Best Tourist Attractions To Visit In Qatar

From the biggest parks in middle east to some top places to visit in Qatar, there are several options of things to do. In fact, Qatar is most popular for its culture and several of sightseeing spots.

The State of Qatar is a sovereign and independent state in the Middle East, occupying a peninsula that juts into the Arabian Gulf. Since its complete independence from Britain in 1971, Qatar has emerged as one of the world’s most important producers of oil and gas. It is an Islamic State whose laws and customs follow the Islamic tradition. The State of Qatar is a peninsula located amid the western coast of the Arabian Gulf. The peninsular is approximately 100km across and extends 200km into the Gulf.

Here are the best places to visit in Qatar:

1. The Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art is a museum on one end of the seven-kilometer-long (4.3 mi) Corniche in Doha, Qatar. As per the architect I. M. Pei’s specifications, the museum is built on an island off an artificial projecting peninsula near the traditional dhow harbor. A purpose-built park surrounds the edifice on the eastern and southern facades while two bridges connect the southern front facade of the property with the main peninsula that holds the park. The western and northern facades are marked by the harbor showcasing the Qatari seafaring past.

The Museum of Islamic Art is situated in the bosom of a frame of tranquil, translucent aqua. As you go forward you will pass a bridge across the water and consider yourself being drawn in by the wonderful emergence of the museum. The white edifice has acute, boxed endings, and remains alone on the water. In the sunlight, the museum seems to dazzle with glow and its compelling atmosphere is augmented. When you walk inside, you will be stunned by the complication of its interior, which strongly contrasts with the plainness of its exterior.

2. Doha Fort

Al Koot Fort is another best place to visit in Qatar. It most commonly known as the Doha Fort, is a historical military fortress located in the heart of Doha, Qatar’s capital city. It was built in 1927 by Sheikh Abdulla bin Qassim Al Thani, better known as Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1913 until 1949, after Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, Sheikh Abdullah’s brother, abdicated in favor of him. The fort was later converted into a museum.

Qatari traditional handicrafts, products and photos of daily life with illustrations are housed in the fort. Exhibits and artworks include handicrafts, gypsum and wooden ornaments, fishing equipment and boats, historical photos and paintings including oil paintings of craft workers and daily life.

This military castle is situated in the bosom of Doha and was constructed in 1927. This fort was at last altered into a museum, and now has displays that feature wooden decorations, ancient fishing ingredients, oil paintings, and old photographs. The fort will make for a delightful day out if you feel interested to understand Qatar’s history and the lifestyles of its inhabitants a little better. But the most magnificent element of this castle is its outer part. It is illustrious and awesome and creates a feeling of being encompassed by something absolutely powerful. This makes for completely the feeling. You will like the view of this stunningly frightening edifice.

3. Barzan Towers

Among another best places to visit in Qatar is Barzan Towers.

Barzan Towers, also known as the Umm Salal Mohammed Fort Towers is among the best tourist attraction in Qatar. Barzan Towers are watchtowers that were built in the late 19th century and renovated in 1910 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani. They are located at the southern side of the defensive system established at the end of the 19th century and start of the 20th century to protect the ‘rawdat’, a valley where precious rainwater is collected when it flows down from higher ground. In Arabic “barzan” means “high place”.

The buildings were restored in 2003. The towers measure 16 metres (52.49 ft) high. The fort links to two other fortified buildings towards the west and another tower towards the north. Barzan Towers may have been built near the sea to keep an observant eye on pearl divers, as a look-out for approaching ships, and as an observatory for keeping track of the moon. The Barzan Towers have been rebuilt with features such as air-conditioners.

The Barzan Towers feature glorious architecture, but to enjoy the total taste of their beauty, you will have to make your way to the peak.  Reaching on top, satisfy your eyes on the sights. The edifice itself is totally awesome and lovely in its own way. Don’t forget to take a camera; the spot is famous for being a good place for photography.

4. The National Museum of Qatar

The National Museum of Qatar is a national museum in Doha, Qatar. The museum opened to the public on 28 March 2019. The building, which was constructed in place of the original Qatar National Museum, was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who got his inspiration from the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar. The museum site includes Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani’s Palace, which is the heart of the Qatari national identity.

The National Museum of Qatar is so intricate in its design that anybody can thought it mistakenly an origami masterpiece. The white edifice has edgy and bending edges and, on an architectural level, seems nearly unattainable.

The building is at present under construction and is slowly making the architect’s astounding design a reality. The museum’s design is stimulated by the desert rose; a natural wonder formed by crystals in particular climates. The architect believed that the desert rose illustrate the course of time, and craved to materialize this idea in the design of the edifice.

5. Inland Sea Beach ( Mesaieed )

Inland Sea is also among the best places to visit in Qatar. Most tourist love this place which is about 40 minutes from Sealine Beach. The amazing part of it is, you’ll be driving through he desert to reach the destination

Khor Al Adaid, which also goes by the name ‘Inland Sea’ and is one of the top most destination’s in Qatar, for visitors and those that reside in Qatar, and yet, many who live in Qatar are still unaware of this extraordinary landscape that is both scenic and breathtakingly beautiful. For those who are familiar with the place it is a haven of tranquility, serenity and relaxation, and is nature in it’s untouched and purest form. Khor Al Adaid is a fantastic place to visit in Qatar and spend the day with friends and family and also a great camping ground for those who are a little more adventurous and want to experience desert camping at its best and most natural.

Inland Sea (Khawr al Udayd) is a sea inlet of the Persian Gulf that straddles the border between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Due to low rainfall and high temperatures, the water is saltier than the nearby gulf.

The remoteness of the Inland Sea is immediately palpable upon leaving Mesaieed, the nearest settlement. The comfort of driving on paved roads gives way to the thrills of navigating across rolling dunes and salt flats, which are sometimes interrupted by rough patches that resemble gravel. A visit during high tide means seeing the dunes gently sloping into the sea. Low tide, on the other hand, reveals a terrain covered by microbial mats that draw interesting patterns within the crystal clear water of the inlet.

6. Al Jassasiya Carvings

The Al Jassasiya site is another best place to visit and one of the most mysterious and tourist attractive sites 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 in stone. Carvings can be found at other sites, however those found at Al-Jassasiya are considered the most extraordinary in terms of both their quality and their state of preservation. An astounding 900 glyphs can be found at Al-Jassasiya. Shapes vary from geometric patterns to representations of animals and boats found on two parallel ‘jebels,’ which are outcrops of fossil and sand dunes.

Al Jassasiya is one of the most crooked sites in Qatar. Its secret lies in its petroglyphs–tricky and impenetrable carvings in the stone that are unbelievably exceptional. People believed that these carvings are some sort of symbol, and they feature figures that illustrate animals, boats, and daisies. Many of the shapes and symbols are not identifiable, and their true meanings remain indistinguishable. It is believed that these symbols are hundreds of years old, making their conservation really remarkable.

7. Al- Zubarah Fortress

Another most amazing place to visit in Qatar is Al Zubarah.

Al Zubarah Fort, Zubarah Fort for short, lies in the middle of nowhere really, in the municipality of Madinat ash Shamal in Qatar. The nearest town is Al Ruwais, some 25 km to the north. It is the most iconic desert fort of Qatar. It gets its name from the nearby archaeological site of Al Zubarah town, which is a Unesco World Heritage site. This is a deserted ruined walled town dating back to the 17th century. The town, once a thriving pearl fishing and trading port which had its own fort called Qalat Murair, was destroyed in 1811. It was resettled in the late 1820’s but on a smaller scale.

Al Zubara Fort was originally built by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani in 1938 to serve as a Coast Guard station, although some utter that it was built to serve as a police station. It was later renovated into a museum to display diverse exhibits and artworks, most especially for contemporarily topical archaeological findings.

In the center of nowhere, sand extends ahead of you for miles before this grim castle comes into sight. The fortress’ charm lies in its seclusion, and you can reach it on camel-back at an unhurried pace. As you stand under this castle, you will feel a sense of being attached to a sensational and potential history. To assist you to realize the history of the fortress better, Al-Zubarah often holds displays of the site. This castle will have you feeling slighted; you will feel that there is something amazing about understanding your own impertinence. Al Zubara Fort by no explaination is among the best places and tourist attractions to visit in Qatar.

8. The Doha Desert

The Doha desert lies in most cases intact and should be a portion of your tour to Qatar. Very little is as wonderful as miles and miles of primitive, glossy sand. The charm of the desert sights will leave you feeling tiny and in awe of the immensity of this strange landscape. The sand is compact, the sand dunes are revolving, and this fantastic desert landscape can be tasted on any desert safari day. Rev your engines and stir up the dirt to experience the glamour of the desert directly.

9. State Grand Mosque

The state Mosque Qatar is one of the largest mosques in Qatar that you must visit and has been renamed after the great Muslim theologian, reformer and pioneer of the 18th century “Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab”. Ibn Abdul Wahab (1703-1792) propagated for removing negatives and undesirable innovations in Islam. He admonished Muslims to follow only the original values of Islam as typified by the Salaf and to discard exploitations introduced by bidah (heretic innovations) in his teachings.

The state mosque is located in the Jubailat district of Doha just south of the Corniche, High on a hill overlooking the Qatar Sports Club in Doha’s West Bay. Constructed in the first half of 20th century, the mosque features an imposing building with many domes and was built with a fascinating mix of both traditional Arabic and modern architecture which includes sparkling half-moons, a minaret and large open outdoor spaces. The grand mosque has a very fresh feel with crispy lines besides it preserves some of the traditional Islamic architectural elements and with its distinguishing doomed roof it will be a stunning example of architectural magnificence and landmark construction in Doha.

“Grand” is an appropriate narration of this mosque. The outer part is cozily frightening, with the outlook of a secure fortress, while the inner part is awesome. The domed roof is high above your head, with rock white pillars throughout and simple candelabra hanging above you. This space itself is attractively massive, and you will become spellbound by the architecture. At night, the mosque’s outer part is specifically beautiful, as it is enlightened with purple lights.

10. Katara Mosque

The Katara Mosque is located in the middle of the Katara Cultural Village site, where some of the stunningly beautiful architecture in the Middle East is just 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 glimpse of red and yellow. You will be blown away by the tricky designs and the equally complicated interior. Consorting the mosque are three spiked columns elevating for the sky. The contrast between these overcoming structures and the charm of the mosaic walls is really attractive.

11. Corniche

Another among the best places to visit in Qatar is Doha Corniche.

The Doha Corniche is a waterfront promenade extending for seven kilometers along Doha Bay in the capital city of Qatar, Doha. Annual celebrations of national holidays such as Qatar National Day and National Sports Day are centered on the Doha Corniche. It is a popular tourist and leisure attraction within Qatar.

Corniche is the must visit place and among the best place and tourist attractions to visit in Qatar, one way or another you will have to pass through it while in city tour. The Corniche used to be an empty stretch of walkway in which the only visible edifice was a Sheraton Hotel, but development has increased in the 21st century with dozens of skyscrapers being built towards the north of the Corniche. The area’s development is part of the economic boom the country has been experiencing and part of an effort to promote tourism, which was facilitated by the 2006 Asian Games.

Many of Doha’s most iconic landmarks are found along the Corniche, beginning from around the Museum of Islamic Art and ending at the Sheraton Park near the distinctive pyramid-shaped Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.

One of the greatest beloved sites among walkers, cyclists, and joggers, the Doha Corniche is an oceanfront promenade that revamped Doha’s shoreline in the late 1970s and early 1980s. While it is a famous place for exercising in the dawn, it attracts various types of people who are seeking for remarkable sights of the city’s skyline. During the day, you can appreciate the unbelievable colors of Doha’s bay; in the evening, you can enjoy a stunning view of a fantastic sunset; and at night, you will be able to behold the wonderful colors of the city’s lights gleaming off the tranquil water.

12. Souq Waqif

Another in our list is Souq Waqif. Souq Waqif is among the best places to visit in Qatar which has so many entertainment activities.

Souq Waqif  is a marketplace (souq) in Doha, in the state of Qatar. The souq is noted for selling traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It is also home to dozens of restaurants and Shisha lounges. Although it dates back at least a hundred years, it was renovated in 2006 to conserve its traditional Qatari architectural style. It is often perceived to be the only lasting area in Doha that retains an authentic feel notably in reference to its commerce, architecture and culture. The area is very popular with locals and immigrants alike (especially on weekends) as it offers multiple dining options in the same location.

The Souq Waqif is situated only a few minutes away from the Corniche. Famous as the social heart of Doha, Souq Waqif is a good place to shop, wander, eating delicious foods or just passing time idly in one of the fascinating local cafes. The site is usually congested with visitors strolling around the lanes to appreciate the architectural edifices and the many cultural stores offering everything from embroideries, spices, perfumes, and oud (fantastic incense made of agarwood). It’s also a famous site to shop for unparalleled souvenirs for the people back at home.

The souq was founded at least a century ago in proximity of the dry river bed known as Wadi Musheireb. It was a gathering place where Bedouins and locals would trade a variety of goods, primarily livestock goods. However with the boom in prosperity in the 1990s, the Souq fell in decline and in 2003, most of it was destroyed in a fire. This event initiated a restoration program by the government in 2006, with the purpose of preserving its architectural and historical identity. The first phase of restoration was funded by the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah al Thani and his wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. Buildings constructed after the 1950s were demolished whereas older structures were refurbished. The restoration was completed in 2008. Traditional heating methods are employed by utilizing wood and bamboo imported from various areas of Asia.

13. Falcon Souq

This striking new souq is situated just next to the Souq Waqif and is worth a tour simply because of the huge array of pieces of equipment in everything falcon-related. There’s even an outdoor area where you can watch the Falcons being trained by their trainers a few times a day. You can also enjoy a trip around the falcon showroom, where the Falcons relax on their perches. Although the Falcons come in various ranges of prices, don’t forget that a well-trained falcon could cost more than a car.

14. Aspire Park

Aspire Park is also among another best places to visit in Qatar.

It is located in Aspire Zone, in the southern district of Baaya in Doha, Qatar. It covers an area of 88 hectares and it is Doha’s biggest park. Aspire Park is a great place to have picnics and family outdoors while overlooking the Aspire Tower, especially at night. The park has different features such as beautiful fountains, playgrounds for children, and other fun features. It has the only lake in Qatar, a small hill, a coffee shop where different kinds of beverages can be bought, and various kinds of trees, both rare and common. Located close by is the Aspire Tower, a 300-meter modern hotel, which served as a giant torch for the 15th Asian Games.

Aspire park is one of the biggest parks in the Gulf area and is one of Qatar’s excellent landscapes. It remains as a high contrast to the typical desert landscapes you’ll be used to watching in Qatar. It draws a good number of tourists daily, specifically during the weekends. You’ll once and again see families strolling around or doing picnics in the lush green atmosphere of the park. Torch Tower or the Aspire Tower is another attraction of the park. It is a surprising 300m high edifice which served as a leviathan torch for the 15th Asian Games and is today a lovely hotel. A tour inside is surely worth it. You probably understand why this goes to the list of the best places to visit in Qatar from above mentioned.

15. Katara Cultural Village

The Katara Cultural Village is situated at the eastern bank within West Bay and The Pearl. Katara was born out of a vision to position the State of Qatar as a cultural lighthouse of art, shining in the Middle East through theatre, music, literature, gatherings, and displays.  It organizes big events like the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, the TEDxDoha, and the Ajyal Youth Film Festival. The edifices and facilities in the cultural village are knowingly rendered randomly to look and feel like a conventional Qatari Al Fareej.

The Katara Cultural Village is another best place to visit while in Qatar.

16. The Pearl Qatar

The Pearl is known for its beauty and its the among best places in Qatar.

It is a phony, artificial island situated offshore of Doha’s West Bay Lagoon area. It’s familiar as the first land in Qatar to be attainable for freehold proprietary by foreign nationals. The name comes from the place in which the island was built on, which was one of Qatar’s former main pearl diving sites. Many would come here to buy things in the many high-end retail stores in the area, or simply wandering along the lovely boardwalk overlooking the marina filled with plenty of international cafes and restaurants.

17. Islamic Cultural Center (FANAR)

The Islamic Cultural Centre is also among another best places to visit in Qatar, also familiar as FANAR is situated in the spiral mosque close to Souq Waqif. FANAR performs as a gratuitous organization that is intended to help non-Muslims realize and be more aware of Islam and its culture through different activities such as displays, journeys of the center and even Arabic courses. As a matter of fact, you can access the gateway for a cup of coffee and speak with one of the volunteers, who are more than glad to reply any questions you may have asked about Islam. FANAR is also near to Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art, so you may want to visit these places while you’re at it.

18. Sealine Beach Resort

One of the best tourist attractions and places to visit in Qatar is of course the desert. There are many desert-based entertainment activities you can enjoy while in Doha, and one of those can be enjoyed at the Sealine Beach Resort. The Sealine Beach Resort is an oasis of serenity situated amidst the sand dunes of the Arabian Desert caressed by the blue waters of the Arabian sea.  While you’re there, you can hire a dune buggy on the beach close to the resort as well as going for dune slogging, which is a popular game among both Qataris and tourists.

19. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Another best tourist attraction and among the best places to visit in Qatar in Mathaf.

Located in Doha, The Mathaf, Arab Museum of Modern Art gives an Arab aspect on modern and contemporary art and backs creativity and encourages new ideas. Mathaf commenced its journey in 2010 and is one of the most important cultural drawn in the country.  The museum spread over 5,500 square meter area in a former school building and it has more than 9,000 artworks. It has seven galleries in the upper floor for permanent collection displays while the atrium and five galleries are used for periodic exhibition

Mathaf opened in December 2010 in a temporary building in the Qatar Foundation’s Education City in Doha, transformed by the French architect Jean-François Bodin. Mathaf translates to “museum”. The initial collection was gathered by Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed Al Thani, and QMA provided the conditions of conservation as a public institution chaired by Sheikha Al-Mayassa Al Thani. Moroccan curator Abdellah Karroum is the director of Mathaf since 2013.

20. MIA Park

MIA Park is among another best places in Qatar situated nearby the Museum of Islamic Art. Here you can pass your idle time by wandering, participating in different activities or only stare at the Doha skyline. This park is ideal for a perfect family trip. Here you can take a stroll and your children can run around in complete safety.

There are a lot of things to do, tourist attractions and best places to visit in Qatar. In our post we have only mention the best which you can experience what Qatar has to offer. Use the comment section below to add more things to do and best places in Qatar.