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Posted On: 15 August 2022 05:30 pm
Updated On: 16 November 2022 09:58 am

What to do, where to go & what to eat for the ultimate Qatar experience

Cassandra Pallagud
Cassandra Pallagud
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What to do where to go eat qatar travel world cup 2022

This guide is brought to you by Vodafone Qatar!

Are you planning to visit Qatar? Qatar is a country rich in culture, activities and landmarks that perfectly mix traditional and contemporary experiences.

Make the most of your trip to Qatar and check off these must-visit places, delicacies to taste, and things to do!

What to experience

FIFA World Cup Fan Zones

World Cup Fan Zones Qatar 2022
Are you excited for the World Cup?

If you’re visiting Qatar from November – December 2022, make sure you're part of the World Cup festivities in the many fan events scattered around the major areas of Doha.

Catch live music, food stalls, entertainment zones, pop-up shops, and more!

RELATED: What's in store for you at the World Cup Fan Zones

Desert safari

Desert Safari
Image credit: Shutterstock

Qatar’s beautiful desert views and activities are essential for your Qatar travel itinerary. Admire the picture-perfect golden dunes and slopes.

Don’t forget to enjoy the fun and adventurous desert activities!

RELATED: Things to do in the Qatari desert

Paratriking

Paratriking
Screengrab from www.youtube.com/c/iloveqatar

Once you've got your dose of thrill in the desert, why not try an exciting ride in the skies and go paratriking? It is a unique experience that has gained quite the popularity in Qatar as it offers majestic desert views while you sail into the wind.

Watch the ILQ Team try paratriking: Did you know Qatar is the perfect place to Paratrike?

Bedouin camp experience

Bedouin Camp Experience
Image credit: Shutterstock

Experience traditional Arabian camping! Set up camp in the desert, enjoy a delicious barbecue meal cooked in an underground pit, stargaze, go on long camel rides, and much more!

RELATED: Overnight beach camping spots in Qatar

Meet the falcons of Qatar

What to do, where to go & what to eat for the ultimate Qatar experience
Image credit: Shutterstock

Falconry is an ancient art form dating back to early Qatari bedouin tribes that trained these magnificent creatures to hunt. Falconry is still deeply rooted and preserved in modern Qatari culture and is regarded as a status symbol of wealth for families who own them.

Visitors and tourists can get up close and personal with the falcons of Qatar at the Falcon Souq at Souq Waqif. The shopkeepers are welcoming and will be happy to teach guests about these birds, how they care for them, and how they are trained. You may even witness them craft their signature leather falcon hoods and other accessories.

RELATED: What are the national symbols of Qatar?

Witness camel racing

Camel Racing
Image credit: Shutterstock

Camel racing is another experience that is deeply rooted in Qatari culture. Camels are huge desert creatures popular with tourists visiting Middle Eastern countries and are often used for camel riding experiences. One interesting fact is that camels are very fast and are used for camel racing.

Visitors may witness camel racing at Al Shahaniya during the colder months of November to February.

RELATED: Learn all about camel racing at Al Shahaniya in Qatar

Thrilling rides at Doha Quest

Doha Quest
Epic-Q roller coaster

Did you know that the tallest indoor rollercoaster and tallest indoor drop in the world can be found in Qatar?

Doha Quest is an indoor theme park that houses both of these adrenaline-pumping rides! Try the Epic-Q roller coaster or The Magma Blast tower ride! Are you up for the challenge?

RELATED: All you need to know about Doha Quest!

Cultural museums

National Museum of Qatar
Image credit: National Museum of Qatar

Learn about Qatar's rich history and culture and visit multiple museums like the National Museum of Qatar, Doha Fire Station, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and much more!

RELATED: 9 must-visit art galleries in Qatar

Where to go

Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif
Image credit: Shutterstock

Souq Waqif, located in the heart of Doha, offers beautiful Arabian culture, architecture, food, shops, and street performances. There are so many things to do that it is worth dedicating a whole afternoon.

Explore the streets, check out the falcon souq, haggle for a bargain in the many stalls, admire the art in the gallery, indulge in delicious delicacies, and so much more!

During the World Cup, Souq Waqif will be open 24 hours daily.

RELATED: Unique things to find at Souq Waqif

Doha Corniche

Doha Corniche
Image credit: Shutterstock

Looking for the best spot to see the iconic Doha skyline? Head over to the Doha Corniche. Here you’ll find residents and visitors enjoying a stroll, running, and even having picnics!

Catch a dhow (traditional boat) cruise on the Doha Corniche and enjoy the sea breeze, good music, and views! Some cruises can even cater lunch or dinner for groups.

RELATED: Tours to book in Qatar

Katara Cultural Village

Katara Cultural Village
Image credit: Shutterstock

Katara Cultural Village offers a multitude of experiences in one large area.

Lounge on the Katara beach, visit the stunning gold mosque, discover the amphitheatre, admire the art installation, get a taste of luxury at 21 High Street, check out the galleries and planetarium and explore the Katara Hills and the many eateries here.

RELATED: Katara Cultural Village announces World Cup events for fans

Msheireb Downtown Doha

Msheireb Downtown Doha
Image credit: Shutterstock

A modern destination found within a busy city, Msheireb Downtown Doha is one to explore. Don’t forget to catch the Msheireb tram, as it's the best way to tour the area and reach its many destinations.

Msheireb Downtown Doha is full of unique restaurants, cafes, retail shops, and museums to check out and explore.

RELATED: All you need to know about Msheireb Downtown Doha during the World Cup

The Pearl Island

The Pearl Qatar
Image credit: Shutterstock

If you're looking for a European-style destination, The Pearl Island can be one of your places. This man-made island is a hub for restaurants and cafes surrounded by yacht-lined marinas and residential towers. It also has a booming shopping district with designer brands and boutiques.

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Al Maha Island

Al Maha Island
Image credit: Qatar Tourism

Al Maha Island is set to become one of the biggest entertainment destinations in Qatar as it will be home to several attractions such as the Lusail Winter Wonderland, Nammos Beach Club, and a high-end district of retail shops and food and beverage outlets. There will also be a concert venue where performances are scheduled throughout the World Cup.

Lusail Winter Wonderland is one of the most highly anticipated theme parks opening in November 2022. It will have 50 amusement rides, including a 395m roller coaster, 25 family rides with a giant 150 ft Ferris wheel.

RELATED: Check out these islands in Qatar!

Purple Island

Purple Island
Image credit: Shutterstock

Discover Qatar's natural wonders and travel to Purple Island to see the lush mangroves. Be one with nature, admire the flora and fauna, and even rent a kayak and see the mangroves up close!

RELATED: Visit Purple Island: One of Qatar's natural wonders

Inland Sea

Inland Sea Qatar
Image credit: Shutterstock

Venture to where the desert meets the sea! The inland sea in Qatar, located at Khor Al Adaid, is one of only three in the world. It is a popular camping spot for residents and tourists who wait for the magnificent sunrise that paints the perfect view over the dunes and the beach.

RELATED: Khor Al Adaid: Five reasons to visit this extraordinary 'Inland Sea'

Al Zubarah Fort

Al Zubarah Fort
Image credit: Shutterstock

Travel back in time and discover Qatar’s history at Al Zubara Fort! Marvel at the beautiful traditional Qatari fort structures and learn more about the heritage within its walls. The fort has been preserved and turned into a museum displaying artifacts from the pearl diving era.

The site has been classified as a conservation zone in 2009 and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. Archaeologists and researchers have frequented the site to study the preserved remains of Qatar's history dating back to the 1760s.

RELATED: Heritage sites in Qatar

What to eat & drink

Looking for the best places to eat in Qatar? Here are Mr. Q's recommendations!

Machboos

Machboos
Image credit: Shutterstock

Get a taste of Qatar and try the delicious machboos! The Qatari national dish is essentially a rice meal rich in aromatic spices served with a variety of meats.

RELATED: What's the best place in Qatar for Machboos?

Shawarma

Shawarma
Image credit: Shutterstock

An affordable staple food in the Middle East, you shouldn't leave Qatar without trying shawarma! The streets of Doha are full of shawarma joints offering different styles and recipes. Ask any resident in Qatar, and they'll probably have a list of their favourite shawarma places to recommend.

RELATED: Must try shawarma places in Qatar

Karak

Karak
Image credit: Shutterstock

Karak is a popular brew locals and expats drink at any time of day. It is a dark tea mixed with milk, flavoured with cardamom, and sweetened with sugar. Some say it’s quite addictive, and you won’t regret every sip!

RELATED: Top 5 places to get your karak in Qatar

Gahwa Arabic coffee

Qahwa Arabic coffee
Image credit: Shutterstock

If you’re looking for a little more kick, try the gahwa Arabic coffee! Traditionally, Qatari households create this brew from scratch using green coffee beans and cardamom. This brew is aromatic, flavourful, and best eaten with some dates!

RELATED:

Dates

Dates
Image credit: Shutterstock

Dates grown and harvested in Qatar are among the best in the world. They can be eaten just as it is or can be dipped in chocolate, filled with nuts, and many other delicious twists! They pair perfectly with a cup of karak or gahwa.

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Umm Ali

What to do, where to go & what to eat for the ultimate Qatar experience
Image credit: Shutterstock

One of the most popular sweets in Qatar is the umm ali. It is a creamy baked pudding made with pastry, milk, sugar, raisins, nuts, and spices. Trust us, you won't stop at just one bite! You'll keep coming back for more spoonfuls.

RELATED: Top 5 local desserts to eat in Qatar

Kunafa

Kunafa
Image credit: Shutterstock

Another sweet snack to try is the kunafa! Made of spun kataifi pastry, drizzled with attar sweet syrup, and typically layered with cheese. You’ll find this popular dessert with many variations around Doha!

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Which one of these are you most excited to check out and experience? Do let us know in the comments! Do share this article - it keeps us going!