Qatar, one of the wealthiest countries in the Gulf, hosted the FIFA World Cup. The stadiums and entertainment facilities the country prepared for the tournament did not disappear when it ended; they remain in place and can be visited at any time of year.
This article presents the best landmarks and tourist facilities in the Qatari cities that hosted the matches — cities where tourists and sports fans can enjoy wonderful times. All of Qatar’s cities prepared to welcome World Cup guests and to host the matches in the best possible way.
Al Khor, Doha, Al Rayyan, Lusail, Al Wakrah, and Education City are the cities in which the matches of this massive global sporting event took place. These cities offered visitors a variety of entertainment options during the tournament period. It is said that Qatar spent approximately 17 billion and 200 million dollars to be able to host this series of matches. The Qatari government took measures to reduce the temperature from 43 degrees to 19 degrees Celsius in order to provide moderate weather conditions for athletes and tourists.
In what follows, each Qatari city will be presented along with its tourist attractions and hotels suitable for visitors to stay in.
Doha
Doha, as the capital of Qatar and one of the World Cup host cities, contains a countless number of tourist and entertainment attractions. The Pearl Island and Doha Fort may be among the most interesting of Doha’s various tourist landmarks.
The Pearl-Qatar (Artificial Island)
The Pearl-Qatar artificial island is located in the West Bay of Doha.
The reason this island is named the Pearl lies in its architecture, which was designed in the shape of a pearl. The island is distinguished by its various types of villas, apartments, and hotels, most of which overlook the bay.
Various entertainment facilities, restaurants, hotels, and shopping centres have been built on this island. The Pearl-Qatar is home to some of the most beautiful and luxurious cafés, which come in a variety of different designs.
The water canals that pass between the streets and various parts of the island, as well as the beauty of the lighting design in the evening, leave one in a state of awe. The colourful buildings of the Pearl-Qatar and the design of its architecture give one the feeling of standing in the heart of Venice.
Doha Fort (Al Koot Fort)
If you are interested in historical sites, especially those close to the capital, Doha Fort — also known as Al Koot Fort — awaits you and can be visited during your time in Qatar for the World Cup. Doha Fort is located in the centre of Doha.
This fort was built in 1927 and was later converted into a museum that helps you gain a true understanding of Qatari history and way of life through the ancient artworks it displays, which form part of the heritage of the past.
This white fort speaks of the beauty of Qatari heritage through its architecture and traditions. Among the activities that add to the adventure of visiting Al Koot Fort are camel and horse riding, for which a dedicated area has been set aside behind the fort.
Best Hotels in Doha
Al Messila Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, Najada Doha Hotel, and Ezdan Palace Doha Hotel are among the finest hotels in which you can stay during your time in Qatar to watch the World Cup matches.
Travel Time Between the Stadiums and Doha City Centre
Below we present the travel time between the stadiums hosting World Cup matches and Doha city centre:
Stadium 974 (Ras Abu Aboud): 12 minutes, Khalifa International Stadium: 18 minutes, Education City Stadium: 21 minutes,
Al Rayyan Stadium (Ahmad Bin Ali): 24 minutes, Al Janoub Stadium: 26 minutes, Al Thumama Stadium: 26 minutes,
Lusail Stadium: 32 minutes, and Al Bayt Stadium: 42 minutes.
Al Khor
Al Khor is another city that hosted the World Cup. It is located in the northern part of Qatar, 50 km from the Qatari capital. Al Khor Park and Bin Ghanim Island (the Purple Island) may be among the most important tourist sites, and both are recommended for a visit during your stay in Al Khor.
Al Khor Park
Al Khor Park is one of the oldest parks in the city; it is very relaxing and eye-catching. The park has been designed in a way that all family members of all ages can enjoy it.
A golf course, an amphitheatre, an electric train, and an adult skating area are among the features that make a trip to this park even more enjoyable, while children can keep themselves busy in the park’s dedicated playground and also enjoy visiting the small zoo.
The recreational and wellness facilities in this park are another feature that adds to the tranquillity and comfort of the visit.
The Purple Island (Bin Ghanim Historical Island)
This island, known as Al Khor Island or Bin Ghanim Island, is filled with attractive and breathtaking scenery that captivates visitors’ eyes. It is located in the north-east of Qatar.
There are beautiful wooden huts in this place that enhance the enjoyment of the views and the natural scenery.
This green island, contrary to its current name, was formerly called the Purple Island because it was a place for producing purple dyes, and this distinction allowed the island to occupy a significant position among Qatar’s historical sites.
The mangrove forests surrounding this island, as well as its distinctive wildlife, have given it a special place among Qatar’s tourist destinations.
Best Hotels in Al Khor
Sultan Beach Resort, Simaisma Hotel, Marob Resort, Sealow Lusail Hotel, and Mondrian Doha are among the most well-known hotels in this city, offering good facilities.
Travel Time Between the Stadiums and Al Khor City Centre
Al Bayt Stadium: 9 minutes, Lusail Stadium: 26 minutes, Al Rayyan Stadium: 35 minutes.
Education City Stadium: 39 minutes, Khalifa International Stadium: 43 minutes, Stadium 974 (Ras Abu Aboud): 46 minutes.
Al Thumama Stadium: 49 minutes, and Al Janoub Stadium: 1 hour and 1 minute.
The stadiums listed above are, in order, the closest stadiums to Al Khor city centre.
Al Rayyan
Al Rayyan is one of the cities that hosted World Cup stadiums in Qatar. Getting around this city is very easy for tourists, as the opening of the Al Rayyan metro station has made it simple to travel around.
Aspire Park
Aspire Park is one of the most beautiful open spaces that has added to Qatar’s beauty. This stunning park covers approximately 88 hectares and can be said to be the largest public park in Doha.
Enjoying the beautiful scenery, the vast green spaces, and walking through this park are among the recommended activities, and the park is also an ideal place for practising various sports in Qatar.
Although Al Rayyan Park is considered part of Doha, it is the closest tourist destination to the Al Rayyan area compared to other destinations.
Best Hotels in Al Rayyan
Al Rayyan Doha Hotel, Curio a Collection by Hilton, Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel, Sovereign Hotel, and Premier Inn Doha are among the most notable hotels in Al Rayyan city, which can serve as a distinguished base for tourists.
Travel Time Between the Stadiums and Al Rayyan City Centre
Below we list the travel time between the World Cup stadiums in Qatar and Al Rayyan city centre:
Education City Stadium: 10 minutes, Khalifa International Stadium: 11 minutes, Al Rayyan Stadium (Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium): 14 minutes.
Al Thumama Stadium: 24 minutes, Al Janoub Stadium: 28 minutes, Stadium 974 (Ras Abu Aboud): 28 minutes.
Lusail Stadium: 31 minutes and Al Bayt Stadium: 40 minutes.
Al Wakrah
Al Wakrah is located on the south-eastern coast of Qatar. Al Wakrah was once a small village whose residents made their living from fishing and pearl diving, but today it is considered the second largest city in Qatar after Doha, and it is also one of the host cities for the World Cup in Qatar.
Al Wakrah Public Park
This spacious park overlooks the Persian Gulf. Its tall trees, calm and clean beach strip, and health facilities have created conditions that help entertain visitors.
The leafy trees and vast green spaces make it enjoyable to spend a long time in this park, and the children’s play area in the north-eastern part of the park adds to the fun of the visit for children.
Al Wakrah Traditional Market
Al Wakrah Market can be considered the second traditional market in Qatar after Souq Waqif. This market, which blends traditional and modern architecture, is one of the most beautiful places in Al Wakrah and is well worth a visit.
What adds to the beauty of this market is its lovely views of the corniche; the stalls and small shops are built in an area separated from the beach strip by only a single extended walkway.
Coffee pots, handwoven textiles, and traditional crafts can make wonderful gifts for loved ones and relatives.
Best Hotels in Al Wakrah
The following hotels can be mentioned as the best options in Al Wakrah:
Souq Al Wakra Hotel, Holiday Villa Hotel, and Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha.
Travel Time Between the Stadiums and Al Wakrah City Centre
Below we indicate the travel time between the stadiums hosting World Cup matches and Al Wakrah city centre.
Al Janoub Stadium: 6 minutes, Al Thumama Stadium: 20 minutes, Stadium 974 (Ras Abu Aboud): 23 minutes,
Khalifa International Stadium: 25 minutes, Education City Stadium: 27 minutes, Al Rayyan Stadium: 32 minutes,
Lusail Stadium: 46 minutes and Al Bayt Stadium: 59 minutes.
Lusail
Lusail is located north of Doha at a distance of 15 kilometres. What makes this city particularly important for tourists and football fans is that it hosted both the opening and closing ceremonies of the World Cup, specifically at Lusail Stadium.
There are motor racing circuits in this city, and numerous entertainment and residential areas as well as golf courses were built in Lusail to mark the hosting of the World Cup matches. The Crescent Public Park is one of the most beautiful places recommended for a visit in Lusail.
Crescent Public Park
This park has provided a variety of facilities for visitors. The park covers an area of 250,000 square metres and its design was inspired by Qatar’s desert environment. The park’s sports facilities include a football pitch, a basketball court, a beach volleyball court, and a tennis court. The park has several entrances in different parts of the city, making access easy for visitors.
Best Hotels in Lusail
Among the best hotels in Lusail, mention can be made of Sealow Lusail Hotel, Waldorf Astoria, and Waterfront Hotel.
Travel Time Between the Stadiums and Lusail City Centre
Below we indicate the travel time between the stadiums hosting World Cup matches and Lusail:
Al Bayt Stadium: 22 minutes, Al Rayyan Stadium: 24 minutes, Education City Stadium: 24 minutes,
Lusail Stadium: 26 minutes, Stadium 974 (Ras Abu Aboud): 28 minutes, Al Thumama Stadium: 35 minutes,
Khalifa International Stadium: 38 minutes and Al Janoub Stadium: 41 minutes.
Education City
Education City also hosted one of the World Cup stadiums in Qatar. This city is home to Qatar’s scientific and cultural centres, from numerous universities and active research centres to museums and institutes. Education City Stadium is also located here. Among the tourist attractions in Education City, the Arab Museum of Modern Art can be highlighted.
Arab Museum of Modern Art (Mathaf)
The Arab Museum of Modern Art was founded in 2010. The museum houses more than 9,000 works of art, most of them from the modern and contemporary period. Paintings, sculptures, statues, and modern and contemporary designs produced by the most renowned artists of the Arab world in the modern era dazzle the eye with their beauty and brilliance.
The artistic works that can be seen in this museum are generally creations produced from the 1940s onwards. The residence of many Arab artists in Doha is one of the reasons that has contributed to the richness of this museum.
Best Hotels in Education City
Premier Inn Doha Education City, Ezdan Palace Hotel, Al Messila Hotel, and Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel are among the best hotels in Education City in Qatar.
Travel Time Between the Stadiums and Education City Centre
The closest World Cup stadiums to Education City centre, in order of shortest travel time, are:
Education City Stadium: 5 minutes, Lusail Stadium: 8 minutes, Al Rayyan Stadium: 13 minutes,
Khalifa International Stadium: 15 minutes, Al Thumama Stadium: 22 minutes, Stadium 974 (Ras Abu Aboud): 26 minutes,
Al Janoub Stadium: 31 minutes, Al Bayt Stadium: 38 minutes.
In the above, we have tried to highlight the most beautiful places among Qatar’s stadiums that hosted the World Cup matches. If you would like to learn more about the most beautiful natural, historical, and cultural destinations in Qatar, you can follow our Qatar travel magazine.
For more official information about destinations and events in Qatar, you can visit the official Qatar tourism website.