Qatar Holidays

There’s plenty to keep you occupied on your Qatar holiday, whether visiting as a family or as a couple. While the country is often associated with luxury hotels and smart shopping malls, there’s actually a vibrant mix of different places to explore. You can visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites – such as the immaculately-restored Al Zubarah Fort – and bustling traditional markets, as well as a grand assortment of theatres and galleries.

Qatar’s natural wonders aren’t to be missed either, from the phosphorescent glow of the Dahl Al Misfir cave, to the flamingo-inhabited Al Thakira mangroves, to the constantly-changing deserts and unique ‘inland sea’.

You might also want to take advantage of the country’s dedicated sports areas, where golfers can enjoy world-class 18-hole courses, watersports enthusiasts can make the most of the gin-clear waters, and families can enjoy the sunshine in children’s play areas. 

Visiting Qatar’s capital city of Doha is almost like stepping into the future. The ultra-modern seafront promenade, Doha Corniche, offers spectacular views of dramatic high-rise towers and gleaming architectural designs. Yet the city’s seafaring past is also on full display, not least in the traditional dhows that bob up and down along the bay. A cruise onboard one of these distinctive wooden boats is a fantastic way of experiencing Qatar’s heritage, as well as soaking in Doha’s cityscape from different angles.

To discover more of Doha’s cultural gems, a visit to the architecturally impressive Museum of Islamic Art is a must-do. You’ll be able to discover more than 13 centuries’ worth of the finest art and artefacts from across the Islamic world, including paintings, textiles and manuscripts. Or step back in time at Katara Cultural Village, where you can visit an ancient amphitheatre and a museum, giving insight into Qatar’s heritage.

Meanwhile, Doha’s restaurant scene boasts a delectable variety of dining options. You can try authentic flavours of the Middle East, to rich cuisines from India, North Africa and beyond.

For many centuries, souks have been a place for traders to socialise, exchange ideas and provide goods for the local community. And these souks are still very much a part of modern life in Qatar. Souq Waqif Al Wakra – in the port city of Al Wakra, just to the south of Doha – is a thriving marketplace brimming with stalls, restaurants and coffee shops.

But the most well-known spot is Souq Waqif, a place where tourists and locals rub shoulder-to-shoulder as they explore, shop and enjoy typical Qatari food and drink. Its tangle of alleyways – flanked by mud-rendered shops and exposed timber beams – give off a genuine feel of what it must have been like hundreds of years ago. As you browse the trinkets, you might find it hard to resist buying a unique souvenir, like a beautiful jewellery box, some traditional Bedouin fabric, or a distinctive Arabic coffee pot.

The best time to visit Qatar is between the months of November and March. Temperatures are at their most pleasant – in the high twenties and low thirties – and humidity is lower. If you book your Qatar trip for this time of year, you’ll have the perfect conditions for exploring, as well as relaxing in the sunshine. There are also lots of events and national holidays during this time, as people look to take advantage of the milder temperatures.

Beyond April, Qatar’s desert climate can become challenging, with the summer heat making it difficult to venture beyond the confines of your air-conditioned room or swimming pool. July and August are particularly hot, so it’s best to avoid going to Qatar at this time.

If you’re planning to visit in spring, just check the dates of Ramadan before you book. During this holy month, many of Qatar’s attractions, cafes and restaurants have shorter opening hours.

Visa: You can obtain a free 30-day visa upon arrival

Language: Arabic

Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)

Time difference: GMT +3 hours

Flight duration from London: Direct flights take around seven hours

Capital city: Doha