It doesn’t come as a surprise that every year tourists from around the world flock to Al Khor. There are several places to visit in Al Khor, the charming city filled with local attractions and exciting activities. People will never have a dull moment here as each corner of the city has something to see. Explore some of the charm of the city by taking some unique tours or day trips. Al Khor is filled with all kinds of surprises tourists have never discovered or explored in any other part of the world. Go ahead and plan the perfect vacation with your friends and family.
10 Places To Visit In Al Khor For Their Old Charm And Simplicity
Known to one of the cities for fishing in the past, Al Khor is filled with several cultural attractions, natural areas and locations for travelers to explore. The land has a number of unexplored areas waiting to be discovered by tourists from around the world. So, if you are planning to go on a vacation to Qatar and deciding which are the ideal places to visit in Al Khor, look no further, as we have made a list for the traveler inside you. So, pack those bags and explore every corner of the city. You will definitely have stories to tell your friends.
- Al Khor Museum
- Purple Island
- Al Farkiah Beach
- Al Shuaa Reserve
- Al Qarma Beach Garden
- Al Tawasul Traditional Park
- Al Thakeera Beach
- Al Khor Family Park and Zoo
- AL Thakira Mangroves Forest END
- Baladna Park
- Simaisma North Beach
1. Al Khor Museum
Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
Main Highlights: Shipbuilding, marine and land life, diving, artifacts
Things to Do: Discover the history of Qatar through the artifacts
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Best Accommodations Nearby: Al Sultan Beach Resort, Kor Bay Residency hotel, Simaisma Al Murwab Resort
Situated a few kms north of Doha, Al Khor museum is a two Storey restored building along the Corniche, one of the main tourist attractions in Al Khor. The anthropological section, marine and land life section along with a section on traditional fishing, diving, and shipbuilding are located on the ground floor.
Artifacts used in the ancient industries to make dyes from sea shells and geological maps show changes Qatar has gone through over 120,000 years and excavation discoveries are exhibited on the first floor. People visiting the museum offer perfect views of the bay and small harbor. With so much to discover and see at the museum, people will want to spend an entire day here.
2. Purple Island
Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
Main Highlights: Wooden Bridge and Birds
Things to Do: Walk on the wooden bridge and enjoy the scenic views
Opening Hours: NA
Best Accommodations Nearby: Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Mondrian Hotel, Grand Hyatt Hotel, The Regis Doha, Intercontinental Doha
One of the most scenic places to go in Al Khor is the Purple Island, for its tranquil environs and natural beauty. The island offers all the bird lovers a chance to get a glimpse of a few unique birds. Surrounded by mangrove forests, is one of the most breathtaking sites to see. The island waters are home to several fishes and crabs, which people walking on the island have to be careful about.
The wooden bridge adds charm to the island, which connects it will the small hills and the purple island beach. If people are looking for a bit of adventure, then they can walk on the bridge and enjoy some of the stunning views. To enjoy some peace and quiet, the island is the ideal place for it. The beauty of the island gives photographers a chance to capture it.
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3. Al Farkiah Beach
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Main Highlights: Barbecue stands, 50 shades of the beach
Things to Do: Witness the serenity of the place, basking under the sun
Opening Hours: 7 am- 12 am
Best Accommodations Nearby: Rabban Suites West Bay, Cielo Hotel Lusail, Ezdan Palace Hotel.
The isolated beach, Al Farkiah is one of the ideal places to travel in Al Khor to connect with nature and for peace of mind. People will enjoy and witness the serenity of the place, not something found elsewhere in close proximity. The beach is the best spot for those looking to spend time with their family or friends or simply spending time alone in the midst of blissful beauty of nature.
The beach is fenced as there is only one entry and exit gate. People will get a glimpse of the 50 shades of the beach. With witnessing the beauty of the place, one of things to do in Qatar is to enjoy the eateries at the barbecue stands and much more.
4. Al Shuaa Reserve
Ideal Duration: 3-4 hours
Main Highlights: Geese, pigeons, tortoises, ducks and solar powered lighting
Things to Do: Interact with the animals and relax under the well shaded green spaces
Opening Hours: 5:30 am - 7 pm
Best Accommodations Nearby: Simaisma, A Murwab Resort, Staybridge Suites Doha Lusail, Sedra Arjaan by Rotana
Al Shuaa Reserve, situated about a km away to the south of Al Qarma beach garden, is one of the places to visit in Doha. Ever since it opened in 2018, the reserve has been an absolute delight for families as it boasts of its geese, pigeons, tortoises, ducks, and many more. People can relax under the well shaded green spaces and enjoy its surroundings.
This tourist place in Al Khor gives kids a chance to interact with the animals directly. The solar powered lighting is one of the highlights of the reserve. With so much to do, people will never have a dull moment and will always want to come back for more. What more can they ask for when surrounded by beauty?
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5. Al Qarma Beach Garden
Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
Main Highlights: Trees, plants, wooden umbrellas
Things to Do: Enjoy the walk along the seashore, beaches and sitting under the wooden umbrellas
Opening Hours: Travelers need to confirm the opening hours with the local authorities
Best Accommodations Nearby: Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Mondrian Hotel, Grand Hyatt Hotel, The Regis Doha, Intercontinental Doha
Looking for places to visit in Qatar with your kids? You can always head north to Al Khor and spend a day at the Al Qarma beach garden. It is a one-of-a-kind beach known for its greenery and cleanliness. People will be welcomed by signs that say ‘barbeque, pets, and playing football are not allowed inside’.
A range of trees and plants are found inside the park along with wooden umbrellas that offer shade along the seashore, walking paths, beaches and solar powered lighting. With such peace and beauty, what more can anyone ask for when it comes to spending a day with their family and friends? It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that people should experience.
6. Al Tawasul Traditional Park
Ideal Duration: 2 hours
Main Highlights: Birds and Animals
Things to Do: Enjoy the nature walk around the park, watch the animals and birds
Opening Hours: 3 pm- 10 pm
Best Accommodations Nearby: Grand Hyatt Hotel, The Regis Doha, Intercontinental Doha
Spread over 28,5000 square meters, the park has several recreational areas like children’s play area, a football ground and an athlete walkway.
One of the ideal features of the park, people should not miss out on is the environment section. The Park is home to various animals and birds; and kids can even learn about nature and the environment. It is one of the most ideal ways of spending a day away from all the hustle and bustle of the city life. After visiting the park, one can always go grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants in Qatar. What more can you ask for when you get to spend time with your friends?
7. Al Khor Family Park and Zoo
Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
Main Highlights: Animals and Birds
Things to Do: Explore the behavior and habitat of the magnificent wilds
Opening Hours: 8 am –10 pm
Best Accommodations Nearby: Simaisma, A Murwab Resort, Staybridge Suites Doha Lusail, Sedra Arjaan by Rotana
The oldest Al Khor Family park and zoo, Al Khor is spread over an area of around 240,000 square meters. The place was renovated by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and opened as a zoo for tourists and locals. It is not just a zoo but a place where one can spend an entire day with their loved ones.
The zoo has several restaurants, mosques and fountains, that gives it an aesthetical look. Tourists visiting the zoo should explore the behavior and habitat of the magnificent wilds and allow their kids to enjoy playing games and go on exciting rides. The Park is home to over 315 animals which include 290 species of crocodiles and birds. When planning a vacation, people should look into some of the hotels in Doha, close to the park.
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8. Al Thakira Mangroves Forest END
Ideal Duration: 3 hours
Main Highlights: Fishes, Mangroves
Things to Do: Kayaking
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Best Accommodations Nearby: Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Mondrian Hotel, Grand Hyatt Hotel, The Regis Doha, Intercontinental Doha
The oldest and biggest forests in Qatar, the Al Thakira mangrove forest is filled with surprises for all its tourists. The number of plants is limited due to the harsh environment and there are a few sturdy mangroves, which are unique to the ecosystem, above and below water.
The tree branches get covered with salt, seaweed, and tiny seashells, below the water and parts of the underground roots, which have snorkels, known as pencil roots, helping them absorb air during high tides. The fishes swim through the roots during a high tide. It is a place worth visiting as the experience is not like any other.
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9. Baladna Park
Ideal Duration: 3 hours
Main Highlights: Food court
Things to Do: Enjoy the peaceful nature of the park, snack on food at the food court
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 10:00–19:00
Friday: 12:00–20:00,
Saturday: 10:00–20:00
Located on the outskirts of Doha, Baladna Park is the perfect gateway to a peaceful nature wonderland. People get to participate in their favorite outdoor activities while enjoying the nurturing environment. If people want to grab a bite to eat, they can go to the food court inside the park and snack on some of the ideal delicacies of the city.
With so much to do in the city, people will never have a dull moment while on vacation. The city of Qatar ensures people came back every year. So, what are you waiting for? Pack those bags, book your tickets and go on the much-needed vacation.
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10. Simaisma North Beach
Ideal Duration: 2 hours
Main Highlights: Sunset
Things to Do: Bird watching, nature walks
Opening Hours: 11:00 am - 05:00 pm
The beach is the best place for explorers, nature lovers and bird watchers. With the sand being muddy and slippery, one may not be able to make sandcastles but the kids will have fun covering themselves with it. If one is looking for some quiet time, then the beach is the ideal place to be.
People can play all kinds of games on the beach and have a nice picnic with their loved ones. With several attractions, the beach is one of the places to visit in Al Khor. It is the ideal place to spend an entire day, watching the sunset among other things.
How To Reach Al Khor
The main airport in Al Khor is Al Khor airport, where most of the major airlines’ land. When traveling by road, people can take their own car or hire a cab. Tourists can even travel by train or by metro. The city is well connected by air, road and rail, so people can choose their means of travel and get to their final destination easily.
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Have you ever been to Al Khor? If you haven’t yet, then you have no idea what you are missing out on. The places to visit Al Khor are filled with surprises for every kind of traveler. People will never have a dull moment in the city and will have the best vacation with their loved ones. So, if you haven’t been on your dream vacation yet, then what are you waiting for? Pack those bags and go on a holiday with your loved ones.
FAQs
Al Khor Museum, Purple Island, Al Farkiah Beach, Al Shuaa Reserve, Al Qarma Beach Garden, Al Tawasul Traditional Park, Al Thakeera Beach and Al Khor Family Park and Zoo are the top attractions in Al Khor.
Simaisma North Beach and Al Farkiah Beach are the some of the beaches in Al Khor families can visit.
Even though there aren’t too many hotels in Al Khor, the city has a few like Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Mondrian Hotel, Grand Hyatt Hotel, The Regis Doha, Intercontinental Doha.
Al Khor is the main airport where most of the major airlines’ land.
Those who love bird-watching, kayaking, and wildlife tours would love to visit Al Thakira. It is a once in a life time experience as it is like no other place found in the city.
Purple Island, Al Qarma Beach Garden, Al Khor Family Park and Zoo and Al Thakira Mangroves Forest END are some of the places Al Khor is known for.
November and April are the best time for travelers to visit Al Khor as the weather is pleasant. People can easily explore the city.
The island was named after the purple hued flowers that grow in the area. It is said that the site got its name from a purple dye that was created over 3000 years ago in the same location.
The beach is an ideal place for explorers, nature lovers and bird watchers. Even though one can’t play in the sand, they can still play a few games and have a nice picnic. The kids can have fun by rubbing sand all over themselves.
Tourists can spend at least a week in the city by exploring every nook and corner.
