Joanna James
From sun-kissed shorelines to family fun and cultural adventures, there is much to look forward to on a getaway to Qatar. With so much to see and do, multiple visits overtime or extended holidays are well worth considering and the best thing is, there is something for everyone.
The beaches in Qatar offer sublime stretches of shore in which to soak up the sun and enjoy the mesmerising coastal beauty. Those looking to get away from the crowds can consider taking a trip to Fuwairit Beach which is around 100 km from the capital, Doha and home to fascinating rock formations. Al Thakhira Beach (around 60 km from Doha) is popular amongst families, while Khor Al Adaid is where you will find pristine sand dunes and a quite stunning inland sea. In the capital itself, there is Katara Beach, perfect for a fun day out by the ocean and to enjoy lots of water sports such as wakeboarding, parasailing and banana boat rides.
There are plenty of family attractions in Qatar and many of them can be found in the capital; when looking for the best hotels in Doha, find properties that are within easy reach of such sites. One of the popular draws is the Gondolania amusement park in the Villaggio Mall where you can enjoy gondola rides, go-karting, laser tag, bowling and even riding a rollercoaster. Also not to be missed is visiting Snow Dunes, a snow-themed park at Doha Festival City, showcasing trampoline skills at BOUNCE at the Tawar Mall and getting wet and wild at Aqua Park Qatar!
Shopaholics have much to enjoy when shopping in Qatar be it at sprawling malls or markets full of old-world charm. One retail hotspot is Doha Festival City which features more than 400 stores offering fashion, jewellery, home furnishing, tech gadgets and more. Located in the Aspire Zone of Doha, the Villaggio Mall is also well-known and is an ideal place to buy international brands. For something unique, you can visit the historic Souq Waqif near Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli; this traditional market is a great place to explore and purchase everything from spices and incense to clothing and handicrafts.
To gain cultural insights, there are several attractions in Doha that you can visit. The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is one such site and features a diverse range of exhibits including jewellery, ceramics, metalwork and textiles. With its unique design inspired by the desert rose, the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) is also worth a visit and provides a captivating look into the story of Qatar. Key sites such as the Fire Station Artist in Residence and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Islamic Art are amongst the other cultural attractions in the city.
Those who love the great outdoors can prepare for some thrilling adventures as well. One of the best things to do in Qatar is to embark on a desert safari, especially one that features action-packed dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle. Depending on the tour, you will also get a chance to enjoy camel rides and dinner in Bedouins-style camps. For more exciting escapades you can plan excursions to the Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where one can see what remains of a merchant town dating to the 18th-19th centuries.
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