An interactive map of Qatar’s best museums, souqs, landmarks, beaches and desert sights, from the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif to the Inland Sea. Tap a place to see what it is, when to go and how to get there.
The cooler months, roughly November to March, are the most comfortable for outdoor sights. In summer, plan outdoor stops for early morning or after sunset and spend the middle of the day in museums and malls.
The Doha Metro reaches many city sights, including Souq Waqif, Msheireb, the National Museum, Katara and Lusail. For the north, the west coast and the desert you will need a car, and the Inland Sea needs a 4×4 or a licensed tour.
Dress modestly at mosques, museums and souqs, with shoulders and knees covered. Opening hours often change during Ramadan and public holidays, so check each place’s website before you go.
A quick guide to every stop on the map. Select “Show on map” to jump to it.
Corniche, Doha
A landmark museum by I. M. Pei on its own island off the Corniche, holding one of the world's most complete collections of Islamic art spanning three continents and many centuries. Come for the collection and the building itself, which frames wide views across Doha Bay.
Corniche, Doha
A large seafront park wrapped around the Museum of Islamic Art, with lawns, a waterside promenade and open views of the West Bay skyline. It is a relaxed place to walk, picnic or watch the sunset over the bay.
Corniche, Doha
Jean Nouvel's museum, shaped like a desert rose, tells the story of Qatar from its geology and Bedouin life to the modern state, and wraps around the restored palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim. Visit for an immersive overview of the country before exploring further.
Katara, Doha
A purpose-built cultural district between West Bay and The Pearl, home to an amphitheatre, galleries, theatres, restaurants and a public beach. It is worth a visit for its architecture, events programme and seafront setting.
Old Doha
A restored traditional market of lanes and courtyards selling spices, textiles, crafts and falcons, with plenty of cafés and restaurants. It is the best place in Doha to browse, eat and get a feel for the city's older character.
The Pearl, Doha
An artificial island north of West Bay whose Porto Arabia quarter lines a large marina with shops, cafés and restaurants. Visit for a waterfront stroll among the yachts and the Riviera-style architecture.
Corniche, Doha
A seafront promenade of several kilometres that curves around Doha Bay from the Museum of Islamic Art to West Bay. Walk or cycle it for skyline views, dhow boats and public art along the way.
Msheireb, Doha
A regenerated city-centre district that pairs modern, sustainable buildings with four restored heritage houses run as the Msheireb Museums. Explore the pedestrian streets and learn about Qatar's social and economic history in the museums.
Education City, Al Rayyan
A striking library by Rem Koolhaas's OMA, laid out as one vast open hall of stepped shelves, with a heritage library of rare manuscripts and maps. Visit for the architecture and a quiet place to read or work.
Education City, Al Rayyan
A museum in a converted school building with one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary Arab art. Visit for rotating exhibitions that trace art from across the Arab world since the nineteenth century.
Aspire Zone, Al Rayyan
A large, interactive museum beside Khalifa International Stadium that covers the history of sport, the Olympic movement and Qatar's own sporting story. It suits families and sports fans who want hands-on exhibits.
Lusail
A wide boulevard in the new city of Lusail lined with towers, cafés and public spaces, often used for festivals and national celebrations. Visit in the evening for the lights and events.
Lusail
A large shopping mall in Lusail styled on French architecture, with luxury brands, restaurants and an indoor canal. It is a comfortable air-conditioned option for shopping and dining.
Lusail
Qatar's largest stadium, whose golden, lantern-inspired shell hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. It is worth seeing for its architecture, especially when lit at night.
Al Shamal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving the remains of an eighteenth-century pearling and trading town, next to the restored Al Zubarah Fort. It rewards the long drive with a sense of Qatar's history before oil.
Al Wakrah (south-east Qatar)
A tidal inlet reaching deep into the desert on the Saudi border, surrounded by high sand dunes. It is one of Qatar's most dramatic landscapes.
Al Khor
A low island of mangroves and tidal channels near Al Khor, also known as Jazirat bin Ghanim, reached on foot along a dirt causeway. Visit for birdlife, calm walks and a look at a historic dye-production site.
Aspire Zone, Al Rayyan
Doha's largest park, with lawns, a lake, walking and jogging paths and playgrounds beside the Torch tower. It is a popular spot for families and exercise in the cooler months.
Aspire Zone, Al Rayyan
A Venetian-themed shopping mall with a canal and gondola rides, an ice rink and a cinema. It suits families looking for an indoor day out.
Al Bidda, Doha
A former civil defence fire station converted into artist studios and galleries by Qatar Museums. Visit for contemporary exhibitions and a look at the local art scene.
Education City, Al Rayyan
A contemporary mosque in Education City, with two tall minarets inscribed with Quranic verses. Visit for its bold modern design.
Al Thakhira, Al Khor
A stretch of coast near Al Thakhira with some of the densest mangroves in Qatar and shallow channels popular for kayaking. It is a peaceful place to see herons and flamingos.
Brouq Nature Reserve, Zekreet
Four steel plates by sculptor Richard Serra spaced across a kilometre of desert in the Brouq Nature Reserve. It is a striking land-art piece set in open limestone country.
Zekreet, Al Shahaniya
A remote peninsula on the west coast known for mushroom-shaped rock formations and a replica village built as a film set. Visit for unusual desert scenery and photography.
Umm Salal Mohammed
A pair of restored watchtowers from the late nineteenth century in Umm Salal Mohammed, north of Doha. Visit for a quick look at traditional Qatari fortification.
Al Wakrah
A restored traditional souq on the Al Wakrah seafront with shops, cafés and restaurants, next to a public beach. It is a calmer alternative to Souq Waqif.
Corniche, Doha
The redeveloped old port east of the Museum of Islamic Art, with its colourful Mina District of shops and cafés and the cruise terminal. Visit for a relaxed waterfront walk and photographs.
Al Shahaniya
A private museum west of Doha housing more than 15,000 objects, including Islamic art, vintage cars, coins and Qatari heritage items, in a fort-style complex. Visit for its eclectic and very large collection.
Umm Salal Mohammed
A traditional fort in the town of Umm Salal Mohammed, north of Doha. It is a short stop for those interested in Qatari heritage architecture.
Al Shamal (near Fuwairit)
A low limestone ridge near the north-east coast carved with hundreds of petroglyphs, including cup marks and boat shapes. It is one of Qatar's most significant rock-art sites.
Mesaieed road, Al Wakrah
A crescent-shaped dune south-west of Doha where sliding sand can produce a low humming sound in dry, windy conditions. It is an easy desert outing close to the city.
Katara, Doha
A mosque in Katara Cultural Village designed by a Turkish architect and decorated with turquoise and purple tilework. Visit for its intricate colours and calm setting beside the amphitheatre.
Find restaurants and cafés near the sights, or rent a car for trips to the north and the desert.
