Qatar Travel Guide and Tours

Souq Waqif is a historic market in Doha that prides itself on its traditional Arabic architecture. It features winding alleys lined with shops selling spices, perfumes, textiles, and handicrafts. There are also many art galleries, restaurants, and cafes to explore. 

Named “The Pearl” to pay tribute to Qatar’s pearl-diving heritage, this man-made island spans over four million square meters and features luxury residential developments, upscale shopping malls, and gourmet restaurants. Located within The Pearl is the Qanat Quartier, which is inspired by Venice with its pastel-colored buildings and canals. 

One of Doha’s most interesting spots, Katara Cultural Village is home to mosques, museums, art galleries, shops, and even a Greek-style amphitheatre. There are also events, festivals, and exhibitions throughout the year. 

The Museum of Islamic Art has one of the most extensive collections of Islamic art and a heritage library containing 21,000 books. The museum also hosts several cultural activities throughout the year. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed by the same architect behind the Louvre pyramid.

Designed by prolific architect Jean Nouvel, the National Museum of Qatar resembles the desert rose. The museum has comprehensive collections and exhibitions to help visitors learn about Qatar’s heritage and natural environment. The museum also includes the palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani, who is considered the father of modern Qatar.

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best-preserved examples of a pearl fishing and trading town in the Gulf region between the 18th to 19th centuries. Al Zubarah Fort is an important feature of this site, with one-meter-thick walls to fend off invaders. The site has ancient residential palaces and houses, mosques, fishermen’s huts, markets, and industrial areas. 

Khor Al-Adaid, also known as the “Inland Sea”, is located on the southeast coast of Qatar. Its unique landscape, flora, and fauna make it an interesting place to visit for nature lovers.

On the first day in Qatar, visit Souq Waqif, where you can shop for handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothes. You can also try traditional Qatari dishes at local restaurants or go for other cuisines. Next to Souq Waqif is the Gold Souq and Falcon Souq, which you can explore as well. 

After visiting the souqs, you can visit the National Museum of Qatar to learn about the country’s history, culture, and environment. You can end the day with a relaxing cruise on a traditional dhow.

Travel north of Doha to visit The Pearl and take a stroll on the bay. Here, you can visit Qanat Quartier, Medina Centrale, and Porto Arabia. After this, head to Gewan Island, either on foot or by taxi. At this new mixed-use residential and entertainment development, you can explore the Crystal Walkway, which is a climate-controlled walkway with shops and restaurants.

From Gewan Island, travel to Katara Cultural Village to enjoy the Arabian-inspired architecture, public art pieces, museums, and galleries. There may be shows or workshops that you can participate in. You can visit the Katara Mosque, Gold Mosque, Katara Hills, 21 High Street, and Al Thuraya Planetarium during your visit. 

In the morning, visit the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), which is famous for its impressive design and seafront location. You can take part in workshops and learn more about Islamic heritage here. Close to the museum is the MIA park, which is ideal if you’re visiting with young children. 

Afterwards, explore the Mina district, which used to be the Old Doha Port. It has many restaurants and offers great views of the Arabian Gulf and the city, and is well-known for its colorful buildings and cobbled streets. Pay a visit to Box Park and Flag Plaza while you’re here. 

Go for a half-day guided desert safari to the Inland Sea of Khor Al Adaid. You can go dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding during this tour and have a traditional Bedouin-style lunch at a desert camp.

Go for a tour to Qatar’s north, where you can visit the Al Zubarah archaeological site. Visit the Al Zubarah Fort, and see the remains of houses, buildings, and a market. Nearby, you can visit Al Jassasiya Rock Art Site and swim at Fuwarit Beach. On the way back, you can visit the city of Lusail and go shopping at Place Vendôme mall.  

You can spend your last day in Qatar shopping and dining at malls such as Villaggio Mall or golfing at the Doha Golf Club. Other options include visiting the Qatar National Library or Doha’s Fire Station Gallery. 

• Find out what the Qatar requirements for travel are, as citizens of over 102 countries are eligible for a visa-on-arrival.
• Visitors from certain countries need to apply for a visa before arriving in Qatar through the Hayya platform. 
• Only citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries do not need a visa to enter Qatar. 
• In the near future, travelers will be able to apply for the GCC Unified Visa. This multi-country Gulf visa will enable travelers to visit all six GCC countries with a single online application and facilitate borderless travel in the region. 

• The currency used in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). It’s advisable to keep some cash money in Doha to use at the souqs or to purchase small items. 

• You can get a local SIM card at the Hamad International Airport, official phone stores, or convenience stores. 

• When visiting Doha, use the metro, which is an efficient and affordable way to get around the city. There are three lines, and the trains arrive every six minutes.
• The Karwa Bus connects Doha to all major towns, while the Metrolink is the feeder service that shuttles passengers back and forth from metro stations.
• There are three Doha trams: Lusail Tram, Msheireb Tram, and the Education City Tram. 
• You can also book a Karwa taxi or use ride-hailing apps, such as Uber, to get around. 
• If you’re planning a trip to the desert or the outskirts of the city, you can rent a car. 

• Qatar is an extremely safe destination, and with its developed transport infrastructure, it’s easy to move around the city. 

• Doha has many top-line retail brands, world-class restaurants, and top-notch hotels, making it an ideal destination for luxury travelers. 
• At the same time, Qatar is suitable for budget travelers. Here’s why:
  • There are capsule hotels, guesthouses, and rooms on Airbnb that give access to kitchens.
  • Street food and small neighbourhood cafes offer affordable meal options, and traveling around with the metro is cost-effective. 
  • Many of the attractions are either free or only charge a small entrance fee.

• Qatar offers many adventure activities that are specific to its desert ecology, such as dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding.

• Many of the museums were designed by prolific architects and have a wide range of artifacts and art on display.