Most Popular Places and Activities to Explore in Qatar 

The Corniche

The glamorous Corniche is a palm tree-lined promenade stretching seven kilometres along Doha’s coast. It’s an amazing place to people-watch, stroll, and admire the city’s dashing skyline.

Villaggio Mall

No matter what your budget may be, Qatar has a shopping experience to suit it. Souq Waqif in Doha is a maze bursting with vendors selling spices and

souvenirs, while the upscale Villaggio Mall is a world of complete luxury!

The Pearl

Even though it is located in Doha’s most prestigious neighbourhood, you do not have to splash major bundles of cash to enjoy The Pearl. With Venetian

waterways slithering through the pedestrian-friendly plazas, the place is great for a gawp.

Desert Safari

No trip to the Middle East is complete without a day of dune bashing in the deserts. Hold on tight as you off-road and drift down steep sand dunes.

Museum of Islamic Art

Go back thousands of years via the artistic heritage at the Museum of Islamic Art. This treasure trove of exquisite calligraphy, textiles and artworks is free to visit. The views from here across Doha Bay are to die for.

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, in the Katara Cultural Village, is the heart of Qatar’s creative scene. It houses outdoor theatres, art galleries and an array of live events that take place throughout the year.

The archaeological remains surrounding Al Zubarah Fort date back to the 18th century. The area was once a major hub for pearl harvesting but now sits

abandoned as Qatar’s first ever UNESCO World Heritage site.

Souq Waqif

The people of Qatar take their food seriously! From the scrumptious to the downright spectacular, prepare your tastebuds to be bedazzled by the country’s cuisine.

For an authentic dining experience, head to the local marketplace. In Doha, Souq Waqif has bustling restaurants serving everything from fine-dining feasts to humble snacks. A quieter alternative is Al Wakrah Souq. Along with Arabic cuisine, you’ll also find Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian restaurants. Or, you can play it safe with international dishes at sushi dens, pizza houses and Thai palaces.

The Local Cuisine

Food is meant to be shared in Qatar. Order whatever sounds interesting and dive in with your friends – and remember to be adventurous! Dinner isn’t just an opportunity to fill your appetite but also a time to be entertained. Set up camp in the desert for a night and enjoy the traditional music and dancing as you dig into the local fare.

Qatari cuisine is heavily influenced by Arabic and Indian flavours. It is rich in spices, exotic ingredients and slow-cooking techniques. Here are some famous dishes you should know about:

• Let’s start with Qatar’s national dish, Machboos. The dish is strikingly similar to Indian biryani. It’s a fragrant rice dish usually featuring marinated meat, spicy tomato dip and a spritz of lemon.
• Many restaurants serve fresh catch from the sea, such as grilled lobster, flaky sea bream and loaded seafood platters that might tip your table.
• Another piece of typical Qatari cooking is a Saloona – a slow-cooked stew loaded with beef and vegetables. Complete the experience by ordering a side of bread or rice to soak up the savoury broth.
• Tickle your sweet tooth with a generous dose of luqaimat for dessert. These dumplings are deep-fried and are often flavoured using honey, cardamom and saffron.
• The quality of Arabic coffee is well-known. However, don’t forget to try spiced Karak tea. It’s a staple sold by street hawkers and vendors. It is often simmered for hours and feels like a creamy hug in a mug.

Nightlife in Qatar

For most of the year in Qatar, life begins after the sun disappears. As the lights begin to shimmer, its people make their way to the assortment of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to enjoy bites, music, and dance. Some of the famous spots are:

• Jazz Club

Acts as a gathering place for the city’s music fans, featuring everything from classical jazz to pop. Vibe to the music while enjoying a choice of small bites, burgers, steaks and drinks.

• The Backyard

Facing the luscious gardens of the Sheraton Grand Hotel, The Backyard is the go-to spot for guests to unwind, listen to good music, and catch up with friends.

• B-Lounge

The B-Lounge hosts an assortment of mixology and culinary events, celebrity guest DJs, and entertainment, along with breathtaking marina views, to provide an unforgettable experience to please all tastes.

Because the area experiences warm winters and very hot summers, we recommend you pack light clothing, sunglasses, a sunhat, and plenty of sunscreen October to March is the best time to visit Qatar, although if you are a person who loves the heat then you can plan a visit any time of the year.