Qatar connects to a wide range of destinations around the world, making it a very busy transit hub. In fact, Hamad International Airport has quickly established itself as the global gateway for international travellers.
So, if you’re planning a layover and want to break up your long-haul flight, why not add a few days to your trip and explore this tiny Gulf nation? Maybe you’re there to watch the World Cup, which is probably the reason. That’s why you should probably know what are the best things to do in Doha, the main city in the country and probably where you’ll spend most of your time.
It is not only one of the safest countries in the world, but it also provides genuine Arabian hospitality. There is a wide range of food available, as well as adventure, beaches and sand dunes, and, of course, year-round sunshine.
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Why you should visit Doha, Qatar
Qatar is a country that must be seen to be believed, with fascinating culture, otherworldly landscapes, and remarkable architecture. Qatar is one of the seven Arab States, located in the Persian Gulf and bordering Saudi Arabia.
Qatar is a small country, but that doesn’t diminish its many attractions or the development of a thriving tourism industry.
Tourist facilities are being built on a daily basis, particularly in Doha, the peninsula nation’s capital city.
Do you need more reasons to go? The weather is nearly perfect, thanks to its year-round summer climate, and it is also one of the safest countries in the world for tourists,
So, let’s jump into our list of the 10 best things to do in Doha when you’re on holiday in Qatar.
Souq Waqif
For a taste of the old world, go to Doha’s Souq Waqif. The “standing market” has been rebuilt to resemble a bygone era. The famous souq is a maze of shops filled with fabric, spices, sweets, household goods (think massive pots), souvenirs, and art. You’ll not only see wood carvers and tailors at work, but you’ll also see how the traditional agals Qatari men wear to keep their headdress in place are made.
There are numerous restaurants, including Syrian and Lebanese cuisine, as well as shisha lounges. For a low-cost Arabic meal, head to the souq’s mosque. Next to it is a small restaurant with Qatari benches that line the passageway. You can order a plate of kebabs and bread made fresh from an open oven here.
Dune bashing
If you only have time in Qatar for one thing, make it a trip to the desert. The sand dunes are as tall as they are steep, making the journey across the desert to the sea an unforgettable experience. You can spend the night in luxury Arabian tents or pitch your own, eat traditional Arabian cuisine, and sleep under the stars.
Several companies in the country provide dune bashing, which is a thrilling ride along the dunes. Drivers with extensive experience will pick you up from your hotel and transport you into the desert for a half-day, full-day, or overnight adventure. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Doha, Qatar.
Al Zubarah Fort
No trip to Doha is complete without a stop at the Al Zubarah Fort, which is located near the town of Al Ruwais.
The Zubarah Fort is a well-known desert fort in Qatar. It got its name from the archaeological site of Al Zubarah, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Therefore, it deserves to be in the list of the 10 best things to do in Doha.
The fort has been meticulously preserved and is one of the region’s best examples of 18th and 19th-century settlements. An afternoon visit here is one of the best things to do in Doha.
It was once regarded as one of the Gulf’s most important pearl diving and trading centres linked to the Indian Ocean, and it was regarded as a prosperous trading town, making it one of the places to visit in Doha. Today, the fort serves as an excellent
Museum of Islamic Art
When I.M. Pei designed the Museum of Islamic Art, he suggested that it be built on its own island so that no new structures would obstruct it. The museum, located just off the Corniche, appears to float on water from certain angles.
Its vast collection includes calligraphy, Islamic patterns, jewellery, and textiles from three continents, with some items dating from the seventh to nineteenth centuries. Year-round, the museum hosts high-profile rotating exhibits.
Try Idam, Alain Ducasse’s first Middle Eastern restaurant, for an impressive business lunch or a memorable date night. The outdoor terrace on the museum’s top floor provides one of the best views of Doha, as well as haute cuisine and generous service.
Katara Cultural Village
The Katara Cultural Village, also known as the Valley of Cultures, is a must-see for all thespians, art and architecture enthusiasts, and those interested in learning about other cultures.
The Valley of Cultures is intended to imitate Qatari culture through a large space that houses a variety of activities. Make sure to spend some time to experience one of the best things to do in Doha.
It has an opera house, an amphitheatre, art galleries, heritage centers, various academic facilities, as well as cafes, green spaces, museum facilities, and an information center.
The expansive space was created to honour and celebrate not only Qatari culture, but also other civilizations and customs.
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
This is one of the country’s most surprising and interesting museums. The museum is located 23 kilometres west of Doha and houses the private collection of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, a distant relative of Qatar’s Emir.
The Sheikh has been collecting since he was ten years old, and he once built a fort to house the seemingly random objects he has collected while traveling, which include ancient religious books, textiles, old cigarette packets, and even an 18th-century Ottoman bomb.
The rooms here are filled with over 15,000 artifacts, including traditional pearling boats and vintage US cars.
East-West/West-East artwork
Qatar is committed to promoting art and culture in all forms, and has commissioned world-renowned artists to create truly one-of-a-kind works. This is why it made our list of the best things to do in Doha.
Arising from the sand The East-West/West-East installation by sculptor Richard Serra is located in the Brouq nature reserve, 60 kilometres north-west of Doha. It’s made up of four 15-meter-tall plates that stand along a one-kilometer corridor from the desert to the sea.
Serra claims he chose this location because he liked the height of the old sea levels, which the tall plates represent. Sheikh Hamad, now known as the “Father Emir,” is said to have visited the area as a child and recalls seeing antelope gather there.
Pearl Qatar
The Pearl Qatar is a man-made island located just north of West Bay that has become synonymous with luxury. It’s one of the best places to visit in Doha, especially if you want to see how the wealthy live.
The yachts, high-end stores, and villas in gated communities provide an interesting glimpse into the lives of the upper class. Despite its higher price tag, it has proven to be a popular dining destination with many restaurants, cafes, and restaurants lined along its waterfront promenades catering to every taste.
The Pearl Qatar, also known as the “Arabian Riviera,” attracts a large number of tourists each year who come to enjoy the haute cuisine, high-class entertainment, and premium lifestyle.
Al Thakira Mangroves
The Mangroves of Al Thakira, one of the country’s most iconic locations, are a large area of greenery and water with its own ecosystem in an otherwise sandy, scorching desert. Though this isn’t a common choice, we consider this one of the best things to do in Doha.
It’s teeming with bird life, with herons and flamingos migrating to the area for years. Renting a kayak and getting lost in the greenery is the best way to experience the mangroves.
Doha’s many shopping malls
In Doha, you don’t have to go far to find a mall. The Venetian-inspired Villaggio Mall, which has over 200 stores, is one of the most well-known. However, its main attraction is its indoor canal. Take a gondola ride here and gaze up at a painted blue sky with scattered clouds.
Doha Festival City is Qatar’s largest mall, and it has everything for shopping and entertainment, including a slew of fashion brands, IKEA, a cinema, a theme park, and an indoor snow park on the way.
The opulent Al Hazm, which translates to “the higher grounds,” combines Arab tradition with European design, including 200-year-old olive trees imported from Europe. Rare books and classics can be found at the Cultural Center.
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Did we share any of your best things to do in Doha?
If we missed out on any of your favourite things to do in Doha, please let us know and we’ll add them in our next article. You can leave a comment or send us an email.
