Take your exploration indoors at these places in Qatar
With the increase in summer temperatures, outdoor activities are coming to a standstill. Fortunately for us, Qatar has a variety of indoor places that you can explore ranging from enthralling museum exhibits to a fun filled Panda House.
Here’s a list of indoor places to explore in Qatar this summer.
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
Head over to the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum to get up close to legends from the sporting world. At the museum you can explore the interactive exhibits, marvel at the inspiring stories of world class athletes and enjoy fun activities that celebrate the sporting culture within Qatar and beyond. Finish your day with a healthy meal and refreshing drink at the Naua Restaurant or 3-2-1 Café. You could also get yourself a cool souvenir from the 3-2-1 gift shop as a keepsake.
What’s available: Seven gallery spaces housing objects from around the world, 3-2-1 gift shop, Naua Restaurant and 3-2-1 Café
Location: Aspire Zone (Next to Khalifa International Stadium)
Timings:
- Saturday–Thursday: 9am–7pm
- Fridays: 1.30–7pm
Access:
- Free for citizens and residents of Qatar or GCC countries
- Free for children 16 and under
- All other adults: QAR 100
Contact: 44525200
Visit: Instagram page and Website
Find out more about the 3-2-1 Olympic Museum here.
Museum of Illusions
Visit the Museum of Illusions for a unique experience featuring visual and sensory illusions suited to all ages. Explore the interactive exhibits and take memorable pictures with your friends and family. Head over to the museum’s smart playroom and try some of their challenging games. If you enjoy stimulating games, visit the museum’s Smart Shop to buy Dilemma games.
What’s available: Visually stimulating images, installations and rooms that make excellent backdrops for instagram-worthy pictures, Smart Playroom and a Smart Shop.
Location: The Gate Mall (First floor)
Timings:
- Saturday- Thursday: 9 am-10 pm
- Friday: 1 pm-10 pm
Access:
- Adult (16+ years): 80 QAR
- Child (3-15 years): 60 QAR
- *Group discounts and other packages are available.
Contact: 40206273
Visit: Instagram page and website
National Museum of Qatar
Highlighting Qatar’s rich heritage and culture, the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) is the place to be if you would like to explore the country’s past, present and future. NMoQ is also an excellent spot to discover temporary exhibits such as the popular installation by renowned Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist. The exhibit ‘Your brain to me, my brain to you’, which includes an immersive video installation comprising 12,000 LED lights strung on cables throughout the gallery offers visitors a mesmerizing experience. At the end of the day you can enjoy an amazing meal at one of the top-notch restaurants or cafes at the museum and even gift yourself a unique souvenir from the NMoQ gift shop.
What’s available: Exhibits (Pipilotti Rist exhibit only till Jul 15, 2023), IN-Q gift shop, Jiwan Restaurant, Desert Rose Café, Thalatheen Café and Café 875
Location: Museum Park Street, Doha
Timings:
- Saturday–Thursday: 9 am–7 pm
- Fridays: 1.30 pm –7 pm
Access:
- Free for citizens and residents of Qatar or GCC countries
- Free for children 16 and under
- All other adults: QAR 100
Contact: 44525555
Visit: Instagram page and website
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Hamad Port Visitors Center
Add the recently opened Hamad Port Visitors Center to your list of places to visit this summer. The Hamad Port Visitors Center consists of multiple attractions including a spectacular oceanic aquarium with more than 3000 aquatic creatures. The Visitors Center also offers an overall insight of Qatar’s rich maritime heritage at the Maritime Museum.
What’s available: Aquarium, maritime museum, 4D cinema, auditorium, kids’ play area and gift shop.
Location: Umm El Houl
Timings: 8:30 am – 3 pm (Timings are subject to change. Check their website prior to visit)
Access:
- Adults (above 12 years): QAR 50
- Children (5-12 years): QAR 30
- Free for kids under 5 years
*Tickets need to be pre-booked via their website
Contact: 40453005
Visit: Website
Find out more about the Hamad Port Visitors Center here.
Panda House
Get up close with Qatar’s favorite fur babies at the Panda House. Witness the antics of Suhail and Thuraya at the Panda House and explore the state-of-the-art facility that consists of a 120,000 sqm park, and a 37 square-metre plant mural amongst others. Download the OUN applications to book your tickets for a fun-filled day at the Panda House.
What’s available: Panda enclosure housing the two pandas Suhail and Thuraya, an education room where kids can enjoy fun activities and complementary face painting, a panda café and gift shop.
Location: Al Khor
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm
Access:
- Adults: QAR 50
- Child: QAR 25
*Tickets need to be booked in advance via the OUN application
Find out more about Panda House from our coverage below.
Old Souq, Tawar Mall
If you miss walking around the winding alleyways of Souq Waqif, discover the Old Souq at Tawar Mall. Having the traditional ambience of Souq Waqif, the Old Souq is modern and houses a range of shops selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes and more.
What’s available: Stall and kiosks selling a range of items such as clothes, accessories, souvenirs and more
Location: Tawar Mall (Second Floor)
Timings:
- Weekdays: 10 am - 10 pm
- Weekends: 10 am - 12 am
Access: Free
Contact: 44379333
Al Thuraya Planetarium
A unique blend of education and entertainment, Al Thuraya Planetarium has small exhibits with interactive stations and free shows for all ages informing you about the world beyond. The planetarium changes their show timings on a routine basis. Check the website for show timings prior to visit.
Location: Katara Cultural Village
Timings:
Daily: 8 am – 10 pm
Access: Free
Contact: 44082067
Visit: Website
Qatar National Library
If you would like some quiet time, head to Qatar National Library at Education City to explore a wide variety of genres from authors around the world, get some work done or simply unwind at the cafeteria while reading. The library also has a sensory room for children, study rooms and innovation rooms for those above 13. All rooms need to be pre-booked prior to visit here.
What’s available: Adult and children’s library, reading and study spaces, a sensory room, innovation station and a cafeteria.
Location: Education City
Timings:
- Saturday to Thursday: 8 am to 8 pm
- Friday: 4 pm – 8 pm
- The Children's Library closes at 6:30 pm
*Check the QNL home page for updates on timings prior to visit.
Access: Free
Contact: 44540100
Visit: Instagram page and website
Looking for more ways to escape the summer heat? Here's a list of places to enjoy a refreshing drink in Qatar.
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