Exploring the Best Qatar Experiences: A Guide to Adventure and Culture

Qatar is often thought of as a playground for the rich, known for luxury hotels, flashy cars and futuristic architecture. While Qatar oozes glitz and glamour - it is also so much more, filled with so many rich cultural experiences and desert adventures. 

Turn one holiday into two with a stopover in Qatar on your way to the UK and Europe. Enjoy a holiday within a holiday (holiday-ception?) and check out these must-see experiences.

• National Museum of Qatar
• Cultural Experiences
• Adventure and Thrills
• Day Trips and Excursions
• Relaxation
• Sports and Fitness
• Food and Drink
• Shopping and Markets
• Cultural Events and Performances

The National Museum of Qatar boasts a range of intense, emotive exhibits and tours. Here you can read up on details of Qatari culture and spend hours exploring artifacts you won't find anywhere else!

Perhaps the most impressive exhibit, the Al Zubarah Qur'an is the oldest known version of the Holy Qur'an in Qatari history! This historic artifact takes a permanent position of pride in the museum and adds to the growing collection highlighting Qatar's rich heritage and tradition.

One of the museum's most educational features is the Interactive Learning Spaces. Six indoor, purpose-built interactive zones invite visitors to get hands-on with a variety of topics, such as animals and their habitats, the discovery of ancient objects and life on board a traditional pearling ship, the dhow. They can also contribute their unique ideas on preserving the environment in Qatar.

The museum boasts an impressive preservation of the history of Qatar. Dating back 55 million years ago, the exhibitions contain rare artefacts that tell the story of the humble beginnings of Qatar as a small fishing village and how it rose to become the modern nation it is known as today.

The National Museum of Qatar also has a stunning architectural structure that is considered to be a work of art. Designed by the architect Jean Nouvel, the museum's structure follows the natural design details of a desert rose. This design was chosen to honour the deep rapport the Qatari culture holds with the desert's flora and fauna, the nomadic people and long traditions.

Msheireb Downtown Doha is a contemporary, sustainable city district that is designed to nurture living, leisure and business where visitors can experience the warm hospitality of the Qatari culture and people. The Msheireb Museums in Downtown Doha help provide this opportunity. You can spend hours exploring this area through guided tours by self-lead excursions.

The Bin Jelmood House pays tribute and acknowledges the social, cultural and economic contribution of formerly enslaved people to the development of human civilisations. The Mohammed Bun Jassim House demonstrates Msheireb's traditional values as the foundation for the future development of Doha. The Company House showcases the first-hand account of the men who laboured to lay the foundations for their emerging nation, which you can read in person! The Radwani House represents traditional Qatari family life and showcases the local customs and traditions of Qatar's past.

These Heritage Houses form the Msheireb museums. Frozen in time, these houses provide the opportunity for true immersion, with the traditional architecture and design features as preserved as possible. Excursions and tours are encouraged for tourists. While in the area, jump on a tram or another vehicle for the trip to the Katara Cultural Village, it only takes a few minutes! Rich in art and culture, this is one of the Qatar experiences you shouldn't miss!

For adventure seekers, look no further than the Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park! Located a few hours off Salwa Road in the Abu Samra district, this amazing park is home to over 25 rides, slides and attractions, guaranteed to give visitors the thrill of a lifetime! This incredible park should definitely be added to your journey itinerary. While travelling to the park, experience the excitement of adventure in the desert and discover Qatar's unique landscape before relaxing in the park’s tranquil surroundings.

Get ready for a fun-filled day at the world’s first Angry Birds theme park! Experience thrilling rides and attractions while discovering the unique world of Angry Birds. The park has a wonderful family-friendly atmosphere with something for all ages.

Ready to visit another Qatari gem? Take a private tour to discover the amazing Inland Sea. Over the rolling sand dunes, desert drivers will ensure the adventure of a lifetime. As this is such a popular destination, there are a variety of tours to choose from! Taking guests to Khor Al Adaid in a special vehicle designed for the desert in just a few hours, the large tidal embayment known as the Inland Sea is yours to explore! Once there, engaging in water activities and sports in the crystal-clear waters or discovering the unique ecosystem of the Inland Sea with experienced tour guides is a must! After a busy day, relax on the beach for a few hours, read a book and soak up the sun.

Visit Qatar’s oldest mangrove forest, Al Thakira and discover its natural beauty. You can spend hours trying to explore the forest’s unique ecosystem and wildlife including the various mangrove species, birds, fish and crustaceans. Many companies offer guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about the importance of mangroves in Qatar’s ecosystem. Guests can also unwind in the peaceful surroundings of the forest by relaxing on Al Thakira Beach, bird watching or camping under the stars into the night.

Near Al Khor city lies Bin Ghannam Island, commonly known as Purple Island. This island is an hours drive from Doha and is famous for its natural beauty, exotic flora and fauna which can all be discovered through guided tours.

Still looking for adventures? Experience the thrill of a Desert Safari for a few hours! Spend the day surrounded by sand as you discover the unique landscape of Qatar’s desert from your seats in the off-road vehicle, specifically designed to accommodate excursions through the desert! While on yet another of the unforgettable adventures that Qatar boasts, learn about the local culture and traditions while you enjoy the stunning views of the desert sunset towards the end of the tour.

Relax in luxury at the Banana Island Resort Doha. Spend a few hours on the beach, and remember to bring a good book to read! If you still aren't completely relaxed, take advantage of the island's extensive collection of spa and wellness centres, which can be found all over Qatar, including in most hotels. With unique treatments and therapies, using local ingredients and products, you are guaranteed to feel the weight removed from your shoulders by the warm hospitality of the Qatari people.

Experience the excitement of international football at Al Janoub Stadium, where you will discover the world-class infrastructure of Qatar’s stadiums while learning about the history of football in Qatar. Enjoy the stadium’s unique design which is inspired by traditional Qatari architecture and spend a few hours exploring the stadium!

Looking to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Qatar’s beaches for a few hours? Why not begin your adventures with kayaking, paratriking or paddleboarding? Catch some major air time over the sand dunes with your paratrike or feel the calm in the heart of the beach from your kayak or paddleboard! There's a thrill for everyone with these unique Qatar experiences!

Qatari cuisine is rich in tradition, with a blend of influences from India, Persia, Lebanon and North Africa. Take your tastebuds on the trip of a lifetime with the exciting Qatar International Food Festival where you can enjoy the delicious dishes of Qatari cuisine while also enjoying drinks with friends!

Take a day to explore the traditional Souq Waqif market in Doha, where you will discover the unique souvenirs and local products to take home with you as a present or two! Learn about the history and culture of Qatar through the market, where the locals can provide you with details on the most fascinating art and culture while you experience the vibrant atmosphere of the souq.

For fans of the musical art, experience the beautiful sounds of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra occasionally holds performances at the Katara Cultural Village, so we recommend planning your excursions around this! Lose yourself for a few hours in the beauty of the moment and experience the warm hospitality of the Qatari people through music.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your unique Qatar experience of a lifetime booked in today!