Best Things to Do in Qatar

The vibrant country of Qatar has a diverse range of activities and interests for different travelers. From its mysterious desert landscape and pristine beaches to its ultramodern cities dotted with ancient landmarks, there’s something for solo visitors, families, and everyone in between in Qatar.

Here are the best things to do in Qatar to make the most of your trip.

1. Al Wukair Scrapyard

The Al Wukair scrapyard is a unique and fascinating destination in Qatar. Located outside of Doha, the scrapyard spans miles of ominous desert reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic film, all filled with around 20,000 vehicles. You can stroll around abandoned cars, motorcycles, and trucks, as well as massive construction equipment, dune buggies, boats, and other vehicles, all waiting to be reclaimed by their owners.

2. Film City

Film City is a contemporary recreation of an ancient village in the heart of the Zekreet peninsula desert. Set by a dramatic canyon that contrasts with lush, blue-green palms, Film City has a serene, ghost town feeling, along with mysterious origins. It’s rumored to have been built for a Hollywood film, video promotions, a native Arabic film, and more, but no one knows for sure. In addition to exploring the replicas of ancient buildings, you could also see a collection of sand-colored stones that are believed to have been built by the Bedouin to watch over their territory.

3. Musfur Sinkhole

The ancient Musfur Sinkhole is the largest sinkhole in Qatar and a must-visit location on your trip to the country. The limestone and gypsum cavern descends 300 feet into the earth and is believed to have formed between 325,000 and 500,000 years ago, providing it with its own unique ecosystem. You can explore the beautiful space to snap unique photos of the rock formations, nesting birds, and odd insects for a truly memorable experience.

4. National Museum of Qatar

History buffs will love the National Museum of Qatar. It’s fully devoted to the history and culture of Qatar and its people, dating back to its earliest days. The museum takes an experiential approach to give its visitors an immersive and empathetic experience as they travel through the country’s historic milestones. Some highlights of the collection include gemstones and orientalist jewelry, Islamic artwork, ancient cultural artifacts, weaponry, fossils, coins, and a massive collection of pearls, which were vital to the economy and trade in the region.

5. Katara Cultural Village

If you want a taste of local culture, the Katara Cultural Village is the perfect place. The development is a significant source of entertainment, dining, and shopping, complete with spectacular theaters, galleries, and restaurants. There’s also a wide range of film screenings throughout the year, and a lovely promenade with food markets and stunning views of the city skyline. If you’re looking for more adventure, Katara has a public beach that’s popular with sunbathers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts.

6. Al Zubara Fort

The Al Zubara Fort is a Qatan military fortress that was built in 1938. The historic fort was built by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani as a military post or police station. It’s since been renovated into a fascinating museum that holds a collection of cultural exhibits and artwork, including archaeological artifacts from the region. It’s also surrounded by the historic pearl fishing and trading port of Al Zubarah, which offers a variety of architecture such as a stunning city wall, ancient palaces, quaint homes, and spectacular mosques.

7. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art offers a collection focused on the contemporary and modern works from the Arab world and the Middle East, as well as selected works from Asia, Africa, and Europe that have significance to the Arab Peninsula. The museum is home to permanent collections and temporary exhibits, but the highlights include work from revolutionary Arab artists like Jewad Selim and Mahmoud Moukhtar. You can see trends exhibited in paintings, sculpture, paper, video, and art installations throughout the collection.

8. Barzan Towers

Located in the village of Umm Salal Mohammed, the Barzan Towers are a set of historical monuments that date back to the 1910s. Named for ‘high place’, it’s believed that the towers once served as a lookout to determine the lunar calendar dates and monitor valuable water sources. With their position perched over the sea, it’s also possible that the towers stood to keep watch over ships and pearl divers. During your visit, you can explore the tower’s interior and take in the commanding views of the land and sea.

9. Bir Jekreet

Bir Jekreet is another of Qatar’s hidden gems. The strip of land on the west coast is mostly uninhabited, other than a Coast Guard post, a tiny village and Film City. Unlike the trip to the replica village, however, exploring Bir Jekreet is about enjoying natural wonders. Throughout the landscape, you’ll see massive mushroom-shaped limestone formations and large herds of gazelles and oryx. The area is ripe for photo opportunities, especially with the unique geology and ancient building recreations.

Ready for your getaway?

Qatar is a stunning destination with a diverse range of activities and experiences, whether you enjoy the beauty of art or the eerie feel of a deserted landscape. If you’re planning a trip to Qatar, check out Expedia to discover deals on Qatar vacations and save on travel, so you can make the most of the experience!