Home Arrow FAQs Arrow What are some lesser-known sights to see when visiting Doha, Qatar?

What are some lesser-known sights to see when visiting Doha, Qatar?

Contemporary and always developing capital of Qatar, Doha is boasted of its impressive skyline, luxurious malls and well-known attractions such as Corniche and Museum of Islamic Art. However, although these are notable locations, Doha has some other underrated attractions that are worth visiting. When visiting Doha on a holiday and want to explore places that are off the commonly-travelled tourist places, you should explore some unusual sites to include in your itinerary.

Souq Waqif’s pet area

Although a lot of visitors see Souq Waqif as a place to experience the feel of bazaar, traditional wear, spices, and curios, most tourists are not aware of a separate pet section situated at this market. It has become a mini zoo of this section, as there are sellers of birds, rabbits, turtles and even exotic animals. It is a curious place to walk around with another angle of understanding local culture and business.

However, some visitors may find the conditions in the pet section concerning due to animal welfare issues.

Purple Island

Purple Island (also known as Al Thakira Island) is a beautiful natural treasure, though it’s becoming increasingly popular among locals and expats. It is known due to its mangroves and quiet walks. This place is ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers. In contrast to the metropolitan areas of Doha, Purple Island is a quiet place where you can experience the beauty of nature and see how the Qatari coastal land looks.

Film City at Zekreet

Film City is quite an unusual and interesting place to visit where it is situated in a desert area at Zekreet. This recreated traditional village of Arabians was created as a set of a film but still can be seen, and provides visitors with a surreal and almost ghost-town-like place. There is the view of the surrounding rocks and desert that makes the visit more exciting.

It’s quite remote, so visitors should ideally go with a 4×4 vehicle and plenty of water, and access may sometimes be restricted for maintenance or security.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

Although the Museum of Islamic Art has attracted a large number of tourists, not many of them usually visit the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. Set up in the outskirts of central Doha, this museum is truly a spectacular unique collection of a personal collection of more than 15,000 objects, including vintage cars, Islamic art, ancient manuscripts and textiles. It is an interesting observation of the history of Qatar and personal passions of its creator.

Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic cultural center (FANAR)

The Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (which used to be called FANAR) is, sometimes, ignored on its location next to Souq Waqif. Its spiral minaret is legendary, and in the center, there are cultural exhibitions and informative meetings, which also give significant understanding of Qatar culture and Islam traditions.

Katara Cultural Village’s hidden corners

Although Katara Cultural Village is a well advertised place, most people who come tend to overlook the less touristy areas of Katara, art galleries, and minor exhibition rooms. A walk in the streets of Katara may bring secret art objects, beautiful architecture, and lovely sea sceneries.

By visiting these unpopular sights in Doha, you will find additional contents to your trip as you will know more about the country and its culture, the nature, and the history besides the most popular places in the city.

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