Doha, Qatar: With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning for Eid Al-Fitr and summer vacations.
For many travellers, personal recommendations and reviews from fellow globetrotters provide valuable insights into destinations, accommodations, and experiences without commercial bias.
To assist travellers based in Qatar in making informed decisions, The Peninsula has compiled a list of the best cities, hotels, and activities based on traveler reviews from TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform.
What is TripAdvisor?
TripAdvisor is a widely trusted online platform that provides travelers with insights, reviews, and ratings for hotels, attractions, and destinations worldwide.
The website’s Travelers’ Choice Awards recognize the top-rated destinations, accommodations, and experiences based on users’ reviews, ensuring credibility and authenticity.
For its 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards, London has secured the top spot as the world’s favorite travel destination, followed by Bali.
Here’s a closer look at the most sought-after travel spots, the best accommodations, must-visit attractions, and essential visa information.
1. London, United Kingdom
Why visit?
A global hub of culture, history, and entertainment, London offers a mix of historic landmarks, modern attractions, and vibrant shopping districts.
Top-rated hotels:
• The Resident Covent Garden
• Royal Lancaster London
• St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection
• The Resident Soho
• The Chesterfield Mayfair
Must-see attractions:
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• Tower Bridge
• Tower of London
Visa information: For the latest UK visa requirements for travelers from Qatar, visit the official UK embassy website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
2. Bali, Indonesia
Why visit?
A paradise for nature lovers, Bali boasts pristine beaches, lush jungles, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a favorite for relaxation and adventure.
Top-rated hotels:
• Padma Resort Ubud
• The Kayon Jungle Resort
• Adiwana Bisma
• Adiwana Unagi Suites
• Adiwana Resort Jembawan
Must-see attractions:
• Waterbom Bali
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Kelingking Beach
• Museum PASIFIKA
Visa information: For visa requirements, visit: Indonesian Embassy in Qatar: https://kemlu.go.id/doha/pelayanan-perwakilan/visa/visa-kunjungan
3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Why visit?
A city of futuristic architecture and luxury, Dubai is home to world-renowned attractions and offers a mix of modern entertainment and cultural experiences.
Top-rated hotels:
• Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
• The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
• Voco Dubai The Palm, An IHG Hotel
• Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark
• Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara
Must-see attractions:
• Burj Khalifa
• The Dubai Fountain
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center (Abu Dhabi)
• Ferrari World Yas Island (Abu Dhabi)
• Miracle Garden
Visa information:
For visa requirements for GCC residents, visit: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/visit-visas/evisa-for-gcc-residents
4. Sicily, Italy
Why visit?
An island rich in history and stunning landscapes, Sicily offers a unique blend of ancient architecture, picturesque beaches, and world-class cuisine.
Top-rated hotels:
• Hotel Principe Di Fitalia Wellness & Spa
• B&B Mondello Design
• Mazzarò Sea Palace – Vretreats
• Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel
• Giardini Mon Plaisir
Must-see attractions:
• Ortigia
• Mount Etna
• Valle dei Templi
• Spiaggia dei Conigli
• Ancient Theatre of Taormina
Visa information:
For Italy visa applications, visit https://ambdoha.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/visti/
5. Paris, France
Why Visit?
The ‘City of Light’ is synonymous with romance, fashion, and world-famous landmarks, making it a dream destination for travelers worldwide.
Top-Rated Hotels:
• Hôtel Maison Mère
• Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal
• Hotel de Londres Eiffel
• Hotel des Arts – Montmartre
• Hôtel Grand Powers
Must-See Attractions:
• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum
• Musée d'Orsay
• Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
• Luxembourg Gardens
Visa Information:
For visa requirements, visit: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/home
6. Rome, Italy
Why visit?
A city steeped in history, Rome offers stunning architecture, iconic landmarks, and some of the world’s best cuisine. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, world-famous piazzas, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Top-rated hotels:
• Singer Palace Hotel Roma
• Hotel Artemide
• Hotel Barocco
• Piazza Di Spagna 9
• Dharma Boutique Hotel & Spa
Must-see attractions:
• Colosseum
• Pantheon
• Fontana di Trevi
• Trastevere
• Piazza Navona
Visa information: For Italy visa requirements, visit: https://ambdoha.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/visti/
7. Hanoi, Vietnam
Why visit?
Hanoi blends rich history with modern vibrancy, offering unique cultural experiences, bustling markets, and breathtaking scenery. The city is famous for its old-world charm, street food, and French colonial architecture.
Top-rated hotels:
• JM Marvel Hotel & Spa
• HAIAN Beach Hotel & Spa
• La Siesta Classic Ma May Hotel
• La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa
• DLG Hotel Danang
Must-see attractions:
• Old Quarter
• Cu Chi Tunnels
• War Remnants Museum
• Hoi An Ancient Town
• Hoan Kiem Lake
Visa information:
For Vietnam visa details, visit: https://visaonlinevietnam.com/apply-vietnam-visa
8. Marrakech, Morocco
Why visit?
A city of enchanting palaces, vibrant souks, and rich cultural heritage, Marrakech offers a unique blend of history and modernity, making it a must-visit destination in North Africa.
Top-rated hotels:
• Riad Kheirredine
• La Maison Arabe
• Villa Makassar
• Riad Melhoun & Spa
• Iberostar Waves Club Palmeraie Marrakech
Must-see attractions:
• Jardin Majorelle
• Bahia Palace
• Koutoubia Mosque
• Saadian Tombs
• Medina of Marrakech
Visa information: For visa requirements, call: Moroccan Embassy in Qatar ( +974 4483 1884, +974 4483 1885)
9. Crete, Greece
Why visit?
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is known for its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and rugged mountain landscapes. The island offers a mix of historical exploration and seaside relaxation.
Top-rated hotels:
• Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas
• Atrium Platinum Luxury Resort Hotel & Spa
• Ikos Oceania
• Villa Marandi Luxury Suites
• Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa
Must-see attractions:
• Acropolis
• Acropolis Museum
• Elafonissi Beach
• Parthenon
• Plaka
Visa information: For Greece visa: All applications/appointments for a Schengen VISA are handled by “VFS Global” in Doha, Qatar (Helpline +974 40302009).
10. Bangkok, Thailand
Why visit?
A bustling metropolis known for its street markets, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, Bangkok seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering something for every traveler.
Top-rated hotels:
• The Okura Prestige Bangkok
• Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
• Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
• Akara Hotel
• Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok
Must-see attractions:
• Wat Phra Chetuphon
• Chatuchak Weekend Market
• The Grand Palace
• Siam Paragon
• Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)
Visa information: For Thailand visa requirements, visit: Thai Embassy in Qatar https://doha.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa?menu=5d7e6a3c15e39c032c006dbb
Travel trends for Qatar residents
A closer examination of travel preferences among Qatar residents, as highlighted in The Peninsula’s 2024 report, reveals the most sought-after destinations.
The report provides a comprehensive guide on travel budgets and visa requirements, offering valuable insights for those planning their next journey. Click here to read the full report.
A report by GlobalData published in June 2024 highlights the most preferred travel destinations for residents in Qatar. The most visited destinations include:
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• UK
• Kuwait
• Turkey
• Bahrain
• Oman
• Switzerland
• USA
• Jordan
With peak travel seasons approaching, early planning is key to securing better prices, wider accommodation choices, and flight availability.
Whether opting for an international adventure or enjoying the cultural richness of Qatar, pre-planning ensures a hassle-free and memorable holiday.
