Qatar 2024 & 2025 MIDDLE EAST
Best Time To Go:
November to March
Time Difference:
GMT +2 hours
Flight Duration:
7 hours approx
Airports:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Qatar is a captivating destination where the rich heritage of the Arabian Peninsula meets cutting-edge modernity. In the capital city of Doha, sleek skyscrapers and architectural wonders like the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar stand as symbols of the nation’s rapid development and cultural pride. Visitors can wander through the bustling Souq Waqif, where the aroma of spices fills the air and traditional crafts are on display, offering a glimpse into Qatar's vibrant history.
Beyond the city, Qatar's diverse landscapes beckon with a wealth of experiences. The serene shores of the Arabian Gulf provide the perfect setting for luxury beach resorts, where you can unwind in style. For those seeking adventure, the rolling dunes of the Qatari desert offer thrilling opportunities for dune bashing, camel trekking, and overnight stays in Bedouin-style camps under the starlit sky.
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Things to do and see in Qatar
Explore the Museum of Islamic Art
Located on a man-made island near the Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art stands as the crown jewel of Qatar's museums. The Building itself is an architectural wonder and contains four floors of exhibitions, a gift shop and restaurant on the fifth floor. It is also home to a heritage library, with an impressive collection of 21,000 books, including rare editions.
The museum is easily accessible by taxi or metro. There are also plenty of cultural activities throughout the year, including performances by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, film screenings and art classes. The museum grounds are absolutely stunning, overlooking the Arabian Sea and the perfect spot for picnics, walks, running or morning yoga.
In the cooler months, there is a weekend bazar on these grounds where you will find over one hundred stalls from food and drink to handicrafts and jewellery.
Visit Souq Waqif
Wander through the gold section of the souq to really get a feel for how important gold jewellery in local traditions. And in the alleyways of the souq, you will be drawn in by all manner of goods, from shoes to antiques, to handicrafts and artefacts from around the region.
All of your senses will be heightened when visiting the souqs as there's so much to take in, such as woven fabrics, glass ornaments, flutes and stringed instruments and of course the enchanting smells of oud, spices and incense throughout. Not forgetting all of the food on offer, samosas, stuffed vine leaves, meat stews, baklava and so much more.
Find the Falcon souq where you can see majestic birds up close and even pose with falcons perched on your arm! Nearby is the camel pen or stroll over to the Emiri Stables where you'll see beautiful Arabian horses.
Visit Katara Cultural Village
Katara is Doha's go-to destination for art, culture and cuisine. Visit the Katara Mosque, featuring Persian and Turkish tile in stunning shades of blue and gold. The second mosque is the Gold Mosque, which is covered in gold tiles that glint in the sun.
Discover the classical Greek Amphitheatre which can fit up to 5000 spectators, giving stellar views of the sea on one side and the cultural village on the other. Wander down 21 High Street where you will see ultra-luxe shops and a trail of high end cars. Katara Cultural Village is also home to numerous art galleries making it an artist's paradise.
Head to the Al Thuraya Planetarium for celestial delights for all the family. Here you can take a journey around the universe, delve into astronomy and how it has played a role in Qatar's history and religious traditions.
Experience the Inland Sea
The Inland Sea is one of the Arabian peninsula's most unusual sights: a landlocked lagoon surrounded by sand dunes. The area is a nature reserve including rocky ridges, cliffs and wildlife such as the Arabian Oryx, Dugongs, Turtles and Desert Foxes.
This salty inlet was a used as a safe haven by Abu Dhabi pirates in the 1800's and because they were familiar with the shallow waters, this gave them the upper hand to escape from anyone pursuing them.
If you are a bit of an adrenaline junkie, then why not go dune bashing, or sandboard down the dunes. If you prefer a slower pace then head to the beach where you can go fishing, drift along on a kayak, go snorkelling or simply sunbathe. You can also book a desert safari and stay the night in a traditional Bedouin-style camp under the stars.
Dive with Whale Sharks
Qatar is one of the best spots in the world to dive with whale sharks. These gentle giants are usually found in the water around the north-eastern coast of Qatar from April to September, with peak sightings between May and August.
We can arrange guided tours with experienced dive guides who provide all the necessary equipment and they make sure all encounters with the whale sharks are conducted responsibly. Depending on your level of experience and confidence, you can either dive or snorkel with the whale sharks, even on the surface, snorkelling will still give you incredible views of these majestic creatures.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a novice snorkeler, the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants in the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf is an unforgettable experience that highlights the beauty and diversity of Qatar’s marine life.
Best Time to Visit Qatar
The best time to visit Qatar is from November to March when the weather is cool and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. This period is ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and enjoying the country’s many cultural events. The cooler months also make it comfortable to explore the desert, stroll along the Corniche, and experience Qatar’s vibrant souqs and museums.
Sample Itineraries Including Qatar
Our sample itineraries will show you suggestions for what you can do, see, and the best places to stay while travelling in Qatar.
If you like the look of any of these below, let us know and we can completely tailor-make your trip so it is totally unique to you!
Discover Doha
Top Hotels in Qatar
Build Your Tailor-Made Holiday to Qatar
Interested in booking a tailor-made holiday to Qatar or have any other questions? Give us a call on 01442 617777 or fill out our contact form below.