The Most Unbelievable Sites to See in Qatar in 2020

posted on: Jul 9, 2020

By: Mackenzie Ricca/ Arab America Contributing Writer    Qatar is a country with an abundance of beautiful tourist sites and historical culture. In recent years, it has been flooded with new attractions to visit, making it one of the top places to travel in 2020. Here are our top picks for places you must visit on your next trip to Qatar!

1. The Museum of Islamic Art 

This museum is especially fascinating because of its location. The Museum of Islamic Art is centered in the middle of a body of still, clear blue water; to get into the museum you have to cross a long bridge. You will find yourself in the middle of a whimsical experience of culture and heritage, as the striking architecture of the museum pulls you in. The structure of the building is also what makes it a “must-see” place in Qatar. The stone white building is illuminated by the water which surrounds it – giving the illusion that the entirety of the museum is glowing all day long. The artwork and architecture inside are also something to write home about, as the ambiance is especially compelling.

2. Al-Zubarah Fortress

Located in the middle of a long stretch of desert sits this architectural masterpiece. The rolling land of sand encapsulates the curiosity that is the Al-Zubarah Fortress. Its unique location and strong cultural history are what makes this landmark so special. These military remains, on the shores of Northwest Qatar, overlook the remains of an ancient trading village. You will be amazed at what still lies within and around this 18th-century structure. In 2013, the Fortress was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list, a necessary addition for its immaculate preservation.

3. Katara Cultural Village

Culture and architecture come together in this area of Qatar – filled with major tourist attractions and beautiful scenery. The Village includes a variety of amazing Arab restaurants, as well as a beautiful beach, always bustling with fellow travelers and locals. Many travelers recommend strolling through the Village at night along the promenade to visualize the beauty that lies within the heart of Doha. The rich culture of Qatar is expanded with various seaside food vendors and marketplaces. Not to mention – it is a great place to snap some trip photos!

4. Sealine Beach Resort 

Looking for a place to stay during your next trip to Qatar? Look no further than the 5-star Sealine Beach Resort—overlooking the beauty of Qatar and its glorious beachfront area. Rent a cabana on the beachy shores of Qatar, or immerse yourself in the resort’s breathtaking architecture—which is the signature of Qatar’s style. The resort also offers a variety of activities for travelers and their families including jetski rides, desert safari expeditions, and “dune bashing” in the Desert. It is certainly the place to stay if you are looking for an adventure.

5. The Aspire Tower 

Renamed “The Torch of Doha,” this marvelous tower stands in the center of the city at 984 feet tall, making it one of the tallest structures in the city. The tower was originally built to house the Symbolic Flame of the 2006 Asian Games. It is worth the visit for its uniqueness. Now, the torch is also home to a newly renovated sports museum and health club, which includes a large swimming pool. Additionally, if you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime dinner plan, The Torch is the place to go. Inside the structure, there is a revolving restaurant complete with an observation deck. Share a meal with your friends and family and see all that Doha has to offer from a bird’s eye view.

 6. The National Museum of Qatar 

Qatar’s architectural design makes it one of the most amazing places to visit in the world, and the National Museum of Qatar is a must-see architectural masterpiece. The design of the Museum is so mystifying that many have deemed it an “architectural origami masterpiece.” As seen from the image above, the building’s unique sharp curved designs range from the floor to the ceiling. The museum is currently being renovated and the architects in Qatar are expanding the nation’s jaw-dropping design. According to the architects, the museum design is said to be inspired by the Desert Rose – a natural phenomenon that occurs in desert climates and is surrounded by natural crystals. The architect believed the rose represented “passage of time,” and felt it should encapsulate Qatar’s best art displays. Though the architecture of the museum is especially beautiful – what lies within will excite you even more.

7. The Pearl

The Pearl is definitely the top pick, must-see sight in Qatar. The beauty of the pearl remains unmatched, and the story behind it is even more incredible. The Pearl-Qatar is one of the largest real-estate developments within the Middle East and spans a 4 million square meter patch of reclaimed land located offshore of Doha’s West Bay District. The Pearl is actually a man-made island and won the 2018-2019 award for “Best Mixed-Use Development” at the Arabian Property Awards. The island includes a variety of beautiful apartments, homes, and entertainment facilities. It is also surrounded by a wide array of well-kept beaches in the area. This is a must-see place for tourists and visitors, and a great place to go shopping and eat at restaurants. If the beauty does not excite you alone, the 350 retail shops and restaurant sure will!

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Sources: 

https://theculturetrip.com/middle-east/qatar/articles/the-10-most-beautiful-places-in-qatar/

https://www.visitqatar.qa/discover/tourist-hotspots/katara-cultural-village.html

https://www.visitqatar.qa/discover/tourist-hotspots/the-pearl-qatar.html

https://www.nomadasaurus.com/things-to-do-in-doha-qatar/

https://ewtnet.com/travel/tourist-places-qatar