Doha: museums and heritage
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Souq Waqif | A heritage souq of lanes, restaurants, spices and perfumes, loveliest in the evening. | Central Doha |
| The Museum of Islamic Art | An architectural masterpiece on the sea holding masterpieces of Islamic art across the centuries, with a wide park around it. | The Corniche |
| The National Museum of Qatar | A building shaped like a desert rose that tells the story of Qatar and its people. | End of the Corniche |
| Katara Cultural Village | An amphitheatre, ornate mosques, a beach and restaurants, with cultural events all year. | North Doha |
| 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum | An interactive journey through the history of sport, fun for children and adults. | Next to Khalifa International Stadium |
The Pearl and Lusail
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Pearl and Qanat Quartier | A modern island of marinas and restaurants, and the colourful canals and bridges of Qanat Quartier. | North Doha |
| Lusail Boulevard | A wide avenue between the towers for walking, restaurants and events. | Lusail |
| Meryal Waterpark | A water park with an 85-metre slide tower that holds two Guinness World Records. | Qetaifan Island North; open roughly March to October, closed on Mondays |
| Place Vendôme and Mall of Qatar | Large malls with international brands and play areas for children. | Lusail and Al Rayyan |
The desert and the north
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Khor Al Adaid (the Inland Sea) | Sand dunes that meet the sea, with 4x4 desert safaris. | South Qatar, about 1.5 hours from Doha |
| Al Zubarah Fort | A historic fort beside an old pearl-trading town, on the World Heritage list. | North-west Qatar |
| Al Thakhira mangroves | Kayaking among the mangroves and the birds. | North of Doha |
Tips before you go
- Saudis need only a valid passport or national ID card to enter Qatar.
- The best time is November to March; in summer the air-conditioned museums and malls suit you best.
- You can reach Qatar by road through the Salwa border crossing, or fly from Riyadh in about an hour and a half.
Hotels in Doha
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Qatar?
Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar, Katara, The Pearl, Lusail Boulevard, the Inland Sea and Al Zubarah Fort.
Do Saudis need a visa for Qatar?
No, a valid passport or national ID card is enough.
What are the best places for children in Qatar?
The 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports Museum, Meryal Waterpark in season, and the play areas in the malls.
Planning your trip to Qatar? Read Travel to Qatar from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.