Qatar has a lot of beautiful places outside the limits of Doha that you can explore, see and enjoy.
The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team has put together a list of must-take day trips for you to explore this beautiful country. Enjoy your long drive to these lovely places and have a great time with your friends and family - let's go!
Note: Please keep Qatar clean. Do pick after your waste, and do not litter when you visit these places!
Check out a public art installation called Shadows Travelling On The Sea Of The Day by Icelandic-Dutch artist Olafur Eliasson in the middle of a vast desert.
The installation explores how our perception of the world links our relationship with reality. It consists of 20 circular discs, three single rings and two double rings, which are positioned to form a pentagram. The underside of the roof is covered with mirror panels and is a great selfie spot!
The site is to the north of Al Zubarah and is must visit!
Al Zubarah Fort is located only 15 minutes away from Al Jumail Village. The fort and the archaeological site were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for being important in preserving the rich history of early Qatari culture and way of life.
Explore the fort, check out the traditional Arabian architecture, and the courtyard, learn about the surrounding area through the exhibits and dive into the fort's past here.
Read our guide here: All you need to know about the Al Zubarah fort
Yes, you heard it right. There is a place called Ghost Town in Qatar, also known as Al Jumail Village. This abandoned fishing village gives you a glimpse of what Qatar looked like many years ago. Gather your buddies and take a trip to this place to experience it first-hand.
This is also a great place for photography enthusiasts, but remember that it is our responsibility to protect these places in Qatar, too, so please make sure not to litter and pick after your waste when you're here.
Watch our video: Have you heard of Qatar's 'Ghost Town'?!
Panda House Park houses two giant pandas named Suhail and Thuraya, which were gifted to Qatar from China as a token of hosting the World Cup. The park is located in Al Khor and is about a 40-45 minutes drive from Doha.
Here you can take a look at the pandas, spend some time at the park, take a break at the Panda House Café, buy souvenirs at the gift shop, and children can learn more about the pandas in the Education Room and even get their faces painted!
Watch our video here: Meet Suhail & Thuraya at the Panda House Park in Qatar
North Sedra Farm is a great place for a weekend getaway. When the crops are in season, you can go strawberry picking, harvest vegetables, feed the animals, stroll around etc. You can also check out their Classic Cars Museum, Cat Café and Sanctuary, learn about Qatar's history and more! Please check with the establishment if they're open before visiting (call: +974 6665 0388).
Also read What to see and do at North Sedra Farm
Al Karaana Lagoon is one of the most peaceful places in Qatar. You will be surrounded by clear water and lots of green areas. It is a great spot for nature lovers, photographers, and people who like alone time, away from the city. If you haven't been here yet, you must check it out!
Also read All about Al Karaana Lagoon - a paradise for nature lovers in Qatar!
Also dubbed as the 'northernmost café in Qatar', Arsan Café has gained popularity because of the relaxing and panoramic view it provides visitors from its outdoor seating area. It is located within the Al Ruwais Old Police Station, which was restored by Qatar Museums. It now serves as a permanent exhibition space (Heritage Area 22899).
Enjoy a breezy evening here, sipping on your favourite drinks and we are sure you'll love it!
Watch our video here: Have you been to the northern-most café in Qatar yet?
Al Shu'aa Reserve is a quaint animal reserve with different trees and animals, including tortoises, ostriches, goats, rabbits, Arabian Oryxes, etc. It is a great spot for children as they can see and interact with the animals allowed to roam around here freely.
You'll find many shaded sitting areas, benches and green spaces where the parents can sit and relax. Will you be going here soon?
Read our guide here: A quick guide to Al Qarma Beach Garden and Al Shu'aa Reserve
This natural wonder, the Musfur Sinkhole is a 16 feet deep sinkhole with an opening of about 40 feet. An unusual place in Qatar, visitors can go here throughout the day, and must keep in mind that there are no steps to descend into it. It is best to go here via a 4x4.
It is also important to remember that there are no toilets or resting facilities. Do carry water and snacks with you, and do not litter.
Read our guide here: Myth Busting: What's inside the Musfur Sinkhole?!
Looking for a nice outing spot? Head over to this place today! The Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve is a private zoo belonging to the Dosari family. Adults and kids alike will enjoy this reserve as you can see many animals and birds like the oryxes, ostriches, emus, camels and more here!
The ticket is priced at QR 10 per person; the zoo is open for visitors from 7 am - 6 pm, daily
This marvellous art installation spans over a kilometre in length in the middle of an expansive land. It consists of four steel plates which rise to 14.7 meters and 16.7 meters above the ground. You can spot all four of these structures from an angle and at a distance, do see if you can spot them all together when there!
Kindly do not vandalize the art installation - there are strict rules in Qatar against it!
Read our guide here: What to expect at Richard Serra's EAST-WEST/WEST-EAST public art installation
You will find these huge, alien-like rock formations close to the East-West/West-East by Richard Serra art installation. They are about 7 km away from it and are called the Zekreet Rock Formations.
Gasp at these mushroom-like structures and note that this is also a favourite place for many astrophotographers in Qatar!
Watch our video here: Meet this Astrophotographer in Qatar- he does this as a hobby!
Zekreet Fort once stood tall and mighty. It was built in the 18th or early 19th century with a unique design. This is a heritage site that you must visit! Please be responsible and do not litter while you're there.
Located in the northwest of Qatar, Al Areesh was a once-thriving fishing village. It was one of the most prominent fishermen's settlements in Qatar, with about 40 houses. These, now in ruins, were abandoned once the oil boom in Qatar began. Check out this place to understand the old Qatari ways.
Note: Please be respectful of this place. Do pick after your waste, and do not litter when you visit these places!
This beachfront garden is beautiful and only for ladies and children under 10. Located in Al Khor City, this garden has greenery and a clean beach. Inside, you'll find different trees and plants, play areas for kids, wooden umbrellas, shaded areas, walking paths, benches, and solar-powered lighting.
The Al Jassasiya Rock Art Site is located in the north of Qatar and gives you an insight into the history of Qatar. You will find over 900 rock carvings or 'petroglyphs' engraved on sandstones at this place.
The site was discovered in 1957, and studies suggest that the rock carvings may date back to the Neolithic period. As per new evidence, they were likely made within the past 250 years.
You can spot boat carvings, rosettes, stars, cups & more here - get exploring!
Read our guide here: What's in store for you at the Al Jassasiya Rock Art Site
How many of these places from the list have you visited? Do let us know in the comments below! Do share this article, it keeps us going!
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