Qatar is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf and more than half of its population consists of working people from Asian countries. The country is a major economic center dedicated to education and research, as well as the center of international seminars and summits. While Qatar paints a luxurious picture with its skyscrapers, expensive hotels and artificial islands, it explores the culture of Qatar with its old city district, which contains all the colors of local life.
Doha is both the capital and largest city of Qatar . The city is usually full of business travelers, while tourists for pleasure go shopping or go to the Museum of Islamic Arts and handmade products.
Qatar Travel Guide
Of the 400,000 people living in Qatar, 25% are originally from Qatar. Although most of the Qataris have their roots in the Persian Empire, almost all of them are from Najdi, that is, the center of Arabia.
In Doha, where all basic necessities are provided free of charge, luxury, excessive consumption and religious conservatism come together, the shopping frenzy that started after leaving the mosque on Fridays stands out as an interesting detail. Recently, having breakfast outside as a weekend activity is an activity that has started to become popular across the country.
Although there are no mandatory rules about clothing in Qatar, which is a conservative and conservative Islamic country, the local people are in line with the traditional structure in this regard. In the country, where strict rules such as covering the head and covering are not applied, clothes that are closed to the knees and shoulders are preferred. The vast majority of Qataris belong to the strict sect of Islam, Wahhabism. But compared to other Islamic countries, the rules of Islam are much more relaxed in Qatar. Other religions are respected throughout the country.
Business and social life is organized according to the lunar calendar, as in the rest of Islamic countries. Working days start on Sunday and end on Thursday. There is a weekend break on Friday and Saturday. Ramadan and Eid-al-Adha are the longest holidays in the country. During the holiday period, official institutions, banks and many points are closed and provide service during limited hours. National Sports Day (second Tuesday of February each year) and Qatar National Day (18 December) are public holidays.
Qatar places to visit
A seven-kilometer promenade on the promenade surrounding Doha Bay , the Corniche offers stunning city views from the towering towers of the central business district to the prominent structures of the Museum of Islamic Art . Traditional wooden dhows dotting the bay give you a sense of Qatar’s deep-rooted maritime past.
ⓘ Content List
Qatar Travel Guide
Qatar places to visit
- Al Corniche
- Souq Waqif Bazaar
- Museum of Islamic Art
- Islamic Cultural Center
- Katara Cultural Village
- Qatar National Museum
- Al Khor Museum
- Rumeila Park
- Pearl Qatar
- Al Zubarah Fort
- Khor Al Adaid
- Banana Island
- Sea Line Desert
Qatar shopping
What to eat in Qatar
Where to stay in Qatar
Qatar nightlife
When to go to Qatar
How to get to Qatar
1. Al Corniche
Al Corniche is a 7 km long promenade stretching along the coast of Doha Bay. Compared to other gulf cities, Doha’s coastline is much more beautiful and attractive. Of course, the effect of Doha Bay, which was carefully filled into a crescent shape, has a great effect. Traditional boats are moored along the shore. The most perfect view in the bay consists of sailboats in the water visible from the Museum of Islamic Arts and the skyscrapers in West Bay on the other side of the water.
Friday evening, when Qatari families and people from all countries gather, is the best time to visit the bay. For a wonderful afternoon stroll around the west bay, the 5 km long walking path from the Museum of Islamic Arts to the Sheraton, which is 1 or 1.5 hours’ walk away, is ideal.
At Ras abu Abboung St Flyover, located on the southern border of the Corniche, the decorative wind towers in a small park indicate that you have arrived at the ‘heritage’ area of the Corniche. The collection of traditional whitewashed houses visible on the right belongs to the grand five-star hotel Al Sharq Village Resort &Spa. A must stop at the end of this road is Halul Coofehouse, a completely traditional coffee house that has somehow escaped the modernity of the region.
2. Souq Waqif Bazaar
In addition to the fact that most of Doha is a glittering metropolis, the old city center, including Souq Waqif Bazaar , continues to keep the authentic culture of the country alive. In some squares, shopping is still done, as in ancient Arabia, and meals are eaten in traditional restaurants.
Rebuilt in the 1970s, Doha is a city that is popular with tourists, but takes care to preserve its authentic atmosphere. While the locals buy birds from Doğan Çarşısı, the Altın Çarşısı is a frequent destination for couples who are about to get married. These areas are different, colorful and both contemporary and conservative spots where you can feel the multicultural and multidimensional atmosphere of Doha.
Fanar , Qatar Islamic Cultural Center is a building that is frequently mentioned with its unique architecture in Doha. Located next to Souq Waqif Bazaar, the building is used as a cultural center and research unit. Fanar, which is in the same frame with Souq Waqif in many images about Doha, is in harmony with the authentic structure of the city.
3. Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art is the ideal address to witness the reflections of Islamic culture. If you want to trace the traces of the Islamic civilization that ruled in different geographies, the Museum of Islamic Arts is located in Doha Port. The museum, designed by an American architect and built by the Turks, is also Doha’s most touristic structure. It has an architecture similar to stacked cubes.
The museum, which was opened to visitors in 2008, exhibits very valuable artifacts from the 7th to the 19th centuries. At the museum, you can see some of the Middle East’s most impressive works of Islamic Art, from ceramics to writing arts and the world’s oldest Qur’an. Collections from Ottoman swords, Suleiman the Magnificent’s edict, Kütahya tiles, Spain and Egypt, and even India are exhibited. Entry is free.
4. Islamic Cultural Center
The Islamic Cultural Center is one of the must-see addresses with its different architecture, just one street above the Museum of Islamic Art. You can find many things about Islamic culture in the center, which attracts attention with its interesting structure.
5. Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village has been designed as a top tourist attraction to welcome visitors from all over the world. Katara is a space that aims to create a suitable environment for nurturing and activating cultural and innovative activities in the country, and to be an educated and creative cultural center and meeting place. One of the main goals of the village is to increase social cultural awareness through festivals, exhibitions, forums and other cultural events.
Katara boasts an outdoor amphitheater, an opera house, a theater theatre, a multi-purpose hall, a craft restaurant, a book stall, and a cinema that can double as a beach. It aims to develop not only local artists and talents in the cultural village, but also international artists.
Katara Beach is Doha’s only public beach. The Pigeon Towers , located right next to it, is a different region with its different atmosphere and culture. The region, which offers the opportunity to tour with mini golf vehicles, becomes even more active with various activities organized in the evening.
6. Qatar National Museum
Qatar National Museum is a building complex that includes the former emirate palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani (1880-1957), who is considered the founder of the country. A big project bearing the signature of the famous French architect Jean Nouvelle. In April 2019, Hollywood stars such as Victoria Beckham and Johnny Depp, French ex-president Nicholas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni, and fashion designers such as Miuccia Prada, were attended by famous figures of the Western world.
Inspired by desert plants, the museum designed by Nouvelle strengthens Qatar’s national identity and its bond with the past. There are 11 different galleries and a 1500-meter road stretching between them awaits you. It takes you on a journey to the history and culture of not only Qatar but also the Arabian Peninsula. In the National Museum, which also includes a large contemporary art collection, the old palace buildings have been transformed into places where traditional life will be exhibited.
7. Al Khor Museum
Al Khor Museum is one of the museums to visit in Qatar with numerous museums, art galleries and historical buildings. In the museum where the artifacts unearthed from the archaeological site named after him are exhibited by the sea, there are ruins symbolizing a wide period of time dating back to the first ages and the middle ages.
8. Rumeila Park
Rumeila Park is a green area located between Al Corniche and City Center. The park, which is the meeting point of those who want to breathe in the city, is a recreation area with a complex structure. It is also a popular area with gift shops lined up around Rumeila Park, where there is an open-air theater, children’s playgrounds, art gallery, cafeteria and playgrounds.
9. Pearl Qatar
Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island off the West Bay Coast offering luxury shopping with Mediterranean-style yacht marinas, residence towers, villas and hotels, as well as boutiques of the leading brands. At the same time, Pearl Qatar, which was made by Qatar’s human hand and filling the sea, is connected to Doha by bridges. Chic cafes, expensive boutiques and glamorous venues line up under the skyscrapers along the seafront.
You can also tour by boat around the island, where Doha Marina is located. A popular dining destination, the island’s promenade is lined with cafes and restaurants serving everything from a refreshing ice cream to a five-star dining experience. Pearl is called the ‘Arabian Riviera’ for its elegance. This is a place that is a symbol of luxury and wealth, where air conditioners blow air rapidly from the gratings in the streets.
10. Al Zubarah Fort
Al Zubarah Fort is a historical building located on the northwest coast of Qatar, 105 km from Doha. Al Zubarah Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the 60-hectare archaeological site surrounding it are among the most comprehensive and best preserved examples of 18th and 19th century settlements in the region.
Al Zubarah also includes the remains of a walled coastal city that was once one of the bay’s most important pearl diving and trade centers with connections to the Indian Ocean. There is only this castle to be seen in the region, I can recommend it for those who have time when the round-trip time is long.
11. Khor Al Adaid
Khor Al Adaid is one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders, located in the southeast corner of Qatar, approximately 60 km from Doha. Khor Al Adaid, called the “Inland Sea”, is a UNESCO-recognized natural reserve with its unique ecosystem. Khor Al Adaid is one of the rare places in the world where the sea goes all the way to the heart of the desert. With no land access, this tranquil water paradise can only be reached by crossing sand dunes.
12. Banana Island
Named Banana Island because of its banana-like shape, the island with a 700-meter coastline holds the title of the natural island with the longest sandy beach in Doha. With its white, fine-grained beach, long thin palms and turquoise sea, the island, which makes the Maldives feel, is in the luxury category.
For families with children and those who are considering a honeymoon, there are independent accommodation units on the sea, just like in the Maldives and Far East countries. Banan Island, which also includes the resort hotel with the largest wellness center in the Middle East, can be reached by boat from the city center.
13. Sea Line Desert
Sea Line Desert is a traditional tourist destination in Doha that offers a desert accommodation experience. There are many accommodation facilities that appeal to different budgets in the Sea Line Desert, where the locals also spend their weekends.
Desert hotels, where Arab traditions are kept alive, consist of tents. Each tent resembles a spacious suite with air conditioning, toilet and bathroom. A fire is lit in front of the tents against the sudden drop in air temperature at night in this experience, which has turned into a cultural promotion event with its meal menus offering various tastes from Bedouin cuisine.
Qatar shopping
Traditional souks and modern shopping malls are two opposite poles where you can compare Doha’s historical past with its position in the modern world. In the city, where the air temperature is usually high, all of the big shopping centers are socialization centers where the people meet to escape from the heat with their qualified cooling systems.
Banks, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, bowling, ice skating and movie theaters in modern shopping centers offer many things needed in the social area.
The traditional market places, known as Souq, are the places where the local people meet their daily needs, socialize after work and enjoy spending time in the city center. The most well-known among the souqs is Souq Waqif. Silver and gold embroidered items, textile and food products, shops selling spices, coffee and tea, and local handicrafts are among the products you can find in the souq.
What to eat in Qatar
Despite limited agricultural activities, the dishes in Qatar’s traditional cuisine are surprisingly diverse. Since the population is mainly composed of foreigners and this population is Southeast Asian, Indian, Chinese, Philippine, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines stand out in Doha.
In addition to Middle Eastern dishes, European cuisine can be found in every corner of the city. It is possible to eat according to every taste in the luxury restaurants of American fast food brands and five-star hotels.
These include machboos , which consists of spicy rice pilaf with seafood or meat and mutton served with yogurt ; ghuzi consisting of whole lamb roast on a bed of rice and nuts, and stuffed boiled sheep or goat served with seasoned rice.
This most important element of the meal is usually accompanied by various side dishes such as chicken, fish, vegetables and salad. A typical Qatari meal is complemented by locally grown dates, fresh fruit and desserts such as halva or Umm Ali .
In addition to middle eastern cuisine, Doha also has restaurants serving Italian, Chinese and Indian cuisines. Among the restaurants that will provide you with an unforgettable culinary experience in Doha are Belgia Cafe , La Dolce Vita and Chopsticks . On the other hand, Souq Waqif hosts various cafes and restaurants besides shopping.
Fruit juices and acidic beverages are the options you can find. Large hotels have bars, but only customers or members are allowed in. Outside of Doha, it is very difficult to find a restaurant. I shared detailed information in my blog post What to Eat in Qatar .
Where to stay in Qatar
Qatar is a city that can be considered a bit expensive in terms of accommodation. Three-quarters of the hotels in the city, which has the best facilities and the highest standards in the world, are met by 4 and 5 star hotels. Most of the capital’s major hotels are self-contained independent resorts, but are steps from the central business district and the city’s main tourist attractions.
All of the hotels have a wide variety of in-house facilities and services, as well as many with private beachfront resorts. These hotels are complemented by a variety of downtown businesses, including exclusive boutique hotels and serviced apartments.
Shangri-La Hotel Doha , which makes a difference among the skyscraper hotels in Doha, the capital of Qatar, with its luxury and quality service concept, is appreciated with its modern and ostentatious architecture.
The hotel, which is a 50-floor accommodation facility located in the West Bay region, welcomes its guests with its restaurants bearing traces of all world cultures, spacious rooms, modern furniture and a service approach that puts customer satisfaction first.
There are seven different restaurants in this luxury hotel, which brings together the delicious dishes and entertainment of world cuisines with its guests.
Four Seasons Hotel Doha and Marsa Malaz Kempinski for those who prefer luxury accommodation ; If you prefer lower budget accommodation, InterContinental Doha and Musheireb-Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels may be the right addresses.
Qatar nightlife
When it comes to Doha’s nightlife, live music venues, bars and clubs can mostly be found around international hotels. If the place you are going to does not belong to the hotel, make sure to carry your ID with you and check whether the place you are going to is a place that only members can enter.
Please note that alcohol consumption is completely prohibited outside of international hotels. The hotel’s customer service is where you can get the most detailed information about these issues.
When to go to Qatar
Doha’s climate can range from mild and wonderful winters to unbearably hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius. On some days, temperatures as high as 50 degrees can cause serious health problems.
Although sand and dust storms are not very frequent in winter and spring, they can be seen from time to time. When we take all these into account, we can say that the best month to visit is between October and April. Temperatures rarely exceed 22 degrees and humidity remains very low.
How to get to Qatar
There are direct flights to Qatar from Istanbul. It is possible to reach Doha, the capital of Qatar, after a 4-hour journey with Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia and Pegasus. Opened in 2014, Hamad International Airport is very close to the city center.
There is no bus or minibus system in Qatar, you can either rent a car or travel by normal taxi. Since all taxis have taximeters, there is no negotiation on the fare.
