If you’re visiting Qatar in the hot summer months, when temperatures can soar above 45°C, you’ll need to have plenty of indoor activities planned. Fortunately, there are heaps of things to do (especially in and around Doha) that all take place in beautifully cool, air-conditioned spaces.
You can visit top museums, intriguing galleries, sport centres, adventure parks and enormous malls, and even take a chilled ride down a Venetian-style canal. Many of the best indoor hubs house multiple attractions as well as shops, restaurants and cafes, meaning you can spend a full day in one place without needing to set foot outside. These are some of the top indoor activities in Qatar.
1. National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar is a cultural highlight that’s as visually stunning as it is educational. Designed by award-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the building’s desert rose-inspired façade has made it one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks. Inside, immersive galleries trace Qatar’s history from its Bedouin roots and maritime traditions to today. Interactive exhibits, films, and rare artefacts make this museum an engaging destination for all ages, and one of the country’s top indoor experiences. If the weather allows, spend some time in the grounds after your visit, where you’ll find shady heritage gardens filled with pretty native Qatari plants.
2. Museum of Islamic Art
No visit to Doha is complete without a visit to the staggeringly beautiful Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). Designed by the legendary IM Pei, the building itself is an architectural wonder, its bright white cubes rising dramatically from its own purpose-built island on the Corniche. Inside, the museum houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of Islamic art, spanning 1,400 years of artistic heritage.
The galleries feature intricate calligraphy, textiles and ceramics as well as precious jewelled artefacts, all presented with flair. And after examining the exhibitions, take the time to wander outside and enjoy spectacular views of Doha’s skyline from the museum’s outdoor terrace.There’s also a superb on-site café, an ideal spot for a coffee and sweet treat while you make the most of the panoramic scenery.
3. Villaggio Mall
Probably one of the world’s quirkiest malls, Villaggio Mall is a great destination for both shopping and entertainment. This Italian-themed shopping centre features Venetian-inspired architecture, complete with painted skies and indoor canals where visitors can even catch a gondola ride and glide through the mall along cool waters.In addition to the luxury stores and international brands, Villaggio Mall is home to Gondolania Theme Park, a wide-ranging indoor amusement center. Families will find everything from an ice rink to bowling lanes, roller coasters, and arcade games. It’s one of the best indoor attractions in Qatar for kids, and a perfect option for escaping the summer heat.
4. Quest Theme Park
For kids of all ages, Quest is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Qatar in summer. This indoor theme park is located within the Doha Oasis complex and features futuristic rides and cutting-edge interactive experiences.Highlights include the Epiq Coaster, the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster, and the Magma Blast, the world’s tallest indoor drop tower.
The park is divided into three themed zones, also catering to younger visitors with gentler rides and immersive storytelling.The entire space at Quest is air-conditioned, making it a haven for anyone in charge of entertaining kids through the hottest days of the summer. Tickets are available online, and booking in advance is recommended for weekends and holidays.
5. Doha Festival City
Doha Festival City is one of the capital’s best malls, but it’s much more than just a shopping centre. This giant complex is an indoor entertainment hub that’s perfect for a day out, especially one that needs to please a lot of different tastes. Besides its massive range of stores and restaurants, the mall is home to attractions like Angry Birds World, a theme park packed with interactive games, and Snow Dunes, a wintry snow park with tubing, sledding, and icy slides.
6. Katara Cultural Village
Katara is a hub for art, heritage and performance in Qatar with several fascinating indoor venues. Here you’ll find art galleries, top museums, and exhibition spaces showcasing both Qatari and international talent. Rotating art installations, photography exhibits, and cultural festivals bring the space to life year-round.
Music and theatre lovers can catch performances at the Katara Opera House or indoor auditoriums, while foodies will enjoy sampling traditional Qatari and international cuisine at the complex’s restaurants and cafés. Don’t miss Chac’late, a specialist chocolate and cake shop to pick up some sweet treats or gifts. To make the most of your visit, check Katara’s events calendar for current exhibitions, workshops, and performances.
7. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
For art lovers, Mathaf, the Arab Museum of Modern Art, is a must-visit, giving an inspiring glimpse into the contemporary Arab art scene. Its collections span the 19th century to the present, showcasing innovative works by regional artists, both established and up-and-coming. The museum has a focus on education and frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and talks. You can even join in the twice-weekly free art classes that teach budding artists portraiture techniques – make sure to book in advance. Mathaf is based in Education City, which can be easily reached on the Green metro line from Msheireb in downtown Doha.
8. Aspire Dome
Don’t feel as though you have to stay cooped up just because the weather is warm – Aspire Dome, one of the world’s largest indoor sports facilities, is a super place to stretch your legs and stay active. Part of the sprawling multi-purpose Aspire Zone, there are swimming, karate, gymnastics and kickboxing lessons taught here as well as the chance to watch international competitions and public sporting events.Also within the Aspire Zone is KidZania Doha which younger kids are bound to love. This miniature city allows them to role-play over 60 real-world professions from pilots and firefighters to chefs and TV presenters.
