Doha, Qatar - February 20, 2019: women and men in traditional Arab clothing walk along main street inside Souq Waqif old market with cafes and restaurants.Fanar Islamic Cultural Center in the distance.
Inside Souq Waqif old market with cafes and restaurants. Image Credit: Shutterstock.

With Qatar announcing 30-day visas for all nationalities, this could be the best time to make the most of the new travel rules. Qatar had earlier introduced the Hayya visa for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 facilitating easy access to this region and they have now extended the benefits. According to reports, Qatar’s tourism authority, Visit Qatar, continues to be open to GCC residents of all professions and they can get a tourist visa through their portal. Here’s what to see if you’re planning a visit soon. We have compiled a list of tourist attractions that can be accomplished within a long weekend coming up in June. 

It’s never too early to plan. With Eid Al Adha holidays coming up – most likely on June 28 , this is a good time to explore Qatar which has something for everyone start on a new adventure.

Modern Doha

To start your morning off in Doha, we recommend heading to Msheireb Downtown Doha. The sustainable downtown regeneration project showcases the best of modern Doha, and there are tonnes of brilliant places to grab a cup of coffee.

Doha, Qatar - February 20, 2019: women and men in traditional Arab clothing walk along main street inside Souq Waqif old market with cafes and restaurants.Fanar Islamic Cultural Center in the distance.
Inside Souq Waqif old market with cafes and restaurants. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Souq Waqif

When in Qatar, make sure to enjoy the old-world charm offered by traditional markets. The ‘Souq Waqif’ will remind you of an era that has gone by and fill you with nostalgia. A must-visit, the shops selling fabric, spices, sweets, and souvenirs will bring the tourist in you

The Pearl Island, Qatar: Qanat Quartier in The Pearl Island.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Find Venice in Qatar

Find this Venice-like destination in Qatar at the Qanat Quartier on The Pearl-Qatar. The destination features rows of colourful buildings with azure canals as the backdrop. You could take a water taxi to get the full experience. Another attraction to visit on The Pearl Qatar are the piano steps. The staircase features 30 musical steps. You can have dinner here and get some shopping done.

MIA Park

You can round off your night with one of the best views of the West Bay skyline. The MIA park has many attractions such as public art, traditional dhows and a pearl monument.

The Museum of Islamic Art Park on February 24, 2015 in Doha, Qatar.
The Museum of Islamic Art Park on February 24, 2015 in Doha, Qatar. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Museum of Islamic Art

A key cultural spot in Qatar is the Museum of Islamic Art which features art from three continents and spanning around 1,400 years. The museum is located on an island off the Corniche and artefacts are spread over where visitors can look at jewels, swords, armour and more.

National Museum of Qatar Sunset view
National Museum of Qatar Sunset view Image Credit: Shutterstock

National Museum of Qatar

From learning about the biodiverse environment in the country to studying Bedouin culture and the regional practice of pearl diving, visitors can learn a lot about the country at this attraction.

Doha, Qatar - April 27, 2022: Children Mall in Katara Cultural Village view from Hill Park
Children Mall in Katara Cultural Village view from Hill Park. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Katara Cultural Village: This destination has something for everyone with galleries, restaurants, architectural attractions and mosques. Head up to the Katara Amphitheatre, before admiring the architecture of the Golden Mosque and the Masjid of Katara. If you have an interest in astrology, you can nip inside the Al Thuraya Planetarium to learn more about the cosmos.

Go kayaking through Purple Island or Azirst Bin Ghanam for an offbeat destination. Visitors can enjoy diverse flora and fauna at the destination. Or you could choose to beat the summer heat with water activities at the Desert Fall Water and Adventure Park in Doha.

In this file photo taken on December 03, 2022 People pose for photos at the Corniche promenade as Doha's skyline is seen in the background during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. - Months after hundreds of thousands of football fans packed into its hotels and stadiums, Qatar is seeking to remedy a bout of the post-World Cup blues by hosting more international events. Along with the departed football crowds, thousands of foreign workers left the Gulf state after Lionel Messi lifted the coveted trophy on December 18. Many of those who stayed on are counting the cost.
People pose for photos at the Corniche promenade as Doha's skyline is seen in the background during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. Image Credit: AFP

Beaches

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly beach head to Katara Cultural Village. The beach has activities for the entire family. You can also shop at 21 High Street once you’ve had enough sun.