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During summer in Qatar, outdoor air-conditioned destinations dominate and people enjoy these destinations forgetting the heat of summer. With the arrival of the winter season, the most beautiful time arrives when it’s best to explore the vibrant destinations in the country and enjoy many activities.
Qatar is home to extraordinarily beautiful outdoor destinations where people shop, dine, stroll, and enjoy activities during the cooler months. These destinations offer seafront dining areas, winter theme parks, activities, and more. Read below to learn about the best destination to visit during winter in Qatar:
Old Doha Port
Close to the heart of Doha, just to the right of Doha Corniche, lies the popular Mina District of Old Doha Port—a must-visit for those who appreciate photogenic spots in the city. The pastel-colored buildings beautifully contrast with the turquoise sea, giving the Mina District a vibrant Santorini vibe. The area features colorful, unique buildings housing shops, cafes, and restaurants. As a pedestrian-friendly seafront destination with charming cobblestone streets and ample parking, it’s easily accessible by car.
During the cooler months, Mina District is a popular destination to see seagulls and feed them. You can also see the cruise ships at The Terminal and enjoy breakfast with sea views at the restaurants and cafes. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Dhow Boat rides for just QAR 35.
Location: Old Doha Port
Instagram: @olddohaport
To know all the details about Old Doha Port, click here.
Al Maha Island
A shining star in Lusail City, the glittering Al Maha Island is a popular winter destination as it hosts the Lusail Winter Wonderland. Located across the Lusail Marina promenade and linked to the mainland by a causeway, Al Maha Island is a dream destination to visit, especially during the cooler months, as it comes alive with festivities.
Starting with the Season 3 opening of Lusail Winter Wonderland in October, the festivities continue with the Roaming Circus in November, and in December, beautiful winter decorations & celebrations for Qatar National Day and New Year’s Eve.
Al Maha Island is known for its casual and high-end eateries with seafront views and outdoor seating like no other.
Location: Lusail Marina Corniche, Lusail
Instagram: @almaha.island
To know all the details about Al Maha Island, click here.
Aspire Park
Aspire Park in Doha is ideal for picnics, strolls, or bird-watching. The park features a serene lake, playgrounds, jogging tracks, and workout equipment, and is surrounded by world-class sports venues. Visitors can enjoy diverse dining options, making it a popular spot for both families and fitness enthusiasts. During the cooler months, the park is a favorite spot for everyone in Qatar.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: Aspire Zone, Baaya
Lusail Boulevard
In the heart of Lusail, the shining star of Qatari Diar’s developments – Lusail Boulevard – stands as a vibrant hub and a living legacy of the memories from the Qatar World Cup 2022. Featuring stunning architecture, shops, entertainment venues, restaurants, and cafes, as well as pedestrian and cycling lanes, Lusail Boulevard truly comes alive during Qatar’s winter months. With dynamic lighting, décor exhibitions, and live performances, it transforms into a festive destination, offering endless entertainment and delicious dining options.
Lusail Boulevard can be visited any time of the day or night. For breakfast, the earliest time for a restaurant to open is at 6 AM. At night most restaurants and cafes are open till midnight.
Location: Lusail Boulevard
Instagram: @lusailboulevard
To know all the details about Lusail Boulevard, click here.
The Pearl, Qatar
In one line, Pearl Island is best described as Qatar’s Riviera-style island offering unique lifestyle & retail experiences. The Pearl Island is divided into ten distinct and architecturally themed areas so that each area has its character and provides a different experience. The most popular areas of Pearl island are Medina Centrale, Porto Arabia, Qanat Quartier, and Viva Bahriya.
Qanat Quartier is straight out of a photograph from Venice! Visitors can enjoy many restaurants and cafes with views of the canal in between the colorful buildings. Visitors can also enjoy cruising through the beautiful canals of Qanat Quartier and the vast Porto Arabia waters. Medina Centrale is an outdoor entertainment, dining and leisure hub of the island, and is quite popular for its exceptional offerings and experiences.
Instagram: @thepearlqatar
To know all the details about The Pearl, Qatar, click here.
Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village is made like a village that has greenery, modern buildings, and cultural elements all around. It has everything, from a beach, high-end hotel & resort, restaurants to edutainment, luxury shopping, and a food drive-in.
It is a popular attraction close to Doha, sitting on the waterfront just a few kilometers north of Al Dafna (West Bay). With a staggering array of cultural venues, including art galleries, and public art restaurants, Katara Cultural Village offers a potent mix of tradition and modernism.
Location: Katara Cultural Village
Instagram: @kataraqatar
Nearest Metro Station: Katara itself is supported by the Doha Metro Katara station (red line).
To know all the details about Katara Cultural Village, click here.
Lusail Marina Promenade
Starting from the Google Maps location tag ‘’Lusail Marina’’ and up to the Google Maps location tag ‘’Lusail Walk’’, Lusail Marina Promenade has a lot to offer to its visitors. From scenic views, a peaceful waterfront walkway, green and sandy play and exercise areas, colorful fountains, cafes, the Lusail Night Market, and more, a walk in Lusail Marina Promenade is surely something you will remember.
It has paved walkways, bicycling paths, and exercise areas to aid runners, cyclists and fitness enthusiasts. For children, two unique wooden play areas are set on the promenade. In the middle, the promenade has a waterfront plaza just before the famous Katara Towers building. This area is lit with lights, an I (Heart) Lusail statue, and water fountains.
Al Wakrah Old Souq
Away from the capital city, set on a public beach, Al Wakrah Old Souq is similar to Souq Waqif of Doha in concept but quite different in terms of surroundings and vibe. It is located in Al Wakrah City, the second oldest city in Qatar. The Souq mixes tranquility and beautiful sea views with a traditional setup.
During the cooler months, the Souq becomes alive at all times, especially during the day at breakfast hours as it has many restaurants and cafes with delicious breakfast.
Location: Al Wakra
Instagram: @souqalwakra_qa/
To know all the details about Al Wakrah Old Souq, click here
MIA Park
Adjacent to the museum you will notice a huge park that stretches to a length that makes a C-shaped path. Let’s take the museum as one point of the C-shaped path and 7 sculptors by Richard Serra as the other point. MIA Park is a 25-hectare (62-acre) public space on the waterfront of Doha.
MIA Park offers a scenic space for picnics, sunset walks, and family-friendly activities. With stunning views of Doha’s West Bay, the park features playgrounds, bicycle rentals, and several public artworks, including Richard Serra’s sculpture, 7. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments at the MIA Café, which is a popular seafront cafe in Doha.
Msheireb Downtown Doha
Located in the heart of Doha, Msheireb Downtown Doha isn’t your ordinary city district. As the world’s first fully sustainable downtown regeneration project, it offers a unique glimpse into Doha’s ambitious future while paying homage to its rich heritage. Adjacent to the iconic Amiri Diwan and the bustling Souq Waqif, this area stands as a testament to modern architectural brilliance inspired by traditional Qatari aesthetics.
Fans of cozy cafes and coffee will rejoice here as Msheireb Downtown is home to some of the best coffee shops in Doha along with exceptional interiors. Msheireb Downtown Doha also houses many restaurants with cuisines from all over the world.
Location: Msheireb Downtown Doha
Instagram: @msheirebproperties
To know all the details about Msheireb Downtown Doha, click here.
Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is the heart of Doha, a center of attraction, and undoubtedly the top place to visit in Qatar. It is a century-old heritage market renovated in 2004 to preserve it best for the ultimate Arab traditional experience. As you walk inside the souq’s curving, narrow alleyways you will experience that you are somewhere back in time and surrounded by the living Qatari heritage. Truly it is a comfortable pedestrian-only area of Doha so the residents and visitors thoroughly enjoy walking around and spending time in this Souq any time of the year.
It has everything you would love to discover as a shopaholic. Spice market, hand-made hidden gems, homeware, gold jewelry, clothes (traditional & modern), souvenirs, perfumes, pets, literally anything at excellent prices.
Location: Souq Waqif, Doha
Instagram: @souqwaqif_qa
To know all the details about Souq Waqif, click here.
AlHazm
AlHazm Mall is a luxury destination with high-end stores, restaurants, cafes, fountains, and gardens. The feel of the mall exudes luxury with its European architecture, magnificent fountains, shaded corridors, marble flooring, and gardens.
The central courtyard in Al Hazm contains beautifully landscaped green spaces and a flower garden encircled by ancient majestic olive trees. You will also sense calmness with the sounds of the beautiful water fountains during the daytime. The mall is also filled with the aroma of Oud (Arabic incense).
Location: Al Markhiya Street, Qatar
Instagram: @alhazmqa
To know all the details about AlHazm Mall, click here.
Doha Corniche
Doha Corniche is more than just a waterfront promenade; it’s a captivating journey through Qatar’s heart and soul. With every step, you’ll uncover hidden gems: iconic landmarks, breathtaking art installations, and serene parks. Doha Corniche is a popular tourist spot for residents, accessible at any time of day or night, and ideal for those who enjoy walking, jogging, or cycling. It is best explored on foot, so wearing comfortable shoes is advised.
You will find Halul Cafe at the start of Doha Corniche and after passing several sights, buildings, and milestones, you will end at Costa Coffee in Al Dafna Park.
The Corniche has its metro station on the Red Line, offering a convenient way to reach the area.
Location: Doha Corniche
To know all the details about Souq Waqif, click here.