Doha at night
In this post I will show you Best Things To Do in Doha. Doha, the capital city of Qatar and one of the most developed financial centers of the Middle East, is a popular tourist destination in the world today. It is located on the Persian Gulf Coast, in the eastern part of Qatar. Doha is one of those places in the world, where you can have a good time, regardless of the purpose of your visit, as it has something for all types of travelers.
Are you traveling to the city any time soon? Are you having a long layover at the Doha airport? Well, we have your travel plans sorted, in that case. Listed below is a list of the best things to do in Doha, during your visit to this beautiful city. After reading this, we are sure that you never find a dull moment when you come to this Gulf City.
Best things to do in Doha Qatar
With its multiple offerings, cultural heritage and a host of tourist attractions, Doha is a haven for travel enthusiasts. When you come here for the first time, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the beauty of the city. This is why we have listed the 10 best things to do in Doha in the following sections.
Tick off these things on the list, and you are sure to have done everything you ought to, in Doha.
10 best things to do in Doha
A trip to Doha is definitely incomplete if you haven’t done one of these things.
- Visit the Souq Waqif
In the local Arabic language, Souq Waqif means a “standing marketplace”. A visit to this market is definitely on top of the list of 10 best things to do in Doha. This is where you can witness local handicrafts at its best. This market sells handicrafts, spices, garments, spices, pets, rugs, furniture, essential oils and more. You will also find a 980-seater, indoor Al Rayyan theater inside the Souq.
Apart from the items sold here, something else that catches your eye is the brilliant architectural design of the marketplace. Designed in the local Qatari style, this building was constructed in the late 19th century. In 2006, this place was renovated, though. Visiting the Souq Waqif is easy, as it is located right in the center of the city, in the district of Al Souq.
- Explore the Museum of Islamic Art
If you are a lover of Islamic art, you will not find a better place than the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. This place houses Islamic paintings dating back to over 1400 years, from at least three continents. The museum, designed by one of the most popular architects in the world, IM Pei, is definitely hard to miss, thanks to its unique and interesting design.
Apart from the paintings, the museum also houses an impressive collection of jewelry, ceramics, coins, glass ornaments and other intricate woodwork belonging to royal families. This museum is located right on the Doha Waterfront Park.
- Experience the artificial island of The Pearl Qatar
If you love to shop from international brands, or want to enjoy a relaxing walk along an amazing boardwalk, you will enjoy your visit to the Pearl Qatar, an artificial island in the country. Located in the West Bay Lagoon Area, the Pearl became the first place in the country, where foreigners could own land.
Visit this place, if you love a premium shopping and dining experience. Lined with exquisite villas, marinas and top-class hotels, this place is a haven for shopaholics. Well, even if you don’t want to loosen your purse strings too much, you can enjoy a long walk along the waterfronts, and take in the sights to your heart’s glory.
- Enjoy the Qatar National Museum
A visit to the Qatar National Museum ranks as one of the best things to do in Doha, as it houses an impressive range of relics, artifacts and antiquities. It represents the Qatari culture & heritage, in its purest form, thereby attracting tourists in large numbers.
The renovated museum was open to the public in 2019. Some of the must-see spots in this place are the desert rose crystal formation, Bedouin artifacts, historical costumes, jewelry and other objects.
- Have some fun at the Corniche
If you want a beautiful view of all of Doha Bay, the Corniche is the place to visit. It is a waterfront promenade that overlooks some of the most popular attractions of Doha like the Museum of Islamic Arts. Visit the promenade in the early mornings to see a bevy of walkers, joggers and bikers enjoy their time here.
Many people flock to the promenade in the evenings to enjoy scintillating views of the sunset. With play areas for kids, green lawns to have a family picnic, hotels & cafes to cater to your hunger and other entertainment facilities, the Corniche has something in it for everyone.
- A day with the camels – racing and riding
When in Doha, enjoy everything that the locals would. That includes camel racing and camel riding! At the Al Shahaniya stadium, camel races are mostly conducted between October and February. Book a seat for this magical race, because you might have never seen something like that before.
Why stop with only watching when you can actually ride a camel? In Doha, you will find many places that offer camel safaris to tourists. Getting on to the tall mammals, and enjoying a short ride on their backs is an experience you will never forget. You can find these safaris outside most of the popular tourist places in Doha.
- Get fit at the Barzan Towers
Located towards the south of the defense system of Doha, the Barzan Towers, at a height of 16m, were the original watchtowers of the city. They were built in the 19th century to watch out for ships entering the city.
Climbing up the Barzan Towers not only makes you fit but also gives you a scintillating view of the whole Doha city. If you love history, fortresses and heights, the Barzan Towers is a must-visit for you/
- Enjoy dune bashing at the Sand Dune Safari
You have to get the entire Middle Eastern vibe to make the most of your trip to Doha. What else can give you this authentic vibe other than a sand dune safari? Dune bashing is one of the most enjoyable experiences in Doha, as it gives you a chance to discover the desert landscapes of the city.
Get on a 4×4 vehicle, and enjoy activities like dune-bashing and sand-boarding amidst the sun-kissed sands of the Doha desert. Sometimes, your package may also include a fun night in the desert, where you may be treated to live performances. What a way to end the day!
- Sink in the cultural heritage at the Katara Cultural Village
Enjoy cultural heritage and integration of different arts in their finest forms at the Katara Cultural Village. With its massive exhibition halls, theatres, concert halls, art galleries and more, this cultural village is home to many film festivals, cultural congregations, art exhibitions and the like.
Located right next to the Pearl and the Western Bay, this place oozes tradition in its design, thanks to its traditional pathways made from cobblestones and the narrow alleys. When you are done exploring the culture of the village, take a stroll around one of Qatar’s most protected beaches to enjoy the vibe there.
- Get entertained at the Villaggio Mall
The Villaggio Mall is more than just a shopping mall! It houses Qatar’s biggest indoor theme park, Gondolania inside, offering interesting and thrilling rides to people of all age groups. While inside the mall, you can also spend time on a boat, ride, bowling alley of 12 lanes and an ice-skating rink that is of the Olympic Games standards.
Located on Al Waab Street, the Villaggio Mall’s interiors and exteriors are designed in Venetian style. It is a place where luxury, entertainment and relaxation are found in equal measures.
Best things to do in Doha airport
Did you not get a chance to visit the beautiful city? Well, there’s nothing to rue about it. Even if it is only a few hours or a long layover at Doha’s airport, you can still feel entertained by doing the following activities:
- Enjoy the lounge services
If you thought lounge services were only for business class travelers, you are mistaken. At the Doha Airport, you will find two lounges allowing passengers to travel by all classes. All you need to do is pre-book for the services online, and enjoy the facilities that the lounge offers.
- Make use of the tour packages designed for transit travelers
Qatar Tourism has joined hands with Qatar Airways to enable transit travelers too to enjoy the magnificent sights of Doha. These tour packages are offered daily; hence, you can book for one of these, if you are transiting via Doha, and have a few hours to kill in the airport.
- Shopping at the airport
The Doha airport is nothing short of a shoppers’ paradise. It is lined with shops selling international brands. Its duty-free selection is where most people spend hours shopping for different brands of liquor, chocolates, perfumes and more. While you are here, don’t miss to visit the Marmalade Market and Chocology to get a feel of some of the local foods.
If you are too tired from a long trip, you can head to the family areas at certain gates, where you will find comfortable couches. Grab an eye mask, and sleep comfortably on these couches, so that you are fresh and fit for your next leg of travel.
Frequently Answered Questions
- Is Doha Qatar worth visiting?
Yes, Doha Qatar is definitely worth a trip, as it is one of the most developed but less-explored cities in the Middle East. Financial centers, cultural centers, religious destinations, shopping malls, beaches, entertainment spots and more – you name it and Doha serves it to you on a plate. Plan your travel soon to the city to enjoy the beauty of the city in its finest form.
- What is Doha famous for?
Architectural brilliance is one of the most famous things in Doha. Whether it is the historical museums, or the traditional Souq Waqif, what takes you aback is the unique Qatari and other blends of architectural styles used there. Apart from this, Doha is also famous for its shopping spots, especially for those who don’t mind spending a lot of money on buying luxurious, international brands.
- Is Doha better than Dubai?
Doha is better than Dubai, especially if you are looking to explore culture and history on your trip. Doha is deep-rooted in its cultural heritage, and most of its tourist spots focus on enjoying the history of the city and the significance of Islamic art. However, if you are looking for adventure and sophistication on your trip, Dubai may be a better option for you.
- Are 3 days enough in Doha?
Yes, three days are enough in Doha, as it gives you enough time to enjoy the must-visit spots in the city. First-timers flying to Doha for three days can make the most of their trip, by visiting the important museums, Souq Waqif, shopping malls and more. You can set aside one day for a dune-bashing experience and desert safari in Doha, and your trip is more than sorted.
Bottom Line
Next time, when you plan a trip, we are sure you will have an idea of some of the best things to do in Doha. It is a good idea to do some research on these spots, and get more information on the opening hours, admission fee, etc. You may get a good deal when you pre-book the tickets for some of these spots.
Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is filled with such diverse tourist attractions, that you will always experience something new in the city, whenever you visit. While there are more tourist spots you can explore in the city, the places we have mentioned here are a must for first-timers. You can always come back to explore more, and you will still never get enough of the city!
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