Ahhh, Qatar. The magical land of old-world hospitality blended with a sophisticated cosmopolitan vibe.
With a vibrant art and culture scene, rich history showcased at countless museums and galleries, and endless shopping opportunities, this small, wealthy countless is fast gaining traction as a tourist destination for couples all over the world.
Whether you’re a history buff discovering secrets hidden in museums, an avid foodie exploring the countless dining options, or simply a water lover most at home on spectacular waterfronts, there is something for everyone in this exciting country.
Plan your next romantic vacation with your significant other in the rich diversity of this tiny state with our handy tips to get you started on your Qatar bucket list!
Table of Contents
Places to Visit in Qatar for Couples
1. Visit The National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar sprawls across 1.5 kilometers of land and has long been presenting the history of Qatari civilizations from ancient times to the present day.
An award-winning, immersive building built by architect Jean Nouvel, it sits in the heart of Qatar and features a breathtaking display of historical artifacts.
Featuring an impressive 11-gallery multimedia exhibition on Qatar’s history, the Pritzker Prize award-winning building was inspired by the desert rose crystals scattered all throughout the country.
In addition to the award-winning architecture and impressive galleries, the museum includes a 220-seat auditorium, multiple food outlets, research centers, and laboratories with digital archives.
The adjacent park at the museum allows visitors to learn about Qatar’s indigenous plants and their role in Qatari culture.
Incorporating discs that innovatively shade visitors and allow outdoor gatherings, the National Museum of Qatar represents the nation’s rich heritage and culture, allowing the multicultural population of its people to band together and experience Qatar’s past, present, and future.
The extensive galleries tell the story of Qatar’s history. From the desert, Persian Gulf, tribal wars, independence, oil discoveries, and modernization, Qatar’s story is celebrated in the museum, shared by Qataris and visitors from all over the world.
2. The Pearl Qatar
The Pearl Qatar is an artificial island sitting on four million square meters of reclaimed land.
This fascinating locale is known for its high-end residential towers, hotels, and private villas in Doha’s prestigious West Bay District.
Affectionately dubbed the “Arabian Riviera”, the Pearl is home to marinas filled with luxury yachts, premium designer boutiques, and lavish fine-dining experiences in immaculately manicured landscaped gardens.
Stroll around the wide squares with Mediterranean-style architecture or indulge in any one of the fantastic restaurants dotting the waterfront.
From refreshing ice creams to award-winning culinary experiences, the Pearl’s dining options will please the most discerning foodie.
Lucky residents staying in the district enjoy a lavish lifestyle filled with beautiful vistas.
The Pearl is divided into three main areas. The Qanat Quartier is a Venice-inspired area with colorful buildings, canals, and bridges, while Porto Arabia features luxurious yachts from all around the world and countless dining options.
Lastly, the Medina Centrale consists of beautifully landscaped gardens, play areas for kids, and a generous distribution of cafes, restaurants, and shops.
3. Katara Cultural Village
Qatar is home to numerous talented artists, and many are found in the maze-like pathways of Katara Cultural Village.
A community of creative artisans, Katara is host to the Qatar Fine Arts Society, Visual Arts Centre, and Music Academy.
In addition, Katara’s theater is home to the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and an open amphitheater that has a capacity of 5,000 people.
A must-see for the arts and cultural fans, Katara Cultural Village was created with the vision of introducing Qatar as a cultural beacon through theatre, literature, music, art, and exhibitions.
The Village was meant to provide a glimpse of a possible future where people from vastly different backgrounds gather and overcome their prejudices, embracing shared loves and uniting humanity.
Katara Cultural Village is Qatar’s most extensive multidimensional cultural project, serving to preserve the country’s heritage and traditions in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
International, regional, local festivals, workshops, performances, and exhibitions are frequently held to spread awareness of all cultures.
4. Souq Waqif
One of the most impressive atmospheric places to visit in Qatar, Souq Waqif is built on the original trading market in Doha dating back to the 20th century with traditional Qatari architecture built on the banks of Wadi Musheireb.
The new souq, or bazaar, was renovated lavishly in 2006 and now boasts countless shops selling traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, souvenirs, restaurants, and the 980-seat indoor Al Rayyan Theatre.
From horses and camels to paintings and handicrafts, the souq offers the best kind of retail therapy; a traditional one.
Rustle through the countless shops and uncover some hidden gems in the winding alleys of the Souq, or peruse a collection of gold and pearl jewelry.
From the fanciest restaurants to street food, the souq will sate any cravings. Local street vendors ply samosas and sweet dumplings in the central courtyard, while the multitude of roadside cafes offer an endless supply of coffee, fresh juices, and shisha.
The souq can get busy in the cooler months and play host to cultural performances, costume parades, and street performances.
The central courtyard also sports frequent exhibitions.
Falconry has long been a traditional activity in Qatar. It reflects in Souq Waqif, home to a dedicated area to allow visitors to see the stunning birds of prey up close.
A dedicated falcon hospital nearby serves the falcon population and their handlers. At the same time, the “bird souq” area is filled with other falconry equipment such as landing pads and GPS guiding systems.
A truly remarkable place steeped in rich history, Souq Waqif will make an excellent choice in getting to know the old Qatar and all its diversity.
5. Villaggio Mall
The Villaggio Mall in Doha is hugely popular among locals and tourists alike with its romanticized vibe.
Incorporating high-end European design elements, the mall provides an extensive range of stores and services to meet the needs of all visitors.
Offering gondola rides, an ice arena, a go-kart track, and an IMAX cinema, mall visitors are spoiled for entertainment choices. At the same time, the retail floors are generously spread with the top luxury fashion brands.
Restaurants and cafes to suit all budgets and tastes are sprinkled around the Villaggio, allowing visitors to enjoy a day in air-conditioned comfort on hotter days.
6. Barzan Towers
History buffs and photography enthusiasts will love a visit to the Barzan Towers.
Watchtowers built in the late 19th century, The Barzan Towers were the south side of a defensive system designed to protect the “rawdat”, a valley where prized and heavily guarded rainwater was collected as it flowed from higher ground.
In Arabic, “barzan” literally translates into “high place”.
The towers were a stark contrast to once relatively barren surroundings. Once guarding against an Ottoman invasion, they were used for astronomical observations to study the moon and how it changes position throughout the month.
The buildings were restored in 2003, measuring 16 meters high. Built initially with coral rock and limestone, it now features modern conveniences like a reception room, air-conditioning, and an upcoming visitor’s center while remaining an essential part of Qatar’s cultural and military history.
7. Doha Corniche
The bustling capital Doha is home to the Doha Corniche, a waterfront, palm-fringed promenade seven kilometers wide along Doha Bay.
A mere 15 minute walk away from the airport, the Corniche connects Doha’s developing West Bay business district, the city’s south, and the award-winning Doha International Airport.
Visitors enjoy a myriad of environments. You’ve got the sea on one front, a small grassland area on another, and the hectic cosmopolitan area of the business district.
The area is immensely popular with people from all walks of life enjoying the breathtaking views of the business district’s skyline or watching people enjoy water sports along the coast.
The Corniche is lined with luxury hotels, cafes, architectural masterpieces, parks, and wide-open lawns.
Other stunning landmarks include the Qatar National Theatre and the Museum of Islamic Art.
The Museum of Islamic Art Park has an extensive range of exhibits showcasing different styles of Muslim arts from three continents; Asia, North America, and Europe.
The park is popular for joggers and walkers, while water lovers can rent paddleboards for an hour or two.
Initially the only building in an empty stretch, the Sheraton Hotel stood alone until the last decade or so of urban development in the area.
Now surrounded by luxurious buildings and stunning landmarks, the Sheraton is an Aztec pyramid-shaped icon on the shores at the far end of the Corniche.
The nearby Sheraton Park connects the hotel with the Corniche Promenade and contains play areas, cafes, and immaculately landscaped green lawns.
8. Al Koot Fort
Rebuilt in 1927 and more commonly known as Doha Fort, the Al Koot Fort is a historically significant military fortress located in the heart of Doha.
Initially built by Sheikh Abdulla bin Qassin Al Thani after the Ottomans abandoned it, the fort was initially slated to serve as a police station and then later, a jail.
It is strategically located near Souq Waqif to protect the bazaar from thieves.
While one of the most crucial military structures at that time, it is now a picturesque museum containing traditional handicrafts, products, ornaments, historical photos, and paintings.
The dramatic white fort makes the picturesque Al Koot fort a hot favorite with wedding photographers.
9. The Inland Sea
Also known as Khor al-Adaid, the Inland Sea is located at the entrance to the Persian Gulf Sea on the border of Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The low precipitation and high temperatures cause the salinity of the seawater to be much higher than the neighboring bay.
Over time, a unique ecosystem formed in Khor al-Adaid, filled with turtles, ospreys, desert foxes, and diverse flora and fauna. The area even houses the Arabian Oryx, the prized national animal of Qatar.
The rich marine ecosystems are filled with reptiles, humpback dolphins, porpoises, crustaceans, and whales.
10. Aspire Park
Aspire Park is a massive 880,000 square meter park hidden just behind the Villaggio and Hyatt Plaza.
Standing as a stunning contrast to the surrounding desert landscape, this lush oasis comes with play areas, sports arenas, a 1.6-kilometer tartan jogging track, and a big lake with diverse aquatic life.
The Aspire Zone shot to prominence during the 2006 Asian Games, providing sporting areas for major international events, training and research, and injury rehabilitation.
Other surrounding sports venues include the Khalifa Stadium, Hamad Aquatic Centre, and Aspire Dome.
Now the pride of Qatar’s sports facilities, Aspire Zone is the center of central Doha, hosting a myriad of events throughout the year, such as marathons and fitness activities.
No visit to Aspire Park would be complete without popping into the Aspire Torch, also known as the Torch Tower.
At 300m high with 360° commanding views of Doho, the Torch is an architectural, engineering, and technical marvel shaped to represent a massive torch in tribute to the 2006 Asian Games.
The revolving restaurant on the very top floor offers sweeping views of Doha and a stunning night skyline.
Conclusion
With a bustling nightlife and technologically advanced infrastructure, Doha is an accessible city to navigate.
While car rentals are relatively fuss-free and offer the convenience of total freedom, public transportation is widely used.
Air-conditioned public buses are one of the popular ways of getting around the city, while karwa and private-hire taxis can be booked easily throughout Doha at affordable prices.
In addition, the Doha metro opened in 2019, providing its citizens with efficient traveling options throughout Doha on a budget.
While three of the seven metro lines are currently open, the remaining lines are slated to open in 2022.
A day pass for the metro costs around 6QAR, roughly equaling 1 GBP, making it one of the most cost-efficient, later ways of getting around the city.
Whether you want an action-packed vacation with the whole family or a romantic trip with a loved one, Qatar offers a one-size-fits-all to all travelers, with cosmopolitan Doha as the crowning jewel.
We hope that these ideas have made you want to visit the lovely nation, and we are looking forward to seeing you in Qatar soon!