Looking for the best things to do in Qatar. Here are my recommendations...
Living at the bottom of Africa often means long-haul travel comes with a connecting flight, and more often than not, that connection is through Qatar. For years, Doha has been a place many of us pass through rather than stop in. However, it has far more to offer than a quick airport transit.
I first visited Qatar in 2011 when I flew to Istanbul in Turkey via Qatar Airways. I went there again in 2025 and the difference was remarkable. The skyline had evolved drastically and there were many new attractions.
About Qatar
Qatar is a small but influential country in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia and close to the United Arab Emirates. One of the richest countries in the world, following the discovery of oil and natural gas in the 1940s, cultural traditions remain extremely important here. In the capital, Doha, sleek glass towers stand alongside traditional souqs, reflecting how modern life and long-held traditions exist side by side. Islamic culture shapes everyday life, while art, design, and architecture continue to develop and gain global attention.
The climate in Qatar is extremely hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching over 40 degrees Celsius in the summer months. However, this is offset by the fact that Qatar has some beautiful beaches , where you can cool down whenever it gets too hot.
Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
One of the top attractions in Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is set on its own island along the Corniche. A must-visit for anyone interested in Islamic art and culture, it is housed in a striking building designed by architect I.M. Pei. The museum boasts one of the biggest and most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world, spanning 4 floors and 3 continents, and includes everything from calligraphy and ceramics to textiles and coins. We were impressed by the extensive collections and fascinating exhibits.
National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar tells the story of the country from its natural history through to modern nationhood, offering a deeper understanding of how Qatar has evolved. Designed by Jean Nouvel and inspired by naturally occurring crystal formations known as the "desert rose", the building itself is a striking architectural marvel. Inside, interactive and immersive exhibits explore Qatari culture, traditions, and rapid development and show how the past continues to shape Qatar’s present.
Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is one of Doha’s most atmospheric places, offering a glimpse into Qatar’s traditional way of life. Restored in a classic style, its narrow lanes are lined with spice shops, textiles, handicrafts, and local eateries. You'll find falcons, camels, fish, and much more. The souq is a lively gathering place for both locals and visitors, especially in the evenings.
The Corniche
The Corniche is a scenic waterfront promenade, stretching for seven kilometres along the crescent-shaped bay. It offers panoramic views of the skyline on one side and the waters of the Arabian Gulf on the other. Popular with walkers, joggers, and families, it’s especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. There are parks, restaurants and cafes along the Corniche and you can also hop onto a dhow cruise.
Mina District (The Old Doha Port)
Mina District is one of Doha’s newest waterfront areas. Previously the Old Doha Port, it has been transformed into a picturesque precinct with pastel-coloured buildings, cafés, and boutique shops overlooking the Grand Terminal Building, where cruise ships dock during cruise season. The area is popular for Instagrammable strolls, dining, and photos.
It is also home to the most beautiful fish market I've ever seen, Chabrat Al Mina.
Chabrat Al Mina (Fish Market)
You can also visit the nearby Box Park, where shipping containers have been repurposed into vibrant shopping and food outlets.
Box Park
Qanat Quartier
The Pearl is a man-made island off the coast of Doha, known for its luxury living, marinas, and waterfront promenades. It features a mix of residential towers, villas, cafés, and high-end boutiques. Popular areas in The Pearl include Porto Arabia and Qanat Quartier, a picturesque Venetian-style neighbourhood in The Pearl, known for its colourful buildings, arched bridges, and canals where you can go on a gondola ride.
Meryal Waterpark
The largest waterpark in Qatar, Meryal Waterpark is themed around Qatar’s oil and gas heritage. Located along the beachfront in Qetaifan Island North, the park has 69 attractions including the 85m Icon Tower (also known as Rig 1938) which holds two Guinness World Records — for the highest waterpark tower in the world and the tower with the most rides. We stayed at the Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North Hotel and had easy access to the park.
Place Vendôme
Qatar is rapidly becoming one of the most popular shopping destinations in the world. It is home to some world-class shopping malls, including Place Vendôme, a luxury shopping and leisure destination in Lusail, inspired by classic Parisian architecture. The “Dancing Fountains” take place there every evening between 7 pm to 11 pm and are entertaining to watch from the sidewalk cafes. The show lasts for a few minutes only but is repeated hourly.
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
This new museum is a must for sports buffs. It has seven galleries showcasing sporting memorabilia from around the globe. Highlights include a boxing glove signed by Muhammad Ali from the 1960 Olympics, the soccer ball used by Brazilian Pelé to score the 1,000th goal of his career and a basketball autographed by Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Scottie Pippen.
Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village is a waterfront cultural hub that showcases Qatar’s heritage through traditional-style architecture, galleries, and performance venues. Opened in 2010, it was designed to resemble an old Qatari village, with sand-colored buildings, narrow alleys, and open courtyards. The complex is home to art galleries, an amphitheatre, beautiful mosques, and public art installations, all set against views of West Bay and The Pearl.
Outside Doha
Desert Safari
A desert safari is one of the most popular things to do in Qatar. There are plenty of companies offering desert safaris, which typically include activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and quad biking.
Al Zubarah Fort (cc: Antony Satheesh via Wikimedia Commons)
Al Zubarah Fort is a historic military fortress and UNESCO world heritage site in the deserted town of Al Zubarah, outside Doha. Built in 1938, it provides important insights about life in Qatar before the discovery of gas and oil. You can explore the fort at your own pace or join a guided tour for more information.The larger UNESCO World Heritage Site also includes the archaeological town remains.
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum (cc Jenny Brown - Wikimedia Commons)
This museum is located about an hour outside of Doha but is well worth the drive. The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum showcases over 15 000 items from the private collection of its namesake sheikh and includes everything from traditional Bedouin weaponry and handmade carpets to antique cars.
For more things to do in Qatar, see the Visit Qatar website.
If you require airport transfers in Doha (or in many other countries around the world), contact Welcome Transfers. We used them and they were professional, punctual and friendly. Book your Doha airport transfer here.
The Metro
Doha’s Metro is fast, clean, and efficient, connecting key districts such as West Bay, Lusail, Katara, and Education City. It’s ideal for avoiding traffic and reaching major attractions quickly.
Ride-Hailing Apps
Services like Uber and Careem are popular, reliable, and often cheaper than taxis, with options for standard or luxury rides. We used Uber often.
Taxis
Traditional taxis are widely available and metered, but fares can be higher than ride-hailing apps.
Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha
Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North(Review coming soon)
West Bay: The business and diplomatic district with skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and seaside views. Suitable for luxury stays and business travelers. It includes the Corniche area. We stayed here at the Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha.
Lusail: A newer, planned city just north of Doha with luxury hotels, modern shopping, and attractions like Place Vendôme, Qetaifin Island and the marina. Excellent choice for families or longer stays.
Souq Waqif: Ideal for a central location with a rich cultural experience. It's near the oldest bazaar, offering restaurants, shops, museums, and lively atmosphere. Good for walking access to many attractions.
Msheireb Downtown Doha: A modern, vibrant district next to Souq Waqif with artistic installations and great public transport access. It offers a contemporary city feel and several high-quality hotels.
The Pearl-Qatar: A luxurious, planned artificial island with upscale residences, shopping, and dining. It is slightly farther from the city center and relies mainly on taxis.
Old Airport Area: Budget-friendly with quieter residential surroundings and many shops and eateries. Good for short stays or travelers wanting to be outside the busy city center.
Al Baaya: Suitable for families with large green spaces, malls, and entertainment options.
Book your accommodation in Qatar.
We used Airalo and didn't have any issues.
Good to Know
South African passport holders qualify for a free visa on arrival for short stays.
Book your flights to Qatar here or book directly with Qatar Airways.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 53 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
Thanks for the info. Ihave been surious about visiting here dir a bit, but never looked into it till now. Thanks for the great information
I’ve wanted to go here for years! Thank you for such a great round up of activities. Will look forward to my trip!
It's definitely worth a visit!
I recently visited Oman, and while talking about corniches, the one there is beautiful.
The vibe at Mina district in Qatar looks lovely.
I'd love to visit Oman too.
What an overview of the variety of things there is to do in Qatar!
Looks Amazing! I would love to try that safari idea!