Popular Attractions in Qatar

Qatar’s neighbourhoods boast waterfront views, sandy beaches, retail, exhibition spaces and eateries, reflecting the rich diversity of this tiny state.

Katara Cultural Village
Combining art galleries and workshops, theatres and performances venues, and exceptional restaurants set on a waterfront promenade, Katara Cultural Village is Doha’s destination for culture and entertainment. A central amphitheatre stands against a backdrop of traditional architecture and cobbled streets, and is the site of many cultural performances. Adjoining the main development, a spacious public beach offers water sports and equipment rentals.

The Pearl-Qatar
Located on the site of one of Qatar’s former pearl diving beds, the Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island with luxury towers and villas, high-end shopping, hotels and fine dining. Visitors can marvel at super yachts as they stroll along the marina, then settle down for some people-watching while enjoying a meal at one of the area’s many waterfront restaurants. Chic boutiques and luxury car dealerships shine in a setting inspired by the architecture of the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The Pearl-Qatar offers ample opportunities to enjoy the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf: charter a boat, try a class in stand-up paddle boarding, or simply relax on one of the island’s public or hotel beaches.

Qatar National Library
QNL aspires to be one of the world’s pre-eminent centres of learning, research, and culture; an institution that promotes imagination and discovery and acts as a guardian of the region’s heritage. Developing innovative programmes and services, and through the use of technology, the library also offers several programmes and courses for the community.

Qanat Quartier
A feast for the eyes, this Venice-inspired neighbourhood brings a piece of the Mediterranean to Doha. Boasting turquoise canals flanked by candy-coloured buildings and gracefully arched bridges, Qanat Quartier abounds with Instagram-worthy vistas. Play a tune on the musical staircase, or take a leisurely stroll down broad avenues as you wander in and out of the neighbourhood’s many boutiques and cafés. Grab a coffee, stick your toes in the sand, and take in stunning views of the Arabian Gulf from Qanat Quartier’s beachfront promenade.

Souq Waqif
A thriving market, a melting pot of cultures, and a labyrinth full of colors and scents, Souq Waqif is the place to be for those who seek truly authentic vibes.

Souq Waqif, or “standing market,” is home to traditional and modern restaurants and cafes, art galleries, and local retail shops that offer a wide range of goods, from spices and desserts to clothes and textiles.

12 things to do in Souq Waqif
Built on the site of Doha’s century old trading market, on the banks of the Wadi Musheireb, Souq Waqif feels like an anachronism, particularly against the backdrop of Doha’s dramatic modernist skyline. With its mud-daubed buildings, the market harkens to a bygone era while remaining a hub of activity, where commerce and gossip collide. Souq Waqif’s winding alleys offer a tableau of traditional street life. Herewith, our 12 reasons why Souq Waqif is a must-do:

1. Make like Midas at the Gold Souq
Gold jewellery remains widely popular throughout the Middle East, and wandering through the gold section of the souq one can get a sense of its continued importance in local traditions. From intricate head pieces and multi-tiered necklaces to more everyday items, the Gold Souq has you covered, no matter your budget.

2. Hold a falcon in your hand
Falconry is a traditional sport in Qatar, and Souq Waqif is home to a Falcon Souq where you can see the majestic birds up close and, under the shopkeeper’s watchful eye, pose with a falcon perched on your arm. It is also possible to buy falcons and accoutrements here, and a dedicated hospital cures whatever ails them.

3. Check out some camels and horses
Head to the camel pen near the Falcon Souq to see these doe-eyed creatures, or wander to the Emiri Stables where beautiful Arabian horses hold sway in between taking the heritage police on their daily rounds of the souq.

4. Indulge in some retail therapy
The shops that line the alleyways of the souq beckon with all manner of goods both practical and fantastical. From shoes to antiques to handicrafts, the souq rewards treasure hunters, with artefacts from around the region. Fishing and pearl-diving equipment vie for attention with woven fabrics, rugs, wooden furniture, and glass ornaments that are made in adjacent workshops. Aspiring musicians can delight in local varieties of drums, flutes and string instruments, including the melancholic oud.

5. Take in some art
Decorated with beautiful woodwork, hand-painted tiles, and colourful lanters, the Souq Waqif Art Centre showcases the works of local and visiting artists, all available for sale. Workshops surround the exhibition space, and it is possible to take an art class or watch artists at work.

6. Spice up your life
Follow your nose to the spices spilling out of jute sacks. From whole or ground spices, this is your spot for exotic Arabic aromatics like saffron, zater, sumac, dried flowers, dried black lemons, and endless varieties of dates, honey, tea leaves and coffee beans.

7. Learn about pearls
Qatar was at the heart of the pearl industry in days past. At the pearl shop nestled amid the stores selling handicrafts, you can strike up a conversation with the owner – a former pearl diver, learn about the lost art of pearling, and see the many varieties of white, pink and grey pearls.

8. Buy some local beauty products
From oudh and musk to custom-made perfume, kohl, argan oil and henna design stencils, many of the region’s traditional fragrances and cosmetics can be found at the Souq. For a temporary souvenir, get fresh henna tattoo applied by an onsite artist.

9. Eat like a champ
From restaurants to street vendors, the souq has foods to sate any hunger. Local women gather in the central courtyard selling everything from samosas and stuffed vine leaves to meat stews and sweet dumplings. If street food is not your thing, try karak tea and crepes (regag) at Shay al Shamoos, Makhboos (traditional rice dish) at Al Jasra, fahsa (slowcooked meat stew in claypots) eaten in traditional style sitting on the floor at Bander Aden, and the scrumptious kunafas and baklavas at Al Aker Sweets.

10. Chill like a local
Souq Waqif is by far the most popular place to hang out with friends, particularly after dusk. Open til the wee hours, the roadside cafes offer a never-ending supply of Arabic coffee, fresh fruit juices and shisha with your choice of flavoured tobacco. Many restaurants have TV screens which show football matches, while some, such as Majlis Al Dana, offer backgammon, a popular local board game.

11. Feel like Persian royalty
The minute you step inside Parisa, you’ll find yourself in a dazzling palatial environment with intricate mirrorwork and antique glass lanterns. Many of the items in this eatery were handpicked from Iran and assembled in Doha over the course of several years.

12. Enjoy the street performances
The souq is busiest in the cooler months, with cultural performances by local or regional groups. There are often costume parades and street performances during the annual Shop Qatar festival or the Eid festivals. The open courtyards of the souq also host frequent exhibitions.