Qatar is not a one-city state in strict terms, but the pint-sized country is dominated by Doha, where more than 90% of the inhabitants live.
But the contemporary capital of the country isn’t the only area in this Gulf nation worth seeing. Explore outside Doha to see the gleaming new sister city of Lusail and a pseudo-tropical island retreat or venture into the desert to catch hints of Qatar’s pearling history and unexpected natural treasures.
Here is a fast introduction to the finest locations to visit in Qatar for couples, families or solitary travellers.
See the sights and dine out in Doha
Doha’s metamorphosis from modest beach town to glamorous Gulf powerhouse is famous. Qatar’s skyline is becoming more futuristic, and there are more reasons to come. Recent years have seen the addition of the spectacular National Museum of Qatar, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and a range of foreign hotels, while a new metro system has made getting about simpler.
Experience a taste of Doha’s early days – and regional culinary specialities – in the delightfully atmospheric Souq Waqif and then take a walk down the seafront Corniche to see vistas of the city and Doha Bay. See the Museum of Islamic Art (inside and out) and watch out for public art, mosques and more in the Katara cultural village.
Hop on the metro to visit Lusail
Lusail is an extension of the capital, only 20km (12.4 miles) north of Doha city center and linked by metro. But this city-in-the-making on the seaside is a city in its own right. Lusail is still very much a construction zone, but it already boasts some of Qatar’s most striking architecture, including the nation’s showpiece arena, the Lusail Stadium, shaped like a traditional woven bowl, and the Katara Towers which incorporates the traditional scimitar swords from the national seal into a pair of 36-story towers housing two luxury hotels. You will also discover a harbour with a nice promenade, the high quality Parisian themed Place Vendome mall and more attractions to come.
Lusail Tram, the first line linked to the Doha Metro, launched in 2022 making it simpler than ever to access Lusail by public transport.
Families should save time for Banana Island
Of note in Qatar is Banana Island, the lone offshore island, and it’s only a 30-minute catamaran sail from Doha. The family-oriented Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara occupies this whole little crescent-shaped isle. You may (almost) pretend you are in the Maldives by staying in an underwater bungalow or come for the day and see the island’s tranquil palm-lined stretch of beach. Day tickets include boat transportation, plus a credit to use on the resort’s restaurants and activities.
Uncover history at Al Zubarah and Al Jumail
Al Zubarah is most known for its Unesco-listed fort, although in fact the fort is named for the bustling pearling harbour that now lies in ruins between the fort and the sea, abandoned in the early 20th century. The ruins are now inaccessible to the public, but the entrance to the nicely reconstructed fort gives a glimpse of the town’s eroding underpinnings.
Some 20km (12 miles) north, take a detour off the main road to discover the isolated settlement of Jumail. The beach community was established in the 19th century, but was also abandoned after the oil and gas boom in Qatar. Al Zubarah is about a 90-minute drive northwest of Doha. You may take an organised trip with companies like 356 Adventures, but you will need a vehicle to travel to Jumail.
History and nature meet in Al Khor
The little seaside city of Al Khor is not much to look at, but it has numerous sights that make it worth a quick visit. Al Khor is an hour’s drive north of Doha and easily reached by public bus. Most important are the three stone watchtowers that line the shore. Built about 1900, the towers were intended to watch ships and protect access to the area’s major well, Ain Hleetan, which has also been maintained.
A walkway on the outskirts of Al Khor leads you through a verdant mangrove nature reserve to Bin Ghannam Island (or Purple Island), where shell middens have shown evidence of human activity going back to the 2nd millennium BC. Further north, the town of Al Thakira is the base for mangrove kayaking expeditions.
Hit the beach in northeastern Qatar
Northeastern corner of Qatar is mostly undeveloped and sparsely populated but has a few sights to explore if you’re planning to rent a car. First, the mysterious Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings near Al Maroona Beach (also known as French Beach), one of Qatar’s most pleasant public beaches. To the north, Fuwairit Beach is being developed as a kitesurfing location.
Located at the northeastern edge of Qatar, Zulal Wellness Resort is a premium contemporary hideaway inspired by traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine and one of the few locations to stay in the area. There is not much to do in the adjacent port town of Al Ruwais but the Shamal Corniche is a nice place for a sunset walk.
Explore desert oddities in Zekreet
The Brouq Peninsula (aka Bir Zekreet) is best reached from the little west coast settlement of Zekreet and has attractions such as US artist Richard Serra’s massive East–West/West–East project, which looms up amid surreal rock formations. You may also go to the ghost town of Film City, a replica of a traditional hamlet, which was erected for an Arabic TV series.
But little Zekreet, 90km (56 miles) from Doha, has a few sites of its own, including a renovated mediaeval mosque and Zekreet Fort, considered to date from the late 18th or early 19th century. The foundations are all that is left of the fort, the stone having been reused by the local residents. There are a few of basic eateries in Zekreet but no accommodation.
Southern Qatar is ready for adventure
Al Wakrah is a tiny city and the southernmost station on the Doha Metro, and boasts a beautiful seaside souq (market) offering everything from honey, spices and dates to perfumes and souvenirs. You may also walk around the perimeter of the old Al Wakra Fort, but it’s not available to the public at this time.
From here you may get a bus or an Uber 30 minutes south to Sealine Beach, one of Qatar’s most popular public beaches, with a number of diving opportunities within easy reach of the coast. Here the east coast road stops and the great sand dunes of southern Qatar begin. Book an off-road excursion to Khor Al Adaid, which will take you across mountains of sand to Qatar’s ‘inland sea’, a picturesque tidal embayment that marks Qatar’s border with Saudi Arabia.
Like northern Qatar, southern Qatar is best seen on a day trip from Doha. But there are plenty of places to stay here, from Sealine Beach Resort, a great place for couples, to a few of primitive desert campgrounds if you linger.