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Things To Do

Top things to do in Katara Cultural Village

Located at the point where the Middle East meets Asia, the compact peninsular state of Qatar has long been a melting pot of cultures.  With a staggering array of cultural venues, including museums, galleries and public art, Qatar offers a potent mix of tradition and modernism.  Spelled in the ancient manner, Katara is a self-styled cultural village nestled between the gleaming financial district of West Bay, and the half-moon towers of The Pearl residential neighbourhood.  Bordered by a vast beach on one side, and the twin Katara Hills on the other, Katara is Doha’s go-to destination for art, culture and cuisine.  In no particular order, these are the top things to do here:   

1. Katara Mosque:

Visit the Katara Mosque

Designed by Turkey’s Zeynep Fadilloglu, who is believed to be the first female architect to specialise in mosques, the mosque features Persian and Turkish tile and enamel work in shades of blue and gold, proffering a stark contrast to the surrounding buildings.  With décor inspired by the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, the minaret, dome, and prayer niche (mihrab), draw from famous mosques across the Muslim world.  Next to the mosque, one can see the unmistakable pigeon towers – oblong structures with holes and perches for pigeons. 

Katara Cultural Village | Top Things to do

Visit the Gold Mosque

The second mosque in Katara, this is smaller, but no less eye catching.  Facing the amphitheatre, it is covered with gold tiling, which glints in the sun. 

Katara Cultural Village | Top Things to do

Discover the Amphitheatre

Spread over 3,275 sqm, this classical Greek style amphitheatre reflects Islamic influences, particularly in its arched entrances. Accommodating up to 5000 spectators, it affords stellar views of the sea on one side and the cultural village on the other.  The Force of Nature, an art installation depicting Mother Nature hurtling the world with a piece of cloth, stands between the amphitheatre and the water, showing humanity’s powerlessness in the face of nature. 

Katara Cultural Village | Top Things to do

Explore 21 High Street

A giant gift box marks the start of this ultra-luxe high street, or follow the trail of high end cars dropping shoppers off at Galeries Lafayette – the iconic French department store.  With a powerful outdoor cooling system, and Murano glass Katara High Street offers year-round comfort, with no impediment to dining al fresco at one of the many cafes lining the street.  

Katara Cultural Village | Top Things to do

Check out the art galleries

With numerous art galleries, workshops, exhibition areas and performance arenas, Katara is an artist’s haven. Tucked in between the alleyways of Katara, the Qatar Museum Gallery showcases local and international artists, whose works depict human-centred themes. Katara Art Center (KAC) is an independently run platform dedicated to contemporary art and trans-disciplinary creative endeavours.

Katara Cultural Village | Top Things to do

Explore Al Thuraya Planetarium

Offering celestial delights for families and astronomy enthusiasts alike, the Al Thuraya Planetarium features a full-dome digital system capable of taking up to 200 visitors on a journey around the universe. In addition to engaging exhibits that delve into astronomy, atmosphere, geology and the oceans, Al Thuraya invites visitors to explore the role of astronomy in Qatar’s history and religious traditions.

Katara Cultural Village | Top Things to do

Enjoy beach activities

The spacious public beach at Katara is invites visitors to stroll, sit, or engage in their choice of activities. Beach equipment rentals and services offering speed boat rides, knee boarding, parasailing and water skiing are readily available, and eminently affordable. 

Katara Cultural Village | Top Things to do

Walk at the Katara Hills

To the North and South of the cultural village, lie Katara’s hills.  Lush landscaping, water features and walking tracks let picnickers and serious walkers alike tackle multiple levels.  Climbing atop the hills, catch your breath and the views of the village and the sea beyond, especially as it is aglow at sunset.  

Katara Cultural Village | Top Things to do

Taste local flavours

Katara is home to some of Doha’s most popular eateries. From Chapati and Karak’s wraps and tea, to the staggering displays of fresh seafood at Lawazar, there is plenty of choice from across the Levant – with Mamig (Lebanon), Khan Farouk (Egypt), or Ard Canaan (Syria), as well as Sukar Pasha (Turkey) and Saffron Lounge (India).  Don’t feel like a sit down? Tasty Street boasts cabins with even more choice for bites on the go.  

Katara Cultural Village | Top Things to do
Katara Cultural Village | Top Things to do

Feel the beat of the city

Join chef Noof Al Marri, jewellery designer Nada bint Khamis Al-Sulaiti and architect Ibrahim Jaidah as they share insights and untold stories of Qatar.

Katara Cultural Village | Top Things to do

Visitors get easy entry to Qatar with Hayya

The Hayya platform makes it easy for visitors to experience a seamless entry process on arrival in Qatar.

Not to miss

Katara Cultural Village | Top Things to do