Beginners Guide to Qatar’s Top 6 Tourist Destinations
Due to its unique location — Qatar has become a popular travel destination. Al Hamad International Airport, which is located in Qatar’s capital city Doha, is among the most well-developed and bustling airports in the world.
Although Qatar is a tiny country that covers a small area of 11,571 sq. km. — there are numerous attractions in the country which enchant many tourists.
So, let’s have a look at the most popular destinations in Qatar which you can put on your travel bucket list if you ever get a chance to explore the culturally rich country.
1. Doha Corniche
Another popular attraction in Qatar — Doha Corniche is a 7-km long stretch along the Persian Gulf. As there is not much shade on the seaside, the best time to visit the corniche is before sunset or sunshine.
The sight of the skyscrapers as the sun rises is splendid and a must-have experience. From playing in the field and flying a kite to dining in-front of the sea and catching a dhow — the site is filled with exciting activities that cannot be missed.
2. Dune Bashing
Dune Bashing is one of the things you cannot miss if you are in Qatar. Hitting the high dunes of sand with inflated tires is worth every minute. As you go towards the steep, your heart beats faster and as you descend from it, you get the feeling of a roller coaster ride.
There are many tour companies in Qatar that will arrange an adventurous trip for you. Many companies will send a vehicle directly to the airport or the hotel for pick-up.
Apart from the dune bashing, there are many other things you can do. From eating mouth-watering regional foods to spending the night in a luxurious tent — the itinerary is filled with excitement.
3. Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif, an old traditional bazaar site, was recently revamped to attract more tourists. With small bright alleyways, the market comprises several shops which deal in clothing, spices, souvenir and much more.
If you are lucky, you may also catch a few artists along the tiny alleyways singing a melodious song or sketching mesmerizing art. It also has a few restaurants. Most of them are famous for serving Middle-Eastern fare.
The flagship of the bazaar is the falcon souq — a traditional market for buying and selling of falcons, which is considered a sign of royalty among Qataris.
4. Museum of Islamic Art
If history and culture intrigue you then the Museum of Islamic Art is the place to be. Designed by the famous American-Chinese architect I.M. Pei — the architecture of the museum is unprecedented.
The place has objects collected from three continents. These were fetched during the 7th – 9th centuries. Every artifact describes itself and its origin.
Although, if you plan to visit the museum, stay aware of the rules and regulations you need to follow. Those who fail to comply with the rules and regulations are not allowed to enter the place.
5. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Different from typical museums, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is an unorthodox museum that showcases an interesting collection.
Sheikh Faisal, a distant relative of Qatar’s Emir, collected these objects from all over the world. He was only 10 years old when he started the journey. The collection includes ancient religious books, old cigarette packets, and textiles.
You will even come across an old Ottoman bomb which was built in the eighteen century. There is a room that is dedicated to vintage US cars and pearling boats.
6. Visit Katara Cultural Village
A hidden gem in Qatar’s art and culture scene, Katara Cultural Village has several twisted waterways and passage. It also houses an amphitheater and an opera house. Many events are held here including the traditional Dhow Festival and the Palestinian Heritage Festival.
Concluding the article, despite being a small country, Qatar has several tourist destinations. If you want to avoid the struggle of public transportation, the best way to enjoy it is by hiring an economy car rental.
