Spellbinding Qatar is a sensational holiday destination brimming with sensational things to see and do.

We’ve decided to turn the spotlight on five of the top attractions to give you a flavour of what you’ll discover when you arrive for an enthralling adventure in this awe-inspiring nation. It’s thrills and spills all the way with everything you need for the holiday of a lifetime waiting to be discovered, from jaw-dropping natural wonders to pulsating nightlife in the dazzling capital Doha. Prepare to be wowed by inviting sapphire waters, virgin sandy beaches, giant tidal lakes, rolling desert dunes and incredible mangrove forests. Qatar is also home to opulent 5-star hotels, fascinating galleries, beautiful mosques, fine dining restaurants, epic cultural landmarks and bustling souks. Here’s our guide to some of the must-see attractions which make this Middle Eastern escape a dream come true for fun-seeking families, romantic couples and groups of friends yearning for a feast of excitement.

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Discover Doha Quest

Doha Quest is a spectacular indoor theme park where thrill seekers will discover a myriad of adrenaline-pumping rides, virtual reality experiences, media-controlled simulators and the ‘EpiQ Coaster’, the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster. A host of other fabulous attractions to delight families and other visitors include a 3D flying theatre, a gravity wheel, a two-level playground and a state-of-the-art VOX cinema complex. Another venue for a great day out in Doha is Gondolania, an amusement park in Villagio Mall featuring gondola boat rides, a Moonshot mini golf course, go-karting, a lazy river, a 4D theatre and an ice skating rink. Other exceptional attractions include the Museum of Illusions Doha, Virtuocity, Circus Land, the gigantic indoor trampoline park BOUNCE Doha, and Jungle Zone which is home to rides, slides and arcade games.

Experience The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island close to Doha's prestigious West Bay District featuring marinas lined with luxury yachts, lavish hotels and villas, and glitzy high-end boutiques. You’ll also find an impressive culinary scene, where you can enjoy everything from light meals in classy cafes to elevated dining in gourmet restaurants. Dubbed the Arabian Riviera, the island is divided into three areas – the Venice-inspired Qanat Quartier neighbourhood, Porto Arabia which has a Mediterranean feel and Medina Centrale, boasting charming plazas, gardens and play areas for children. Another major attraction is Doha Corniche, a 7-kilometre half-moon shaped water promenade where you can visit the Museum of Islamic Art, enjoy a romantic sunset stroll or hop on a traditional dhow boat for views of the futuristic skyline. Other Doha delights include Souq Waqif, Aspire Park and Katara Cultural Village, home to majestic mosques, an amphitheatre and a planetarium.

Explore Purple Island

Wonderful outdoor activities await in Qatar, where Bin Ghannam Island, popularly known as Purple Island, is one attraction that’s definitely worth a visit. This natural gem in the municipality of Al Khor is home to exotic flora and fauna, spectacular mangroves and shallow lagoons. It’s a great spot for kayaking, long walks, birdwatching and family picnics. You can also kayak through the mangroves or cross the wooden bridge that connects the island to a lovely beach. An exciting day out also awaits at Khor Al Adaid, a UNESCO recognised natural reserve fondly known as the Inland Sea where the ocean waters encroach into the desert. The ancient rock formations in Zekreet National Park are another must-see attraction. Qatar’s desert wilderness also offers plenty of exciting outdoor adventure, with camel rides, sandboarding, jeep safaris and hot air balloon trips among the delights in store.

Visit the Al Khor Panda House

This is a family favourite where wide-eyed children can get up close to two lovable pandas, Thuraya and Suhail. This is the first panda park in the Middle East and the adorable black and white inhabitants live in a spacious custom-built abode featuring 464 trees and 2,814 bamboo plants. The pair first arrived at the park in October 2022 as a gift from China to commemorate the hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. For more animal magic you can head for Al Khor Zoo Qatar where you’ll discover around 300 creatures including rhinos, zebras, wild cats, crocodiles and chimpanzees. Al Shahaniya reserve is the place to observe the endangered Arabian Oryx, while a catamaran trip to marvel at the whale sharks which congregate in the waters off the north east coast of Qatar is also highly recommended.

Enjoy Water Park Thrills

A splashing time is assured at Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, a magnificent attraction in the heart of the Salwa beach resort. This huge aquatic playground, which covers 57,000 square metres, features 56 rides and slides, with the Whizzard Mat Racer, King Cobra and Family Abyss among the delights. Other attractions include a lazy river, a surfing simulator, go karting, canyon jumps and diving through a shipwreck. Qatar’s amazing public beaches also offer a splashtastic time, including Zekreet Beach with its half-moon bay and Sealine Beach, which is a big hit with families. Most of the luxurious hotels also boast private beaches. Fun activities in the waters include banana boat rides, catamaran cruises, coral reef viewing in glass bottomed boats, sailing, kayaking and scuba diving. Qatar also excels when it comes to water sports, with options including jet-skiing, parasailing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, water-skiing and stand-up paddleboarding.

Best Time To Visit

Hours of invigorating sunshine await in this glorious destination, where you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to exciting activities and attractions. A popular time to visit is from mid-October to mid-March, when temperatures are warm and pleasant, typically ranging between 22°C and 25°C. The mercury starts to rise in March, with July being the hottest month when temperatures can increase from around 32°C to 43°C, so this is a better time for relaxing in the shade beside the hotel pool. Most of the shopping malls, restaurants and main indoor attractions are all air-conditioned to keep you cool when temperatures are high outdoors. Qatar's cooler season is between December and February, when daytime temperatures range from around 19°C to 23°C, and there’s an evening wind chill from the desert dunes. Rainfall is rare in Qatar, with an occasional heavy downpour.

“There’s never a dull moment in this magnificent Persian Gulf destination where there’s something to wow every type of holidaymaker, from romantic couples seeking relaxing hours on silky soft sands to families craving non-stop fun in the sun.

“This dream escape really knows how to do things in a big way, with no expense spared to ensure Qatar’s top attractions and experiences are out of this world.

“From thrilling theme parks, world-class dining venues and vibrant city nightlife to enchanting desert adventures, epic historical landmarks and beguiling natural wonders, this magical land has it all.

“With its phenomenal outdoor activities, crystal-clear waters, excellent food, glorious year-round sunshine and unrivalled hospitality, Qatar really is the place to create precious memories that will last a lifetime.”

Rixos Gulf Doha

A feast of family fun awaits at this sensational 5-star beachfront haven of leisure and pleasure. You’ll enjoy refreshing dips in the glistening swimming pool, a packed programme of live evening entertainment, relaxing hours on a pristine private sandy beach offering breathtaking Arabian Sea vistas and views of Doha’s futuristic skyline. You’ll also discover exquisitely-appointed accommodation, an array of top-class dining venues, a lively kids club, a sumptuous spa and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

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InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa

Embrace sun-kissed bliss on blonde shores at this luxurious retreat located in Doha’s devine West Bay area. Heavenly hours can be spent lazing beside the glistening free-form swimming pool, or enjoying other impressive features such as the modern fitness centre, tennis courts and sumptuous spa. The impeccable rooms and suites are havens of relaxation, while mealtimes are full of flavour with culinary delights from near and far on the menu in the enticing restaurants.

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Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

Everything you need for an unforgettable holiday awaits at this magnificent island escape just off the coast of Doha. Days here are an absolute joy with a host of land and water activities to choose from and features such as a private beach, spa, bowling alley, cinema, putting course, surf pool and fitness centre. The stunning accommodation, which includes beach and over water villas, will also impress, while irresistible cuisine from all around the world can be enjoyed when it’s time to dine.

Check out the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara