As a travel writer based in Asia, I’ve always liked finding places that bring something new to travelers. I enjoy learning about new cultures, discovering interesting attractions and experiences that illustrate what makes a place unique. When I travel it’s not about hitting the most popular tourist sites, but about experiencing the history, traditions, food, landscapes and local experiences that make a destination memorable.

I was intrigued by the combination of tradition and modernity in Qatar. Looking up the country I saw that Doha had a striking skyline combined with traditional markets, museums and cultural sites, beautiful coastlines and vast desert landscapes. This contrast makes Qatar an interesting destination for travelers wanting to experience the modern and traditional sides of the Middle East.

While surfing through different travel resources on Qatar, I came across many attractions and things to do that can make your trip a memorable one. There are many ways to explore the country: walk along the Doha Corniche, explore Souq Waqif, discover museums, enjoy the coastline and experience the desert. In this post I’ll share some of the places and experiences that caught my eye when researching Qatar, and why they are worth adding to a travel itinerary. Explore Doha and Qatar from a cultural perspective

Discovering Doha and Qatar’s Cultural Side

The best way to get a sense of a location is to see what it has to offer from a cultural perspective. Doha, the capital of Qatar, offers travelers a range of places to learn about the country and the wider Islamic world.

One of the places I would include in a travel guide of Qatar is the Museum of Islamic Art. The museum on the Doha Corniche has an extensive collection of Islamic art and artifacts from different periods and places. And its distinctive architecture also makes it an integral part of the waterfront of Doha.

I’m also interested in the National Museum of Qatar. The design itself is based on the desert rose and is already very attractive. Inside the exhibits tell about Qatar’s natural environment and its history, traditions, pearl diving, the Bedouin way of life and its progress into a modern country.

When I write about Doha I would write about Souq Waqif as well.” At the traditional market another side of the city can be seen. Shops sell handicrafts, spices, perfumes, textiles and other local produce.

From the Sea to the Desert

Qatar is more than museums and city attractions. The desert scenery and coastlines offer a very different travel experience.

The Doha Corniche is a waterfront promenade overlooking the Persian Gulf and the Doha skyline. It is also a popular place to walk, cycle and to spend time outdoors.

If you are looking for more adventure, the desert of Qatar is another part of the country that is worth exploring. Visitors can enjoy the landscape outside the city with dune bashing, camel riding and other outdoor activities. Also Qatar has beaches and coastal destinations where travelers can relax or enjoy water sports.

There are also natural areas to explore, such as the Al Thakira Mangroves, where guests can kayak through the waterways and look out for local wildlife. Elsewhere, dramatic desert scenery where the sand meets the sea can be found at places such as Khor Al Adaid.

Why I Want to Write About Qatar

What interests me in particular about Qatar is the stark difference between the different sides of it. You can visit museums in the morning, walk through a traditional market in the afternoon, and enjoy the desert or the coast in the afternoon.

There are also opportunities to experience local food, shopping, architecture, beaches, cultural attractions and outdoor activities in Qatar. Travel guides from Expedia, Private Guide World, TourHQ and In Africa and Beyond highlight different facets of the country’s attractions and experiences.

As a travel content writer, I believe destinations are more interesting when travelers take the time to look beyond the famous sights. That opportunity is in Qatar. “Take your time to enjoy the mix of history, culture, modern architecture, coastline and desert. Let yourself soak up its old and new faces. I would recommend taking your time.