Qatar is packed full of cool activities that we’ve been itching to get back to. Now the day has arrived!

Many shops and attractions are reopening following the Phase 1 of easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in the country starting May 28, 2021, due to the steady decline of virus cases.

So, whether you’re after some shopping therapy, your alfresco dinner comeback, or family day out, plan to do it all safely. 

For more inspiration, here's our post-lockdown bucket list of things to do in Qatar, which are fun and affordable while keeping safe and sticking to the guidelines. 

Note: Vaccinated people can enjoy more freedom! Fully vaccinated Qatar residents and citizens will be given more benefits according to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). So, always activate your Ehteraz app or bring your COVID-19 vaccination cards with 'Fully vaccinated' status as your easy access to any of the below perks:

1. Catch a movie at a Cineplex...Book your tickets on Q-Tickets. (If you’re 16+ and 2x vaccinated).

2. Grab a Tandoori Karak and Aloo Paratha at Karak Stop in the Mall of Qatar.

3. Get a trim and shave. Then, have fun in the gaming area of Le Coiffeur Salon in Dar Al Salam Mall.

4. Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a wonderful time soon with the National Cruise Company at Safliya island.

5. Go for a swim and cool off at a pool in Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas. Daily passes are now available for only QR 150. Pre-booking is required.

6. Enjoy the thrill rides at the Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park. Avail of its early bird offer at QR150 for adults and QR100 for kids.

7. Walk along the Hotel Park Doha and grab a Vibiana Bubble Waffle or Taco's Rolled Ice Cream, perfect for this summer!

8. Book your Inland Sea and Sand Dunes Adventure with Experience Qatar by Murex at QR 560 up to 3 person /per car with complimentary camel riding and sandboarding.

9. Catch the sunset at The Pearl through Stand-Up Paddle Boarding or enjoy Kayaking under the full moon. The Blue Pearl Experience offers such deals at QR 180/person.

10. Turn your world upside down at the Museum of Illusion and be the first to discover the new theme of its Infinity Room. 

11. Get your dose of Vitamin Sea at the Katara Beach and try some adrenaline-fueled activities.

12. Head to Qatar National Library as it reopens on May 30. Upgrade your learning with a million books to choose from. Visits are currently by appointment only. 

13. Unwind with a great Chill Out Hour at The Irish Pub (for reservations and for fully vaccinated people only). 

14. Take a ride using the Carbon Wheels in Qanat Quartier, available for biking amateurs and professionals.

15. Get a full-body massage or stroll by the beach at Sheraton Grand Doha. Kids stay and eat for free.

16. Savor delicious buffet food in a nice ambiance at Wok of Fame Restaurant in Villagio Mall. To reserve a table for dine-in, pre-booking is required.

17. Sip a glass of ice-cold cocktail while relaxing by the pool and delight in culinary offers of City Centre Rotana Doha, your outdoor destination for summer.

18. Get back in shape with Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club. With pool day passes and personal trainers, they got you covered.

19. Find sanctuary at the spa or celebrate spectacular nights at the rooftop of La Cigale Hotel’s Sky View.

20. Capture sunrises in the alleys of Souq Waqif and stroll around the richest traditional market and Islamic study centre in Qatar. 

21. Find fossils from the Jurassic period or some finest vintage cars collections at Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum.

22. Get your fitness goals back on track at City Gym Doha (for vaccinated customers only).

23. Get a massage treatment, try sports activities, and hit the gym all in one place at the Dana Club Doha.

24. Take your family to a Kayaking Adventure with barbeque dinner, private Bedouin camp, and other fun-filled activities with AquaSports Qatar for only QR 220/person.

25. Get summer ready and go shopping at your mall of choice, Doha Festival City. But, don’t take your kids below 12 years old with you, as the mall management won’t let them in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols set by the Ministry.

26. Shop at Mall of Qatar to win amazing instant prizes. Join its Scratch & Win promo. Who knows you’ll be the next lucky winner of QR 10,000 worth of prizes?

27. Play bowling or go on a roller coaster ride at Gondolania, the largest family entertainment destination in Doha at Villagio Mall.

28. Spend summer beach days at The Bay Club, get luxurious spa treatments, and dine in award winning restaurants – enjoy all of these at InterContinental Doha.

29. Pamper yourself with a total makeover as Noon Beauty Centre, an organic beauty salon providing full range of salon services, reopens with required pre-reservation.

30. Relax with calming spa treatments, watch movies in a resort cinema, and go on a private trip around the Banana Island, the possibilities are endless!

What has been a few stagnant weeks out of our busy lives is finally coming to an end. Doing the above activities is now easy with the recent announcement of Qatar Rail that Doha Metro will commence its operations during weekends – from Friday, May 28, and will run at 30% capacity.

Be aware, however, that some of the listed shops or places above may still be closed, and you may also need to book in advance – make sure to check back for all the latest information.

Most importantly, remember to follow the latest government guidelines and act responsibly when out and about in Qatar.

Have we missed something? What's the first thing you'll do after vaccination? Tell us in the comments below!