What to see in Qatar: 9 must-sees

Swim in transparent water facing Palm Tree Island, off Doha's bay, where fine sand invites barefoot walking along the shore. Snorkel among brightly colored fish, book a table at one of its seaside restaurants, or board the boat linking the coast with this green corner. Between palms and quiet coves, days pass with swims, water games and views of the city's skyline across the water.

Cross the dunes of northern Qatar until reaching Al Zubara Beach, in Al Shamal, where pale sand mixes with the remains of the ancient pearling town declared a World Heritage Site. Walk the quiet shore, snorkel in transparent water and watch migratory birds resting near the coast. Bring water and provisions, since the area keeps a wild character with no tourist services — ideal for those after history and sea in a single route.

Cross the courtyard of Katara Mosque and note the blue and turquoise mosaics covering its facade, together with minarets decorated with golden details. It forms part of the Katara cultural complex, at the edge of Doha's waterfront, so you can pair the visit with a walk facing the sea. Respect the dress code, tour the interior unhurried and make the most of the galleries, amphitheatre and restaurants of the cultural quarter nearby.

Follow the Corniche to the Museum of Islamic Art, I. M. Pei's work set on the water, then head over to Souq Waqif, where falcons, spices and fabrics are sold among restored alleys. Over the bay rise the towers of West Bay, symbols of a capital transformed by oil and gas. Set aside time for the National Museum of Qatar, designed by Jean Nouvel in the shape of a desert rose, and for Katara — the cultural quarter with amphitheatre, mosques and restaurants by the beach.

Walk the Museum of Islamic Art in Ad Dawhah, where 1,000 pieces of ceramics, manuscripts, metal and textiles span centuries of history from Spain to Southeast Asia. The building, raised on an artificial island beside the Corniche, was I. M. Pei's work, and its central atrium crowns a dome that washes the halls in light. Climb each floor, contemplate the collection and end the visit before the window framing the profile of West Bay across the bay.

Walk the alleys of Souq Waqif, Ad Dawhah's oldest market, where stalls of spices, fabrics and handicrafts share ground with falcons for sale and Qatari-cuisine restaurants. Go around at dusk, when the terraces fill and the covered alleys smell of shisha cardamom and charcoal. You can haggle for pashminas, try karak tea at a traditional café, or stay until night, when the souk takes on another rhythm with live music and families strolling among the lights.

Visit the Al Reem Desert, south of Doha near Al Wakrah, and walk golden dunes interrupted by oases where palms and hardy shrubs grow. Walk among rock formations carved by the wind, watch gazelles, desert foxes and migratory birds, and hike trails of firm sand. At sunset, light tints the dunes' crests and only the wind breaks the silence — an experience ideal for anyone after open nature without crowds.