From the largest parks in the Middle East to some of the best places to visit in Qatar , there are many options for things to do. In fact, Qatar is famous for its culture and many tourist spots.
The State of Qatar is a sovereign and independent country in the Middle East region, and occupies a peninsula that extends into the Persian Gulf. Qatar has emerged since its complete independence from Britain in 1971 as one of the most important oil and gas producers in the world. It is an Islamic country whose laws and customs follow Islamic traditions. The State of Qatar is a peninsula located in the middle of the western coast of the Persian Gulf. The peninsula is about 100 kilometers wide and extends 200 kilometers into the bay.
Here are the best places to visit in Qatar:
1. Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art is a museum located at one end of the seven-kilometre (4.3 mi) Corniche in Doha, Qatar. According to architect IM Pei 's specifications , the museum is built on an island off an artificial projecting peninsula near a traditional dhow port. A purpose-built garden surrounds the edifice on the eastern and southern facades, while two bridges connect the southern front facade of the property to the main peninsula housing the garden. The western and northern facades feature the port, which showcases Qatar's maritime past.
The Museum of Islamic Art is nestled in a calm, transparent water frame. As you progress, you will pass a bridge across the water and consider yourself drawn in by the impressive appearance of the museum. The white pylon has sharp ends and is flanked, remaining alone on the water. In the sunlight, the museum seems to shimmer with a glow and its convincing atmosphere heightens. When you walk inside, you'll be amazed at the intricacies of its interior, which contrast sharply with the clarity of its exterior.
2. Doha Castle
Al Koot Fort is another best place to visit in Qatar. Known as the Doha Fort, it is a historical military fortress located in the heart of Doha , the capital of Qatar. It was built by Sheikh Abdullah bin Qassim Al Thani in 1927, known as Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1913 until 1949, after the abdication of Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, brother of Sheikh Abdullah, in his favour. The fort was later converted into a museum.
The fort houses traditional Qatari handicrafts, products and pictures of daily life with illustrations. Exhibits and artwork include handicrafts, plaster and wood ornaments, fishing gear and boats, historical photographs and paintings including oil paintings of craftsmen and daily life.
This military fort is located in the lap of Doha and was built in 1927. This fort was finally converted into a museum and now contains displays featuring wooden decorations, old hunting components, oil paintings and old photographs. The fort will make for an interesting day out if you are interested in understanding the history of Qatar and the lifestyles of its inhabitants a little better. But the most amazing element of this castle is the exterior. It is sparkly and gorgeous and creates the feeling that you are surrounded by something very powerful. This totally makes sense. You will be impressed by the view of this amazingly frightening edifice.
3. Barzan Towers
Among the best places to visit in Qatar is the Barzan Towers.
Barzan Towers , also known as Umm Slal Mohammed Castle Towers , are among the top tourist attractions in Qatar. The Barzan Towers are watch towers built in the late 19th century and renovated in the 1910s by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani. It is located on the southern side of the defensive system that was established at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century to protect “al-Rawda”, which is a valley in which precious rainwater collects when it flows from the high ground. In Arabic, “Barzan” means “high status.”
The buildings were restored in 2003. The towers are 16 meters (52.49 ft) tall. The fort is linked by two other fortified buildings towards the west and another tower towards the north. The Barzan towers may have been built near the sea to watch over pearl divers, as a watch for approaching ships, and as an observatory to track the moon. The Barzan Towers have been rebuilt with features such as air conditioning.
The Barzan Towers boast impressive architecture, but to get the full taste of its beauty, you will have to make your way to the peak. Reach the top, please your eyes on the sights. The edifice itself is remarkable and beautiful in its own way. Don't forget to take a camera, the spot is famous for being a good place for photography.
Qatar National Museum is a national museum in Doha, Qatar. The museum opened to the public on March 28, 2019. The building was constructed in place of the original National Museum of Qatar and was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who drew his inspiration from the desert rose crystal that can be found in Qatar. The museum site includes the palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, which is the heart of the Qatari national identity.
The National Museum of Qatar is so intricate in its design that anyone could mistake it for an origami masterpiece. The white edifice has sharp edges and curvature, and on an architectural level, it looks almost out of reach.
The building is currently under construction and slowly making the amazing architect's design a reality. The design of the museum is stimulated by the desert flower. A natural wonder formed from crystals in specific climates. The architect believed that the desert rose illustrates the course of time, and longed to embody this idea in the design of the edifice.
5. Inland Sea Beach (Mesaieed)
The Inland Sea is also among the best places to visit in Qatar. Most of the tourists like this place which is about 40 minutes away from Sealine Beach. The amazing part of it is that you will drive through the desert to reach the destination
Khor Al Adaid, which is also called the “Inland Sea” and is one of the best destinations in Qatar, for visitors and those who reside in Qatar, however, many who live in Qatar are still unaware of this extraordinary landscape that is breathtakingly stunning and beautiful. For those who are familiar with the place it is a haven of peace, serenity and relaxation, nature in its purest and purest form. Khor Al Adaid is a great place to visit in Qatar and spend the day with friends and family, it is also a great camping place for those who are more adventurous and want to experience desert camping at its best and most natural.
The Inland Sea ( Khor Al Adaid ) is a sea inlet of the Persian Gulf that straddles the border between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Because of the low precipitation and high temperatures, the water is saltier than the nearby bay.
The remoteness of the Inland Sea is immediately apparent upon leaving Mesaieed, the nearest settlement. The comfort of driving on paved roads gives way to the thrill of navigating through rolling dunes and salt flats, occasionally punctuated by rough, gravel-like patches. Visiting during high tide means seeing dunes sloping gently into the sea. On the other hand, low tide reveals a topography covered in microbial mats that draw interesting patterns within the crystal clear water of the inlet.
6. Al Jassasiya carvings
Al Jassasiya is another best place to visit and one of the most mysterious and tourist attraction in Qatar. Northeast of Doha, it is one of the few places where you can find petroglyphs, which are collections of rare and amazing signs carved into stone. Carvings can be found at other sites, but those at Al Jassasiya are considered the most exceptional in terms of their quality and state of preservation. An amazing 900 avatars can be found in Al Jassasiya. Shapes vary from geometric patterns to representations of animals and boats perched on two parallel "mountains", which are outcrops of fossils and sand dunes.
Al Jassasiya is one of the most quirky sites in Qatar. Its secret lies in the petroglyphs – the tough, impenetrable carvings in stone that are incredibly extraordinary. People believe that these carvings are a kind of symbol, featuring figures illustrating animals, boats, and chrysanthemums. Many shapes and symbols cannot be identified, and their true meanings remain indistinguishable. These symbols are believed to be hundreds of years old, which makes their preservation really remarkable.
7- Al Zubarah Fort
Another great place to visit in Qatar is Al Zubarah.
Al Zubarah Fort, Al Zubarah Fort for short, lies in the middle of nowhere in the municipality of Madinat Al Shamal in Qatar. The nearest town is Al Ruwais, 25 kilometers to the north. It is the most famous desert fort in Qatar. It got its name from the nearby archaeological site of the city of Al Zubarah, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an abandoned city surrounded by walls dating back to the 17th century. The town, which was once a thriving pearling and trading port, and had its own fort called Murir Fort, was destroyed in 1811. It was resettled in the late 1820s but on a smaller scale.
Al Zubarah Fort was originally built by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani in 1938 to serve as a Coast Guard post, although some have been built to serve as a police station. It was later renovated into a museum to display various exhibitions and artworks, particularly of contemporary archaeological findings.
In the middle of nowhere, sand stretches before you for miles before this grim castle appears. The castle's charm lies in its solitude, and you can reach it on camel's back at an unhurried pace. While standing under this castle, you will feel a sense of connection to a possible historical date. To help you better understand the history of the fort, Al Zubarah often holds displays of the site. This castle will make you feel weak. You will feel that there is something amazing about understanding your own innocence. Al Zubarah Fort is without explanation among the best places and attractions to visit in Qatar.
8. Doha desert
The Doha desert is in most cases intact and should be part of your tour to Qatar. Very few are as picturesque as miles and miles of primeval shimmering sand. The magic of desert landscapes will make you feel awe and awe at the enormity of this strange landscape. The sand is compacted, the dunes are rolling, and this wonderful desert landscape can be savored on any desert safari day. Rev your engines and move around the dirt to experience the magic of the desert firsthand.
9. The Great State Mosque
The State Mosque in Qatar is one of the largest mosques in Qatar that you must visit and has been renamed after the great Islamic theologian, reformer and pioneer of the 18th century “Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab”. Ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703-1792) promoted the removal of negative and unwanted innovations in Islam. He warned Muslims to follow only the original values of Islam as embodied by the predecessors, and to abandon the exploitation that bid'ah (heretical innovations) introduced into his teachings.
The State Mosque is located in the Jubailat district of Doha, just south of the Corniche, on a hill overlooking the Qatar Sports Club in Doha's West Bay. Constructed in the first half of the 20th century, the mosque features an imposing building with many domes, built with a wonderful blend of traditional Arabic architecture and modern architecture that includes twinkling half-moons, a minaret, and large open-air spaces. The Grand Mosque has a very fresh feel with undulating lines as well as it maintains some traditional Islamic architectural elements, and with its distinctive rotunda roof it will be a fine example of architectural splendor and historic building in Doha.
“The Great” is an appropriate account of this mosque. The outside is comfortably spooky, with the look of a safe castle, while the inside is gorgeous. The vaulted ceiling is high above your head, with slate white columns throughout and simple candelabra hanging above you. This space itself is invitingly huge, and you'll be spellbound by its architecture. At night, the mosque's exterior is particularly beautiful, as it is illuminated with purple lights.
10. Katara Mosque
Katara Mosque is located in the middle of the Katara Cultural Village site, where some stunningly beautiful architecture of the Middle East is waiting to be seen. The design of the Katara Mosque is not like the typical mosques in Qatar. The edifice is a mosaic of mainly blue tiles, with a hint of red and yellow. You will be amazed by the challenging designs and the equally complex interior. The mosque consists of three barbed columns raised to the sky. The contrast between these overpowering structures and the charm of the mosaic walls is really appealing.
11. Corniche
Doha Corniche is among the best places to visit in Qatar.
The Doha Corniche is a waterfront promenade that stretches for seven kilometers along Doha Bay in the Qatari capital, Doha. Annual celebrations of national holidays such as Qatar National Day and the country's Sports Day are centered on the Doha Corniche. It is a popular tourist and entertainment attraction within Qatar.
The Corniche is the place to visit and among the best places and attractions to visit in Qatar, one way or another, you will have to pass through it while touring the city. The Corniche used to be an empty stretch of walkway where the only visible edifice was the Sheraton Hotel, but development has increased in the 21st century with the construction of dozens of skyscrapers towards the north of the Corniche. The development of the region is part of the economic boom the country is experiencing and part of an effort to boost tourism, which was facilitated by the 2006 Asian Games.
Many of Doha's most famous landmarks are located along the Corniche, beginning with the Museum of Islamic Art and ending at Sheraton Park near the iconic pyramid-shaped Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resort.
One of the great sites beloved among walkers, cyclists and joggers is the Doha Corniche, an oceanfront promenade that rejuvenated Doha's beaches in the late 1970s and early 1980s. While it is a popular place to exercise at dawn, it also attracts different types of people who are looking for great vistas of the city skyline. During the day, you can appreciate the gorgeous colors of Doha Bay; In the evening, you can enjoy a stunning view of a magnificent sunset; And at night, you will be able to see the brilliant colors of the city lights shining from the calm waters.
12. Souq Waqif
Last on our list is Souq Waqif. Souq Waqif is among the best places to visit in Qatar as it has many recreational activities.
Souq Waqif is a souk (market) in Doha, in the State of Qatar. The market is famous for selling traditional clothes, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It is also home to dozens of restaurants and hookah lounges. Although it is at least a hundred years old, it was renovated in 2006 to preserve the traditional Qatari architectural style. It is often seen as the only permanent area of Doha that retains an authentic feel especially in terms of commerce, architecture and culture. The area is very popular with locals and expats alike (especially on weekends) as it offers multiple dining options in the same location.
Souq Waqif is located a few minutes away from the Corniche. Renowned as the social heart of Doha, Souq Waqif is a good place to shop, walk around, eat delicious foods, or just hang out in one of the cool local cafes. The site is usually bustling with visitors strolling the lanes to appreciate the architectural edifices and the many cultural shops offering everything from embroideries, spices, perfumes, and oud (exquisite incense made from agarwood). It is also a popular shopping site for unparalleled souvenirs for the people at home.
The market was established at least a century ago near the dry riverbed known as Wadi Msheireb. It was a gathering place where nomads and locals traded in a variety of goods, mainly 'super' livestock goods. 'Awesome' But as the boom boomed in the 1990s, the market declined and in 2003, most of it was destroyed in a fire. This event initiated a restoration program by the government in 2006, with the aim of preserving its architectural and historical identity. The first phase of the restoration was funded by Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his wife, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser. Buildings constructed after the 1950s have been demolished while older buildings have been renovated. The restoration was completed in 2008. Traditional heating methods are used by the use of wood and bamboo imported from different regions of Asia.
13. Falcon Market
This amazing new market is located next to Souq Waqif and is worth a tour simply because of the huge collection of gear on everything falcon related. There is even an outdoor area where you can watch the falcons being trained by their trainers several times a day. You can also enjoy a trip around the falconry showroom, where falcons rest on their feet. Although falcons come in different price ranges, don't forget that a well-trained falcon can cost more than a car.
14. Aspire Park
Aspire Park is also among the best places to visit in Qatar.
It is located in the Aspire Zone, in the southern Al-Baiea neighborhood in Doha, Qatar. It covers an area of 88 hectares and is the largest park in Doha. Aspire Park is a great place for family picnics outdoors while looking out at the Aspire Tower, especially at night. The park has various features such as beautiful fountains, children's playgrounds, and other fun features. It has the only lake in Qatar, a small hill, a coffee shop where different types of drinks can be purchased, and different types of trees, rare and common. Close by is the Aspire Tower, a 300-meter-tall modern hotel that served as a giant torch for the 15th Asian Games.
Aspire Park is one of the largest parks in the Gulf region and is an excellent landscape in Qatar. It remains in contrast to the typical desert landscape that you are used to witnessing in Qatar. It attracts a large number of tourists daily, especially during the weekends. Time and again you will see families strolling or taking picnics in the park's lush green atmosphere. The Torch Tower or Aspire Tower is another attraction of the park. It is an amazing 300m tall edifice that served as the Leviathan torch for the 15th Asian Games and today is a beautiful hotel. A tour inside is definitely worth it. You probably understand why this goes to the list of best places to visit in Qatar from the above mentioned.
15. Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village is located on the east bank within West Bay and the Pearl. Katara was born out of a vision to position Qatar as a cultural beacon for the arts, shining in the Middle East through theatre, music, literature, gatherings and performances. It organizes big events like the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, TEDxDoha, and the Ajyal Youth Film Festival. The edifices and facilities of the Cultural Village are intentionally randomized to look and feel like a traditional Qatari Al Fareej.
Katara Cultural Village is another best place to visit while in Qatar.
16. The Pearl Qatar
The Pearl is famous for its beauty and one of the best places in Qatar.
It is a fake artificial island located off the shore of the West Bay Lagoon area in Doha. It is notable for being the first land in Qatar that can be owned freehold by foreign nationals. The name comes from the place where the island was built, which was one of the main pearl diving sites in Qatar. Many will come here to buy things at the many upscale retail stores in the area, or simply stroll along the pretty boardwalk overlooking the marina lined with plenty of international cafes and restaurants.
17. Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar)
Also among the other best places to visit in Qatar is the Islamic Cultural Center, which is also familiar as FANAR is located in the Spiral Mosque near Souq Waqif. Al-Fanar operates as a free organization that aims to help non-Muslims become aware of and understand Islam and its culture through various activities such as performances, center trips, and even Arabic language courses. In fact, you can get to the gate for a cup of coffee and speak with one of the volunteers, who are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about Islam. Al Fanar is also near Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art, so you might want to visit these places while you are at it.
18. Sealine Beach Resort
The desert is of course one of the best tourist attractions and places to visit in Qatar. There are many desert leisure activities that you can enjoy while you are in Doha, and one of these activities can be enjoyed at Sealine Beach Resort. Sealine Beach Resort is an oasis of calm nestled amidst the sand dunes of the Arabian Desert caressed by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. While you are there, you can rent a dune buggy at the beach near the resort as well as go dune boarding, a popular game among both Qataris and tourists.
19. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Other top tourist attractions and among the best places to visit in Qatar are in the museum.
Located in Doha, the museum, the Arab Museum of Modern Art, presents an Arab side of modern and contemporary art, supports creativity and encourages new ideas. Museum started its journey in 2010 and is one of the most important cultural attractions in the country. The museum is spread over 5,500 square meters in a former school building and has more than 9,000 artworks. It has seven galleries on the upper floor to display the permanent collections while the atrium and five galleries are used for the rotating exhibition
The museum opened in December 2010 in a temporary building in Qatar Foundation's Education City in Doha, converted by French architect Jean-François Bodin. Mathaf translates to "museum". He collected the first collection of Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed Al Thani, and the Qatar Museums Authority provided the conditions for restoration as a public institution headed by Sheikha Al Mayassa Al Thani. Moroccan curator Abdallah Karroum has been museum director since 2013.
