 318 metres tall has nothing to envy its New York cousins. The Aspire Tower was built in 2007 and consists of 36 floors. They host hotels, museums and restaurants. The design of the tower with its elegant parabolic shape conveys the image of a torch. The Aspire Tower has become the icon of the country. If you visit Qatar, go up on its rooftop to admire the magnificent panorama of all Doha. Attention, however, to vertigo!

How to go to Qatar and find accommodation?

Did you choose to go to Qatar? Our partner Ulysses offers the most attractive flights. There are direct flights between Paris and Doha, but they are usually more expensive than flights with stopover. Qatar Airlines offers a direct flight of 6h20 between the two airports.

Concerning housing, Booking offers about 30 hotels at the best price . Consult the offers available on the dates of your choice.

If you have to leave in Doha, we advise you not to go there between June and September including. Average temperatures are close to 42 °C in the summer. They can be closer to 45°C or even more.