Qatar is a small country that can be seen perfectly in a few days . Even if you want to combine it with football matches of your national team during the 2022 World Cup ! Located on a small peninsula in the Persian Gulf , it is one of the richest countries in the world. Although a priori it is thought that there are not many things to see in Qatar, in reality this is not the case. Aside from Doha , the country hides charming little towns that are great for getting lost and relaxing from the hustle and bustle of the big city. In this post we present you what to see in Qatar , an interesting country beyond the World Cup.
Essential Places To See In Qatar
Doha, the attractive capital of Qatar
The country’s capital is the most visited city in Qatar , as it is where the majority of the population is concentrated. It is the economic center of the country and approximately 80% of the population lives in Doha . It has more than 400,000 inhabitants, 100,000 more than the Spanish capital, Madrid. Although many say that Qatar is only Doha, they are very wrong, although it is where most of the tourist attractions are concentrated.
Museum of Islamic Art , one of the most beautiful buildings to see in Qatar
It is the most beautiful building in Doha. Its architecture left us speechless. The design of the building is much more interesting than the content displayed inside , but it is still worth a visit, as admission is free . From the museum there are impressive views of the Doha skyline. Without any doubt, an essential thing to see in Qatar.
Doha Corniche
It is the waterfront of Doha . Start at the Museum of Islamic Art and end at the imposing and luxurious Sheraton hotel. It is worth taking a walk along its more than 5km to cool off with the sea breeze and appreciate the views of the Doha skyline and the fishing boats.
Souq Waqif
It is the traditional area of Doha , its souk. It is a perfect area to see the contrast between old and modern commerce. There you can see shops selling fabrics, species, typical foods of the country, and many jewelry stores. In short, away from the luxury that oil has brought to the country! The data Even if you think that in Doha there is a lot of money and you can appreciate a lot of opulence, it is a city that has many contrasts. In a few meters you will see a sheikh with a luxury car and a humble family living in miserable conditions.
Villaggio Shopping Mall , the most spectacular shopping center to see in Qatar
This shopping center perfectly expresses the opulence of the country and is probably the most beautiful in the world. You will find the main usual shops in most shopping centers in the world, but with one difference: its spectacular nature. This Shopping Mall is a representation of Venice , its canals and its architecture. You can even get on a gondola! If you want to buy clothes it is not a good option to visit it, since it is quite expensive, but it is worth seeing it once in a lifetime.
The Pearl Qatar and luxury
It is an artificial island located in the north of Doha. The most luxurious hotels in the city are concentrated there , in addition to its marina . If you want to breathe the luxury that characterizes this country, it is the best place. Luxury cars, very expensive restaurants and shops within the reach of very few. Sum up the Qatar of the 21st century!
Al Khor, one of the most beautiful towns to see in Qatar
Al Khor is a small fishing village located 50km north of Doha. Without a doubt, we believe that it is one of the essential places to see in Qatar . It is known for the popularity of its pearl industry and is one of the most important attractions in the country. Its most important monument is its Archaeological Tower , from which you can see impressive views of the sea, although its mosques and antiquities museums are also very interesting. It is one of the most important cities in Qatar as it has schools, sports clubs…
Fort Al Zubara in Madinat Ash Shamal
As its name indicates in Arabic, which means city of the north, it is located in the north of the country . This city, one of the largest in Qatar, is known for having one of the main attractions in the country: the Al Zubara Fort . This monument, which is currently under construction, takes us back to the historical past of Qatar. It was used to protect fishermen and city dwellers. A very quiet area in the middle of the desert, perfect for resting!
Qatar National Museum
In the country’s capital you can visit the modern National Museum of Qatar . It is relatively new, having opened in 2019, replacing the previous building that dated from 1975. It is worth it both inside and out . The building was inspired by the glass of the desert rose, which can be found in Qatar. The architecture is wonderful and the visit is highly recommended. They did a great environmental job to tell the country’s history in an entertaining and interesting way. The objects, which represent Qatar’s cultural heritage, are displayed in a very novel and interactive way. It shows that they have made a great investment!
Desert Safari
And finally, to finish this post about the best places to see in Qatar , we could not forget to mention the desert. A visit to Qatar would be incomplete without spending a few hours in the desert . As you can see on the map, Qatar is basically its capital and desert . Even many days the desert sand reaches the capital and the visibility is almost zero! The best way to get to know the desert is by hiring an excursion . It will allow you to enjoy the landscape and also get your adrenaline pumping in a 4×4 through the dunes. Very impressive!