Best attractions in Qatar: Top 10
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Qatar is a small state in the Persian Gulf, which, like most countries in the Middle East, has rich natural resources and world prestige. No one has a question what to see in Qatar - everyone in this generous land will find something interesting for themselves: numerous entertainment centers for children and adults, ultramodern beaches, equipped with all amenities, museums, colorful markets and other interesting places. The main resort of Qatar is the capital city of Doha, which concentrates all the major attractions of Qatar. For example, here you can relax on the comfortable white beaches, enjoy exciting shopping in the best stores, outlet stores and boutiques.
What to see in Qatar first
Qatar’s tourism infrastructure has reached the highest level, while the level of prices for various types of services here is affordable. Therefore, the best attractions today are available to anyone in Qatar, it is only necessary to choose those that will be included in your travel plan. Recommendations, what to see in Qatar in the first place, are given in this article.
1. Doha
When choosing what to see in Qatar in 1 day, you should first of all go to its capital, Doha. Today it is one of the fastest growing cities in the world and one of the most prosperous cities on the Persian Gulf and, for some time, the oil and economic center of Qatar. Huge skyscrapers, high-tech structures, a lot of historical sites in the “old center”, the latest entertainment centers, boutiques, villas, artificial islands - all this attracts millions of tourists to the capital, so the economy is gaining momentum year by year.
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2. Corniche Quay (Doha)
One of the main attractions of the capital is the Corniche promenade, which stretches along the Persian Gulf. Here, right on the coast, are concentrated the most modern high-rise buildings with amazing architecture, symbolizing the economic prosperity of Doha and Qatar as a whole. It is a complex of prestigious facilities, which alternate with green parks and recreational areas. In recent years the waterfront has become a calling card, the “face” of all Qatar.
3. Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art, the country’s main museum and also the largest museum in the Persian Gulf, continues its ranking of attractions. Also, like most attractions in Qatar, the museum is very young - it opened in 2008. Its unusual architecture is impressive: several huge stone blocks of the building are erected one above the other in a harmonious composition in the form of a tower, which looks like a chic sheikh’s villa. Inside, a collection of Islamic art is on display - samples of ceramics, textiles, manuscripts and other Islamic artifacts.
Official website: http://www.mia.org.qa/en/
4. Espire Tower
Another Qatar landmark worthy of being elevated to the status of a symbol of the country is located in Doha in the Sports City Complex and is called the Aspire Tower. It is one of the first places to see in Qatar and it is impossible not to notice it: the tower in the form of a torch is 318 m high, so it appreciably rises above the capital and can be seen from any point of the city. Espair Tower creates a special view of the Espair Tower at night - the surface of which is entirely framed by several thousand LED lights, begins to glow as if it is wrapped in an LED blanket.
5. Fort Al Kut
Despite the fact that most of the attractions of Qatar are still very “young”, there is something to see in Qatar and lovers of antiquity. Al Qut is an excellent example of this: the fort was built at the end of the century before last, when this area of Qatar was still occupied by Turkey. At that time the fort served as a police station and later as a prison. In the 20th century Al Kut was completely rebuilt but for many years the fort was unused until a museum was opened there in 1978 which exhibits national handicrafts, historic photographs and paintings.
Feel the atmosphere of Qatar in this beautiful video!
Qatar attractions: what else to see in Qatar
Going to Qatar, in addition to the list of the main attractions of Qatar, you should always take a couple or three other interesting objects, if you have the opportunity to see something else. To that end, below is an overview and description of interesting, attractive, impressive places in Qatar worth visiting.
6. Fort Umm Salal Mohammed
There is something to visit in Qatar of fortifications similar to Al Qut - for example, Fort Umm Salal Mohammed near the capital. It is a relatively small fortress with two towers and a restored small mosque. But reviews suggest that it is not its size that impresses this attraction of Qatar, but the location and the surrounding scenery: the contrast of the sultry desert, clear blue sea and the ancient walls of the fort creates a unique atmosphere, breathtaking.
7. Fort Zubara
The next example of what to visit in Qatar of fortifications is Fort Zubara, erected early last century as a coast guard post. This landmark of Qatar is a fortress made in the laconic style traditional for structures of this type: massive walls and jagged towers of sandy color look simple and harmonious against the desert landscape. Once the site of the fort was a town that flourished as a center of great trade and fishing for pearls. Nowadays there is a museum within the walls of the fort, where photos from the excavations of the fort and various archaeological finds are on display.
8. Suk Wakif Market
Where to go in Qatar to feel the very spirit of the East, the local national flavor? To go to the Suq Waqif Market, one of the most tourist-friendly oriental bazaars in the Middle East. There is a whole tourist center on the territory of the market, and a lot of cafes and restaurants with traditional ambience and classic national dishes. Besides, here you can buy souvenirs and handicrafts, and the market is organized so that there is no usual bustle and crowds.
Official website: http://www.souq-waqif-doha.
9. Katara Ethnographic Village (Doha)
Another colorful attraction in Qatar that is often included in a trip is the Qatar Ethnographic Village. The main goal in creating this site was to introduce indigenous people and visitors to the country’s centuries-old culture and traditions. It is the perfect place to see in Qatar for a close encounter with the spirit of the country and its customs. Walking around the village, you can enter an art gallery with selected works of Qatari artists, visit a restaurant with national cuisine, visit one of the many shops with pearls and even relax on the ennobled beach with different types of water activities.
Official website: http://www.katara.net/en
10. The Pearl of Qatar - artificial island
Finally, tours in Qatar are worth complementing with a visit to a small artificial island, the Pearl of Qatar, only 4 square kilometers in size. The island is quite an ambitious project of Qatar authorities - now it is built and put up for sale the most prestigious residential property, which is bought mostly by foreign citizens. The new coast of the island solidly built villas and luxury apartments, top hotels, boutiques and restaurants. And the name “Pearl” arose because before the island was actively pursued extraction of pearls.
A small state of Qatar, which in a few years transformed from a desert into a haven, took a worthy place on the tourist map of the world. Today, the tourism industry is one of the leading areas in the economy of the country. To attract tourists, hotels in Qatar offer affordable prices with the highest level of service and guides in Qatar organize great educational trips based on the individual interests of each foreign guest. Also read about best attractions in the UAE and get inspired for your next trip to the Middle East!
