Lusail: Qatar's new city by the sea

Why visit Lusail

Lusail is the clearest picture of where Qatar is heading. Planned from scratch, it mixes residential towers, marinas, a tram system and huge public spaces. For visitors it is less about history and more about scale and spectacle: a stadium that seats tens of thousands, twin towers shaped like crossed swords, and a boulevard that fills with families after sunset.

Lusail Stadium

The golden, lantern shaped bowl where Argentina won the 2022 World Cup is the centrepiece. Tours run on some days and big matches and concerts still take place. Check current tour times through official channels before you go, as they change with events.

Lusail Boulevard and the marina

Lusail Boulevard is a wide pedestrian avenue lined with towers, fountains and cafés. It is the setting for National Day celebrations, New Year events and seasonal festivals. The marina promenade runs along the sea with views back to West Bay. Both are best after dark, when the towers are lit.

Katara Towers and Al Maha Island

The twin crescent Katara Towers, home to Raffles and Fairmont hotels, are among the most recognisable buildings in the Gulf. Just off the coast, Al Maha Island hosts beach clubs, waterside restaurants and the seasonal Lusail Winter Wonderland amusement park.

Shopping

Place Vendôme is a vast mall modelled on Parisian streets, with an indoor canal and a fountain show. Al Hazm, just south in Al Markhiya, is a marble arcade styled after an Italian galleria and a lovely place for coffee.

Motorsport

Lusail International Circuit hosts the Qatar Grand Prix and the MotoGP season, both raced under floodlights. Race weekends book up quickly, so plan accommodation early if your trip coincides.

Where to stay

Lusail has a growing number of high end hotels, especially in the Katara Towers. Most visitors stay in Doha and come up for an evening, which is easy by metro.

Getting there and around

The Doha Metro Red Line runs north to Lusail QNB station, and the Lusail Tram loops through the city's districts. Ride hailing apps work well. Allow around half an hour from central Doha, more during rush hour.

A good evening plan

Take the metro north late in the afternoon, walk the marina promenade as the sun drops, then head to Lusail Boulevard for dinner and the lights. If you have energy left, finish with a stroll through Place Vendôme or a drink in one of the licensed hotel bars in the Katara Towers. Families can add Winter Wonderland on Al Maha Island when it is open in the cooler months.

Events and festivals

Lusail is now Qatar's main stage for big events. National Day on 18 December, New Year fireworks and major concerts often centre on the boulevard and the stadium. Football matches still fill Lusail Stadium. Check event calendars on the Visit Qatar website, as road closures and crowds can affect travel times on those days.

Tips

Shade is limited in the open spaces, so visit after dark in warmer months. Dress modestly in malls and public areas.