Qatar, the official host to this year’s World Cup, is a beautiful country in Western Asia. The capital of Qatar is Doha, whose total population runs 2.7 million, many of whom are ex-pats from all over the world. A couple of years ago, I was one of them. For five years, I was part of the best Airline in the world, Qatar Airways, and Doha was my home.
Today, I am giving you the ultimate list of the best places to visit Qatar.
History of Qatar
This country features a desert area, gorgeous beaches and dunes, ultramodern architecture inspired by ancient Islamic design, and an extravagant style never seen before.
Qatar was once part of the Ottoman Empire, followed by being a British protectorate, and it declared its independence in 1971. This country has also been a hereditary monarchy since 1868, and today’s Emir is Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
Capital: Doha
Population: 2,795,484
Official language: Arabic
Common Languages: English
Currency: Qatari Riyal
Country Code: +974
National Animal: Arabian Oryx
Situated North of Qatar is the Kingdom of Bahrain, and South is the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar also opens up to Persian Golf, giving this country more appeal and beauty.
Qatar is one of the fastest-growing countries for tourism due to its rich culture and beautiful sightseeing, but also its visa facilitation improvements, where many countries can enter Qatar visa-free and free of charge.
The best places to visit in Qatar
Whether you plan to visit Qatar during the World Cup or another time, today’s Itinerary for the best places to visit Qatar will guide you to get around, visit the best places, eat the most delicious food, and enjoy the nightlife.
How to get around?
By train: Qatar railway started its operation in May 2019. It has red, green, and gold lines that take you throughout the city. It represents one of the world’s most beautiful, functional, and clean means of transportation.
Doha metro will be instrumental during the World Cup, as visitors can quickly get from one stadium to another and avoid condensed traffic
By foot:
Doha is just a city for touring by foot since this place is one of the safest cities in the world. Places like the Souq Waqif, Corniche, the Pearl, and Katara are perfect for walking and exploring all that beauty.
By Taxi/Uber:
One of Doha’s most common taxi services is Karwa, a government-operated taxi. Each car has a tamper-proof meter. The flat rate within the city is 4 QR, and the outside is 1.9 QR. You can find Karwa vehicles at the airport and all major city areas.
Uber was introduced too in 2015 and is also commonly used and very safe.
Qatar Airways (the official airline of Qatar)
My personal story
Back in 2012, when I first applied and got accepted by Qatar Airways, I was thrilled. Little did I know that Qatar would be where I would spend one of the most beautiful years of my life, sharing life-changing moments that would last forever.
Joining the Airline enabled me to see the world, learn new cultures and customs, and create lifelong friendships.
During the five years of my flight-attending career, I visited more than 100 countries worldwide. This world, once unknown, landed on top of my palm, people once I didn’t know became my family, and my passion for travel became a reality.
Crucial fact: I was flying for a 5-star Airline, the best in the world.
Being part of the Qatar Airways family was an honor, pleasure, and unforgettable experience that helped me to become the person I am today.
Through Qatar Airways, I got certified in excellent Safety, Service, First Aid, and Wine and Dine programs, skills that I am practicing even nowadays.
I will encourage all young ladies who want to see the world, get to know new cultures, and create lifelong friendships, to apply!!! Qatar Airways is the best Airline in the world, and I am very proud that I was part of it.
Facts about the airline
The headquarters of Qatar Airways is in Doha, and its base is Hamad International Airport. The Airline features more than 150 International destinations across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania, and a fleet of more than 200 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus.
CEO: Akbar Al Baker
Codeshare: Alaska, American, Asiana, Air Canada, British, Cathay Pacific, Latam Airlines Group, Virgin Australia, and many others.
Cabin: First, Busines, Economy Class
One World Alliance: Qatar Airways has been part of the One World Alliance since 2013.
Subsidiaries: Qatar Airways Cargo, Qatar Executive
Privilage Club
By joining this club and flying with Qatar Airways or One World member Airlines you can:
Accumulate Qpoints that you can use to upgrade or renew your Privilege Club Membership Tier.
Earn Avios you collect when you or your designated family fly with Qatar Airways, airline partners, and One World member Airlines. You and your selected family can use your Avios towards upgrades, hotel booking, car rental, and shopping at Qatar Duty-Free.
Create a dashboard and quickly access your account, latest activities, booking, services, and redemption for your hotel stay.
Awards:
Qatar Airways has won the “Airline of the year” by Skytrax, a record seven times, including this year.
The best places to visit in Qatar
As we mentioned above, Qatar has a vibrant history and a unique culture and customs; yet a modern appeal. Therefore, this city offers plenty of opportunities for visitors. From historical sites to grand vistas, Qatar has it all. Here is our list of the best places to visit Qatar.
Corniche: Take a walk by this beautiful waterfront promenade, and enjoy premier views of Doha Bay. The walk is 7 kilometers long, and on the way, you get to stop by Corniche park (home of many festivals) and, of course, the famous Museum of Islamic Art.
Museum of Islamic Art
MIA (Museum of Islamic Art): You must visit this museum in Doha because it represents Islamic Art over 1400 years old. In its collection, you will see metalwork, woodwork, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and glass from the 7th to the 20th Century.
The Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif: This place is home to traditional restaurants, shisha lounges, and a large market that offers native clothing, handcrafts, souvenirs, and food. The Souq is a classic spot and perfect for discovering and learning Doha’s culture. The original buildings date back to the 20th Century, created in a typical Qatari architectural style.
The Golden Souq
Golden Souq: Just next to the Souq, there is a marketplace explicitly selling gold. Get a memory from your Doha trip in the form of a beautiful golden necklace or a bracelet, and know that all of it is superb.
The Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village: Katara was the original name used for Qatar before the 18th Century. This beautiful place features a multi-purpose cinema, an opera house, a beach, a souq, and many restaurants and art galleries. Various cultural events get hosted here weekly, making this place an authentic cultural spot for all visitors.
Stroll through Qatari history and culture, and head to a restaurant to savor your evening; the perfect way to get to know this spot.
The Pearl
Pearl: This place is little ways off from Doha City. It’s a separate island that hosts more than 28 000 residents. The Pearl represents pure luxury, consisting of high-end restaurants, boutiques, private homes, and a gorgeous marina with the most beautiful yachts. It’s truly a must-visit.
The Banana Island
Banana Island: This small Island has a location just off the coast of Doha, precisely 20 min ferry ride.
Thailand-based Anantara designed it, and it features a private beach, spa, a lagoon pool, various restaurants, and a movie theater.
The Doha desert for dune bashing
For an ultimate Doha experience, you must visit the desert and try the adventure of dune bashing.
And what is that? A form of off-roading drive on dunes in big 4×4 vehicles. The drivers are experienced and know how to maneuver the car going up and down the dune, and they give you the ultimate desert experience.
Disclaimer: The car is going pretty fast during this ride, and your adrenaline rushes. However, this experience is not for the faint-hearted.
The best things to do in Qatar
Doha has plenty of cultural, educational, and fun things to do. Here are a few of our favorite activities around Doha.
-Walk on the Corniche
-Have a coffee at the MIA Park
-Visit the MIA Museum
-Lunch and stroll at the Pearl
-See a show at the Katara Village
-Shiha at the Souq
-Sail around the Gulf
-Shop at the Village, Mall of Qatar, City Centre
Traditional food
Appetizer:
Cold Qatari Mezze consisting of a bowl of hummus, muhammara, and baba ganoush, is one of the most-known appetizers in Qatar, and is usually served with warm pita bread.
Entree:
Machbus is a rice dish consisting of meat (mainly lamb or chicken) and vegetables simmered for depth and flavor.
Dessert:
Baklava, made from layers of filo pastry filled with hazelnuts or pistachios, is the most famous dessert in Qatar. The filo dough layers hold together with honey or sweet syrup, which makes this dessert even more delicious.
Traditional coffee and shisha
In Qatar, you must try their traditional Arabic coffee, made of Arabica beans and prepared uniquely. Cardamon spice can be added for flavor, although sometimes it is served plain or with sugar.
The coffee is served from a dallah (medium-sized coffee pot with a long spout), and poured into finjaans (small handles cups). The amount usually served is 1/3 to 2/3 of a cup; the dallah should not be touching the cup during pouring. Arabic coffee has a unique flavor and its a must-try in Qatar.
Traditional shisha
Smokin shisha is part of the traditional Qatari culture. Shisha is aromatic, and flavored tobacco is smoked through a Hookah pipe and consumed during coffee gatherings or over dinner. Almost every conventional restaurant has shisha on its menu, and the servers are very kind to set it up and explain how to use it properly.
The best restaurants in Qatar
Qatar has a variety of outstanding restaurants that offer food from around the world. In Qatar, you will never be hungry. In addition, you will also enjoy the most breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings from pretty much every Qatary restaurant. Here is a list of restaurants that we recommend:
Nobu by Mr.Matsuhisa and Mr.De Niro
Hakkasan
Morimoto
Nusr-Et Steakhouse
Spice Market
Yasmine Palace
STK Doha
Gourmet District Doha
Nicest bars
This place has no lack of bars, either. You may want to enjoy a Cosmopolitan on a beautiful rooftop or chill over a beer in a more relaxed atmosphere; Qatar has it all. Here is a list of the bars we like
Coolest clubs
Qatar’s vibrant nightlife features super cool clubs and hosts many famous DJs like Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto, the late Virgil Abloh, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and many others.
Visitors Info: Qatar is not a “Dry State.” Alcohol is allowed to buy and consumed by 21-year-olds and over at licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars.
The best places in Qatar to go clubbing:
Disclaimer: Drinking in public in Qatar is a crime.
Visitors Infor: During the World Cup, Qatar will allow ticketed fans to purchase alcoholic beer three hours before and one hour after the match. However, no consumption of alcohol during the game.
Top beaches
Qatar has gorgeous white sand beaches situated within high-end hotels. Here is our pick:
The best time to visit Qatar
March and November ar the best months for visiting Qatar.
Did you know that Turkey is just a four-and-a-half-hour plane ride from Qatar? For the best experience, check out our guides for:
Have you ever visited Doha, Qatar? Let us know in the comments below. We hope you have enjoyed our itinerary for the best places to visit Qatar.
