[2025 Doha Attraction] Travel Guide for Banana Island (Updated Jul)
3.6
Banana Island is located near the coastline of Doha's vibrant city, about 20 minutes by boat, and is a paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The island has a wealth of facilities, including a lagoon pool next to the beach, a shallow pool suitable for children to play, a surf pool with professional instructors, a bowling alley, a 20-seat cinema, a golf course, several tennis courts and a fitness center. The alcohol-free environment is suitable for all ages and is an ideal leisure choice.
ที่อยู่:ของ Banana Island
Qatar
Escape into a -8°C Ice and Snow Paradise, Freezing Doha's Midsummer in a Qatar Cup
✈️ 1. Essential Pre-Trip Info
- Visa: Chinese citizens enjoy 30-day visa-free entry (valid until 2025), passport only.
- Best season: November–March (avg. 25°C, avoiding summer’s 50°C heat).
- Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR), 1 QAR ≈ 1.96 CNY (credit cards recommended, 80% UnionPay coverage).
🗺️ 2. Must-Visit Attractions
| **Attraction** | **Highlights** | **Tips** |
|----------------|----------------|----------|
| **Museum of Islamic Art** | ✅ I.M. Pei’s architectural masterpiece with geometric lightplay ✅ Houses 7th-century Qurans, Persian carpets ✅ Top-floor café overlooks Doha Bay | Free; closed Fri; best photo light after 3pm |
| **Souq Waqif** | ✅ Maze-like Arab alleyways with falcon markets, spice stalls ✅ Stay in century-old stone hotels + shisha & belly dance shows ✅ Camel rides through lanes (20 QAR/ride) | Free; cooler at dusk; haggle wisely |
| **Katara Cultural Village** | ✅ Blue-white mosque + colorful Greek amphitheater ✅ Free art exhibitions, workshops (pottery/Arabic calligraphy) ✅ Friday market for handmade carpets | Free; evening light shows recommended |
| **National Museum of Qatar** | ✅ Desert Rose-shaped building, 11 immersive galleries ✅ 4D film on Qatar’s pearl-to-oil history | 50 QAR; allow 3 hours |
| **The Pearl-Qatar** | ✅ Artificial island with yachts & luxury boutiques ✅ Visit "Lampshade Café" (The Pearl Monument) | Free; sunset strolls |
| **Desert Safari** | ✅ Dune bashing (half-day ~200 QAR/pax) ✅ Stargazing tents + Bedouin camp dinner | Book ahead; opt for 4pm slots to avoid heat |
🛏️ 3. Hotel Picks
| **Type** | **Property** | **Perks** | **Price** |
|----------|--------------|-----------|-----------|
| Luxury Icon | **Banana Island Resort by Anantara** | Private island + overwater villas, speedboat transfer | 2500+ CNY/night |
| Downtown | **The St. Regis Doha** | Steps from Souq Waqif, skyline pool | 1800+ CNY/night |
| Cultural Stay | **Al Mirqab Heritage Hotel** | 100yo stone house in souq, Arab courtyards | 1200+ CNY/night |
| Budget-Friendly | **Holiday Inn Doha** | Metro access, breakfast included | 600+ CNY/night |
🍴 4. Food Guide
| **Cuisine** | **Spot** | **Specialties** | **Cost** |
|------------|----------|----------------|----------|
| Arab Classic | **Parisa Souq Waqif** | Persian palace vibe, try Machboos (saffron lamb) | 150 QAR |
| Local Bites | **Shay Al Shoomos** | Qatari cheese pancake (Regag) | 20 QAR |
| Skyline Dining | **IDAM by Alain Ducasse** | French-Arab fusion atop Islamic Art Museum | 400 QAR |
| Seafood Feast | **Al Mourjan** | Lobster with pomegranate sauce by the bay | 200 QAR |
| Dessert Lovers | **Chapati & Karak** | Karak tea + saffron bread pudding (Um Ali) | 15 QAR |
🚇 5. Transport Tips
- **Airport**: Metro Red Line to downtown (5 QAR, 25 mins).
- **City Travel**:
- Metro: Red/Green/Gold lines cover major sites (2–10 QAR/ride, Sun–Thu 6am–11pm).
- Ride-hail: Uber 30% pricier than taxis but fixed rates.
- Buses: Free shuttles to The Pearl (avoid other routes).
📅 6. Itinerary Ideas
**Classic 3D2N**
- Day1: Islamic Art Museum → Katara (lunch) → Pearl Island sunset → Souq Waqif night tour
- Day2: Desert safari (with dinner) → Msheireb Downtown lights
- Day3: National Museum → Souq shopping (dates/falcon souvenirs)
**In-Depth 5D**
- Day4: Education City Park → Falcon Hospital → Banana Island watersports
- Day5: Zubarah UNESCO site → Al Zubarah Fort
🌟 **Hidden Gems**:
- Camel milk chocolate: Peninsula Chocolate (Souq Waqif)
- Dhow Cruise: Sunset sail (50 QAR)
- F1 Thrills: Lusail Circuit karting (150 QAR/10mins)
Doha’s magic thrives where desert meets sea—half *Arabian Nights* alleys, half futuristic skyscrapers. Pack this guide and begin your Arabesque adventure! 🌅🐪
ashford.sullivan.beckham
Perfect Qatar Itinerary
1.
Address - Banana Island 🍌
Highlights - a musttt if you visit Qatar. Perfect if you’re looking for a women’s only beach to chill and relax with the girls. Drinks and food are available there as well - basically has everything !
Rating - 10/10
2.
Address - The Brunchery 🍞
Highlights - the best French toast in the whole city. Also at such a good price - juices are also sooo nice definitely recommend their orange juice!
Rating - 10/10
3.
Address - Jetski
Highlights - definitely recommend going on a jet ski during sunset in the evening. Absolutely beautiful. You can either pre book or go on one right away and pay there - however you wish!
Rating - 10/10
Lexiblue
BANANA ISLAND- MINI MALDIVES OF QATAR!
If you’re travelling to Qatar for a few days then consider visiting one of the best beach they have in the country which is the Banana Island!
They have Day Pass too which you can avail and directly contact them into their IG accounts Banana Island Resort.
They have a lot of activities from swimming into the white beach To pool diving into their outdoor pool To enjoying their delicious restaurants and having too in their entertainment activities which they have a bowling area too.
We have avail their days pass promo tour before which included the food and boat transfer To and From the island.
#travellerswonderland #travel #qatar