3 days in Qatar, unsuspected nuggets not to be missed!

A morning in Al ThakiraTo discover Qatar, there's nothing better than to start with nature. You might not think it, but the country is full of natural spots to discover. Let's head for Al Thakira Beach. Located around 40 km from Doha, Thakira Beach has a number of surprises in store. As well as having a large stretch of sand on which to relax and have fun with the family, it is ideal for observing the flora and fauna. A little further on, a bay of mangroves makes the place unique. You can explore this bay by kayak.

During an excursion, a biologist guide can teach us more about the importance of this ecosystem. As we paddle along, we catch glimpses of migratory birds such as egrets and herons. It's time to rest on the warm sand before heading off for lunch at Al Khor.

Afternoon at leisure in Al Khor 10 km away, head for Al Khor, one of Qatar's largest cities. Once a small fishing village, Al Khor, 45 minutes from Doha, is now a blend of modernity and vestiges of the past. The town offers a number of pleasant visits that teach us more about its history, such as the three towers that were used to intercept the arrival of potential pirates. You can also walk past the intact well that supplied the village with drinking water.

The beach is also a welcome break from the city. Those who want to prolong the moment and admire the sunset can also take advantage of the barbecues available. A friendly, family atmosphere pervades this place where time seems to stand still.

A morning of culture

For this second day, it's the history, culture and traditions of Qatar that we want to discover. We headed for the Museum of Islamic Art for a journey through time, learning more about this Gulf state through a wide range of objects.

From the outside, you can't help but be captivated by the minimalist yet elegant architecture of the building, designed by Leoh Ming Pei, architect of the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, located near the Corniche. The Museum of Islamic Art stands out in this setting surrounded by water, where it itself seems to float.

Inside, there are temporary exhibitions and permanent collections. The latter are spread across several galleries. Pottery, traditional clothing, paintings and calligraphy bear witness to a past where different dynasties succeeded one another. It's a rewarding visit that will help you understand the legacy left behind.

After a break in the museum café and a trip to the souvenir shop, it was time to visit another must-see museum: the Qatar National Museum. We'll be back next time to enjoy Alain Ducasse's gourmet restaurant on the 5th floor.

Visit to the Qatar National Museum

Just a few minutes away, we head to the Qatar National Museum. Fun and interactive, it will appeal to adults and children alike. Its impressive architecture, in the shape of a sand rose and covering an area of 40,000m², is sure to impress. A must-see, the museum tells the story of Qatar through 11 galleries offering unique experiences that appeal to all the senses. The museum also hosts ephemeral and/or sensory exhibitions with life-size installations.

An afternoon exploring traditions and crafts

After this morning of history and culture, we're staying with the theme and heading to the cultural village of Katara. This place is full of nuggets to discover. At lunchtime, there are several local restaurants, as well as specialities from Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey and India.

You can easily spend 2 or 3 hours wandering the streets, stopping off at the many exhibition centres and art galleries, as well as discovering its museums such as the Planetarium.

Don't miss the architecture and details of the Katara mosque, which stands out with its blue and yellow colours.

Between the village and the sea lies an immense Greek amphitheatre, overlooking the natural setting and offering a breathtaking view of the beach. With a capacity of 5,000, it hosts numerous shows throughout the year.

In the middle of the afternoon, we head to the Souq Waqif to discover the local crafts and buy some typical souvenirs. We also take the opportunity to visit the pearl shops, where we can meet former fishermen who have become owners (Qatar has been famous for pearl fishing for many years).

To finish off this busy day, we head for the Corniche. We set off on a cruise in a dhow (a traditional boat) to admire the sunset and the skyscrapers gradually lighting up.

A fun and refreshing morning

After this cultural and natural overview of Qatar, there's nothing better than a day out with the family to have some fun (and cool off too)! Head for the Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park. More than just a water park, it's a real playground for adventure lovers!

Nestling within the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, the park is well worth a day out. There are plenty of attractions for the little ones to enjoy, including the wave pool, Lenny's Lagoon water area and the Falls Pool with its waterfall look.

Adolescents and adults can also take advantage of the aquatic areas and get their adrenaline pumping! Surf enthusiasts can try out a simulator that gives you the impression of surfing on the open sea! For more thrills, try diving or canyoning. Canyoning is one of the 25 attractions on offer in the park, propelling you to the top of 7-metre cliffs where you can jump from several spots, or abseil down.

A well-deserved lunch break

After a morning spent letting off steam on the attractions, it's easy to work up an appetite. There are a number of restaurants in the park to suit all tastes. Café Telal, a sort of fast-food restaurant, offers menus based on burgers, hot dogs with chips and drinks, as well as salads, all at very affordable prices.

For a taste of the world, head to the Miqa restaurant. You'll find salads and various mezzés such as hummus and tabbouleh, as well as Indian dishes such as butter chicken and Middle Eastern sandwiches such as chicken shawarma.

End of the day at the height of adventure

The afternoon promises to be a busy one. The programme includes a trip down the river in a rubber ring for those who want to cool off again, or a go-karting session (which gives us the impression of racing in the middle of the city). Finally, to end the day calmly and without too many thrills, we can take advantage of the arcade games or stock up on souvenirs in the park's shops.

It's time to head back to Doha (it's a 1-hour drive) to rest up for a final dinner and set off again the next day, already thinking about coming back another time!

Practical information:

⏰ Times: 10am - 5pm (but opening times may vary).

👛 Price: adult 250 QAR (i.e. approximately €63), child over 1m20 195 QAR (i.e. approximately €49) Some attractions such as go-karting or diving are not included in the price.

👉 All the information on the website

To find out more about Qatar and the activities not to be missed, visit the tourist office website here.