Qatar is a country with a long history and tradition. Many tourists think of Qatar as a hot, desert-filled country. It’s hot, but there’s much more to see in Qatar than in the desert. After opening the metro line in Qatar in 2019, tourists now have the convenience of traveling to many areas. What are the Things to Do in Qatar? How do you get to the attractions in Qatar? Can you shop in Qatar? We will answer all these questions here.

Doha, the capital of Qatar, is full of architecture, desert safaris, Arab culture, etc., that you can experience. Among those many things, here are some things that you should put on your bucket list during the trip to Qatar.

Participate in camel races

Among the most popular sports among the people of Qatar are not only football and cricket but also horse and camel racing. You know that Qatar hosts many major sporting events throughout the year. Also, Qatar has several world-class stadiums and several excellent sports fields. If you want to see the camel races in Qatar, then you should go to the sports center Al Shahaniya. All local and international level sports are held there.

The attraction of remote-controlled camels with the most colorful racing silks and miniature robot jockeys running on sand tracks will be something special for you. They also run at speeds of 40 miles per hour and 30 miles per foot in short sprints.

Location : Garafat Al Rayyan and Dukhan Highway, Ash – Shahaniyah, Qatar

Opening dates: HH the Emir’s Main Race is held every Friday, October to February, March, and April.

Doha’s Corniche and dhows

If you are a person who likes relaxation and freedom, a walk along the Doha Corniche is a must. How free to spend the evening there? This seven-kilometer promenade stretches across the Persian Gulf in the Western Gulf of Qatar from the Sheraton Hotel to the Museum of Islamic History. 

It is an excellent opportunity to go to the pearl shell and have a cup of coffee. Doha Corniche is also a great place to fly kites for free photography. At night you can see it more illuminated and enjoy some exciting music. Those who exercise in the evening or morning have provided opportunities for that on both sides.

Visit Al Thakira Mangroves

It is a very famous place among tourists in Qatar. Al Takira mangroves are a distinct green aquatic environment in a sandy desert.

 It is an ecosystem with a large bird population. Flamingos and herons have migrated to this region for many years. The best way to get here is by renting a kayak. Also, if you come here in January, take water shoes and wade through the low-level water.

Al Takira Location: Al Dhakira, Qatar

Opening time: 24 hours

Visit Katara Cultural Village

Qatar Cultural Village is a significant gem in the arts and other cultural scenes of the State of Qatar. A maze of waterways runs through this, revealing space for artists, photographers, and filmmakers. You will also find a mosque with purple mosaic patterns and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra opera house. 

Apart from this, the traditional Do festival and Palestinian heritage festival are also held here. You can also dine at the Qatar Cultural Village at international restaurants, cafes, and kiosks. You can also go for water sports.

Location: Eastern coast between West Bay and the pearl 

Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday, with free opportunities for families.

Visit the Museum of Islamic Art

The Islamic Museum of Qatar is a must-see on the Top 10 Things to Do in Qatar list. It is located off the Corniche, and you can see it floating from certain angles looking at the kiln. It has an extensive collection of calligraphy, jewelry, traditional Islamic patterns, and textiles from three continents. Also, many of the items in the Islamic Museum date back to the 7th – 19th centuries.

In addition, you can have a big business lunch, a dinner, and the opportunity to try Idem, Alain Ducasse’s first restaurant. On the other hand, the outdoor terrace on the top floor of the Qatar Museum of Islamic Art is one of the most spectacular places in Doha. Remember to recline in a lounge chair to get the most incredible view of the city.

Location of Museum of Islamic Art: 7GWQ+5Q4, Doha, Qatar 

Opening hours: Open only on Fridays from 1.30 pm to 7 pm and on other days from 9 am to 7 pm.

Dune Bashing

It would be fantastic if you didn’t include a desert experience on the Top 10 Things to Do in Qatar list while visiting Qatar. A scenic drive between the dunes of the desert to the sea is a must. During the dune bashing experience, you also have the unique opportunity to spend a night in the Arabian huts. 

Otherwise, you can also sleep under the stars eating local food in the cool of the night. And as another opportunity in Qatar, you can have a dune-bashing adventure along the dunes. It is an extreme game. You can request your driver to slow down or choose a flat road.

Walk around Souq Waqif

Can you shop while visiting Qatar? Add this to your list of Top 10 Things to Do in Qatar. Head to the Souq to get whatever you need, from merchandise, jewelry, spices, and delicious food. Souq Waqif is a unique Qatari bazaar where you can get everything in one place.

 It is a special one for anyone curious about traditional Qatari food and traditional goods. Qatar Souq Waqif also has a center to view classic art, music, etc. Souq Waqif is famous not only for the food to suit your taste but also for the local art galleries.

Souq Waqif Location: Al Souq St, Doha, Qatar 

Opening hours: Open only on Fridays from 10 am to 12 pm and on other days from 10 am to 2 pm.

Go to Pearl Qatar

Among the Top 10 Things to Do in Qatar, the place you should keep in Pearl Qatar. It is an island arranged in the northern part of the western bay. It truly epitomizes the luxury of Qatar. If you want to see the charm of a rich life, go to Pearl Qatar Island. 

It is expensive when it comes to price, but there are quite a few restaurants and cafes to cater to your every taste. It is genuinely a popular dining experience lined up along the waterfront. Depending on your time, a separate boat trip to Pearl Island can be booked. Also, if you want to stay at The Pearl in Qatar, you can book a stay on Wego.

Visit Al Subaru Fort

This Al Subrah Fort in Qatar is located near Al Ruwais. Anyone visiting Qatar would only do well if they added this to their Top 10 Things to Do in Qatar list. Fort Zubarah is a desert fort in Qatar. This fort has been edited as a spotless place—an excellent example of the settlements of the 18th and 19th centuries.

It ranks as a vital pearl diving center and a trading center in the Gulf, which has been connected to the Indian Ocean for many years. Al Subaru Fort is one of the must-visit places in Doha. There is a museum and a small exhibition around the fort on the ground floor.

Al Subaru Fort Location: Al Subaru, Shamal

Opening Hours: Every day from 7.30 am to 5 pm

See Falconry at Falcon Souq

We present this as a must-have among Qatar’s Top 10 Things to Do. You can see expensive cars and grand world-class buildings in the city. Falcons are the primary support for all these things. It is also known as one step to preserve the tradition of hawks. Dozens of unique shops have opened in Falcon Souq to keep falcons. 

You may also occasionally have the opportunity to participate in a monthly auction where the physical abilities of the falcons are judged. It is a very charming scene. Falconry culture is also on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.

Location of Falcon Souq : Al Souq St

Opening Hours: 7 am to 6 pm on days other than Saturday

Final thoughts

Before traveling to a beautiful country like Qatar, you will surely think of the Top 10 Things to Do in Qatar. It is difficult for you because Qatar has so many tourist spots. Our guide will help you choose the best and spend your fantastic vacation.