Qatar is a Gulf country in the Middle East that promises great offerings to cover all the experiences a visitor can expect. Qatar is characterized as a country that is effortless in holding onto and promoting its beautiful culture & heritage along with introducing and incorporating modern elements in the form of experiences for all.
In 2022, Qatar hosted the best edition of the FIFA World Cup. If you missed visiting Qatar during the glorious time, this is your sign to visit this magnificent country and still experience the legacy of the greatest footballing tournament. Expect to be absolutely mesmerized by how this country has developed in certain areas. Below are the top 15 places that you need to keep on your list and plan accordingly before or during your stay in this beautiful country, Qatar!
Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is the heart of Doha, a center of attraction, and undoubtedly the top place to visit in Qatar. Millions of football fans chose this gem as their prime location to celebrate the greatest footballing tournament, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Key Information about Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is a tourist hotspot in Doha and is a famous leisure spot for the residents as well. Souq Waqif can be visited any time of the day or night. It is best to dedicate half of your day (4 hours) in order to fully explore and enjoy Souq Waqif.
For breakfast the earliest time for a restaurant to open in 7:30 AM.
At night only a few restaurants/cafes are open and those are the 24 hours cafes, such as Al Khariss Caffe
The retail shops open from 9 AM until 12:30 PM and reopen at 3 PM until 12 AM.
The souq is best explore on foot, so wearing comfortable shoes is advised.
Location: Souq Waqif, Doha
Instagram: @souqwaqif_qa
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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.
Key Information about Msheireb Downtown Doha
Msheireb Downtown Doha is a popular destination for both tourists and residents and it can be visited at any time, day or night.
Msheireb Tram Timings: Saturday to Thursday from 10 AM – 10 PM, Friday 2 PM – 10 PM
Last Tram will depart from Wadi Msheireb (Station 2) at 9:45 PM
For breakfast the earliest time for a restaurant to open is at 7 AM.
At night many restaurants/cafes are open until 11 PM and some till midnight 12 AM, such as BAO, and others
Location: Msheireb Downtown Doha
Instagram: @msheirebproperties
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Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village always makes its place in the top 5 must-visit places in Qatar. The whole area is made like a village which 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.
Key Information about Katara Cultural Village
Amenities at Katara: Katara Cultural Village also has a Sidra Convenience store (grocery store). The place is also dotted with public toilets and fair enough parking, especially the underground free parking of Galeries Lafayette, right before the giant gift building.
Katara Cultural Village can be visited any time of the day or night.
For breakfast the earliest time for a restaurant to open in 7:30 AM.
At night only a few cafes are open and those are the 24 hours cafes, such as Chapati & Karak and Tasty Street
Katara can be explored on foot and via car as well. Most people prefer cars.
Location: Katara Cultural Village
Instagram: @kataraqatar
Nearest Metro Station: Katara itself is supported by the Doha Metro Katara station (red line).
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Museum of Islamic Art & MIA Park
The building of Museum of Islamic Art is one of the iconic buildings on Doha Corniche. The museum building sits on its own island and is a very prominent structure of the capital city of Doha. The Museum of Islamic Art is the perfect place for someone who enjoys history, art, or antiques in one form or another. It is also a must-visit for Muslims and even non-Muslims who are interested to explore and learn about the religion, Islam.
Key information about Museum of Islamic Art MIA
The museum has ample parking available
Timings: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Saturday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Friday: 1:30 PM – 7 PM
Access: Free entry for all Qatar residents (Qatar ID holders)
When you buy a ticket to the museum it will cover admission to the museum and all the special exhibitions of the museum. Ticket holders must present an accepted and valid ID for entry.
Ticket prices:
Student Non-resident of Qatar – QAR 25
Child (Age 16 and under) – Free
Adult Non-resident of Qatar – QAR 50
Click here to book or buy your tickets
Location: Off Al Corniche St, Doha
Contact: 4422 4444
Website: https://mia.org.qa/en/
Instagram: @miaqatar
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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. Developed by Qatar Museums, the park includes approximately 2 kilometers (one mile) of lighted pedestrian stone pathways and a formal 800-meter (2,600-foot) palm-ringed cove promenade connecting the MIA to a 5-hectare (12-acre) man-made peninsula of geometrically shaped abstracted dunes with panoramic views of the West Bay.
National Museum of Qatar
National Museum of Qatar is the most comprehensive and engaging museum in Qatar. It is one of the popular tourist hotspots of Qatar. It is located in the capital city of Doha and it is an unmissable architectural masterpiece. TIME’s magazine added the National Museum of Qatar to the list of 100 ‘World’s greatest places 2019’’.
Key Information about the National Museum of Qatar
Timings:
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Thursday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Friday: 1:30 PM – 7 PM
Access: Free entry for all Qatar residents (Qatar ID holders)
When you buy a ticket to the museum it will cover admission to the museum and all the special exhibitions of the museum.
Ticket holders must present an accepted and valid ID for entry.
Ticket prices for non-residents of Qatar and GCC:
Student – QAR 25
Child (Age 16 and under) – Free
Adult – QAR 50
Click here to book or buy your tickets
Location: Museum Park Street, Doha
Contact: 4452 5555
Website: nmoq.org.qa
Instagram: @nmoqatar
The museum has ample parking available.
Nearest Doha metro station: National Museum station (Gold Line)
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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. Whether you’re drawn by the serene sea views, the bustling activity of Souq Waqif, or the striking public art installations, the Doha Corniche promises an unforgettable experience, inviting you to explore and embrace the soul of Qatar.
Key Information about Doha Corniche
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 own metro station on the Red Line, offering a convenient way to reach the area.
Location: Doha Corniche
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AlHazm Mall
AlHazm Mall is a luxury destination with high-end stores, restaurants, cafes, fountains, and gardens. The outdoor cooling in the mall keeps the temperature down to 22°C, adding an elevated experience.
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).
Key Information about AlHazm Mall
The mall can be reached by Taxi, Uber, and other ride-hailing apps in Qatar or via personal car.
Ample underground parking along with paid valet service is available.
It is advised to follow the country’s modest dress code guidelines when visiting this mall. Modest clothing for both men and women is advised where the knees and shoulders are covered.
AlHazm Mall is open every day from 9 AM to 1 AM
Location: Al Markhiya Street, Qatar
Instagram: @alhazmqa
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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 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.
Key Information about Old Doha Port
Old Doha Port can be visited any time of the day or night. Plenty of parking is available throughout Old Doha Port and opposite to the Mina District.
During the day most restaurants open between 10 AM to 12 PM. For breakfast the earliest time for a restaurant to open is at 8 AM.
At night, most cafes & restaurants are open till midnight, like Quill Cafe, Delord Cafe, Arabesq Restaurant, Layali Restaurant, and more.
Location: Old Doha Port
Instagram: @olddohaport
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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. Al Wakrah Old Souq is a heritage market that is considered among the most important tourist destinations in Qatar. The Souq is located in Al Wakrah city, the second oldest city in Qatar, distanced around 10 km from Hamad International Airport and just 15 minutes drive by car. The Souq mixes tranquility and beautiful sea views with a traditional setup.
Key Information about Al Wakra Old Souq
Parking: The souq has a vast area for parking and can accommodate many vehicles.
The souq can be visited any time of the day or night.
For breakfast the earliest time for a restaurant to open in 7:00 AM.
At night only a few cafes are open till 1 AM. The beach can be used for strolling.
Location: Al Wakra
Instagram: @souqalwakra_qa/
Al Wakrah city is supported by Al Wakrah metro station on the red line of Doha Metro. Metrolink (free shuttle bus service by Doha Metro) M127 bus route has a stop at Souq Al Wakra.
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The Pearl, Qatar
In one line, the Pearl Island is best described as Qatar’s Riviera-style island offering unique lifestyle & retail experiences. The Pearl, Qatar is a fascinating, vibrant, and luxurious man made island, located on the outskirts of West Bay Lagoon (Legtaifiya) and connected to the mainland via The Pearl Boulevard main road and service road. The Pearl island is divided into ten distinct and architecturally themed areas so that each area has its own character and provides a different experience. Most popular areas of the Pearl island are Medina Centrale, Porto Arabia, Qanat Quartier and Viva Bahriya.
Key information about the Pearl Island
The Pearl Island has a free limousine service for islanders and visitors. The limousines are available from 10 AM to 11 PM (All days of the week) to move throughout Medina Centrale, Porto Arabia, Qanat Quartier and Viva Bahriya. It is an on- call service and to book your limousine, call 8006222 or 8008883.
In the residential area ”Giardino Village” of the Pearl Island, you will find Giardino Mall which has the island’s first Lulu hypermarket (grocery store) along with retail stores.
Water Taxis: The Pearl Island operates Doha’s first and only water taxi service. Not only is it fun, it’s an excellent way to get around Pearl Island and hop from one side to the other. It is an on-call paid service and to order a water shuttle/taxi please call, 66741577. It is available from 9 AM – 11 PM.
Reaching The Pearl Island via Doha Metro: Doha Metro’s free Metrolink service connects to The Pearl from Legtaifiya metro station on the Red Line. The metrolink M110 has a route that has stops in major hotspots of the island.
Porto Arabia, Medina Centrale and Qanat Quartier also have free public parking spaces for visitors to the island.
Instagram: @thepearlqatar
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Education City
Do not be misled by the name! Education City is an education & research campus but it is also a great place to make a stop when in Qatar. Residents of Qatar very often visit Education City because it hosts one of the iconic mosques in Qatar, the Qatar National Library, Education City Stadium, and more.
Education City houses the largest public library in the country, the Qatar National Library, where there are more than one million books in the collection. It is a great place for admirers of greenery and nature walks. Oxygen park in Education City is a gem and one must not miss the walking/jogging tracks covered with a waterfall on one side. At Education City you will be mesmerized by Minaretein, a mosque and a learning center based on Islam’s ethics and values. Education City has a relaxed student center called Multaqa that houses a bowling alley and restaurants and can be used by anyone.
Key Information about Education City
Education City is accessible via Doha Metro Green Line. To move in and around Education City, Education tram is available for free. Ample parking of Qatar National Library and Education City Mosque is available for public.
Education City can be visited during day and night as well.
Location: Education City, Ar-Rayyan
Instagram: @educationcity.qa
Website: https://educationcity.qa/
Lusail Marina Promenade
Starting from Google Maps location tag ‘’Lusail Marina’’ and all the way up to 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. Below are some reasons to discover this promenade in Lusail city:
- If you are a fan of seafront destinations, this promenade is the best when it comes to providing a tranquil spot for spending time.
- 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.
- The place is well lit with beautiful lighting providing great opportunities for clicking pictures.
- The promenade also has park areas dotted with benches and a few cafes like Tea Time, The Ministry of Coffee, LAP Coffee and more.
- 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.
- Towards the end of the promenade, Lusail Marina Food Arena is a foodie hotspot to discover on your walk. It is one of the famous food drive-ins of Qatar.
Overall this destination is excellent if you enjoy scenic walks surrounded with water features, great food spots and even greater picture opportunities.
Place Vendôme Mall
With its luxurious surroundings, outstanding decor, and spectacular Parisian-inspired architecture, Place Vendôme Mall displays magnificence and is an unmissable spot in Lusail city.
The Parisian-inspired architecture sets the tone for the whole shopping experience by radiating majesty and luxury while also displaying an appreciation of culture and art. Place Vendôme’s canal, originating from the sea, runs through the mall, creating a scenic open plaza with cafés, restaurants, and captivating views. This charming area also features the Dancing Fountains, a spectacular water, music, and light show across 7,400 square meters, surrounded by over 30 restaurants.
Key Information about Place Vendôme Mall
Mall Timings: Sunday to Wednesday from 10 AM – 11 PM, Thursday to Saturday 10 AM – 12 AM
Access Place Vendôme Mall via Lusail Central tram station, located at EIFFEL 1 (Gate 1). Take the Doha Metro red line to Legtaifiya station, then transfer to the Lusail Tram to reach Lusail Central.
Car Parking: The mall also has huge underground and overground parkings.
Location: Lusail
Instagram: @placevendomeqatar
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Al Maha Island
A shining star in Lusail City, the glittering Al Maha Island is another leisure hotspot in Qatar. 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.
Key Information about Al Maha Island
Getting there: Visitors can take the Doha Metro to Legtaifiya station on the red line, then transfer to the Lusail Tram and stop at Esplanade station on the orange line. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to Al Maha Island along the Lusail Marina.
Parking: For those traveling by car, the island offers ample parking.
Al Maha Island can be visited any time of the day or night.
For breakfast the earliest time for a restaurant to open is at 8:00 AM.
At night most restaurants are open till 1 AM.
Location: Lusail Marina Corniche, Lusail
Instagram: @almaha.island
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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.
Key Information about Lusail Boulevard
Access: To reach Lusail Boulevard using Doha Metro and Tram, take the Doha Metro Red Line and get off at Legtaifiya Station. From there, switch to the Lusail Tram Orange Line and get off at Lusail Downtown Station.
For those driving, ample on-ground parking is available.
You can find different stores like Kulud Pharmacy, Mumuso, Starlink, and Al Jaber Opticians.
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
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West Walk
West Walk in Qatar is one of the outdoor air-conditioned destinations in Qatar. This destination has become a popular dining spot in Qatar, It is mostly crowded on the weekends, especially on Thursday nights and Fridays. West Walk has many good restaurants and trendy cafes that attract the public and even visitors from the neighboring Gulf countries to visit and enjoy the destination and food. Apart from the dining spots, West Walk also has residential units, due to which there are other conveniences, such as a 24-hour Monoprix, gym, padel court, salons, and spas.
Instagram: @westwalk.qa
To know all the details about West Walk, click here.