A Peninsular Arab Country located in western Asia, Qatar promises so much more than just a usual holiday experience. Travelers coming to this part of the world can expect to see a number of attractions. From gorgeous shorelines and landmarks to some of the finest hotels and malls, there's a whole lot more to look forward to on your travels in Qatar.
Now here's a thing, Qatar is set to host the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the country is gearing up for the tournament. So, if you're a football fan who's about to travel all the way to Qatar to support your nation, there's not just football waiting for you but also many gems that the country possesses.
So here's our take on some of the best places to visit in Qatar that you can explore while enjoying the spectacle of the world cup in 2022.
Top 6 Tourist Attractions in Qatar Places You Can Explore On Your Travels In Qatar
The list below features the places that are both known and hidden in Qatar, take a look.
1. Museum Of Islamic Art
Home to one of the largest collections of Islamic Art in the world, the Museum of Islamic Art or the MIA is the place you've got to explore on your travels in Qatar. The museum has a collection that has been drawn from 3 different continents of the world and belongs to the time between the 7th and 19th centuries.
It has been designed by the well-renowned I.M. Pei and is a structural marvel in itself. The museum occupies its own Island and appears to flow on water from my angles. The best about the structure is that it is made of limestone and throws a reflection on the waters. There is a terrace from where travelers can see a beautiful view of the Corniche.
As for its collection, the Islamic artifacts that the museum has are amongst the oldest in the world. Just goes to show the kind of role this museum is playing in preserving the complexity and tradition of Islamic Art. So why not head over to this place and explore its beauty while you're on your travels in Qatar?
Suggested Read: A Take On The Top Museums In Qatar
2. Souq Waqif
Built on an ancient trading site and one of the most iconic places to visit in Qatar, Souq Waqif reminds of the old-world charms of Qatar and almost compels travelers to come and explore it. As history has it, this was a trading site where animals and other equipment were traded for a nomadic way of life.
With its traditional Qatari buildings and restaurants around the area that serve authentic Qatari dishes, this is the place you've got to explore. Tourists get diverse shopping options as well. From jewelry and handloom products to clothing and other traditional showpieces, Souq Waqif has everything.
In fact, what is more exciting is that there are many restaurants that provide outdoor seating for you to sit and enjoy the cuisines while staring at the Corniche. So why not head over to this iconic site on your trip to Qatar?
3. Museum Of Islamic Art Park
Are you someone who likes to spend time in calm places? Well, the MIA park is a perfect place for you then. One of the top Doha attractions that usually get thousands of travelers every year, the views of the Museum of Islamic Art Park speak for themselves.
It has the museum on one side while the beautiful sea on the other. The best part? The MIA Park is a perfect spot owing to its lush green gardens, and scenic views all around. There are many cultural and music events that take place in the park year-round.
Travelers even get an option to explore the MIA Bazaar while the kids get a separate playing area for themselves. So why not spend some peaceful time with your family here?
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4. Doha Corniche
One of the best places to spend your evenings in Doha, Qatar, Corniche is a perfect spot for those who wish to get the mesmerizing view of the sunset in the city. The 7km long walkway that runs along the Doha bay attracts thousands of tourists who come to spend time walking or cycling at the Corniche.
Watching the sunset while you grab a bite or two from the nearby eateries is everything you ask from a family trip, right? Well, the Doha Corniche gives you that privilege. What else? In case you wish to see the city's skyline, this is the place that offers you that.
Tourists can rent a yacht at the Corniche or pay for a tour that takes them on the waters at night. But hang on, there's more to it. Travelers, while gazing at the city's skyline, can enjoy a meal during the tour as well, cooked by the On-board chef and served by your private waiter. So, why not treat yourself with a luxury experience like this?
Suggested Read: A Take On The Top Adventure Activities In Doha
5. Imam Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque
If you're on a trip to Qatar and fail to visit any mosque, trust me you're missing the important part. Being the national mosque of Qatar and one of the most elegantly designed structures in the country, the Imam Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque has a capacity for 30,000 worshippers in its white prayer hall which is as grand as it gets.
The mosque is home to dozens of domes, chandeliers and gives an enormous fort-like feel to the worshippers. However, in case you're in your travels in Qatar and thinking of visiting the mosque, well, there are no visits allowed in the middle of prayer times, and special permission is required in advance before you visit the mosque which is generally given through local travel agencies in the area. So, anyone who's willing to pay a visit to the mosque has to make a booking well in advance.
6. Katara Beach
Done with the scorching heat of Doha? Fancy a swim while staying in the city? Well, how about visiting the well-renowned Katara beach? One of the most popular Qatar tourist attractions today and widely recognized for its watersports, this is a beach that stretches to a distance of 1.5 km at the Katara Cultural Village and offers a perfect spot of swimming in Qatar.
The beach has a playing area for kids along with inflatable playing structures that can only be got by purchasing a day pass at a nominal fee. Notably, though, the visitors coming here need to pay special attention to the rules of the beach.
Women cannot swim unless they are covered while men are not allowed to swim if they wear Speedos. Speaking of the activities available, visitors can enjoy water sports like parasailing and wakeboarding at the beach which makes it for a perfect getaway around the city.
Now here's a thing, we know about the top 6 attractions that certainly inspire travelers to explore Qatar. Let's discuss the different ways by which you can reach the country.
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How To Reach Qatar?
Reaching Qatar isn't such a hassle now. The recently opened Hamad International Airport runs International arrivals and departures. Being one of the largest transit gateways for overseas travelers, Qatar is well-connected with virtually all top tourist destinations around the world.
Although there are no tourist waterways or rail networks by which the travelers can reach the country, traveling by air remains an option.
Traveling By Air
Travelers can book cheap flights to Qatar without any hassle and reach the Hamad International Airport, from where they can either head to the heart of Doha or drive for another few kilometers to reach Al-Khor depending on their choice of travel.
Qatar is a country that promises all the thrills, peace, and fun you expect on a trip. There are numerous attractions in the country that attract travelers to come here and explore. As for the ones mentioned above, these are the attractions that feature amongst the top ones besides many others.
So if you're planning a trip to Qatar, make sure to add these Qatar tourist attractions mentioned in your list and embrace what this country has to offer.
FAQs
Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar, and Katara Cultural Village are amongst the finest attractions in Doha.
Doha is famous for its mosques, modern buildings, and a number of hotels and shopping spots that are in the city.
From the travel point of view, Qatar is widely known for its rich cultural landmarks and fine hospitality that is as good as it gets.
Yes, Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world backed by its third largest natural gas and oil has reserves in the world.
Yes, Qatar is, in fact, one of the safest countries in the world. Its crime rate is low and violent crimes are a rare phenomenon in the country.
