Brightsun’s Worldwide Weekend Pocket Guides: Qatar

This month in our blog series, Brightsun staff member Harshad recommends a weekend visit to Qatar, with tips on what to get up to.

Qatar, an Arab nation situated on a peninsula, features a landscape characterised by deserts and an extensive coastline along the Persian Gulf, consisting of sandy beaches and dunes. The best time to visit the country is typically during November to February, and here are some of my top destination and attraction recommendations on a weekend visit to Doha, the Qatari capital.

The Pearl

When visiting Doha one cannot miss The Pearl, a man-made island located in the West Bay district, consisting of some of the most luxurious hotels and villas in the country along with some designer boutiques.

Souq Waqif

Another unforgettable spot to visit is Doha’s very own iconic Souq Waqif, which is one of the oldest traditional local markets located on the banks of Wadi Msheireb.

One can always find something to buy at Souq Waqif, no matter the budget. There are antique shops in the alley that sell handcrafted items, rugs, and glass ornaments. The Souq also has one of the oldest spice markets, where locals sell exotic aromatics like saffron, sumac, dried black lemons, and a variety of dates. One can enjoy the cultural performances hosted here by the locals.

Souq Waqif is home to the very famous Gold Souq which offers a wide range of beautiful and intricate gold pieces.

Katara Cultural Village

Then there is the Katara Cultural village, which is a hub for culture and entertainment, and the most unique thing about Katara is that it has a powerful outdoor cooling system so that people can comfortably walk on the streets and enjoy their activities despite the harsh weather conditions, plus dine outdoors, too, with al-fresco settings to enjoy.

The Al Thuraya Planetarium in Katara features a full dome digital system that can accommodate up to 200 visitors on a journey around the universe. The attraction encourages visitors to delve into the significance of astronomy within Qatar’s historical and religious contexts.

Qanat Quartier

The Qanat Quartier located near Katara is a Venice inspired neighbourhood that has a mesmerising turquoise canal surrounded by candy-coloured buildings - it is such an Instagrammable spot and is the perfect place to just grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the picturesque views.

Museum of Islamic Art

This iconic museum has one of the largest collections of Islamic art in the world and it’s free of cost to visit. The extensive collection, comprised of ceramics, metalwork, textiles, glass, manuscripts, and more, is showcased across three floors. On the ground level, visitors will find a museum shop and a café where they can enjoy delectable French Arabic cuisine.

Aspire Zone

Finally, one shouldn’t miss the Aspire Zone attraction - a fantastic picnic spot with a walking trail, play area for kids, and a large lake. Just across the street there is the iconic Villaggio Mall that provides entertainment, plus luxury shopping and dining options. On the other side there is the Torch Doha hotel, which provides a panoramic view of the city; people often visit here for afternoon tea and to enjoy the beautiful view.

If Qatar sounds like somewhere you’d like to experience, please get in touch with us by calling 0208 819 9531 or emailing tours@brightsun.travel