The FIFA Football World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, and the 2022 edition in Qatar will be no different. A total of 32 teams will compete in the tournament, with the host nation, Qatar receiving an automatic spot in the group stage. Qatar will host the matches in eight stadiums located across 5 cities including Lusail, Al Khor, Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan, and Doha. Let’s take a look at the top tourist locations in the five host cities of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Travel Guide for 5 Host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2022
We will take a look at each of the host cities, in turn, to give you an idea of what to see and the crazy things to do if you are planning on attending this year’s Football World Cup tournament in Qatar.
Lusail
With 38 km² of area, Lusail is a beautiful city located in Qatar. It is a great place to visit for its spell-binding tourist attractions, including the Lusail Marina, Crescent Park, Lusail Marina Promenade, Marina Food Arena, and Place Vendome.
Moreover, the city is home to many delicious restaurants, serving both local and international cuisine. You can just visit the top Marina Food Arena to try hundreds of delicious foods.
If you are looking for the best things to do in Lusail, be sure to check out the Lusail's suspension bridges, Shop at Place Vendôme, go-karting at Lusail Circuit Sports Club, and Lusail shooting range at Al Ramii Sport Club. And obviously, you will be visiting Lusail Stadium.
No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something to do in Lusail that will make your visit or World Cup Tournament memorable.
Read Is the FIFA Football World Cup Trophy Made of Solid Gold?
Al Khor
Al Khor is a beautiful coastal city in Northern Qatar that offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Al Khor is the Al Khor Corniche, a scenic waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the Gulf. Visitors can also take a walk through Al Khor Park, an oasis of greenery in the heart of the city.
For those interested in history and culture, the Al Khor Museum is a must-see. The museum houses a collection of artifacts from Qatar's past.
No visit to Al Khor would be complete without trying the local cuisine. Some of the city's most popular dishes include Chicken Sisig, Bamboo Biryani, Malabari Tawa, and kore. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Al Khor has something to offer everyone.
Al Wakrah
Al Wakrah is a city located just south of the capital city of Doha.
It is home to a number of tourist attractions, including the Katara Cultural Village, which was built in 2010. It is a great place to discover the Amphitheatre and visit architecturally beautiful mosques, art galleries, and more.
Other tourist attractions in Al Wakrah include the Al Wakrah Souq, which is a popular spot for scenic walking areas, and the Al Wakrah Park.
When it comes to food, Al Wakrah is home to a number of excellent restaurants that serve both local and international cuisine. For something truly unique, be sure to try the camel meat dishes that are available at many of the city's restaurants.
Machbūs is a staple of Qatari cuisine, and it is definitely worth trying if you are looking for something new to eat. Other popular dishes in Al Wakrah include shawarma (a type of sandwich made with chicken or lamb), rice dishes like kabsa, and lamb or chicken stew.
Read 8 Stadiums of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Al Rayyan
This city has three stadiums Khalifa International Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, and Education City Stadium. Hence the city will attract more people than other cities. It is also one of the best places to visit in Qatar.
Tourists can explore a variety of activities in Al Rayyan. There are many tourist places in Al Rayyan to visit, including Zekreet Beach, Film City, Musfur Sinkhole, the Mall of Qatar, and more.
In addition, there are many excellent restaurants in Al Rayyan. Those looking for an authentic Qatari experience, don't miss out on visiting Al Bait Al Kuwaiti Restaurant. With so much to see and do, Al Rayyan is sure to please visitors of all ages.
Doha
Doha is the capital of Qatar and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East. Two stadiums of Doha, including Stadium 974 and Al Thumama Stadium, will host some matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Adding to these, the city is home to a number of iconic landmarks, including the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, The Pearl Qatar, Doha Cornice, and more.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities, such as taking a tour at Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art, Qatar National Library, Education City Mosque, and more. Visitors can also enjoy a number of outdoor activities, such as camel riding and dune buggy racing.
When it comes to food, Doha offers a wide range of culinary delights, from traditional Arabic dishes to international cuisine.
Those who love to do shopping abroad shouldn’t miss exploring Doha, as the city has a number of luxury malls and boutiques.
With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Doha is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Not to mention, enjoying FIFA World Cup is a bonus addition.
Read FIFA World Cup 2022: Participating countries, venues, full group phase fixtures
Final Words
There is no doubt that this year’s Football World Cup tournament will be a unique and unforgettable event. There is something for everyone to enjoy with so many incredible places to explore in the host country.
So far, we have discussed the top things to do in the five host cities of the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup besides watching games. Hopefully, this travel guide has given you an idea about what each host city has to offer and has inspired you to start planning your trip.