10 Best Tours in Qatar

For the best of Doha in 1 afternoon, this half-day tour encompasses all the essentials. Those who’ve always dreamed of living among the elite will love visiting The Pearl: a dazzling array of luxury islands built entirely from reclaimed land. The exclusive estate is packed full of some of the world’s most prestigious residences and restaurants.

Next, stroll along the waterfront promenade of the Corniche and savour the city’s towering skyline as you enjoy views of the glimmering bay. You’ll then drop into the Katara Cultural Village, where the country’s fascinating architecture and history sit proudly on display in a stunning waterfront setting. Finally, a detour via the National Mosque showcases the best of Islamic architecture in Qatar.

Duration: 4-6 hours

Enjoy Doha’s principal promenade on a walking tour of the Corniche, which includes a dhow cruise around the bay. Stretching for about 7 km along the shoreline, the attractive waterfront walkway is a popular spot for locals to mingle in the evening as the temperature starts to cool. Come night-time, it’s also a great place to admire the dazzling light display of Doha’s ultramodern skyline.

Jumping aboard a traditional Qatari dhow is a pleasant way to experience ancient local traditions. The beautifully decorated vessel will cruise the bay around the Corniche at sunset, ensuring you’ll enjoy nothing but the most photogenic panoramas of the city.

Duration: 2 hours

Departing mid-afternoon, this is the half-day desert tour of choice for travellers seeking a pretty sunset to complement their sandy escapades. But it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, because the action-packed excursion begins with a heart-thumping dune-bashing ride courtesy of your highly trained daredevil driver.

You’ll get the chance to try your hand at sandboarding down the desert’s most daunting dunes, while a camelback ride offers a more relaxed way to soak up the sights. Finally, as the sun sets over the horizon, you can take in the colourful display from the shores of the tranquil Khor Al Adaid inland sea.

Duration: 5 hours

Ever yearned for dreamy Arabian nights as you gaze out at the stars? Then you need to book yourself an overnight desert safari in Qatar, an enchanting 2-day journey to experience the serenity of the desert during the dead of night.

The tour includes all the usual daytime desert tour activities: sandboarding, dune-bashing, camel riding and watching the sunset over the beautiful Khor Al Adaid inland sea. Rather than heading home come nightfall, you’ll savour a delicious barbeque dinner cooked by the friendly inhabitants of a far-flung Bedouin desert camp. Enjoy traditional music from live performers around a bonfire before drifting off to sleep..

Duration: 19 hours

For a taste of Qatari culture, treat yourself to a private tour of the Katara Cultural Village. Since opening in 2010, the central Doha institution has become a 1-stop destination for Qatar’s eclectic arts, culture and history scene. A rotating roster of exciting events such as exhibitions, carnivals, concerts and symposiums ensure no 2 visits are ever the same.

The tour takes in the most impressive architecture, which combines the techniques of old. Landmarks include the Katara Amphitheatre, a blend between ancient Islamic and Greek styles, and the Opera House with its mix of Asian influences and 19th-century European design. Naturally, you’ll get the chance to enjoy a spot of souvenir shopping at the open-air Katara Plaza Mall.

Duration: 2 hours

Shopping doesn’t get much more exotic than Doha’s bustling souqs, the best of which you’ll visit on this exciting half-day tour. Situated near the picture-perfect waterfront of the Corniche, Souq Waqif is famed for its bustling labyrinth-like alleyways. Traditionally dressed merchants tout goods such as spices, perfumes and textiles, while some specialise in live falcons to cater to the avid bird collectors among the Qatari ruling class.

South of the city centre lies the Souq Al Wakra, which the locals refer to as Heritage Village for its adherence to ancient Qatari culture. Fresh fish and camels are sold at this odorous affair, also making it a fabulous spot to snap some pictures of traditional Qatari life.

Duration: 4 hours