Katara Cultural Village

Katara was built to celebrate Qatari and Arab culture, and its streets pack in galleries, theatres, an opera house and a Greek-style amphitheatre facing the sea. Look out for the Golden Mosque, the blue-tiled Katara Mosque and the tall clay pigeon towers modelled on traditional Qatari dovecotes.

Beyond the buildings, Katara Beach has calm water and shaded loungers, and the promenade is lined with restaurants. Festivals, concerts and exhibitions run through the cooler months. The amphitheatre hosts open-air performances in the winter season, and the galleries change their exhibitions through the year, so there is usually something new to see.

Visit in the late afternoon and stay for sunset over the bay, then continue to The Pearl for dinner. Dress modestly away from the beach.