The Souq Waqif, the Heritage Library and the Aspire Zone are popular attractions for visiting Qatar, but where do you go when you want to experience another side of Qatar? Here are seven hidden gems off-the-beaten-path worth exploring: 

Al Thakira Mangrove Forest

The oldest mangrove forest in Qatar is located north of Al Khor. Perfect for kayaking and bird watching during the flamingo and heron migration, the ecosystem supports various crustaceans and fish in the pencil roots. To protect the pencil roots, it’s important not to tread on them; instead, wade along the coast or kayak.  

The Singing Sand Dunes

Experience the natural phenomenon of the Singing Sand Dunes, located southeast of Doha. These dunes produce a musical sound when the sand grains move, including when you travel down them. It’s a captivating and rare acoustic event that adds magic to the desert landscape that not everyone gets to experience. 

Film City

Discover the surreal Film City in the Ras Abrouq peninsula. Originally built for a production, this ghost town is a replica of a traditional Arabian village that has long been abandoned. It’s not known whether the town was built for promotions for the 2022 World Cup or if it was for a movie or TV series, but its remote location and scenic backdrop make for creepy and fascinating exploration. 

Musfur Sinkhole

If you’re a lover of geology or historical phenomena, then this is one to add to your itinerary. Plunging 300 ft into the earth, the 40ft wide standalone sinkhole is home to native bugs, migratory birds, and nearly 500,000-year-old layers of limestone. 

Barzan Towers

The historical Barzan Towers in Umm Salal Mohammed were built in the late 19th century and offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. They were used to observe the moon during Ramadan and protect the nearby rainwater basin. When you visit, you can enter and climb the tower staircase.  

Purple Island

Known as Jazirat Bin Ghannam, Purple Island near Al Khor is famous for its ancient dye industry. The island’s diverse ecosystem, mangroves, and archaeological sites make it a unique destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The best time of year to visit is November to February, and you can camp onsite or hike/kayak the area. 

East-West/West-East

The Richard Serra art installation in the Brouq Nature Reserve sculpture consists of four steel plates standing amidst the desert, strikingly contrasting the natural surroundings. Serra studied the specific topography of the area to ensure the plates lined perfectly. It’s an artistic and contemplative attraction that is a must-visit, especially if you love contemporary art.