Awesome Attractions Close to Lusail Stadium

While football was the main priority for visitors to the FIFA 2022 World Cup Qatar, the new tournament stadiums were an attraction themselves - beautifully designed, state-of-the-art arenas reflecting the local culture, people and beliefs. And while the 2022 competition has successfully played out and fans and spectators have returned home, the stadiums will continue to attract sightseers keen to revel in the sporting history and outstanding architecture of each locale. However, there is plenty more to Qatar than that. Indeed, if you are visiting the country and its unmissable stadiums, you will find plenty to do and see within a short walk from the doors of each arena, and we are here to help show you the way! 

In this article, we will look at Lusail Stadium and some of the top tourist attractions nearby, and give you the lowdown on what you can expect from them, so read on to find out more…

Lusail Stadium

Located north of Doha, Lusail Stadium was the largest stadium built for the FIFA 2022 World Cup Qatar, seating up to 80,000 spectators. Besides being the largest stadium in Qatar, it was also one of the biggest in the Middle East. Getting to the stadium from the city centre is a breeze, heading north on the Red Line Metro. The closest Metro station to the stadium is the Lusail Station.

Inspired by the region's history of metalcraft, Lusail Stadium is a gleaming gold metallic bowl-style structure much like a traditional handmade dish. And in the evening, patterned openings in the stadium facade allow light to glow from the inside out, like the Arabian fanar lantern. The arena is an ode to the past while showcasing the city's and the nation's modernity, leaving an impression on all who visit. 

Though the structure will remain an iconic landmark in Lusail City, now that the 2022 tournament is over, plans for the stadium and the surrounding complex include redevelopment. As a unique community hub, the stadium and its precinct will house schools, shops, restaurants and cafes, accommodation, sporting facilities, health centres and other public spaces. The seating and infrastructure removed from the stadium will be donated to other sporting projects around the globe.

While Lusail Stadium is a superb sight to see if you have some free time while in the area, there are also a host of equally fantastic places to visit without having to venture too far:

Nearby Sights and Attractions

You can easily reach an array of attractions from Lusail Stadium. Our favourites include the Place Vendome Mall, Crescent Park, Lusail Marina Promenade, Qetaifan Island and Al Maha Island.

Place Vendome Mall

Image: Fitria Ramli/Shutterstock.com

The Place Vendôme Mall is a luxurious shopping destination in Lusail and is within 10 minutes by taxi or car from Lusail Stadium.

The mall, inspired by Paris's Rue de la Paix, is a mix of elegance, opulence and grandeur and is thoroughly gorgeous inside and out. The stylish interior boasts a contemporary décor with awe-inspiring features such as huge patterned domed roofs, colossal archways, spectacular façades of floor-to-ceiling glass panels and a canal that runs from the mall to the ocean outside. The mall's centre incorporates an outdoor plaza with a water feature that includes dancing water fountains. The musical fountain is lit at night on the hour from 7 pm - 11 pm - a major attraction for visitors who can watch the colourful displays set to music and enjoy refreshments at one of the many coffee shops or restaurants situated on the outside patio overlooking the performance area.

The mall also offers visitors many other exciting features, including a multi-screen cinema complex, a spacious food court with an abundant array of eateries, a range of top-notch retail outlets, and numerous world-renowned restaurants. The Vendôme is also home to some of Qatar's finest flagship stores, such as Sephora and ZARA, to name a few, not to mention the array of luxury brands, such as Gucci, Prada, Dior, Louis Vitton and many more. It is also home to two spectacular towers – one houses a luxury hotel while the other contains a variety of high-end apartments and offices.

The nearest Metro stop to Place Vendôme is Legtaifya Metro Station, which provides access to Lusail's tram system. The Orange Line tram runs to Lusail Central, which drops passengers outside the mall's front doors.

Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday,  9 am – 10 pm

Thursday to Saturday, 9 am - 12 am

Parking: Free

Contact: +974 4144 0000 / [email protected]

Website: http://www.placevendomeqatar.com/

Instagram: @placevendomeqatar

Crescent Park

Image: Fitria Ramli/Shutterstock.com

Located in the heart of Lusail City, a 15-minute walk from the stadium, Crescent Park provides a tranquil oasis for residents and visitors to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, relax, and enjoy a pleasant stroll amongst the fragrant flowers and lush foliage. 

The park spread over a staggering 275,000 square metres, features sprawling tree-lined paths, biking and running tracks, an array of seating and picnic areas, and grassy spaces for relaxing or more energetic activities. And, speaking of burning off some energy, the park also offers a large football pitch, basketball and tennis courts, and a sand volleyball court. 

If you are a photo enthusiast, you should not miss The Arch, a massive steel monument with stairs to a viewing platform from which you get an outstanding view of the park and the city. The park also incorporates a green maze of manicured hedges, a water feature with a fountain, an ocean-themed play area for kids and a hill for more great views. And, if that were not enough, it is also home to a host of public art pieces created by local artists.

The park has ample parking spaces and prayer rooms. Please note that this park, however, is not pet-friendly. The nearest Metro stop to Crescent Park is the Lusail Metro station on the Red Line.  

Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 7 am - 11 pm; 

Thursday to Saturday, 7 am - 12 am

Parking: Free

Lusail Marina Promenade

Image: Fitria Ramli/Shutterstock.com

Popular among locals and visitors alike, the Lusail Marina Corniche is the ideal place for relaxing and socialising with family and friends. The promenade, lined with seafront seating, provides the perfect vantage point to admire the incredible ocean views, the swanky marina lined with lavish boats and yachts and the magnificent Lusail Crescent Tower. However, there is more to the promenade than just the views...

For visitors who like adventure and getting out on the water, jet ski rental, speed boat trips, fishing excursions and yacht hire are all available from the marina docks. Sailing and water sports are extremely popular activities among locals and tourists alike and a great way to spend a relaxing day out on the waters. 

For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground, plenty of other attractions and activities along the strip keep visitors entertained all day. The promenade is long and wide enough to accommodate walkers, joggers and those on wheels, grassy lawns, lush gardens for picnickers, and play areas for kids. In addition, visitors can find a water playground and dancing fountains, a giant chess board, and an 'I Love Lusail' statue...all of which provide multiple Instagram opportunities!

A selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops are also situated along the promenade offering delicious edibles and beverages to visitors throughout the day. And, in the winter, a late-night market, which houses several local eateries in kiosks and operates as a drive-through concept, provides a buzzy atmosphere for after-hours revellers, as does the drive-in cinema.

The promenade is easily accessible in 15 minutes from the stadium via car or taxi. The marina can also be accessed via Legtaifiya Metro Station and a ride to the Marina stop on Lusail Tram's Orange Line.

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Parking: Free

Qetaifan Island North

Image: ibrar.kunri/Shutterstock.com

Qetaifan Island North is part of a new development of four islands connected to the mainland at Lusail City. Three southern islands have been designed for luxury living as exclusive residential havens. The north island is entirely dedicated to tourism and the pursuit of entertainment, relaxation and leisure.  

Partially opened in November 2022, the entertainment island will eventually be home to an impressive range of amusement and leisure attractions, amenities and establishments. To date, visitors can happily be enthralled by the island's main attraction, Meryal Waterpark. Inspired by Qatari culture and the country's oil and gas history, the waterpark features an astounding 36 rides, plus a colossal water slide tower, Icon Tower, complete with 12 slides. Icon Tower is not only an aquapark behemoth to look at; it is also home to the current Guinness World Record world's tallest slide, standing at a mind-boggling 85 m tall.

Qetaifan Island North, once completed, will also feature a family-friendly luxury waterfront beach club with a white-sand beach, an infinity pool, a host of restaurants, a spa and gym, cabanas and kids attractions. The island will also incorporate a green park, Linear Park, with a 1.2 km long canal running through it and linked to the sea. Across the park and alongside the canal, visitors will be able to enjoy fun activities such as fishing and boating and spend time in games rooms, a kids club, retail outlets and cafes. In addition, the island will also host a traditional souq overlooking Linear Park, an array of retail and festival plazas, and a myriad of luxury hotels.

Qetaifan Island North is a 12-minute drive by car or taxi from the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

Website: https://www.qetaifanprojects.com/island/

Al Maha Island

Al Maha Island, another man-made isle connected to Qatar at Lusail City, is being hailed as one of the country's latest entertainment and leisure hotspots. Opened in November 2022, the island has many attractions, including a high-end waterfront dining district and marina, a luxury beach club, the country's largest music venue, a theme park and extensive parking facilities. 

The island's dining district features six 5-star restaurants and casual dining eateries. The five-star offerings include:

• The Japanese eatery ZUMA.
• The famous French LPM Restaurant and Bar.
• The luxurious Levant offering from Em Sherif.
• The Spanish haute cuisine restaurant Tatel.
• The celebrated Italian restaurant Carbone.
• The Billionaire - a dining experience that incorporates an exclusive Grand Show.

The island's beach club, Nammos, offers beautiful private beaches and pools, cabanas, lounges and restaurants for the ultimate leisure experience. And the 7,000-seat music venue, Al Maha Arena, will host events such as the Global Music Festival and draw an array of global musicians, singers, DJs and comedians to its stage.

Lusail Winter Wonderland is being touted as one of the island's main attractions. The winter theme park, open from November to April each year, offers a range of activities for all ages. The park will feature over 50 amusement rides, including ten thrill rides, the highlight of which is the 395 roller-coaster. In addition, visitors will find 25 family rides, including a 150 ft Ferris wheel, 15 kid-friendly rides, a host of food and drink outlets and live entertainment.

You can reach Al Maha Island from Lusail Iconic Stadium by car or taxi within 10 minutes.

Website: https://almahaisland.com/

Instagram: @almaha.island

Refreshments

There are plenty of options if you want to dine within the area. However, we recommend checking out Plan B Cafe inside the Lusail Crescent Tower. The cafe offers incredible views across the bay from its outdoor seating areas (though the interiors are also quite cosy). You can look at their menu beforehand from their Instagram account @planb.qa. They are open from Sunday to Wednesday from 8 am to 11 pm and Thursday to Saturday from 8 am to midnight.

If you liked this article, check out one of the others in this series:

• Stunning Sights a Stone's Throw from 974 Stadium
• World-Class Attractions Close To Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
• Seeing The Sights While On Route To Al Janoub Stadium
• Delightful Diversions Direct From Al Bayt Stadium
• Exceptional Attractions Close To Education City Stadium
• Awesome Attractions Close To Lusail Stadium
• Discovering Sights Via The Metro Red Line From Al Thumama Stadium

And, if you’re keen to post your experiences on the gram, read through our Instagrammable Spots Near Qatar's World Cup Stadiums article.

Main image: Sanjay JS /Shutterstock.com