Things to Do in Qatar during the Football World Cup
Alongside epic football action, there are a wealth of things to do in Qatar - including adrenaline sports, camel riding, and many superb exhibitions - many of them created specially to coincide with the World Cup. Here are some of the best…
Jetting off to sun-drenched Qatar for the World Cup?
Why not enjoy some of this beautiful country's many attractions alongside the football fever?
A host of excursions are available from Doha - where almost all of the soccer action takes place (and where your hotel will likely be).
What's more, almost all of the tours include hotel pick-up, so you can experience a camel ride in the desert or a Doha city tour during the day, before heading to the stadium for the next match.
These options are also great if you're travelling with friends or family who aren't quite as into footie as you are!
Here are some of the best things to do in Qatar during World Cup 2022…
Desert Safari and Inland Sea Tour
When it comes to Qatar things to do, this is arguably one of the best.
These 4-to-5-hour tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off, so you won't have to worry about missing the next kick-off.
The trip includes "dune-bashing" - being driven up and down the vast sand dunes in a 4x4 (avoid a heavy breakfast!).
You'll also get the chance to try sand boarding and camel riding - both of which enable you to take in the epic Lawrence-of-Arabia backdrops.
Some tours also include a stop-off at the Inland Sea - a large body of water surrounded by undulating sand dunes, 78 km to the southeast of Doha.
English-speaking guides are on-hand to ensure you get the most from your experience in the desert.
Water and soft drinks are included to keep you hydrated.
Closed shoes and trousers are recommended to ensure the sand doesn't get where you don’t want it!
Doha Half-Day Tour
Four-hour tours of Doha City are available in both mornings and afternoons - so you won't need to fret about missing England or Wales covering their respective nations in glory (we hope!).
Doha City is home to many fascinating historical monuments and cultural experiences, and this tour is a great way to experience the best of them. Afterwards you'll have a better idea of where to go in your free time while at the Doha World Cup.
Msheireb Museums
Most tours include a visit to the Msheireb Museums, giving you a grounding in Qatar's history and culture.
19th-century heritage houses show traditional Qatari life.
Dhow Harbour
See traditional Qatari boats sail along the epic Arabian Peninsula - a truly Instagrammable area steeped in Middle-Eastern promise.
Katara Cultural Village
Beautiful mosques and a Greek-style amphitheatre await you at the fascinating Katara Cultural Village.
The Pearl and Souq Waqif
See how wealthy Qataris live by visiting the waterside homes of The Pearl - an area inspired by the canals of Venice.
Bag some unique souvenirs at Souq Waqif afterwards.
Doha Corniche and the State Grand Mosque
Doha Corniche affords spectacular views of Doha Bay, while the ornate State Grand Mosque is a wonderful way to top-off your tour - before being dropped off at your hotel before the next big game.
What to do in Qatar under your own steam
It's not all about tours - take the chance to explore these great attractions while in Doha.
Beach 974
Completed in time for the World Cup, this 5,000-capacity, 1.5km beach is a great way to catch some rays during the day.
Alongside tanning, there's various football-themed activities, events and live music to enjoy.
B12 Beach Club
Having enjoyed success in Aqaba, Jordan, B12 Beach Club has set up a branch in Doha.
Covering 40,000 metres, here you can enjoy a vast array of local and international cuisine and see some Qatari street art.
Qetai-Fan Beach Fest Powered by Unit-Y
Enjoy live music on Qetaifan Island North at the Qetai-Fan Beach Fest.
In between taking in the international acts, there's lots of cuisine options and retail therapy to indulge in.
Baghdad: Eye’s Delight
The impressive Museum of Islamic Art is a must-do while in Qatar.
A celebration of the Iraqi capital is currently running. "Baghdad: Eye’s Delight" takes you from the year 750 CE to the modern day, exploring the city's history, scholarship, and cultural riches.
It costs QR100 (23GBP) for adults but under-16s get in free.
Diego Maradona exhibition
However you feel about the 'Hand of God' incident in the 1986 World Cup, this Diego-Maradona-inspired exhibition is sure to enthral.
See his first team shirt dating back to 1969 and learn about the many teams he's played for.
At QR45 (10GBP) for adults, it's a pretty sweet deal - even if you're the most ardent of England fans!
Visit the Al Jazeera studios
Explore how Al Jazeera became an international news staple for millions by seeing how it is produced.
A number of interactive exhibits - including a studio experience and VR/augmented reality sections - are included in the QR50 (9GBP) ticket.
Forever Valentino
Inspired by the city of Rome, this amazing exhibition features palazzos, piazzas and courtyards reminiscent of the Italian capital.
More than 200 creations by fashion guru Valentino are interspersed across the space, including pieces made for Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy and Zendaya.
This highly recommended attraction costs QR100 and is free for those aged 16 and under.
It’s located at M7, in the heart of Doha not far from the Museum of Islamic Art.
Frida Khalo – The Immersive Biography
Opening just before the World Cup begins, this exhibition takes place at the Msheireb Museums and celebrates the works of Frida Khalo, the acclaimed Mexican portrait artist.
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