20 Best Things to do in Qatar for Vacation

Looking for the best things to do in Qatar? If you’re looking to explore more than one destination while on vacation, Qatar may be just the place for you. This Middle Eastern country is home to some of the world’s most beautiful resorts, treks, and hidden getaways.

Most people think of Qatar as the home of the soccer player. But there’s so much more to this small, desert country. If you’re looking for somewhere a little different on your next trip to the Middle East, look no further than Qatar.

Adventure seekers will love exploring the country’s natural beauty and many activities for adults during their stay. And families with kids will enjoy everything from exploring historical sites to playing at theme parks to taking in beachside shows.

Here are our top 10 favorite things to do in Qatar for vacation – just in time for the summer vacation season! You can also check out the best restaurants in Qatar here.

20 best things to do in Qatar for Vacation

#1. Explore the Museum of Illusions

Enjoy the wonderful holographic collection, try out the mind-blowing illusions, pay close attention to the art installations, and consider whether or not what you see is real. Or is it only a dream? Immerse yourself in an experience unlike any other by paying attention, thinking, and learning.

The idea for The Museum of Illusions originated in Zagreb, Croatia, and spread to other countries with great success. It debuted in Doha, Qatar, in 2019 and is the first Museum of Illusions with Braille and employees that have undergone specialized training. Add this to your list of things to do in Qatar this weekend!

The Museum of Illusions is a fascinating realm of illusions and the best place to visit in Qatar that will astound and awe you simultaneously. Interactive activities and informative content provide a captivating and enjoyable experience for people of all ages.

The area is perfect for meetings such as family reunions, group outings, team-building exercises, and birthday celebrations. Make a visit reservation and go on a fascinating trip.

Fantastic illusions are presented at the Museum of Illusions to amuse and educate you simultaneously. Science, arithmetic, and the functioning of the human brain are combined in funny ways.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to regularly participate in activities that challenge your understanding of our assumptions about the world. The Museum provides a pleasant stay and fosters a welcoming environment for special-needs visitors.

Address: The Gate Mall، Omar Al Mukhtar St, Doha, Qatar

#2. Souq Waqif

The souq waqif is where most travelers will spend most of their time in Qatar. A wall of textured and colorful produce and handicrafts line the walls of this unique Souq, where local vendors display their wares.

The Souq is particularly known for its unique and diverse collection of handicrafts, ranging from exotic items made from stone to mundane household items made from rattan and wood.

Expect to find everything from handmade toys and bagpipes to shoes, neckties, and kitchen appliances. Although you’ll find many familiar items here, the souq waqif is also home to unique and wonderful items.

Address: Doha, Qatar

#3. Qatar National Library

Qatar’s National Library is one of the top tourist attractions in Qatar, and it’s easy to see why. This building is one of the oldest in the country and remains remarkably intact.

The library’s collection is one of the country’s top tourist attractions, and it’s easy to see why. The building itself is a sight to behold, and its various rooms offer a wealth of information on several topics.

During the summer, the library offers free admission for locals, which includes free guided tours for a limited number of guests each day.

If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, the library’s free kids zone offers plenty of hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Add this to your list of things to do in Qatar this weekend.

Address: District of Freedom, Education City, Al Luqta St, Doha, Qatar

#4. Museum of Islamic Art

The museum of Islamic art in Doha, Qatar, is the world’s largest museum of its kind. Covering more than 100,000 square feet and housing a significant Islamic art and architecture collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibits, traveling shows, and diversions for locals and travelers.

One of the most visually stunning museums in the world, the OII will transport you to another world with its fantastic collections of Islamic art, including a vast array of glass and ceramic vessels, miniature books, stunning decorative items, and a large number of artistic photography pieces.

Address: 7GWQ+6M7, Doha, Qatar

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#5. Katara Cultural Village

Katara Cultural Village is almost too pretty to visit. The 17-brick village sits nestled among the desert around the desert springs, and you can indulge in activities such as hiking, bird-watching, relaxing on the beach, or trying your hand at local cuisine.

You can also learn about the desert’s natural and cultural history in a fascinating exhibit at the village’s ruins. The ruins are the ruins of a former palace, and you can walk around the palace grounds — where you can see the remains of donkeys and other livestock — or take a short trip into the desert to spot scorpions, snakes, and other desert animals.

Address: 9G6F+CR3, Doha, Qatar

#6. National Museum of Qatar

An essential stop for all Qatari travelers, the National Museum of Qatar is one of the top tourist attractions in the country. With more than 100,000 items spanning 2.5 millennia of history, this is the largest museum in the country.

The museum’s permanent exhibits include the Masmoura Hypatoi (a miniature model of the ancient desert city), the oldest known camelid in captivity, and the fossilized molar teeth of a mastodon.

The museum’s rotating temporary exhibits range from prehistory through the modern era. Look out for changing exhibits and exhibits based on areas of the country. You may even see live camels on the grounds during summer if you’re lucky.

Address: Museum Park St, Doha, Qatar

#7. The Pearl-Qatar

Just a short drive outside the city of Doha lies a charming, century-old stone mansion home to some of the country’s most fascinating exhibits.

The Pearl-Qatar is one of Asia’s most popular hotel experiences, and it’s easy to see why. The hotel’s rotating exhibits change seasonally, so you’ll always have a new—and interesting—experience to look forward to.

Enjoy a tour of the gardens and check out the frescoes and mosaics in the grand central hall. If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, the museum’s free kids zone offers plenty of hands-on activities for kids of all ages.

#8. Al Khor Mall

Just a short drive outside the city of Doha lies a charming, century-old stone mansion home to some of the country’s most fascinating exhibits. The Al Khor Mall is one of Asia’s most popular hotel experiences, and it’s easy to see why.

The hotel’s rotating exhibits change seasonally, so you’ll always have a new and interesting experience to look forward to.

Enjoy a tour of the gardens and check out the frescoes and mosaics in the grand central hall. If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, the museum’s free kids zone offers plenty of hands-on activities for kids of all ages.

Address: Al Khor, Qatar

#9. Al Thakhira Beach

The beachfront at Al Thakhira is one of the most stunning in Qatar. The long, white sand beach runs the entire length of these listings, making this a must-do beachfront activity for any visitor to Doha.

Getting there is about as easy as it gets. Just hop in the driver’s seat of your rental car and drive south for about 15 minutes. You’ll see a sign that looks like a palm tree; that’s Al Thakhira beach.

If you want to enjoy a sea-side experience without sunscreen, several resorts in the area rent you a boat and take you out into the Arabian Sea.

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#10. Al Wakrah Souq

The Souq, located in the center of the country, is a true oasis of calm. The Souq is two souks near the city and one in the desert.

The Souq is packed with everything you’d expect to find in a traditional desert city, like donkeys, camels, and guys selling everything from snacks to kiwis. In the desert, you’ll find trails throughout the dunes leading to springs, lakes, and the sea.

This is a must-do activity if you’re in Doha. You can walk into the desert if you’d rather not go through the sand and dust or take an ATV tour through the dunes. When you’ve had your fill of the desert, you can return to the Souq and continue enjoying the tranquillity.

#11. State Grand Mosque

If you’re looking for a place to immerse yourself in Middle Eastern culture for a few days, look no further than the State Grand Mosque. Doha has quite a collection of beautiful mosques, but the Grand Mosque is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country.

There are several mosques in Doha, but the Grand Mosque is the largest and most important. The mosque consists of several areas, including the souk, the atrium, and the gardens.

The souk is the medina, or old town, of the city. There are some souks in the city, so you’re in luck if you’re looking for a little culture before bed. After the mosque, you can head to the Medina for traditional Arabian food and a few entertainment options.

#12. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

The Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is a must-do for a more indoor activity in Qatar. This indoor museum is part of the National Museum of Qatar, right next to the souk.

The Sheikh Faisal Museum is dedicated to the life and works of the famous Qataris of the past and present. There are no exhibits or exhibits of actual artifacts at this museum. Still, the exhibits on display have been carefully curated to include items relevant to the life and works of the famous Qataris of the past and present.

There’s a lot to like about this museum; if you have time, visit the gardens. Add this to your list of things to do in Qatar today.

Address: Qatar شارع السامرية، الدوحة،

#13. City Centre Mall

Look no further if you’re looking for a shopaholic’s dream destination. Doha’s City Centre Mall is home to over 100 international brands, 60 of which are local.

You can find over 200 stores within this building, and it houses six different malls, making it easy to pick out what you need to visit next. While the mall is beautiful, it’s also packed with activities, like shopping attractions, water slides, and an amusement park, so you won’t have time to shop and explore both simultaneously.

You can head to the water slides first or take the kids on a fast-moving rollercoaster. Doha is a destination worth visiting twice because there’s so much to do!

Address: Conference Centre, Doha, Qatar

#14. Corniche Al Khor

For a more secluded getaway, check out the Corniche Al Khor. This road runs the length of the peninsula, linking the city of Khor to the fishing village of Umm Salal. The Corniche Al Khor is a series of sand beaches, each with its little village.

Umm, Salal is my favorite beach in all of Qatar, and the Corniche Al Khor is the place to visit when you’re in Doha. Just be aware that there are a lot of hotels and resorts along this road, so make sure you’re staying somewhere secluded from the rest of the city.

You might also want to bring your food and water bottles, as most of the resorts along this road don’t provide them. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, this is the place.

Address: MGP7+P2X, Al Khor, Qatar

#15. Khor Al Udaid Beach

Khor Al Udaid Beach is the place for you. There are some beaches in and around Khor that you can visit during your stay, but this is the most kid-friendly option.

The water is a little bit warm, and there are plenty of activities for the whole family, like kid’s clubs, scuba diving, snorkeling, and more.

When you’ve satisfied your curiosity around the islands, head to the village of Umm Salal for a true desert experience. This is a place you want to visit more than once. There are so many fun activities to do here!

Address: In Land Sea Off Rd, Qatar

#16. Musfur Sinkhole

Check out Musfur Sinkhole, one of Qatar’s best places to visit. This is a natural sinkhole in the desert, and it’s made even more impressive because it’s about a mile wide and deep.

There are a couple of sinkholes in the area, and you can walk into the ground when you visit the biggest one.

This is the site of an ancient city, and you can walk through the old wall and watch camel trains, camels, and people going about their business in the 1800s. The only downside to this activity is that you can’t take photos, so you have to be careful not to step into the sinkhole.

Address: 56G6+3M8, Umm ash Shubrum, Qatar

#17. Msheireb Museums

Suppose you’re looking for a more family-friendly activity while the Msheireb Museums are a must-do in Qatar. This zoo is inside a shopping mall, one of the world’s largest zoos.

The zoo has all sorts of animals you’d expect to find in a real zoo, like zebras, giraffes, and more. One of the most surprising animals you’ll see at the zoo is a two-headed, supposedly extinct Macedonian water buffalo.

Make time to visit this zoo in Doha, and you’ll be glad you did. You can add this to your list of places to visit in Qatar for couples.

Address: 7GPH+VQ8, Doha, Qatar

#18. Khalifa International Stadium

One of the top tourist attractions in Qatar, the Khalifa International Stadium is home to the Diamer-Bhasha Stadium, where the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be held.

The stadium, completed in early 2019, can hold over 80,000 spectators, making it one of the largest indoor sporting events in the world. During your visit to Qatar, you can shop the latest fashion at local boutiques or visit the design center to meet local designers.

You can view some of the world’s most iconic sporting events at this world-renowned stadium, like the FIFA World Cup.

Address: 7C7X+C67, Al Waab St, Doha, Qatar

#19. Fanar – Qatar Islamic Cultural Center

Just outside Doha, Fanar is the largest city in the Al-Wakal District. It is also the center of the country’s growing Muslim population. With more than 100 mosques and about the same number of Islamic centers, Fanar is a lively place to visit during your stay in Qatar.

During the day, head to the city’s famous souk to shopping for traditional goods, including clothing and accessories made from camel hide.

If you’re in the mood for traditional food, head to the city’s famous “shawarma,” a sandwich made of meat, vegetables, and spices, or to the old quarter, where you can purchase snacks made of different mishriq (leavening) agents.

Address: 7GQP+H7V, Doha, Qatar

#20. Falcon Souk

The ‘Falcon Souk’ is located in Doha, the capital of Qatar. It is the largest souk in the world, and it is said to be where the first falcon was bred.

This is where the Qataris purchase their favorite cuisine and gifts, including their national lamb dish, khifa, and many other types of meat and vegetables. The souk is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To experience the true flavor of Qatar, head to the souk and check out the marketplaces, where you can purchase dried fruits, nuts, and other snacks. You’re sure to come back with new and interesting tasting treats from these amazing vendors!

Address: Al Souq St, Doha, Qatar

Plan your trip to Qatar

Qatar is a great place to visit during your vacation. There’s never a dull moment with nature, history, fun activities, and great food. If you are looking for a place that is safe and full of fun, then Qatar is the place to go.

This country is also famous for its health and fitness facilities, which are world-class. Make sure you are fit enough to handle the strenuous tasks that await you during your stay.