Travelling to Qatar? Here’s what you need to know when visiting the Gulf state

For many travellers, Qatar may have first come onto their radar in 2022 when it became the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to host the FIFA World Cup – a time I look back on fondly.

During the festival of football, the streets of Doha were awash with colour as fans donned national flag-designed “thobes”, which is the men’s traditional attire in the country and region.

Strangers also struck up conversations in every corner of the capital city and there was an atmosphere that felt as though the world truly had descended on this once-overlooked Gulf destination.

However, some of the best gems are beyond the glimmering stadiums. Instead, they are tucked away in the alleyways of the centuries-old Souq Waqif, the serene scenes of the country’s mangrove forest as well as within its desert adventures beyond the capital and arts and culture scenes.

Beyond the Doha skyline, here’s what I wish more travellers knew about the place I call home.

European travellers can visit with minimal hassle

For travellers from the European Union, visiting Qatar is pretty straightforward.

All EU member-state passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry into the country if their passport is valid for at least three months from the date of arrival and if they have a confirmed hotel booking.

Many non-EU European nationals – including travellers from the UK, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Azerbaijan and Switzerland – can also benefit from visa-free travel. In total, citizens of more than 102 countries are eligible for visa free entry into the Gulf state.

After landing at Hamad International Airport, visitors can easily explore Doha via a modern metro system.

Souq Waqif is the place to understand traditional Qatar

Nestled in Doha’s old town, Souq Waqif offers a perfect first taste of Qatari culture and heritage with its array of fragrant spice stalls that are overflowing jute sacks of Arabic aromatics such as saffron, zaatar, sumac, dried flowers, dried black lemons and endless varieties of dates, honey, tea leaves and coffee beans.

Here, you can also meet some of the country’s most beloved animals. At the Falcon Souq, shopkeepers are more than happy to have tourists pose with the majestic bird perched on their arm.

Meanwhile, just a stone's throw away, the camel pen homes the doe-eyed creatures. There are also stables that house Arabian horses, that gallop to and from the grounds with heritage equestrians on horseback.

Doha has a serious dining scene

Doha is home to more than 3,000 restaurants, serving up everything from traditional Qatari and Gulf cuisine, to Latin American, Asian and European flavours.

It’s no wonder the city’s culinary scene has attracted the attention of the Michelin Guide, which debuted in the country in 2024. In the Michelin Guide Doha, 41 restaurants are listed, including three that earned a Michelin star and eight with a Bib Gourmand.

For top places to eat in Doha, I recommend the Michelin-listed Kai’s Songbird at Corinthia Yacht Club, and Nota Blu at the Four Seasons The Pearl-Qatar, a Spanish brasserie bringing Mediterranean delights to Doha.

For more casual dining, grab local favourites such as a cup of saffron karak tea and a chapatti from Karak Mqanes.

Sea, desert and wildlife experiences – all in one trip

Because of Qatar’s compact size, travellers can combine dramatically different landscapes in little time.

A visitor in Qatar can quickly move from Doha’s city skyline to having desert and beach adventures without a complicated itinerary.

Desert activities include dune bashing and spotting wildlife such as camels and Arabian oryx, or you can relax at one of the country's array of beaches and beach resorts.

Along the coast, visitors can also explore the country by a traditional dhow boat, paddleboard and kiteboard. Qatar’s surrounding waters are known for marine life, including being home to the world’s second largest population of dugongs.

Home to the region’s famous ‘Inland Sea’

Khor Al Adaid, known as the “Inland Sea”, is one of Qatar’s most striking natural wonders: a landlocked lagoon surrounded by sand dunes of up to 40 metres high.

The water at the Inland Sea is calm and warm, making it safe to swim, with the best time to visit being anywhere from November through to April when the weather is just right.

Other geographical features at this UNESCO-recognised site include rocky ridges and cliffs that are no more than a two-hour drive to the border with Saudi Arabia.

Qatar’s pearl diving history dates back thousands of years

Thousands of years ago, the pearl trade was central to the local economy in Qatar and the first major export commodity. The country is also linked to one of the world’s oldest known natural pearls dating as far back as 4600 BCE.

Today, visitors can take a deep dive into the country’s pearling history at the National Museum of Qatar where prized pearl pieces are on display. Pearls also take centre stage during the annual Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, which will next be held from 28 September to 3 October 2026.

Katara Cultural Village: Art, heritage and performances

Doha’s Katara Cultural Village is well worth a visit. It brings together public art, galleries, performance spaces and impressive architecture showcasing the country’s creativity.

Astronomy enthusiasts and families should check out the Al Thuraya Planetarium which hosts a range of exhibitions on astronomy, atmosphere, geology and the oceans. It also walks visitors through the role of astronomy in Qatar's history and religious traditions.

A stop by Katara’s 21 High Street is unmissable. The luxurious corner of the cultural village features a Galeries Lafayette department store, an outdoor cooling system and is lined with trendy cafes for al fresco dining.

A destination for much needed R&R

The Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som is located north of the country in Al Ruwais. It specialises in traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine, inspired by Ibn Sina’s (Avicenna) Canon of Medicine from 1025. The beachfront sanctuary offers a range of treatments, including physiotherapy, acupuncture, guided meditation as well as pilates and kayaking sessions.

The country’s beach resorts, destination spas, pool clubs and five-star hotels also offer everything from hydrotherapy to fine dining and private beach access.

A family-friendly destination

With a diverse range of things to see and do that are fun for all ages, the Gulf state makes a great option for a family holiday abroad.

There are various theme parks including Angry Birds World, family entertainment venues such as Doha Quest and fun cultural spaces like the Dadu Gardens which offers activities for children aged up to 11-years-old all within close proximity in Doha.

Visit Qatar, the country’s tourism board, also runs its annual “Hala Summer” campaign, which includes a host of freebies to participating attractions and entertainment venues.

Must-see attractions and landmarks in Qatar

Purple Island, near Al Khor
Mina District at Old Doha Port, Doha
Gewan Island, Doha
Msheireb Downtown, Doha
Al Shaqab Equestrian Center, Education City – Doha
Oxygen Park, Education City – Doha
East-West/West-East sculpture by Richard Serra, Brouq Nature Reserve
Al Zubarah Fort, Zubarah
Souq Waqif, Doha
Katara Cultural Village, Doha

Qatar: Quick facts to know

Currency: Qatari Riyal, QAR (1 QAR = €0.24)
Language: Arabic, although English is widely spoken
Time zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST)
Plug type: Type D and Type G
Driving side: Right
Weekend days: Friday and Saturday
National holidays: Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Qatar National Sports Day and Qatar National Day