Top Things to Do in Qatar: Doha Sights, Day Trips and Local Experiences

Many families are calling us before their relatives are coming to Qatar. Some are planning a short stopover and some are coming for one full week. The question is always same. What to show them in Qatar, and how to plan the days? It is not difficult. Qatar is small, so in few days you can cover the city and the desert also. But many people are going to the wrong place in the wrong time, and then the trip is becoming tiring. In this guide we are explaining the top things to do in Qatar, the day trips, and the best time for each. These are the places which our travel agency in Qatar is suggesting to the guests every week.

The short answer: In Doha, visit the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, the Corniche, the National Museum of Qatar, Katara and The Pearl. Outside Doha, do a desert safari to Khor Al Adaid, see Al Zubarah Fort and go for kayaking in the mangroves of Al Thakira. Two or three days is enough for the main places.

Which are the top things to do in Doha?

Most of the main places are inside Doha only, and you can cover them in two days.

1. Museum of Islamic Art

The building itself is worth to see. It was designed by I.M. Pei and it is standing near the water on the Corniche. Inside, the collection of Islamic art is from many countries and many centuries. After the museum, sit in the MIA Park for the sunset. From there the full Doha skyline is visible.

2. Souq Waqif

This is the old market of Doha, and in the evening it is fully alive. Perfumes, spices, fabrics and small souvenirs are there in the narrow lanes. Many restaurants also are there, so plan your dinner here only. Go after Maghrib, then the heat is less and the crowd is more.

3. Doha Corniche

The Corniche is a long walkway along the bay, and it is free. Morning time people are jogging there and evening time families are sitting. If you are having one free hour, just walk here and see the West Bay towers in the other side.

4. National Museum of Qatar

The building is looking like a desert rose, and many guests are taking photos outside itself. Inside, the history of Qatar is explained, from the pearl diving time till now. In summer keep this for the afternoon, because outside it will be too hot.

5. Katara Cultural Village

Galleries, theatre, mosques and a small beach are there in Katara. Events also are happening here most of the weeks. Half a day is enough. Do not miss the pigeon towers and the golden mosque for photos.

6. The Pearl-Qatar

This is an island area with marina, restaurants and shops. In the evening the walk near the boats is very nice. Many people are combining The Pearl with Katara in the same evening, because both are near.

Which are the best day trips from Doha?

Once Doha is finished, keep one or two days for outside. Here the real Qatar you will see.

7. Desert safari to Khor Al Adaid

This is the Inland Sea, in the south east of Qatar. Here the sand dunes are coming till the sea. It is in the UNESCO tentative list also. Normal cars cannot go, so you need a 4×4 with an experienced driver. Go in the afternoon and stay for the sunset. In winter take one jacket, evening it will be cold.

8. Al Zubarah

Al Zubarah is in the north of Qatar and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the 18th and 19th century it was a pearl and trading town. Now the fort and the old town area are there to see. It is around one and half hour drive, so start early.

9. Mangrove kayaking in Al Thakira

Al Thakira is near Al Khor. The mangroves are green and the water is calm, so kayaking is easy for children also. Birds are coming here in many seasons. Go in the morning or late afternoon, not in the noon.

10. Camel racing in Al Shahaniya

This is something different from the normal city tour. Al Shahaniya is having a camel race track and in the race season you can see the races. Check the dates before going, because it is not there every day.

When is the best time to visit Qatar?

November to March is the best time. The weather is pleasant and the desert trips are comfortable. From June to September it is very hot, so plan the indoor places in the day and the outdoor places only in the evening.

Many events also are coming in the winter season. If your trip is in December, book the hotel early.

How to plan a 2, 3 or 5 day trip?

2 days: Day 1 Museum of Islamic Art, Corniche and Souq Waqif. Day 2 National Museum, Katara and The Pearl.

3 days: Same two days, and on day 3 desert safari to Khor Al Adaid.

5 days: Add Al Zubarah on day 4 and mangrove kayaking in Al Thakira on day 5.

If the guests are coming with small children or elders, keep less places in one day. Qatar is not a place to rush.

Final words

So Qatar is small, but the things to do are many. The city, the museums, the desert and the sea, all you can cover in few days if the plan is correct. Choose the right time for each place, and do not try to cover everything in one day.

RAG Tours and Travels is planning trips for the families and the visitors in Qatar every week, from city tours to desert safari. If you are searching for a travel agency in Qatar for your guests, or a Qatar international tour package, contact RAG Tours team today and we will plan your days.