5 Interesting Locations That Make Qatar a Lovely Vacation Point

Qatar has become a thriving country in the heart of the Middle East. Situated along the Persian Gulf, it has long been known as a place for the wealthy to come and play, attracting those who love history, adventure, and luxury. Doha, the capital city, has become a cosmopolitan hub of tourism and business thanks to the most recent addition of numerous museums, sports arenas, shopping malls, restaurants, and world-class hotels. With so many things to do and see, it can be challenging to decide what to do on your vacation. Here are five exciting locations to see and do in Qatar.

 

The Arabian Desert

Just outside of the capital city of Doha, the Arabian Desert is a must for anyone looking for adventure. You can book an unforgettable desert safari and go dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle. Your guide will take you speeding down the hills and take you to the inland sea to take in the epic views of the Saudi Arabian coast. The tours last for four hours and provide you with a thrilling adventure you won’t soon forget.

The Souq Waqif

One of Doha’s main attractions is the Souq Waqif. Like the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Doha’s Souq Waqif is a maze of vendors selling everything from spices and jewelry to handmade rugs and clothing. A Doha landmark, it is one of the most popular markets in the Middle East, and it was renovated and restored in 2004 following the traditional Qatar architectural techniques. Most of the shops are closed from noon till 4 p.m. but you can still find a café to sit and watch the world pass by.

The Doha Corniche

Just blocks from the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel, the Doha Corniche is a favorite place for residents and tourists alike to stroll along the horseshoe-shaped boulevard that spans seven kilometers along the Doha Bay. You can walk the entire Corniche while stopping along the way to admire the spectacular views. You can enjoy the Museum of Islamic Art, the Qatar National Theater, Rumeilah Park and numerous world-class restaurants.

The Barzan Towers

The Barzan Towers were built in 1910, by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al-Thani, and are located just twenty kilometers north of Doha. The towers were built as a part of a defensive fortification for the city. Each tower stands 52-feet-tall and served as a landmark for pearl divers returning from the Persian Gulf. They are open to visitors daily and can be combined with a visit to Al Zubara Fort.

The Museum of Islamic Art

If you want to take in some culture during your stay in Qatar, head to the Museum of Islamic Art located on a peninsula on the Corniche. Its collection of artwork spans over 1,400 years of history and includes numerous exhibits from around the world. The building was designed by Chinese American architect I.M. Pei and is in and of itself a work of art.

There are a ton of exciting things to do in Qatar that you won’t want to miss while visiting the Middle Eastern country. While it isn’t your typical tourist destinations, it has become a must-see destination for those looking for adventure.